Thursday Morning Superhero

I hope you all had a wonderful and spooky Halloween and were able to hand out a lot of comics to your trick-or-treaters!  In honor of the holiday this edition of TMS will focus on a special issue of Wytches that debuted yesterday. It has been quite some time since we have had any Wytches material, but Scott Snyder said that we can expect two arcs in 2019 and that this one-shot serves as a prequel to the first arc and introduces us to a new character who will play a bigger role in 2019.

Wytches: Bad egg Halloween special - Wytches are creatures that have been around for centuries. It is not known if they are unique creatures of their own or are genetic mutations of humans. They live underground in burrows and feed on human flesh. They thrive with the help of humans who incubate their young in holes in the ground in exchange for tinctures that can cure disease and offer other benefits.

Sebastian learns early on that his parents are part of a group called Irons, who have been attempting to stop the wytches for generations. His mom specializes in younger wytches and his dad specializes in the old wytches that are burrowed deep beneath the earth.

This story thrives because of the relationships that Snyder develops. In order for horror to be effective you have to care about the characters and feel genuine concern for their well being. Snyder hits the nail on the head as we see the story through the eyes of a child trying to make sense to the world in which he is born. It is hard enough on a kid when you are the new person at school, but for Sebastian, this is a common occurrence due to the lifestyle of members of the Irons.

This one-shot focuses on a brief stint in a small town in the Midwest in which Sebastian develops a bond with the kid next door despite instructions not to make friends. At moments this book feels whimsical due to the friendship the two possess, but we are frequently reminded of the horror in which they dwell.

Co-created by the extremely talented Jock, I can't think of an artist more appropriate to set the mood in this series. One of the scariest elements of the wtches is that Jock never gives you a clear glimpse of what they look like. Not knowing and seeing the reaction of the kids when they first see them is what makes this book genuinely creepy.

After reading this one-shot I am very excited about the prospects of returning to this series in 2019. This has always been a very personal story from Snyder and you can sense the care he puts into the narration.  Hope you all had a happy Halloween!

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

New Books Spotlight

Welcome to another edition of the New Books Spotlight, where each month or so we curate a selection of 6 forthcoming books we find notable, interesting, and intriguing. It gives us the opportunity to shine a brief spotlight on some stuff we're itching to get our hands on.

What are you looking forward to? Anything you want to argue with us about? Is there something we should consider spotlighting in the future? Let us know in the comments!

Jemisin, N. K., The Stone Sky [Orbit, August, 2017]

Publisher's Description:

THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS... FOR THE LAST TIME.

The Moon will soon return. Whether this heralds the destruction of humankind or something worse will depend on two women.

Essun has inherited the power of Alabaster Tenring. With it, she hopes to find her daughter Nassun and forge a world in which every orogene child can grow up safe.

For Nassun, her mother's mastery of the Obelisk Gate comes too late. She has seen the evil of the world, and accepted what her mother will not admit: that sometimes what is corrupt cannot be cleansed, only destroyed.

Why We Want It: Jemisin is a literary rock star. Plain and simple. I will forever and greedily purchase anything she publishes and finally getting my hands on the conclusion to this trilogy means I'll be doing some summer hibernation to inhale this gem.

Sullivan, Michael J., Age of Swords [Del Rey, July, 2017]

Publisher's Description: 

In Age of Myth, fantasy master Michael J. Sullivan launched readers on an epic journey of magic and adventure, heroism and betrayal, love and loss. Now the thrilling saga continues as the human uprising is threatened by powerful enemies from without—and bitter rivalries from within.

Raithe, the God Killer, may have started the rebellion by killing a Fhrey, but long-standing enmities dividing the Rhunes make it all but impossible to unite against the common foe. And even if the clans can join forces, how will they defeat an enemy whose magical prowess renders them indistinguishable from gods?

