Thursday Morning Superhero

This past week I got The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past graphic novel in the mail that I forgot I preorderd.  It is a beautiful collection of a 1992 manga that I am looking forward to reading soon.  When I begin to question the influence I have on my two kids, Henry and Zelda, I need look no further.  Henry is in first grade and has to read 30 minutes independently each week.  I can't help but wonder how she is going to react that Henry read an old Zelda comic this week.  He is really enjoying it and I just hope it is appropriate for an 8 year old to read.  I guess I will find out when he finally lets me have a turn.

Pick of the Week:
The Auteur: Sister Bambi #1 - The Auteur is back and I had no idea how much I missed the insanity Rick Spears pours into each issue.  Following the destruction of President's Day, Nathan T. Rex is desperate to find some funding for his next masterpiece.  Not concerned about where the money comes from, Rex finds himself in the compound of Nazi triplets who want to force Rex to create a Women in Prison Nazi Propaganda film.  Spears crams this follow-up series full of the usual low brow humor, over the top gore, and pure insanity that fans of the first series are sure to enjoy.  Definitely one of the most unique and entertaining comics I have read for some time.  Welcome back old friend.

The Rest:
Darth Vader #5 - Oh what a tease.  It seemed as if we were going to witness Vader in all of his glory with each turn of the page, but we will have to wait until the next issue.  Vader is out to kill anyone he suspects of being his successor.  He quickly learns that Luke isn't the only one who doubts the value of the Force and thinks its nothing more than a hokey old religion.  Apparently the Emperor has enlisted the help of an android who feels progress is the future and the Force is the past.  Very much looking forward to the battle royale that will open the next issue and still enjoying Marvel's handling of Star Wars.


Saga #28 - This issue stressed me out.  As a father it was very stressful to see Hazel taken away and Alana incapable of doing anything.  Why do you do that to us Brian K. Vaughan?   Nothing seems to be going well for anyone I care about in this series.  Marko and his crew are under attack, The Will is dying, and Hazel?!?!  On the positive note, I learned that The Stalk has a brother who is more concerned about raising his family than getting involved with this nonsense.

Secret Wars #2 - I decided to give Marvel's latest Universe changing event one more try and wish I had my $4.99 back.  I will say they packed in enough content to warrant the hefty price, but it just isn't my scene.   The reveal at the end was pretty cool, but it felt like a ploy to launch a new series called Battleworld.  That's right, the duking it out to see what Earth survives is taking place on Battleworld.






Birthright #7 - Very interesting issue of Birthright from Joshua Williamson.  It didn't take itself very serious and some humor was injected along the way as we grapple with the relationship with Mikey (who is possessed) and his brother Brennan.  Things were quite disjointed and surprisingly light until Williamson drops the hammer on the last panel and reminds us that this is a serious tale indeed.   This issue almost felt like a magic trick and at the end we learn that things aren't as easy as they seem.  Good series that warrants starting at the beginning.





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 less than a week I will be enjoying sunny San Diego and rubbing elbows with over 100,000 of my closest friends. As I prepare for my upcoming journey, I present to you good folk my top panel from each day.  I hope that I will be able to attend these panels, but plans are fluid.  It was hard to pick just one, but Batman, Horns, Saga, and a chance to impress my son with insider information is pretty good.

Thursday:
DC Comics: Batman 75: Legends of the Dark Knight
In his 75-year publishing history, Batman has grown into one of the most popular and influential icons of all time. Don't miss this historic panel with the legendary creators such as Neal Adams, Greg Capullo, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Frank Miller,Grant Morrison, Denny O'Neil, and Scott Snyder, who have shaped the Dark Knight into the hero he is today.

Friday:
RADiUS-TWC Previews Horns and Everly
First-time Comic-Con attendee and star of Horns Daniel Radcliffe joins co-star Juno Temple, director Alexandre Aja, and novelist Joe Hill to debut the world premiere of the Horns movie trailer, chat about the film, and hold an audience Q&A. In addition,Salma Hayek will be introducing new footage from her kick-ass film Everly. The panel will also reveal new scenes from upcoming RADiUS titles with some special surprises.

Saturday:
Saga
You know Saga. You love Saga. You can't get enough of Saga. Luckily, this year, series creators Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples are ready, rested, and eager to talk to you about Saga. What's coming up next on you-know-what? How could they do that thing to you-know-who? Whether you're coming in your finest cosplay or street clothes, you need to come to this panel..

