Thursday Morning Superhero

It feels good to slide back into a regularly scheduled Thursday Morning Superhero now that San Diego Comic Con is behind us. SDCC motivated me to return to Joe Hill's books and I have recently been enjoying re-reading N0S4A2 in preparation of finally watching the series on AMC.

Pick of the Week:
Paper Girls #30 - Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, and Matt Wilson's epic nostalgic time traveling adventure reached its conclusion this week. This issue brings us back to where it all began and with the girls delivering papers on Halloween and is really sweet. I won't spoil anything, but it had a very Terminator meets Stranger Things finale that somehow works really well. I particularly enjoyed the cameo of the guardian angel and it was fitting to have such a simple ending to what was a truly surprising story. I would not have imagined the world that Vaughn was bringing me into after the first issue and love that the girls have lived so many different lives in just 30 issues. This is without a doubt a series that you should check out and one that I will revisit every couple of years.

The Rest:
Joe Hill's The Cape: Fallen #4 - I first read The Cape many years ago and it always stuck with me. Based on a story by Joe Hill, the comic followed Eric who, upon learning that a cape is giving him superpowers, uses those powers to seek revenge against anyone who has wronged him. In the original series Eric vanished for three days as he attempted to understand his powers.  This series informs us of what happened during that time. After returning to his childhood cabin, Eric stumbles across a group of accepting LARPers and he enacts his final vengeance in the finale of this mini-series as he goes full evil before setting up his plans that were in the Eisner nominated series. If you enjoyed Brightburn, this series is going to be right up your alley and I will admit I enjoyed the original series far better than Brightburn.

Captain America #12 - In his attempts to fight the Hydra propaganda machine, Captain America is seeking justice on the streets, but people aren't sure what to make of it. They are fully convinced that he is enemy number one and he needs a better plan. While Rodgers is getting the help from an old friend and a team of female supers, Nick Fury is trying to locate Rodgers to see if it really is him behind the mask. I am curious how he is going to navigate becoming a public figure again and how he can take down Hydra, and mayor Fisk.

Manor Black #1 - A new horror series from Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurt!  There are a lot of competing interests to consider in this first issue, but there appears to be a young woman on the run from a powerful group of magic wielders who will stop at nothing to achieve their means. They already murdered four other magic users and a local police officer. The young lady made it on the property of Roman Black, a powerful sorcerer on his own who is currently considering a new heir to his magical throne. Very curious to see where this is headed and thrilled that Hurt and Bunn are together for a new story of the occult.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

If you are looking for a nostalgic horror anthology I highly recommend checking out the Graveyard Slaughter Kickstarter by Adam McLaughlin and Kevin Watkins. Featuring four stories written by Cullen Bunn and Kevin Watkins, this anthology seeks to bring us back to the types of stories that we rented and watched as kids as long as our parents allowed it.  As I type this post it is very close to funding and I am looking forward to diving in once I get my copy.

Pick of the Week:
Criminal #5 - Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are bringing a new arc and I couldn't be happier. While promising to deliver on the final days of Teeg Lawless, this story focuses on Dan Farraday, a detective who feels the need to help women even if it breaks with how a private detective should act. His current case has him tracking down a woman who was having an affair with connections in the financial industry, a seedy Mr. Wyndham who is not to be trusted. In the course of tracking her down he starts to gain a new found respect for her and all of the crimes and con jobs she pulls while he is following her bread crumbs. The romantic in me appreciates the approach that Farraday has, but I think he underestimates exactly who he is dealing with.  And I don't mean Mr. Wyndham.

The Rest:
The Walking Dead #192 - I stopped reading this series quite some time ago, but felt the need to pick up this issue due to some rumors I read earlier this week. This is definitely a monumental issue in the series that will have fans talking for quite some time. In typical Robert Kirkman fashion, when it appears that the crew have found peace we learn that in this environment it is fleeting. The individuals trying to survive have always been the heart of this series and it appears that Kirkman is continuing to carry this forward as he approaches issue #200.  I am not ready to pick up this series again, but happy I revisited it for this issue.