The answer lies across the sea in a faraway land populated by a reclusive and dour race who feel nothing but disdain for both Fhrey and mankind. With time running out, Persephone leads the gifted young seer Suri, the Fhrey sorceress Arion, and a small band of misfits in a desperate search for aid—a quest that will take them into the darkest depths of Elan. There, an ancient adversary waits, as fearsome as it is deadly.

 Why We Want It: I have Sullivan's Age of Myth sitting on my shelf waiting for me, now I can sit down and binge read them both. Plus, both covers scream "you will love this!" and I am not one to ignore a book's calling.

Synder, Scott and Jeff Lemire, A.D. After Death [Image Comics, July, 2017]

Publisher's Description:

What if we found a cure for death?

Two of comics' most acclaimed creators, SCOTT SNYDER (WYTCHES, Batman, American Vampire) and JEFF LEMIRE (DESCENDER, PLUTONA, Moon Knight, Sweet Tooth) unite to create an epic like no other, set in a future where a genetic cure for death has been found. Years after the discovery, one man starts to question everything, leading him on a mind-bending journey that will bring him face-to-face with his past and his own mortality.

A unique combination of comics, prose, and illustration, A.D.: AFTER DEATH is an oversized hardcover graphic novel written by SNYDER and fully painted by LEMIRE.

Why We Want It: I stumbled across this one while looking for something random and was immediately intrigued. Image Comics continues to blow me away and I am excited to see what this mixed medium/format mash-up might offer.

Williams, David, When the English Fall [Algonquin Books, July, 2017]

Publisher's Description: 

When a catastrophic solar storm brings about the collapse of modern civilization, an Amish community in Pennsylvania is caught up in the devastating aftermath. Once-bright skies are now dark. Planes have plummeted to the ground. The systems of modern life have crumbled. With their stocked larders and stores of supplies, the Amish are unaffected at first. But as the English (the Amish name for all non-Amish people) become more and more desperate, they begin to invade Amish farms, taking whatever they want and unleashing unthinkable violence on the peaceable community.

Seen through the diary of an Amish farmer named Jacob as he tries to protect his family and his way of life, When the English Fall examines the idea of peace in the face of deadly chaos: Should members of a nonviolent society defy their beliefs and take up arms to defend themselves? And if they don’t, can they survive?

Why We Want It: As some of you may know, I live on a farm and am surrounded by the Amish, our Wal-Mart has horse parking. When I heard about this novel I knew I needed to read it.

Guran, Paula (editor), The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror 2017 [Prime Books, July, 2017]

Publisher's Description:

The darkness creeps upon us and we shudder, or it suddenly startles and we scream. There need be no monsters for us to be terrified in the dark, but if there are, they are just as often human and as supernatural. Join us in this outstanding annual exploration of the year's best dark fiction that includes stories of quiet fear, the utterly fantastic, the weirdly surreal, atmospheric noir, mysterious hauntings, seductive nightmares, and frighteningly plausible futures. Featuring tales from masterful authors and talented new writers sure to make you reconsider walking in the shadows alone...

Why We Want It: Any collection from Paula Guran is certain to be a wonderfully curated mix. Dark fantasy and horror are tied for my favorite subgenres and these Guran collections help me catch up on stories I may have missed throughout the year. I cherish them.

Carrasco, Jesús, Out in the Open [Riverhead Books, July, 2017]

Publisher's Description: 

A young boy has fled his home. He’s pursued by dangerous forces. What lies before him is an infinite, arid plain, one he must cross in order to escape those from whom he’s fleeing. One night on the road, he meets an old goatherd, a man who lives simply but righteously, and from that moment on, their paths intertwine.

Out in the Open tells the story of this journey through a drought-stricken country ruled by violence. A world where names and dates don’t matter, where morals have drained away with the water. In this landscape the boy—not yet a lost cause—has the chance to choose hope and bravery, or to live forever mired in the cycle of violence in which he was raised. Carrasco has masterfully created a high stakes world, a dystopian tale of life and death, right and wrong, terror and salvation.

Why We Want It: I am always on the lookout for genre fiction in translation. I wish we had more of it and when I find it I am going to buy it and shout about it from every rooftop. Out in the Open was a bestseller in Spain and won multiple awards, how could I not be anticipating this title?

