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

Some of the San Diego Comic Con exclusives have been announced and once again Funko is bringing the heat.  A much demanded Pop!, Princess Leia is getting the holographic treatment in a stunning two-pack.  Really hoping to make it to the booth in time to pick up this amazing set.  Enough toy talk, huuuuuge week of comics!

Pick of the Week:
Baby Teeth #1 - I was introduced to Donny Cates' work with Redneck, which is amazing, so I was excited when I heard he had a new titles coming out about the birth of the Antichrist.  The story opens with a scared mother, Sadie, recording a video to her child.  It tells the story of his birth, which included earthquakes, a near death experience for Sadie, and that this devil incarnate is named after a superhero. This comic, while the story of how the Antichrist was brought to this planet, still remained as a beautiful story of new life.  I am looking forward to learning more about how Sadie ended up where she is and the life of the young devil.

The Rest:
The Unsound #1 - Cullen Bunn treats us with a creepy new title set in some sort of haunted psychiatric ward.  At least it appears to be haunted through the eyes of Ashli, the new nurse who has a horrifying first day in the ward.  In what felt like the pre-credits scene to a psychological thriller, the first issue leaves you begging for more.  I am quite intrigued by this new title and anything that is scary and has Bunn's name attached to it is likely to be quite good.  Mix in the unique artistic approach from Jack T. Cole and you are introduced to a world that is beautiful from one angle and paralyzing from the other.


Paper Girls #15 - The girls learn the hard way not to mess with the time space continuum when they are compelled to help their new friend save her child.  We learn a bit more about the foldings, or time holes, that brought the girls into the past.  This was one of the more exciting issues as of late that resulted in overhearing something called "The Beta" that sounds very exciting (some sort of time fixer) and the girls are dropped into a surprising future.  I will avoid spoilers, but it gave me flashbacks and was terribly exciting.

All-new Guardians of the Galaxy #3 - It isn't surprising that I am really enjoying this series penned by Gerry Duggan.  In this issue we learn more about the secret that Gamora is holding back from the rest of the crew.  Still no word on why Drax gave up destroying, but the wrinkle that is Gamora's secret is a very interesting development.  This issue didn't have the trademark Duggan humor, but it was a stellar issue that has me fully invested in where this series is headed.  I can't recommend this one enough to anyone who enjoyed the films.  Being that this is issue #3, it would be easy to get caught up and pick up the other two issues as well.



Daredevil #21 -  Now that we know how Daredevil was able to make the entire world forget his secret identity, it is back to the usual crime fighting in Hell's Kitchen.  The start of a new arc, this issue felt like a throw back to Silver Age comics and is extremely effective for the man with no fear.   We even get a Toucan Sam reference thrown in for good measure!  The art and color from Goran Sudzuka and Matt Milla is phenomenal and has a retro feel that feels like a fresh start for Daredevil.  In addition to the classic crime stopping that takes place, Charles Soule gives us a tease as to why Daredevil wanted to put the cat back in the bag and I am a bit nervous about his plan.

Batman #24 - This issue is the straw that broke the camel's back for me.  Tom King has had his ups and downs, in my opinion, writing this series and this issue reached the point where I am comfortable dropping this series.  He had big shoes to fill, but even Scott Snyder had a couple of lackluster arcs in his amazing run.  I weathered it as long as I could and I am sure a lot of readers are enjoying his take, but it isn't for me.  If you have any suggestions as to what Batman series you recommend please drop me a note in the comments.  I won't spoil the moment that solidified it for me, but a quick Google on this issue should let you know if you don't care about spoilers.



The Walking Dead #168 - As we close the book on one chapter we open the door to what is next.  I am not sure what that will be in this series, but Robert Kirkman really delivered a touching issue that somehow brought up Negan's foot fetish.  The fine line between what Negan spews and the rest of what Rick and company are dealing with after the loss of Andrea works really well in this issue.  Negan has almost reached the point where you feel that you can trust him and that he is an asset for Rick and his crew.  It is a shocking development that will likely lead to the rug being pulled out from beneath my feet and I am looking forward to it.  The final panel was extremely powerful and moving and a somber reminder that this series is still a human drama at its heart, not a zombie book.



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

It looks like 2017 is the year that I say goodbye to some of my favorite comic books and it kicks off this week with the finale of Nailbiter, Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson's story about a small town in Oregon that kept producing serial killers.  It has been a wild ride and a series that I will revisit annually.  I should also briefly add that Image Comics is publishing some amazing stories.  I was unaware of how it was dominating my pull-list until I looked at my stack of comics this week.