Birthright #36 - After some time off from this series it has returned and Joshua Williamson does a great job bringing readers back up to speed at the current state of the world and Terrenos.  He opens this issue with a nice history of how some of the magic from Terrenos had been discovered in the late 40's and the government has been hiding it ever since. Meanwhile, when Mikey vanished and returned a grown man, these incidents have increased tenfold. I am not sure why it took me so long to realize the parallels from this series and Fringe, but this walk through the history of how humans discovered magic is real brought me back to one of my favorite television series. Williamson is setting up an explosive end that if it doesn't go well could lead to the destruction of our world and Terrenos.

Paper Girls #29 - Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson, and Jared K. Fletcher's time traveling epic will conclude with issue #30.  The girls find themselves at the same location and time, but in order to return to their proper time they need to have the memories of their adventures erased. We have come a long way from an exciting morning that saw the girls deliver newspapers only to be assaulted by what appeared to be aliens and it is sad that they will lose out on the growth they each had throughout this series, but at least they get to go home.  Something tells me that there will be one last trick up the creator's sleeve that will preserve some of the memories the girls held.  I am hoping for a flash forward as well to see how they compare to the future selves they met throughout their adventures.

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion: Luke Skywalker #1 - If you are a Star Wars fan looking for a good read this week I highly recommend this self-contained story. A simple story that showcases the power that Skywalker has, I was more intrigued by the powers the Emperor wielded from afar. Similar to how Snoke brought Rey and Kylo together, the Emperor uses the Force to trick Skywalker as he is attempting to escape after lifting a boatload of fuel from the Empire. While there is nothing mind blowing in this issue, it is an enjoyable entry in the lore between the movies that is worth your time.






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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Pick of the Week:
Paper Girls #25 - This was one helluva an issue and one that is going to make it a lot harder to wait until March of 2019 to see what happens to the girls. There is a lot to process as I wrap my head around in my attempts not to spoil anything, but what a cliffhanger and what a poignant final panel. We recently learned that the girls are risking a rare form of cancer associated with time travel, but we now learn that they are also putting the entire year of 1988 into jeopardy due to the rifts they are creating. It appears that a version of Erin from the past has been leaving clues for the girls in order to help guide them home and it all ends on the roof of a skyscraper. I don't think it's fair for Brian K.Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson and Jared K. Fletcher to drop an issue like this and inform us that the comic is ending next year. Not sure what to think other than the fact that I have plenty of time to give this series a proper re-read before March.

The Rest:
Dead Rabbit #1 - Dead Rabbit is a masked vigilante that terrorized the greater Boston area in the 90's, making off with millions of dollars.  He hasn't been seen in 10 years and his legend has grown over time. Cut to the present where we learn that the Dead Rabbit is currently taking care of his wife and working as a greeter at the local supermarket since his "retirement" fund have all but vanished. This debut issue from Gerry Guggan, John McCrea and Mike Spicer was extremely entertaining and the design and sheer brutality of the Dead Rabbit is masterful. His mask and demeanor remind me of Rorschach and when you spend a large portion of your past robbing individuals you are bound to make some enemies. After noticing something suspicious at work the Dead Rabbit dawns the mask and there are some powerful beings that are very interested to learn that he has been spotted in the wild after all of this time.

Asgardians of the Galaxy #2 - After giving this series penned by Cullen Bunn a whirl I am happy to report that it is a lot of fun, despite this issue taking more of a serious tone. Fortunately we have Throg, the Thor-like frog, to chime in when things get a bit dark. Bunn does a great job bringing the horror element that is in his wheelhouse and sprinkling in some bits of humor that really work well with Asgard and the interesting characters that are affiliated with it. It isn't looking good for the Asgardians of the Galaxy as Nebula is only getting stronger as she commands her army of dead gods in her quest to bring Ragnarok.