POSTED BY: Shana DuBois--extreme bibliophile and seeker of raindrops.

Thursday Morning Superhero

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

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

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




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

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

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

It may seem as if it is a long way out, but SDCC and the Nerd HQ are rapidly approaching.  The Nerd HQ is reaching out to its nerd army to provide funding of what is an increasingly impressive event.  You can give as I have at www.iwantmynerdhq.com and make SDCC more inclusive.  You don't need a badge, a Comic Con ID, or jump through any hoops to attend the Nerd HQ.  On top of that, all of the proceeds go to charity!  Every dollar helps and no donation is too small.  I shall step down from my soap box and move on to this week's books!

Pick of the Week:
American Vampire: Second Cycle #1 - What a joy it is to revisit the world that Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque have created.  I was a fan of the original series, but ended up being sidetracked by other books and shiny things and never was able to rejoin this franchise.  Thankfully, the duo took a break from the series and have created a new leaping on point.  What is a little frustrating is that now I want to go back and read everything that has happened to Skinner Sweet and Pearl Jones.  Snyder and Albuquerque deliver an action packed issue that updates fans, or introduces fans, to what Skinner and Pearl are currently up to.  I am most intrigued by the halfway house that Pearl has set up for lost vampires, but also worried about the new terror that is known as the "Gray Trader".  Not sure if that is who Skinner is dealing with, but he seems like a formidable opponent.  So happy to be back in this universe.

The Rest:
The Sixth Gun #39 - The battle of Brimstone reaches its epic conclusion in the latest issue of Cullen Bunn's epic horror/western.  One thing I loved with this week's issue is that I am reminded how powerful the fifth gun is and why the widow Hume was such a powerful foe.  Drake and company still seek out what may be the most difficult gun to obtain.  This series is leading up to an amazing conclusion and I am happy that I have been along for the ride.  It is somewhat embarrassing to admit that my older brother is the one who introduced me to this amazing series.


Ghosted #8 - Jackson and his rag tag group of ghost thieves continue their quest to rescue Nina. Anderson continues to haunt Jackson and he continues to seek his release from this endless life and attain peace at last. We learn in this bungling attempt to rescue Nina, that, in addition to running a brothel full of possessed women, this group is using the possessed to write books akin to the Necronomicon.  I don't want to divulge too much, but Joshua Williamson sure delivers a fun ride.  This series is a sleeper that you should jump on early so you can claim you were a fan before it was cool.  Hipster respect to Ghosted.

Daredevil #1 - Mark Waid has moved Daredevil from Hell's Kitchen in New York all the way across the USA to San Francisco.  Part of Marvel Now!, Daredevil #1 is a logical jumping on point that I highly recommend.  Waid does a nice job introducing some of the new situations that Daredevil encounters in a city that is vastly different than New York.  This issue was a lot of fun and serves as a nice palette cleanser for this week's stack.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

I am proud to report that Abraham's Army has raised over $2,400 for the month of Movember! To check in on my sad mustache or to contribute to the cause, click here.  Not a lot of books on my pull list this week, but very pleased with the titles I picked up.  The Wake from Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy was outstanding and a new Star Wars title from Dark Horse examines the life of Han and Leia's daughter.

Pick of the Week:
The Wake #5 - Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy should work on more projects together.  Murphy's ability to elicit emotion and horror pair perfectly with the heart-filled, dark stylings of Snyder.  This was a huge turning point in the arc that delivered on all levels.  It was exciting, terrifying, emotional, and surprising.   We learn that the rig was never the target, but that the mainland is what is at stake.  An all out charge is unleashed and our group of heroes make one last ditch effort to save the world.  It sounds cliche, but this story is anything but.  An absolute gem of an issue.

