Thursday Morning Superhero

Before moving into the world of comics I feel the need to bring your attention to the upcoming David Lynch art show, "In Dreams", that is going to be opening at the Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco.   The opening reception is this Saturday and you can get more information by checking out the blog here.   Spoke Art hosts some fabulous shows and this one looks to be spectacular.  Too bad I am trapped in Indiana.  Well, at least I have my comics to keep me company!

Pick of the Week:

Magneto #1 - Cullen Bunn has demonstrated his mastery over horror so pairing him with Magneto is a match made in heaven.  Before I review this book, as someone who resides in the Midwest, it pains me to see this title open in Cape Girardean, Missouri.  I can only imagine that it was intended to be Cape Girardeau and was an honest mistake, but I want the good folk who live in Cape Girardeau to feel excited that Magneto had coffee there!  Despite this minor flaw, this title is simply compelling.  Bunn delves into the psyche of this notorious villain and reminds people of how simply vicious this mutant can be.  Magneto is currently investigating crimes against mutants and appears to be living in a world that is a cross between Memento and Bottle Rocket.  It is definitely interesting to see him in the role of detective and I am very excited about where Bunn is going to take this series.  Go buy this title right now!

The Rest:

The Auteur #1 - When I learned the good folks at Oni Press sent advance copies of this book to the Westboro Baptist Church I knew I was in for a treat.  The Twitter account of the "church" sent a reply to Oni Press and told them they could keep their pornography to themselves.  While The Auteur is far from pornography, it is easy to see how one could be offended from such a book.  While I would not recommend this book to all, I quite enjoyed the tale of a struggling Hollywood producer and found it to be like nothing on the market currently.  The gore is over the top and feels like a Garbage Pail Kids card, but it fits the trippy tale of one man's quest to reclaim his career.  Unique series that is worth your time if you are not easily offended.

Secret #6 - Jonathan Hickman's crime noir delivered an action packed sequence straight out of summer blockbuster that was over before I knew it.  Not wanting to spoil anything, things get a little messy as Steadman and company prove to be formidable foes.  We are left with a stressful situation that has me yearning for a quick turnaround on issue #7.  Not sure if I would suggest picking this up now, but would definitely recommend picking up the trade whenever it is released.  This is a phenomenal series.

Quantum and Woody: Goat #0 - The good people at Valiant tricked me into reading a goat's origin story and I am happy they did.  This is a funny, heart-felt tale about two partners and their goat.  As a newcomer to Quantum and Woody, I plan on checking out what the series has to offer after picking up this title.  The writing is fresh and witty, there are references to Dolly the Sheep, and the ending hook left me wanting more of this series.  Valiant is really establishing itself as a strong independent publisher.

Moon Knight #1 - The insane life of Moon Knight has always intrigued me since a friend introduced me to him a few years back.  Marc Spector, Moon Knight, appears to be suffering from multiple personalities and is absolutely bonkers.  Despite this, he is on the side of good and is assisting police in an investigation.  While nothing groundbreaking occurs in this issue, it appears that Moon Knight is in capable hands and that the great Warren Ellis has big plans for Mr. Spector.  I will continue reading this series and hope you do as well.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Looks like the first week of February is going to be a memorable one.  The polar vortex continues and I am ever thankful that ComiXology can pull through when it isn't safe to drive to the LCS.  My preregistration code has been secured and I will join the mass hysteria this Saturday to see if my random spot in line will be good enough to secure my pass for the four day nerd nirvana that is San Diego Comic Con.  In the mean time I will turn to some comics to calm me down before the storm.

Pick of the Week:
Ms. Marvel #1 - Kudos to Marvel for launching a powerful, female, Muslim, superhero.  Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, is a teenager who is trying to fit in.  Hailing from New Jersey and the daughter of immigrant parents, Kamala seeks approval from her peers.  She writes Avengers fanfic and secretly wants to join the super team and fight for the cause of justice.  She is granted that wish and it appears as if she may have bit off more than she can chew.  This book was refreshing, respectful, and seemed very honest to me.  I think there are probably many individuals who will identify with Kamala right from the get go.  For whatever reason people are treated differently, religion, gender, sexuality, etc., Kamala seems to be someone they can all look to.  I feel this book has a lot of pressure on it and I hope it can live up to its potential.

The Rest:
Secret #5 - This is a very difficult book to review.  It is very well written, features great art, and is has been very enjoyable to read.  The issue, like Infinite Vacation, is that there is such a huge delay between books.  Issue 1 came out almost two years ago and the web that Hickman has weaved is one that is easier navigated if the content is fresh.  With each title I feel I need to go back and reread the series.  It is an enjoyable reread, but I wish these were coming out with more regularity.  Issue #5 is a great success and Grant is seeking revenge on the Kodiak group.  We are teased with how the plan will unfold and I hope it is not a long wait before we see how things turn out.  If you haven't picked this book up yet I highly encourage checking out the entire five issue run to this point.

Bad Blood #2 - I must say that issue #2 was both unexpected and enjoyable.  I was surprised by the lack of action, but Trick's journey through the "vampire" underworld felt realistic and helped ground this title.  The fact that, even with the help of Lolly, a stripper and purveyor of "vampire" themed bars and bondage clubs, Trick can't seem to find any hint of actual vampires.  This slow pace served this book well and really made it easier to suspend my disbelief over the existence of vampires and fully engage with the characters on a personal level.  Very interesting series that is worth your time.

Archer and Armstrong: Archer #0 - If you are looking for a fun new title to pick up then the good folk at Valiant have given you a chance to hop on the critically acclaimed Archer and Armstrong series.  I have read a few Archer and Armstrong comics and have enjoyed them, but this book really impressed me.  It demonstrated just what Obadiah Armstrong might be capable of and was much darker then I had envisioned.  It also begins the connection that Archer and Armstrong have and definitely lays the foundation for a good origin story.  Throw in some fantastic art and I am an immediate fan.  Definitely worth your time and money this week.

Apocalypse Al #1 - Allison Carter, Al, is a private investigator that specializes in stopping demons that want to devour the world.  This responsibility has remained in her family for generations, but Al is the first female to carry the torch.  Issue 1 does a solid job introducing the colorful cast of characters and establishing a premise that warrants some attention.  Humorous tone that has good potential.  Another bonus is included for having Al jump in a toilet to escape from a dream in which she is trapped as a legal temp.

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