Star Wars #55 - Leia's plan to help the rebel ships escape Vader and his Star Destroyer was able to save the ambassadors, but the fleet sustained major damage and is currently scattered and unable to connect with one another.  I have enjoyed the way that Kieron Gillen has taken advantage of this series to provide fans unique moments that are a lot of fun. Han decked out in X-Wing attire leading the Rogue Squadron wasn't something I thought I needed to see, but watching him and R2D2 squabble as they take on Tie Fighters is a lot of fun. Curious to see what members of the rebellion we will follow in the next arc as they are scattered, but also interested in seeing what consequences Vader faces for not delivering the final blow to the rebellion. He chalked this one up as a victory, but the Emperor isn't as confident that it did the trick.


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 a brief hiatus due to SDCC, our regularly scheduled Thursday Morning Superhero has returned. I am admittedly behind on my pull-list, but will work diligently to catch up. This week also marks the return of Gen Con so I am distracted by learning about what games I am currently missing out on. Keep your eyes peeled for a Gen Con post in the near future.

Pick of the Week:
Leviathan #1 - I am probably going to regret this, but John Layman's latest creation is well worth the price of admission. If you aren't on board for college aged students summoning a Kaiju that starts wrecking the place, the scene of Trump (my eyes are still hurting) being informed of the impending threat are worth the admission alone.  This book had me hooked with Layman penning a modern Kaiju tale, but knowing his take on the current administration and the additional humor that will come with that has me over the top on this book. This is not for the light of heart, but is going to be a book that is sure to entertain.

The Rest:
Paper Girls #23 - This remains one of my favorite series, but I think I have reached the point where I need to switch to reading the trades as to reading it issue by issue. Brian K. Vaughan has really woven an impressive tapestry, but due to the time I take off between issues I am not 100% on board with what is happening. I know the girls are trying to escape from the future in which they are currently in, but have lost a bit along the way. This week's issue was exciting and is setting up potential romantic futures and the return to the 80's, but I need to backtrack to remain properly current. I love the twists and turns that have been thrown to us readers along the way, but the time travel and competing factions has left me a bit confused.

Star Wars #52 - Marvel continues to do an amazing job with the Star Wars franchise and gifted us with an issue that pits Vader and Han Solo in a piloting duel! It features abandoned plans, C-3P0 being forced out in an escape pod, and a desperate message of hope. Scenes like this make me wonder what it might have been like had television and streaming had been as prominent in the early 80's. I feel all of these captivating side stories would have had a home on the small screen and would have been great filler between the films. Lacking that option, I am glad that these stories have found a home in comics and happy that both Dark Horse and Marvel have done a good job with this franchise.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

The first hint of lotteries at SDCC has been dropped as Mondo and SDCC have teamed up for an amazing poster based on this year's guide. Attendees can log with their Comic Con ID and enter the lottery for a chance to purchase this print.  Curious to see what else goes down the lottery rabbit hole and hope that the changes are for the better. I am in favor of this change, but have heard a lot of fans who would rather camp out in line. To each their own!

Pick of the Week:
Star Wars #49 - It turns out you can't really trust the Empire and they are filled with a bunch of bad dudes and ladies. Following the broadcast of the Mon Cala's fallen king asking his people to rebel, the Mon Cala hear the call for action. The Empire isn't too keen on the Mon Cala supporting the Rebellion with a navy and intervenes with extreme power. I love seeing the unintended consequences of something so noble. As a reader you want nothing other than the Mon Cala to realize the Empire is taking advantage of them, but to rebel without being prepared for what the Empire's next move is was very satisfying. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Mon Cala, all is not lost, but the big reveal at the end of the book lets us know that we can't celebrate this minor victory quite yet.

The Rest:
Paper Girls #21 - This series never ceases to surprise and entertain. The girls rejoin Mac and are still trying to figure out a way to return back to their own time. They know they are in Cleveland, but are not sure what year it is. Mac has the idea, after a hilarious flashback/dream, to inquire at the library downtown. After a brief run-in with the Cleveland PD, the girls reach the library and a digital Tree of Knowledge straight out of the Garden of Eden.  Very curious to see what the girls learn in the next issue and where they are going.