The Rest:
Star Wars: Legacy #1 - Taking place 138 years after A New Hope, Star Wars Legacy looks at the Star Wars Universe through the eyes of Ania Solo, daughter of Han and Leia.  She is a scapper who stumbles upon a communications droid that is carrying some valuable information for the Empire.  The first issue sets the stage nicely as the Jedi don't swear loyalty to the new Empire and the Sith seek to regain control.  It was confusing to think of the Empire as the good guys, but something tells me that power still corrupts.  Good debut for a series I will continue to read.

Daredevil #33 - Daredevils dance with the occult continued in this issue as he sought to gain some pages from the Darkhold, a mystical book.  While I enjoyed how light and fun this issue was, the monsters post-Halloween lacked their initial appeal.  It was a fine issue with a nice ending, but the monsters seemed out of place in a Daredevil comic.

Thursday Morning Superhero

The buzz of Comic Con is finally winding down and now I can focus on the books.  My top comic related story from this week is the successful debut of Axe Cop on Fox this past weekend.  I was behind the curve in discovering Axe Cop, but as the father of a soon to be 6-year old it has a special place in my heart.  It never fails to entertain and I am so happy for the success of a series I have pushed on many unsuspecting friends.  The Harvey awards also just wrapped voting and I sure hope some of my favorites win.  I have high hopes for Cow Boy from Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos and Locke and Key from Joe Hill.  Good luck!

Pick of the Week:
The Wake #3 - Scott Snyder really turned the tide in this series this week.  In what felt like a lot of build up in the first two issues, he really delivered a psychological thriller on issue #3 that doesn't let up from the first panel to the last.  We learn that this alien mermaid has neurotoxin and is able to target specific memories on its victims.  Sean Murphy's art really delivers on the sheer horror that this alien is and the terror that it inflicts on its victims.  The Wake really picked up this week and upped the ante in terms of what it will deliver throughout the rest of the series.  Time to get on board for this one.


The Rest:

Collider #1 - This new title from the creative team of Simon Oliver and Robbi Rodriguez has a very Fringe feel to it and has me intrigued.  Adam is an agent for the Federal Bureau of Physics and handles situations in which the laws of physics are in violation.  In the first issue he is sent to a school where the gravity surrounding the school broke down and students were floating away.  Some conspiracy is mixed with multiple dimensions in this series that provides an interesting enough backdrop for me to continue this series.

X-Men #3 - Brian Wood's first arc of the X-men wraps up nicely as the X-men seem to save Karima and eliminate Arkea.  The key hangs in the phrase "seem to".  This conclusion to the first arc leaves the door open to a return of Arkea, but what I enjoyed most about this issue is that the new team really came together, both in Budapest and back at the Jean Grey School.  You get the sense that these teams of mutants are learning how to work with one another and be the truly great teams they are capable of becoming.

Daredevil #29 - If they ever decide to bring back a Daredevil movie I sure hope they utilize one of Mark Waid's story lines.  The Serpent Society was bold enough to make a hit during a trial with the judge as the shooter.  Chaos ensues as the Serpents have over a dozen people inside the courthouse carrying out its plans.  Daredevil does his best to protect his client and now has a new problem on his hands.  The Serpent Society is taking over his city and Daredevil is none too happy about it.  Couple this development with the appearance of a certain surfer of the silver variety to appear in issue #30 and I wonder why you aren't reading this series.



What I Missed:
Batman Inc. #13 - Grant Morrison's run on this title has come to its conclusion.  An interesting idea, Batman franchises across the globe, this series always felt a little off to me.  While it may not have had the conclusion that fans were looking for, it sounds like it was still a fitting in to a series that will most likely not exist without the pen of Morrison behind it.

Amelia Cole and the Hidden War #9 part 3 - The third in the Hidden War arc, this issue sees Amelia caught in the thick of things as she attempts to learn more about the Magistrate.  A title that I checked out back when MonkeyBrain debuted, it may be time to revisit this series as it appears to have moved from a light hearted fun book to one with real depth and suspense.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Big news this week from the land of indie comics.  Boom! Studios acquired Archaia to become a indie superpower.  I am excited about the prospects of this development as I truly enjoy both publishers.  Read more about it here.  In San Diego Comic Con news X-Files announced a 25th anniversary panel, the Walking Dead has big plans up its sleeve for its tenth year, and more details are released each day!  About three weeks away from my annual trip to the mecca that is SDCC, and despite the complaints that it is no longer about the comics, I want to stay current with the funny books.