Pick of the Week:
Royal City #1 - This debut issue from Jeff Lemire is absolutely stunning and hearkens back to his earlier work like Essex County and Sweet Tooth.  I have really enjoyed his venture into science fiction and have really enjoyed his Old Man Logan arc, but there is something so chilling and satisfying reading one of his books that is grounded like this.  The setting of this story is Royal City, a small manufacturing city that has seen its better days.  Peter Pike, the patriarch of this story, suffers a stroke when he thinks he hears the voice of his son through the radio.  His family, each with quirks of their own that we can all relate to, returns to be by his side and are likely going to be forced to confront their differences and what happened to Tommy in 1993.  This issue has me absolutely hooked and I cannot wait to see what unfolds in the months to come.  To even further enhance your experience reading this book Lemire created a Spotify playlist that is worth checking out here.

The Rest:
Nailbiter #30 - I have long thought that most of the series that I truly love are series that have a clear beginning, middle, and end.  They don't drag on longer than they need to and really focus on the characters that drew me in early on.  Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson were able to accomplish this with Nailbiter and provided an enjoyable ending with a great epilogue.  I worried early on that I wouldn't enjoy how they explained the big mystery in this series (what is it about Buckaroo that causes so many people to become serial killers), but am happy to report that you will not be disappointed as you read through these 30 issues, peeling back layers of the mystery with each one, until the big reveal.  As I mentioned earlier, this is a series that is going to make it to my annual read list and I can't wait to return to Buckaroo, Oregon later this year.

Batman #18 - This is probably the best rebirth issue yet.  Tom King did an amazing job showing the parallels between a young Bruce Wayne and Bane as the two battled.  Bane, wanting to work out a deal for The Pirate, delivered a thrashing to Batman that was reminiscent to the time he broke the bat's back.  While the continuation of the "I am Bane" arc was solid, the paralell flashback was the star and a great demonstration of how powerful this medium is.  Great work from the entire creative team, including King, David Finch, Danny Miki, Jordie Bellaire, and John Workman.  Looking forward to what comes next.

Star Wars #29 - It pains me to say, but I think that this will be the last issue of this series I pick up.  Its not that it isn't good, but that I feel that its connection to the original trilogy has dwindled.  That was what brought me in and it is harder to form that bridge from the movies to this book.  I still plan on reading some of the other Star Wars books, but will take a break from this one for a bit.  Definitely still an interesting read, but it is time for me to move on.






The Walking Dead #165 - This is another series that I fear will go by the wayside for me soon.  While I am really enjoying the odd pairing of Rick and Negan, I feel the overall narrative has remained stagnant for some time.  Each individual arc is interesting and Robert Kirkman is the master of keeping people on their toes and throwing a wrench or two into the gears, but we are reaching the point of no return in terms of revisiting this series.  I am an old man who has an early bedtime and don't fathom every going back through 165 issues.  While it is still fun, I worry that it is only limping along and grunting as it moves forward.

Paper Girls #12 - Things don't appear to be working out so well in the new time period the girls find themselves in as the hostiles and creatures don't appear to be too friendly.  They have learned a little bit, thanks to the universal translator, from one woman, but she is concerned about the safety of her child and doesn't seem like she is going to provide much assistance.  This series remains to be very bizarre and enjoyable and one that should win some Eisners this year.





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 am going to forego my normal intro and get right into the books!

Pick of the Week:
Ether #4 - Matt Kindt has a gift when it comes to creating intrigue and really forcing you to focus on small details throughout his books.  Ether took an unexpected turn today, when we were introduced to Hazel and learned about her journey into the Ether as a child.  With no way of telling people where she had been for five years, she had to carry this secret until she connects with Boone Dias.  Through the fantastical art of David Rubin we are reminded that the Ether can be both amazing and utterly horrifying at the same time.  I look forward to learning more about Hazel (Kindt revealed some nuggets in this issue that have me salivating) and can't recommend this series enough.

The Rest:
Dept. H #11 - Another Kindt book this week?  With double the Kindt (Sharlene is also working on this title)?  Mia is not much closer to figuring out who murdered her father, but she has uncovered some evidence and had an epiphany that should provide clarity moving forward.  She had this vision as she recounted a story her father told her when she was younger.  It was a beautiful escape from the danger that her and the crew are currently in.  It finally clicked that the art in this series reminds me of Nausicaa in the Valley of the Wind and it couldn't be more appropriate.



Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #67 - The new arc of TMNT kicked off with a bang and I am quite concerned.  Slash was recaptured by government officials and they are attempting to control his rage and use him as weapon.  Meanwhile, Leonardo is struggling to get all of the turtles on the same page given the recent string of events.  Hopefully he will get things sorted out soon, because the government's first test with Slash is on the Mutanimals and it is a doozy.