Star Wars Adventures #11 - This week features another stellar entry into this all-ages Star Wars book that is well worth your attention.  The main story is a cute one-off featuring a young Han Solo and Chewbacca and we reach the conclusion to the Tales from Wild Space entry featuring Lando. While this issue wasn't as strong as some of the previous issues, it remains at the top of my all-ages list and enjoy sharing this one with the kids.







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 don't recall how it came across my radar, but I picked up the first volume of the manga The Promised Neverland when it came out and I absolutely loved it! It is the story of an orphanage named the Grace Field House and a young girl named Emma. It captured my attention early on and took an unexpected turn that absolutely had me hooked! I picked up volume two today and might have to review the series in a later post.

Pick of the Week:
Snotgirl #9 - The premise of a fashion blogger being invited to attend a convention of influencers is not something that would normally capture my interest. I remember when I first started reading Snotgirl I was thinking this is one Bryan Lee O'Malley comic that wasn't for me. I stuck with it and the series took me in a direction that I didn't expect. Nine issues in it is one of my favorite series. In this issue Lottie speaks to a ghost of a fellow influencer who was murdered by someone who is at the convention. In addition to managing her fame, relationships, and helping her friend plan a wedding, she is now tasked with trying to get to the bottom of another mystery. This is a series that is a lot of fun, has a decent amount of snot, and has the same wackiness that you come to expect from Mr. O'Malley.

The Rest:
Paper Girls #20 - We learn a little bit more on how the time travel works in this series. People are able to travel through time folds, and depending on the angle you come through you might be able to see different things than others. It explains why the Tiffanies are able to see the robots that can allow them to escape the hellish 2000 and return to 1988. After hi-jacking one of the robots, they quickly attract some negative attention and are still no closer to understanding the true mess they are in. This was one of the more exciting issue, but still has me scratching my head.



Daredevil #598 - I shudder thinking about the crimes that Muse has committed. He is a character I didn't know much about until he popped up earlier during Charles Soule's run. Muse escaped from prison in the last year and has been decorating the skyscrapers with massive pictures of various superheros. Meanwhile, Murdock is getting nowhere with Kingpin who is handing out government positions to multiple villains he is in touch with. It does not look like a good time to be living in New York and Soule hinted at twitter he has something shocking planned for the next issue, something even more shocking than the events that occurred at the end of this one.

Star Wars #43 - The current arc reaches a satisfying conclusion as Leia is able to actually negotiate an alliance with Queen Trios, who seemed to be working with the Empire. The scene between her and Leia is the best in this issue, with the rest adding up to the equivalent of an epic chase scene as Luke escaped a strong foe and Han led a group to the finish line. It also is worth noting that the villain Luke is squaring off against notes that he would simply equip the clones with flamethrowers in order to combat the Jedi. You can't reflect a flame with a lightsaber like you can a blast from a blaster. Interesting point and curious if it was inspired by the flametroopers we were introduced to in The Force Awakens.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Leave it to comic fandom to always find something to rage against when a creator is tasked with something that there can be no correct answer.  Donny Cates, one of my favorite authors I should note, revealed what Thanos' mother intended on naming him until she met him at his birth and lost her mind.  She intended to name him Dione.  According to some definitions, it means goddess and according to some legends Dione is the mother of Aphrodite. Not sure what fans were expecting, but I think that it is pretty cool and I dig it.  Wonder what they will get mad at next?

Pick of the Week:
Babyteeth #7 - Holy hell this is a good issue! Not only do we learn more about the Silhouette and the role they have played stopping the Antichrist in the past, but we learn more about Sadie's mom and the organization she is a part of and their role in this business. It was interesting to learn that this organization had assassinated other babies who they feared were indeed the Antichrist. Sadie's mother has taken her, the child, and Sadie's sister Heather into an underground compound in Maine. The Silhouette fears that this is to allow the child to mature and open the seventh seal when she is old enough. It struck me as odd that Heather's mom had an objection to taking the Lord's name in vain and makes me wonder the true intent of her organization and if the Silhouette is who they claim to be.  Speaking of the Silhouette.  Holy shit.  Carl?!?!?!  Really digging this series and even if you are mad at Donny Cates about the whole Dione thing, this book is well worth your time and money.