Pick of the Week:

Mind MGMT #12 - Matt Kindt concluded the second arc of his magnum opus is stunning fashion. I have high expectations for this book each month and it always exceeds those expectations.  Meru is finally able to unlock her past that has eluded her throughout this series and the reveal is worth the wait of 12 issues.  This issue is setting a clear path for the next chapter, although you can rest assured that Kindt will have plenty of sleeper agents, twists, and turns for us to experience.  I have been going over a comic summer reading list in my mind and rereading this series has just skyrocketed to the top of that list.

The Rest:

Batman/Superman #1 - Greg Pak delivers an interesting first issue into DC's bloated Superman and Batman lineup.  Akin to the old Joseph Loeb Batman/Superman comics, each character retains his classic voice and the tension and lack of trust of one another is palpable.  Jae Lee's art sets it apart with a darker tone and there is some supernatural thrown in for good measure.  I am on the fence with this one.

The Bounce #2 - Issue 2 was good enough to keep me on board for the first arc.  Joe Casey's characters are interesting and flawed and he does a good job blending humor and tension.  We learn that Jasper's (The Bounce's) big brother is assistant D.A. which can only up the level of drama in what seems to be an increasingly deep book.

X-Men #2 - Brian Wood delivers the action with issue 2 of his all female X-Men.  Arkea, a bacterial villain who has the power to control technology, has is in an all out battle with the X-Men, whom her twin brother Sublime was seeking help.  My favorite moment in a book chalk full of explosions was Jubilee laying with a baby and a stuffed Totoro.  I am becoming more and more of a Brian Wood fan the more of his books I read.

The Wake #2 - After issue one of this title from Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy I was not immediately hooked.  I gave issue 2 a try because I believe in this creative team and I was not disappointed.  We learn a little more about this team of scientists and why they were brought together to study this mermaid type beast.  With ties dating back to the dawn of man, it seems the mermaid is a primate that evolved during the last period of climate change.  Whatever this creature is, it has the ability to warp one's mind and has a message to deliver.  A terrifyingly haunting good issue.

Hawkeye #11 - Hawkeye continues to be one of, if not the, most original superhero book out there.  This week we are treated to life in the eyes of pizza dog.  The entire book is through his perspective and it is filled with heart, humor, and some good old fashion bro taking down.  Whether you have been reading this book or not you owe it to yourself to pick up this issue.  Pure gold.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Scott Snyder may be having one of the best weeks in comics ever.  He debuted the new DC title Superman Unchained, began a new arc in Batman that explores his origin and examines the time he spent away from Gotham City after the death of his parents, and released a one-shot American Vampire story.  I didn't get a chance to read American Vampire, but both Superman Unchained and Batman warrant your attention.  I was especially pleased to enjoy the Superman title as he is one of my least favorite superheros.  In the most shocking news ever to hit this feature, I did not pick a comic from the mind of Joe Hill as pick of the week!

Pick of the Week:

Helheim #4 - This series seems to get stronger with each issue and it was the pacing of this issue that set it apart from the herd.  It begins slow and you get the feeling that it is going to be an issue that develops the story, but doesn't involve much action.  It really felt like the calm before the storm and then the storm hits out of nowhere.  The battle of the two witches is taking a greater toll on all of those involved and so both must be destroyed.  Kirk, Rikard's father, faces quite the emotional decision.  His goals involve killing the monstrosity that his son has become and both witches for the good of his people.  He must swallow his pride and accept the help of the Draugr in the hopes that he survives the war only to kill what was once his son.  The sheer amount of conflict that Cullen Bunn has packed into this series, both internally and externally, really gives this title the depth needed to counter the violence.

