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

Well.  It appears that there is an unstoppable force headed towards the earth and the Avengers are up for the call.  What does this mean?  Infinity, the next Marvel event, is here and Thanos found what he is looking for.  On top of that the Saga hiatus is over and we were blessed with a gem of an issue.  I also picked up the new Amelia Cole and the Unknown trade and can't wait to dive into it this weekend at Gen Con.

Pick of the Week:

Walking Dead #113 - We learned in issue 112 that Rick's plan to attack Negan failed and once again Rick and the survivors have painted themselves into a corner.  Negan remains one step ahead of Rick and is hell bent on making Rick suffer.  Andrea's post in the tower has been discovered, Lucille is hungry for blood, and Carl is in trouble.  I always admired Lucille, but didn't appreciate her and the love that Negan has for her until this issue.  It is going to be a difficult wait for issue #114.  If only I had a love as strong as Negan has for Lucille. 

The Rest:

Saga #13 - It has been a long wait and it is good to be reading Saga again.  Marko is still dealing with the loss of his father and Alana is determined to reach D. Oslwad Heist for some answers.  The Will is reconsidering his line of work and Prince Robot is hot on the tails of Marko and company.  Good stuff.  Fiona Staples continues to amaze with her work and it was so nice to see it again.  Alana kicking ass with baby in tow was this week's highlight.

Infinity #1 - The new Marvel event and it has a lot of similarities to other Marvel events.  Not to say that this is a bad thing, but it has a very Marvel feel to it.  I am excited to see the terror that Thanos will bring and am hopeful that this will be a good one.  Solid start to what is hopefully worth the hype.

Batman #23 - The retelling of Batman's origin continues as Scott Snyder's latest arc continues on.  I have enjoyed his retelling and thought he made the seminal moment where Batman chooses to be Batman more personal and emotional.  I don't want to spoil the moment, but I felt that, while not as visually satisfying as the bat through the window, it had an emotional charge that really worked.

What I Should Have Read:

Star Wars #8 - I don't recall why I stopped reading Brian Wood's run in Star Wars as I thoroughly enjoyed it.  My buddy Jeff informed me today that the series is still going strong and I think I will be picking up some back issues to catch up.

Thursday Morning Superhero

San Diego Comic Con is only one week away and you can already feel the anxiety and the excitement.  It seems like the off-site events are getting bigger and bigger each year and with the complete takeover of Petco Park this year is setting a new standard.  The Nerd HQ, Walking Dead Escape, and others are taking over the ballpark as rabid fans compete for swag.  I am really looking forward to immersing myself once again among the thousands, but before I can make my annual trip to San Diego we have some books to check out.

Pick of the Week:
The Walking Dead #112 - The fact that Robert Kirkman is able to keep this book fresh after over 100 issues is a testament to the power of this series and the success it has had.  In the last issue Negan surprised the survivors with a visit while Rick was out gathering supplies before attempting the overthrow.  When Rick discovers that Negan is in his territory early and has killed one of his men he is ready to deliver the final blow to Negan.  The twists and turns that have been an integral part of this title for 112 issues will always keep me coming back for more.  Can't wait for the 10th anniversary panel at Comic Con!

The Rest:
Hawkeye #12 - After the lighthearted adventures of pizza dog, we are treating to a moving story about Clint and his brother Barney.  I can't think of another book that feels as real as this title.  Simple and powerful issue that highlights why this book should win an Eisner. Matt Fraction's writing and ability to portray Hawkeye as real person and capture so much real emotion on the page of a comic book is astounding.

Batman #22 - Scott Snyder has really stepped up his game with Zero Year.  In part 2 of the new arc, Batman becomes aware of the corruption of Wayne Enterprise and just how far of a reach the Red Hood has.  The Red Hood is always steps ahead of the Dark Knight and the rumblings of the Riddler are quite enjoyable.  Loved the end of the issue, but the highlight was the creative use of a game board panel on a conversation between Bruce Wayne and Edward Nygma.

Daredevil #28 - Mark Waid's run on Daredevil continues to impress.  In an issue devoid of action, Matt Murdock is reunited with a foe from his childhood who needs legal help.  Murdock agrees to take the case and is now entangled in a new web involving the Sons of the Serpent, a racist hate group.  Add that to Foggy's cancer and things aren't looking too good for the man with no fear.

Helheim #5 - Cullen Bunn's latest title continues to deliver the goods.  The fear the witches feel in this issue is clear as they prepare to deal with the wrath of the Draugr.  Rickard's father maintains his relationship with his former son, the Draugr, knowing that once the witches are defeated he must kill the beast that was formally his son.

Thursday Morning Superhero

My family has been battling the flu this week in a losing effort so I will be presenting a truncated version of Thursday Morning Superhero.  Strangely enough, I have turned to Death Note in my time of sickness and have been enjoyed revisiting the struggle between Light and L.  Oddly appropriate to how I am feeling, I enjoyed the conclusion of Death of the Family and the latest installment of Walking Dead.  Here is hoping to getting over this flu and returning to full strength next week.

Pick of the Week:
Batman #17 - Scott Snyder really knows how to build the anticipation and suspense through his writing and the combination of the gnarly art work from Greg Capullo has led to some of the most terrifying panels in recent memory.  There is plenty of shock and horror in this issue, and one most unfortunate two-headed cat.  Not sure what Mr. Snyder has against animals, but what I do know is that conclusion to this arc did not disappoint.  While not quite as good as Court of Owls, Death of the Family is still well worth your time and money.