The Rest:
Goosebumps: Monsters at Midnight #2 - Not sure how I missed that there is a new Goosebumps series, but was delighted to learn that IDW is publishing a new line of Goosebumps comics through a series of three issue self-contained arcs.  What a cool idea!  How does it stack up? It is an absolute delight! Ginny and Mia left their grandmother's house and have become trapped in a horror amusement park run by none other than Slappy the dummy! The art by Chris Fenoglio and colors by Brittany Peer are whimsical and make me wish that there was a Goosebumps cartoon I could watch with my kids. This all-ages book is a must for any Goosebumps fan and I am really looking forward to the conclusion of this arc.

Birthright #29 - Joshua Williamson's epic saga is approaching its end and this issue was an emotional roller coaster that is setting the scene for something big in issue #30.  Not sure if it is the series conclusion, but we are rapidly approaching the finish line. The scenes in which Mikey, now an adult warrior, has to watch the emotional toll his disappearance had on his family was extremely well done and reminded me of why I was drawn to this series. If you haven't read any of this series yet, I really encourage you to pick up the first trade and give it a whirl. Definitely a surprising book that I didn't see coming.

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny - Leia - This one-shot from IDW focuses on Leia's leadership on Hoth prior to being discovered by the Empire's forces. One of my favorite aspects of the new all-ages IDW Star Wars books is its positive portrayal of the strong female characters in the Star Wars universe and the impact that it can have on my kids and their friends. Like the Star Wars Adventures comics, the Forces of Destiny line appear to be a must read of Star Wars fans of all-ages. There is something special in watching Leia struggle riding a tauntaun while sparring back and forth with Han.




Paper Girls #19 - The Battle of the Ages is now in full swing. We start this issue and they are merely in the middle of it, but as it progresses they are deemed enemy combatants. Tiff meets her older self and they realize that they are the only two who can see the giant robots that are currently roaming the town. It also provides a possible way to return to their own time period, but it involves hijacking one of the robots and they currently have no way to secure one. Really enjoying the direction of this arc and learning more about why the paper girls are so central to the story, but Brian K. Vaughan is keeping a lot to his chest and it is unclear when we will learn more about Charlotte, the author of the comic strip, or what role older Tiff and her husband will play.



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 Secret Empire event behind us Steve Rogers is back behind Captain America's shield. While I enjoyed the twist of him working with Hydra, I feel Marvel is sending a signal with this week's issue that they are moving forward with a new chapter. I don't know if that has anything to do with Mark Waid's return to the series, but it feels like an olive branch has been extended to "fans" who haven't been reading as of late.

Pick of the Week:
Paper Girls #17 - Thanks to the friendly teachings of Charlotte, the girls finally learn some key facts about the mess they have found themselves in and the readers can rejoice. While it isn't clear why they were selected and what their role will be, they are in the middle of a time war called The Battle of the Ages. After the invention of time travel men called the old-timers vowed to stop anyone trying to interfere with the past or peacefully explore it. Not everyone agrees with this notion, hence the conflict, giant robots, weird aliens, etc. The question remains whether or not the girls should trust Charlotte and the information she keeps on hear orange iMac. Love the nostalgia in this series and really like how we are starting to see the bigger picture. While there is still a lot to unfold, a big weight is lifted for readers of this series and it has me really excited about this series again.