The Rest:

Superman Unchained #1 - Minus the $4.99 price point and the gimmicky poster spread, this book was very enjoyable.  To me what made me begin to appreciate Superman, who I find very boring and wholesome, was that you see him heading towards his breaking point and actually showing some emotion.  The reveal at the end was enough to get me on board for the next issue.

Batman #21 -  The Zero Year arc has begun and Scott Snyder plans on providing some insights into some of the holes in Batman's past.  Based on the first issue I am hopeful that this arc will be as enjoyable as the Court of the Owls.  Batman will even be squaring off against a new foe in this run that should be as fun as solving a riddle!

Thumbprint #1 - Based on a novella penned by Joe Hill, Thumbprint tells the story of a woman who has been discharged from the Army after participating in some questionable acts when stationed at Abu Ghraib.  Her life at home is not without complication and her world is truly rocked when she is left a mysterious thumbprint in her mailbox.  Filled with some of the more disturbing and realistic scenes I have seen in a comic, this one is not for the faint of heart.

Killjoys #1 - Gerard Way, author of the fabulous Umbrella Academy, has a new series published by Dark Horse.  A girl who rode with the Killjoys, a group of heros who were killed trying to stand up to the evil empire of Battery City, may be the savior to the rebels who remain underground in their nest.  With her trust cat as the only companion she truly trusts, she relies on the radio waves and a rebel DJ to stay informed.  Way pens an interesting post apocalyptic tale that has the potential to be a great series, but we will have to wait and see.

Walking Dead #111 - Just when you think things are going to move in a straight line to the inevitable showdown between Rick and Negan Robert Kirkman throws in another wrinkle.  Negan somehow becomes more unlikable and things that were looking hopeful for Rick and his crew now seem worse than ever.  It will be a tough wait for issue #112.

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

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

If you haven't jumped on either the Saga or the Scott Snyder bandwagon then I don't know if I can really consider you a friend.  I am a small voice out of many that have championed both dynamic duos who have crafted such lovely tales.  Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples for Saga and Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo for Batman.  Happy Thursday everyone.

Pick of the Week: Saga #9 by Brian K. Vaughan
In an issue that doesn't feature Marko or Alana, Vaughan added layers of depth to his world and some key characters that will most likely prove to be quite important as this tale of star crossed lovers continues to unfold.

I for one was quite pleased that this issue focused primarily on The Will and his moral obligation he feels to save the sex slave from Sextillion.  A character who started out as a freelance bounty hunter with a cat that is a walking lie detector, The Will has transformed throughout this series to be an increasingly complex character.  He growth continued in this issue as he deals with heartbreak, and his conflict with his moral code and what he does.

The Will partners with an unlikely partner, Marko's ex-fiance Gwendolyn, and the two quickly realize that despite their differences, it will be mutually beneficial for them to team up.  In what made both The Will and me incredibly happy, the slave girl was freed from the arm of Sextillion and is in the custody of The Will and Gwendolyn.

I am going to stop there in hopes that I don't spoil too much and you finally cave and pick up this book that I and many others have been urging you to do so.  Fiona Staples remains one of my favorite artists and I am tempted to rip out and frame any panel featuring The Stalk.  The combination of Vaughan's characters and the ability for Staples to be both whimsical and incredibly violent in the same panel has this book poised to be remembered fondly for years to come.

Runner-up: Batman #16 by Scott Snyder
If you were wondering how Scott Snyder would follow up the amazing Court of Owls arc, rest assured that the Death of the Family arc is equally as stunning and shocking.  While I love Snyder, he is often outdone by the art from Greg Capullo.  His take on the Dark Knight sets a tone for the book that is dark, but human.  It has a certain realism to it and his ability to show tortured expressions is uncanny.  Capullo's Joker is one of the most terrifying villains that have ever been inked.

In this issue Batman is still coming to grips with the events that concluded issue #15 and is pursuing Joker who has taken over Arkham.  Joker is a sick, sadistic individual who has laid down quite the gauntlet for Batman.