The Walking Dead #164 - I am still amazed that this series is still chugging along and even more surprised by the supposed friendship between Rick and Negan.  One thing that Robert Kirkman has done is build a deep seeded hatred and mistrust in Negan.  No matter how many times he appears to have redeemed himself, you still don't trust his intentions.  Even after learning at what may have caused him to become evil incarnate, I can't feel sorry for him or trust him.  I hope I'm wrong.





Old Man Logan #18 - We reach the exciting conclusion to the arc in which Logan went to save a crew from a ship that had been overtaken by Brood.  Seemingly pulled between two different realities, he is finally able to free Jeanie and with her help subdue the beasts.  The vision of the baby he left behind in the wastelands haunts him and will steer his next course of action.  Really excited with the direction this series is headed.

Daredevil #17 - Daredevil's new arc kicked off in exciting fashion as Matt Murdock visited a confessional in a local church!  Nothing like sharing something that you feel shamed about with a total stranger!  In all seriousness, it is a fine vehicle for Daredevil to get something off of his chest.  The secret of how he put the secret back in his secret identity.  If you didn't know, his identity became known to the public and it created all sorts of problems for him.  Somehow he was able to put the rabbit back in the hat, and it will be interesting to learn how.  I'm oddly really looking forward to this 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

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

I had the good fortune to check out Alamo City Comic Con last weekend and I have to say I am impressed with the crowds this convention drew.  I got my wife a photo op with David Tennant and Billie Piper for our anniversary and was impressed with how Wolf Photography and the volunteers at ACCC ran things.  Thanks for a memorable Saturday!

Pick of the Week:
Nailbiter #26 - While it is a bit early for a holiday special, I am thrilled beyond words that my favorite horror series is back.  The dynamic of Charles Warren (the Nailbiter) and his former lover Shannon (the police officer currently holding him behind bars for kidnapping).  Their conversation really provides a great overview of the series and creates a nice jumping on point for new readers.  Warren is dealing with his own internal demons and seems like a good character despite the fact that he is truly a serial killer.  Detective Finch was derailed on his attempt to return to Portland and now finds himself in the same predicament that brought him to Buckaroo in the first place.  The only difference is that he is the one captured, not the one looking for his missing partner.  Joshua Williamson hints at potential new secrets to be revealed in the next issue and I sure hope we don't have to wait another month!

The Rest:
Southern Bastards #15 - It has been too long since my last trip to Craw County and things aren't looking good to Coach Boss.  After getting crushed by their rival on homecoming, the Running Rebs are looking to make the most out of their season.  The mayor's wife isn't shy about mixing things up in an attempt to get Coach Boss fired, but if he can find a way to win then his job is secure.  The seedy comic about high school football in the South is back and just as good as ever.  This quote from Coach Boss pretty much sums up the series in a nutshell.  After one of his "coaches" offers to hurt an opponent's star tight end before their game, he responds "I may be a murder and a gangster and a whole helluva lotta other fuckin' things.  But not on Friday nights.  Some things is Goddamn sacred, boy."

The Walking Dead #160 - Both sides are making strategic pushes as part 4 of The Whisperer War really brings the pain.  Both sides are going to suffer major losses and it isn't entirely clear who we can trust.  Lydia and Carl are bunking up (he is old in the comics!), but her mom was the leader of The Whisperers.  Negan seems to be helping, but he is someone you can truly never trust.  What is clear is that the loser of this one is going to be absolutely decimated.



 

Batman #10 - I really am giving the new Batman a go, but I just can't get into it.  It is my DC staple so I imagine I will continue to read it, but it just doesn't have the punch that it once did.  Batman is trying to free Psycho Pirate from Bane's stronghold on Santa Prisca.  His mantra is that he needs to get Psycho Pirate to save someone otherwise he is going to break Bane's back.  I nice throwback to when Bane actually broke Batman's back, but it did little to draw me into the story.  Hopefully when they return to Gotham things will pick back up.  Bane is also boring now that he is off the juice.




Battlestar Galactica: Gods and Monsters #1 - When I saw that Dynamite Comics was publishing a new Battlestar comic I got pretty excited.  I loved the revamped series (minus the ending) and have enjoyed some of the previous iterations of comics.  After reading this debut, which involves Gaius building a Cylon Centurion ala Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, I feel that it is probably time for Battlestar Galactica to take a long break.  The spin-off Caprica was a disaster, the movie "The Plan" was awful, and this series first issue did nothing to capture the magic of what made the series great.  If you want to revisit this world I highly suggest playing the board game, which is excellent and will make you feel as if you really are on the fleet and possibly a sleeper agent.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

This weekend marks the the 2016 In-Store Convention Kick-off.  The event provides you a convention experience from the comfort of your local comic book store.  Special guests include Jim Lee, Nathan Fillion, Matt Fraction, and more!  To find out if your LCS is participating and for a schedule of events check it out here.  Really impressive that should be a lot of fun to experience with some local nerds.