Sunday:
LEGO: Ninjago
The LEGO: Ninjago team talks about the development of the TV show and toys.Tommy Andreasen (senior creative manager, LEGO), series writers Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman, and Simon Lucas (product designer manager, LEGO) discuss the behind-the-scenes development of the LEGO Ninjago product line and TV series, with Brian Bowler (brand marketing director, LEGO) moderating the panel.

Enough about me, time for this week's reviews!

Pick of the Week:

The Auteur #5 - Rick Spears managed to give this comic the ending it deserved.  Nathan T. Rex may be a deranged individual who drugs women, bails out convicted serial killers, and has an extremely loose moral compass, but I ended up caring about him by the end of this series.  Rex taking his crew to Vegas for a wrap party was as insane and trippy as you would expect from this series.  Oni Press has confirmed that there will be more Auteur moving forward which makes me one happy camper.  There is nothing else like this in comics and I have nothing bad to say about the series.  Shocking, hilarious, disturbing, and fun. 

The Rest:

Stray Bullets #5 - In an odd, but highly entertaining story, David Lapham delivers a surreal fairy tale including the cast of characters he introduced in the first four issues.  While it still has the same feel as the other issues, it was difficult to read at times because the other issues feel so real.  It felt like I was watching a B-movie from 1971.  Definitely enjoyable, but quite the departure from the other issues.





The Wicked + Divine #2 - This stellar title from Image picks up steam this week as the Gods are recovering from the framing of Lucifer for the Judge's death.  Laura offers her assistance to Lucifer as we learn more about her rebirth, Laura's back story, and are introduced to a new formidable foe.  This series is hipster gold and is one of the most unique books I have laid eyes on.








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

Thursday Morning Superhero

As I type away on my post this week I am both saddened that I have not seen Captain America 2 yet and happy that C2E2 is a little over one week away!  If all goes according to plan I will be in attendance at this fine event on both Saturday and Sunday.  It has been some time since my last Con appearance and I am looking forward to returning to the chaos.

Pick of the Week:
The Auteur #2 - Wow.  This is quickly becoming one of my favorite books, but it is very difficult to recommend to just anyone.  This book is absolutely bonkers and I love it.  If you find buckets of gore and crass jokes offensive, this is not the book you are looking for.  Beneath the blood and guts, The Auteur is a smart and refreshing comic unlike any I have read.  Issue #2 demonstrates to what lengths Nathan T. Rex will go to ensure his next film is a success.  Not satisfied with your run of the mill horror, Rex plans on using Darwin, a notorious serial killer, as the murder expert on his film.  Packed with genuinely funny humor and a shockingly original plot line, The Auteur may be for you.  The VHS playing scene in the court room was one of the funniest gags I have ever read in a comic book.  Well played Rick Spears and Oni.  Can't wait for issue #3.

The Rest:
Stray Bullets: Killers #2 - The Stray Bullets comics have a way of sucking you in and connecting you with seemingly normal characters at a rapid pace.  Each issue stands on its own, but the depth of the world that David Lapham creates is better appreciated if you soak it all in.  Stray Bullets reminds us all that we are not perfect and that everyone has skeletons in the closet, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.  Deep down, despite our flaws, there are good people who make poor choices.  Beautiful book that should make its way to your pull list.

Sinestro #1 - I will admit that I am not well versed in all that is Green Latern, but with Cullen Bunn penning the new Sinestro title I had to pick it up.  Sinestro is pulled from his self-inflicted isolation by Lyssa Drak who urges him to take control over the Sinestro Corps once again.  With my lack of knowledge in the lore, I would guess that there were many references that were over my head. I still found the story compelling and will return for issue #2.  I am guessing it might be wise to see if my library has some collected volumes of Geoff Johns.

Batman #30 - The final act of "Zero Year" begins with issue and it looks to be a doozy.  I never considered The Riddler to be much of a formidable foe for Batman, but with what Scott Snyder has come up with I have a new found respect for Mr. Nygma.  The Riddler has transformed Gotham into a apocalyptic hellscape with seemingly no escape.  Through sheer terror, he has broken the will of the residents and it is going to take some fancy gadgets and planning to save Gotham.  Something tells me Batman will be up for the task.

Batman Eternal #2 - It is a good thing this title is coming out weekly, because things are moving at a rapid pace in Gotham.  With an all-star crew behind this title, I hope it maintains this momentum moving forward.  The villain reveal at the end of this issue was glorious and I am very excited where this book seems to be headed.

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