The Rest:
Darth Vader #7 - Now that Darth Vader is in charge of the Inquisitors, the hunt for the few remaining Jedi is in full swing. Sadly Jocasta Nu, the librarian of the Jedi, has been given extra attention. Without spoiling anything, the Emperor has a special plan for her and one that requires Vader's direct attention. One of the tidbits I really enjoyed in this issue is that Vader considers the Inquisitors weak and pathetic due to their lives as former Jedi. He considers their teachings to be a great weakness, but feels he can change them through the force. Even the Emperor considers them severely flawed and is clearly using them solely for his own gains. Charles Soule is doing a wonderful job with this series and it remains one of my top books.

Captain America #695 - It has been a long time since Captain America wielded the shield and a long time since I have read a Mark Waid title. This isn't intentional as he is one of my favorite authors, but something that hit me when I decided to return to this series. Waid pairs up with Chris Samnee for this issue, a one-shot that highlights what Captain America stands for and the importance of helping those in need. A nice touching issue that will move us past the "evil" Captain America who was a sleeper Hydra Agent. I admittedly enjoyed that twist, but am happy to see a return to roots.




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 won't be in attendance. I shall keep tabs on the happenings via social media and wish all of the nerds in attendance a happy time. The one exclusive that has risen to the top for me is this Sword of Ages pin from IDW and Skelton Studios.

Pick of the Week:
Paper Girls #16 - The girls find themselves in the height of the Y2K madness. Tiffany remains separated from the group and has been apprehended by local law enforcement who don't quite believe she is from the late 80's. Unknown to them, the girls are in violation of the article of The Concordat and are more closely connected to time travel than they ever expected. Their entanglement in all of this chaos seemed to be a mere coincidence, but it appears as if we are going to learn more about the girls' past and why they are at the heart of this attack. Since the normal monsters are not ready for battle, the nuclear option is used and we are treated to giant Robots. This comic continues to take unexpected twists and turns that are an absolute delight.

The Rest:
Star Wars #37 - Things are heating up as the Special Commando Advanced Recon or Scar Squadron are on a mission for Vader to hunt down the latest Rebel encampment and deliver Luke Skywalker. Leading the Scar Squadron is Sergeant Kreel, a lightsaber wielding trooper who I just can't get behind. His brutal squad decimates a Rebel camp to draw the attention of Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo. The issue sets the scene for the next big arc and definitely is building towards all out war, but the second story absolutely steals the show. "The Sand Will Provide" gives us some insight to what life on Tatooine is for the Tusken Raiders. It shows the ugly side of discrimination and how they are misunderstood. It is a really heartwarming story that highlights the kindness of Obi Wan and is well worth the cost of the issue.

Darth Vader #6 - After enjoying the Inquisitors in Star Wars: Rebels we are provided some background on their origin and how the Emperor used them and Vader for his own gains. When we left off Vader had just acquired his light saber, but at the cost of his armor. Using the force, Vader repairs his armor and the Emperor grants him authority over the Inquisitors to hunt down any remaining Jedi. A simple issue that sets the scene for the onslaught that will continue throughout the next arc.

All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #11 - Stunning issue of All-New Guardians!  In an issue that doesn't include a single Guardian, we learn more about the Raptors and why they mucked things up in the last issue. They are in a quest for the Infinity Stones and are using Nova's younger brother to help them in their quest. Nova just learned that his brother is still alive, but is unaware of this plot. Should set up some interesting tension as this series moves forward. It was odd to read such a serious issue of this series, but Gerry Duggan appears to be laying the groundwork for an exciting arc.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

In incredibly exciting news, Robert Kirkman's Invincible is getting the movie treatment courtesy of Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg.  This phenomenal series about Mark Grayson, son of the most powerful superhero on the planet, is an amazing read that I cannot recommend enough.  Can't wait to see this on the big screen.  In equally exciting news, Marvel is not slowing down adapting titles for the small screen.  The Incredible Squirrel Girl is getting the television treatment courtesy of a show called New Warriors which will debut on Freeform in 2018.