The lengths that Joker goes to in order to torment Batman are present throughout this issue and we are once again reminded why he is Batman's primary foe.  In an issue that features the majority of the main Batman villains, we are left with and unconscious Batman with a mysterious dish placed on his lap.  It doesn't look well for Batman, but that is typically the case throughout 90% of Snyder's run.

The rest:

Hoax Hunters #6 - This is only the second issue of Hoax Hunters that I have read but the concept of using a reality show to debunk urban legends that Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley created is not only fun, but is growing as it develops its cast of characters more with each issue.  A slow start to this book, but an ending that is horrifying and will have me back next month.

Daredevil #22 - Superior Spider-man makes an appearance and Matt Murdock suspects something is off with Spidey.  Mark Waid brings back Stiltman for the second time in his run, but it looks like some of Doc Oc's old pals are selling off his goods as Stiltman was quite upgraded.  Felt more like a standalone issue, but a fun one at that.

Captain America #3 - It pains me to say that I can't get on board with Rick Remender's Captain America.  Cap is one of my all time favorites, but what is happening in Dimension Z with the Phrox just does nothing for me.  Some interesting twists, but I will wait for Steve to return to his own dimension.

Top Comics of 2012

With a new year upon us and another great year of comics ahead, it is time to reflect back on what quality books were produced in 2012.  Without further ado, here are the top comics of 2012 in no particular order.

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

Derf Backderf is an award winning political cartoonist who grew up an acquaintance of Jefrey Dahmer.    Backderf provides first-hand accounts of spending time with Dahmer at school and hanging around town.  While an amazing book, it is truly disturbing.  The insight that Backderf provides of the lonely and troubled Dahmer made this one of the most captivating books I have ever read.  This is without question a must read that I can't recommend enough.

Batman by Scott Snyder
When the New 52 launched I hopped on board and picked up quite a few titles.  As the year progressed, Batman was the only title that remained as a must purchase title.  The Court of the Owls arc is one of the best Batman stories that I have ever read and Death in the Family is off to a great start.  Another title that appears to be able to do no wrong.

Cow Boy by Nate Cosby
Without a doubt one of my favorite titles, and my son's favorite titles, of the year.  The playful art of Chris Eliopoulos and the writing of Cosby had me hooked when I read part 1 on www.cowboycomic.net.  Ten-year old Boyd Linney is a bounty hunter that is rounding up his entire outlaw family.  As a parent, anything that you and your children are excited about reading together is a wonderful thing, and Cow Boy is fun for everyone in the family.  I can't wait for the next Cow Boy title in 2013!

Punk Rock Jesus by Sean Murphy
This mini-series from Sean Murphy was one of the best surprises of the year.  It is nice when a concept works better than you expect.  Punk Rock Jesus is about the clone of Jesus Christ being born to a virgin for the sake of reality tv.  This series concludes this week!  Definitely worth your time.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan
Brian K. Vaughan's latest masterpiece has been named the top comic of 2012 and I can't disagree.  The star crossed lovers plot is easy to mess up, but with the rich world and characters he created, backed by the brilliant art of Fiona Staples, this book is one for the ages.

Locke and Key by Joe Hill
Quite possibly my favorite comic on the market today.  I have such mixed feelings about this comic ending its main story in 2013, but the world that Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez have created is one of the most fascinating worlds that it has been a pleasure to journey through.  I have a bad feeling at least one of the Locke children will die, and that thought saddens me to no end. The fact that I can't stop pushing this title on my friends and have legitimate concerns for the characters should speak to the depth and love that Hill and Rodriguez have put into Keyhouse.

Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire
The Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire is a haunting tale of fatherhood and family that connected with me on the first page.  In a story that draws comparison to the Twilight Zone, Lemire maintains a great deal of mystery, tension and elicits great compassion from his readers throughout this must read title.  A very quick, but very satisfying read.

Honorable Mention:
Walking Dead, Morning Glories, Sixth Gun, Deadpool, Daredevil, and many others I am forgetting right now.

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.