Runner Up:
Morning Glories #24 - Having just done a reread of issues #1-23, I was quite excited about the latest issue from Nick Spencer.  With each issue a little more is revealed about Morning Glories Academy but so much is still unknown.  In the latest issue we really get to learn about Ike and his relationship with his father Abraham (who he has stabbed to death and is currently being held hostage at the academy).  I have a feeling that what caused Ike to kill his father the first time (being left out of his will after being promised a lot as a kid) was meant to protect Ike from the horrors of Morning Glory Academy.  We will have to keep reading to find out.  I can't wait for the end of Season 1, as they call it, and more is revealed.

Walking Dead #107 - This was an odd, but very successful issue.  It opened with a lot of tense moments and you felt that things could boil over very quickly, but things calmed down very quickly, Negan acted reasonable, and Rick and his crew are staying par for the course.  Despite the gesture of returning Carl to Rick, he is still hellbent on taking down Negan and with his crew now having the ability to manufacture bullets they may have the upper hand.  I can't wait to meet Ezekiel and I think this comic used the word "fuck" more than any other comic in the history of the universe.

Thursday Morning Superhero

I only picked up four issues this week but really enjoyed three of them.  My holiday budget is limited with gifts for the kids and what not, but I managed to pick up four books this week that were worth my time.  I can't stress how good both Batman and Walking Dead are.  Scott Snyder can do no wrong with Batman and somehow Kirkman has managed to keep Walking Dead fresh after all this time.  If you haven't already done it, go buy these issues now!

The Best:

Walking Dead #105 - If you haven't been reading Walking Dead, you have a lot of catching up to do but it is well worth your time.  How a comic can remain fresh at issue #105 is astounding, yet Robert Kirman delivers.  This issue focuses on Carl's early time in Negan's camp and we are reminded that despite everything Carl has been through and done, he is a child.  We are also finally provided with some moments that begin to untangle the distorted mess that Negan is.  Clearly a disturbed individual who has his flock well trained.  I really hope Carl kills him.

Runner-up:

Batman #15 - Oh how I love what Scott Snyder is doing with Batman.  The "Death in the Family" event continues with Batman attempting to save Alfred.  Does Joker know the secret identity of Batman and more?  When did Joker compromise Arkham?  It seems that Batman is playing directly into Joker's hand and I can't wait for #16.  Greg Capullo's art on the faceless Joker is truly haunting and the reader is left begging for answers.  I wasn't sure if Snyder could continue with a book that could measure up to Court of the Owls but he clearly has.  Well done.

The not so good:
Change #1 - I must say that this book left me confused.  You have a screen writer, a rapper, and an astronaut mixed in with some cult happenings and I am not sure where this book is heading.  It feels like there could be something there, but after issue #1 I am just confused.  There may be potential, but I just don't know.

The rest:
Cable and the X-Force #1 - Cable is back and he isn't letting anyone get in his way.  He is suffering from prophetic headaches and is on the run after Captain America and crew caught X-Force in a terrorist act against an anti-mutant corporation.  Cable is reunited with his daughter Hope who isn't too pleased that she wasn't informed of his return.  Seems like this should be a fun read with the return of Cable.

What I should have read:
Saucer Country #10 - I have read the first couple of issues, but haven't had the time to catch up with this gem from Vertigo and some secrets are revealed in the second issue of the "The Reticulan Candidate" arc.  I really need to catch up on this one.

Clone #2 - It seems like this series may be living up to the potential that it had from issue #1.  While I wasn't hooked at all on issue #1, I was open to revisiting the series if it picked up.  It sounds like some questions were answered in issue #2 and this book may be getting better.  I may revisit this title.

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. 

Microreview [Comic]: Thief of Thieves

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The Meat

Robert Kirkman has the Midas touch. Another one of his projects has been picked up by AMC and may indeed be pure gold. After the insanely successful The Walking Dead, Kirkman is teaming up with a host of writers to tell the tale of a man with two identities. Redmond, the best thief of his generation who is expected to lead one of the biggest jobs of the century, and Conrad Paulson, a divorced father of one.

On the surface you have a great heist story along the lines of Ocean’s 11 or The Thomas Crown Affair, but underneath is a story of one man’s redemption as a father and husband. It is clear early on the Conrad is a man who regrets his past decisions and how he feel’s it is his fault his son, Augustus, is in jail.

The story starts off with a bang as you see Redmond in action and how his sly, cunning plans utilize the element of surprise to pull off improbable theft. Cut to Redmond celebrating with a collection of great thieves hosted by Arno, the head honcho of thieves. In not the most original move ever, we have a character who is quitting the criminal organization he helped build to seek redemption. We are left with a flawed protagonist who is dealing with a multitude of issues. It seems that all he wants to do is set things straight with his family. With only a thieves’ tool belt at his disposal, Redmond, I mean Conrad, may not be on the most direct path to reunite with his ex-wife and set things straight with his son.

Sean Martinbrough is a true storyteller with his art. He makes effective use of panels without any dialogue to provide a very cinematic feel to the story and to emotionally connect the reader with Conrad. The flow of his panels makes Thief of Thieves a quick and immersive read that will easily translate to the television screen.

Collecting issues #1-7, this volume is full of twists and turns that ultimately tell a story about one man’s desire to shed his criminal past and utilize his talent (thieving) to set things right in his life. There is nothing mind blowing in the series, but it is an enjoyable read that is worth the read. Kirkman is an effective storyteller who seems to have a grasp on the big picture. As you read this collection you can’t help but wonder what moments that seem insignificant will pay off later in the series.

While not my favorite book on the market today, it is a series that I would have no hesitation recommending to someone looking for a fun read that provides the depth of character to make you care. When you read it you will see how it will easily translate into a successful television show.

The Math

Objective score: 7/10

Bonuses: +1 for a Who’s the Boss reference; + 1 for pure cinematic quality

Penalties: -1 for Kirkman not killing off any main characters…yet

Nerd coefficient: 8/10. "Well worth your time and attention."

[Read about our non-inflated scoring system here.]