Pick of the Week:
Paper Girls #13 - The four ladies are still trapped in the prehistoric past and Erin and Tiffany are still trying to reconnect with KJ and Mac.  With the help of Wari, a native of the era who is with a young child, Erin and Tiffany learn that there are multiple portals throughout the land that may lead back to their own time.  Besides dropping futuristic artifacts for the natives, the portals attracted the attention of a time traveler who may or may not help the girls.  It is remarkable to think how this series started, a nostalgic trip reminiscent many of the movies from my childhood.  Although instead of merely dealing with supernatural forces, these girls are traveling through time in an attempt to save the world from an alien race that has created problems throughout the time continuum.  The flash forward we are treated to towards the end of this book give a hint as to what to expect as this series moves forward, and it looks like there are more surprises in store.

The Rest:
The Walking Dead #166 - It is not a good time to be Rick Grimes right about now.  Not only was he forced to work with Negan, but the Saviors stage a revolt and want to break free from the group.  Just when he thinks he was successful fighting off the giant horde of zombies, he learns that once again internal struggle may bring about the end of his alliance.  Couple this with the fact that we learn something tragic has happened to Andrea and the shocking accident at the end of this book, Grimes is not in an enviable position.  Just when you think that things can't get worse for Rick, somehow Robert Kirkman manages to make things worse.  




Batman Rebirth #20 - I just can't quit Batman. While I haven't been fully on board with the rebirth, the brutal conclusion to the "I am Bane" arc was enjoyable and brought about the dark tones and feel of Frank Miller Batman.  While not in the same league as that run, this was encouraging and has me excited about what Tom King has in store next.  It has been an up and down ride since Scott Snyder switched to All-Star Batman, but King has had some exceptional issues and this one really has me optimistic about what 2017 will bring for the Dark Knight.




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

Not sure if you all agree with me, but it sure is nice to have an escape from reality in the friendly confines of a comic book.  Given the stress of election season, the current heat wave, an impending hurricane, and scary clowns, it is important to take a quick break and do something you enjoy. You should take a look at your FLCS and ask for some recommendations.  Here is my recap from this week's offerings. 

Pick of the Week:

Jessica Jones #1 - I am so excited that Brian Michael Bendis has returned to write some Jessica Jones!  If you didn't real Alias, that inspired the Netflix show, you should really check it out.  It is a dark and twisted series that really stands out from Marvel's typical line-up.  In this debut, Jones is out of prison and returns to Alias Investigations, only to have issues from her past haunt her as she tries to continue to work as a private investigator. This series would work well as a straight up P.I. series, but the addition of her personal issues with individuals with powers puts this series over the top.  

The Rest:

The Walking Dead #159 - Wow!  Things have really picked up in this arc and I have a feeling we are going to be dealing with a lot of loss when the dust has settled.  The Skin Walkers seem more organized than anticipated, but a moment of pure joy might set them back.  Negan was reunited with Lucille!!  He shed a tear, referred to her as his Excalibur and his can of spinach!  There is something special about witnessing an elated Negan and I fear what this means for the rest of us.  The only thing I can be sure of is that I feel Rick and company are going to be looking for a new home soon.  I don't think that things are going to work out after the attack.

Paper Girls #10 - In a bizarre turn of events, I feel we are getting closer to solving this mystery and it hits very close to home.  The girls manage to make it back to their original time, but it seems likely that Donald Trump and Apple have something to do with an intergalactic conspiracy.  While Trump isn't mentioned directly and the only hint of Apple is the logo, it all makes sense.  If someone as reckless as Trump ascends to the highest title in the world, it is possible that an evil tech company is behind it for reasons we can't possibly imagine.  At least that is what I am making of this book.  I am most likely way off basis and you should disregard this paragraph.  Just know that this series continues to be a heck of a lot of fun and makes me want to watch 80's movies all weekend long.

Luke Cage #1 - With the return of Jessica Jones, and her past relations with Luke Cage, I was really looking forward to this title.  Unfortunately it feels like someone took Shaft and Ren and Stimpy and mashed them together to make a comic.  If that sounds like your cup of tea, by all means check this title out.  This series, however, is not for me and I am happy to report that I won't have to read any future issues.  Props for thinking outside of the box on this one, but I cannot dig it.

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