Pick of the Week:
Black Widow #1 - When I learned Mark Waid was penning a new Black Widow series I was excited and am happy to report that he did not disappoint.  The series opens with an announcement that Black Widow, aka Natasha Romanov, is now an enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D. and is to be stopped at any cost.  Following this announcement, we are treated to an epic chase scene that is straight out of a classic John Woo flick.  Not Face/Off or Paycheck, but more in the vein of The Killer or Hard Boiled.  All we learn from this debut is that Romanov is not to be messed with and she must have swiped something pretty valuable given the efforts made to take her down.  Color me intrigued.

The Rest:
The Walking Dead #152 - Rick is gearing up his people for an attack on the whispers.  In order to get them to agree with attacking the living, he is trying to build up hate with a wave of propaganda.  A major bomb drops at the end of this issue, but I don't want to spoil anything.  It seems that the biggest threat to Rick and his crew is real and they should be very, very afraid.  While I feel this series has had its ups and downs, I have really been enjoying the current arc and am anxiously awaiting what is going to happen in the next issue.




Old Man Logan #3 - Logan is recovering from his shock to discover that he is enlisting the help of Kate Bishop, not Clint Barton, in his quest to take care of his list to set things right in the future.  She wants to help him take down Mysterio, but Wolverine prefers to work alone and they run into some issues with how Logan likes to obtain information.  I am still on the fence with this title, but the hook at the end speaks directly to me.  I am on board for an old man fight of epic proportions with the next title.

Darth Vader #17 - Vader once again demonstrates his power and rage.  We get to witness a submersible spaceship surprise his camp by emerging from lava.  Vader, not one to back down, leaps into the ship and along with the help of the twins, slices holes throughout the vessel causing it to fill with lava and sink.  It is a powerful moment, but one that demonstrates that Vader tries to make himself bigger than the Empire and his ego is going to get him in trouble.





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

Thursday Morning Superhero

This has been one of the best weeks of comics in 2015 to date.  Between two debuts from Cullen Bunn and Matt Kindt and a phenomenal issue of The Walking Dead (really digging what the spotlight on Carl), it was a book that made me feel like a kid taking home Pick of the Week.  The other exciting thing that took place over the week is that Powers had a quiet debut on the Playstation Network.  The pilot is available to all here, but if you want to continue with you need to be subscribed to PSN on your PS3 or PS4.  While I am happy to see Powers appear on the small screen, I am a bit underwhelmed.  To be fair, most pilots are underwhelming so I am not giving up.  It is definitely worth watching, but I had a hard time getting past the casting of Detective Walker.  Thankfully the actor cast as Detective Pilgrim is phenomenal.  I am still on the fence, but optimistic for episode two.  As a fan of the series I am having a hard time separating the two instead of enjoying them both as separate entities (which they are).

Pick of the Week:
Star Wars #3 - Vader's wrath is real and it is terrifying, but the Rebels seem to have an unnatural ability of escaping situations despite the odds.  My guess it is due to the large volumes of inept Stormtroopers that Vader surrounds himself with.  While my opinion of Vader has changed since the beginning of this book, the Stormtroopers seem as useless and weak as I remember.  For lack of a better way to describe it, I find my pulse racing as I read each issue.  The creative crew behind this series have done a masterful job capturing the feel of the original trilogy.  It really feels like I am a child again revisiting this fantastical world once again.

The Rest:
Hellbreak #1 - Leave it to Cullen Bunn to come up with the insane idea of a special ops team that specializes in retrieving souls from Hell.  Thankfully the good folk at Oni Press enjoy his work (as we all do) and we were treated to the first issue for only $1.  Great debut that really sets the scene and teases some interesting character backstories.  I always enjoy how Bunn includes a brief overview of the mythology that inspires his titles.  I expect big things from this series.  I challenge you to find a better use of $1 this week.






Ninjak #1 - We learned from Rai that Matt Kindt can write a compelling Ninja and we knew from Super Spy and Mind MGMT that his spy chops are not to be doubted.  In Ninjak, we are given a fusion of the two in an entertaining comic that reminds me of the anime I watched as a kid.  Interesting villains with specialized powers, a seemingly normal protagonist that is more than meets the eye, and Ninja Scroll-esque fight sequences.  Very excited about the prospect of this title and the other characters that Kindt will introduce us to in future issues.

Ghosted #18 - What could go wrong when you lead a group of people into a ghost town that is seeking its revenge towards one of your members?  Not what I expected, but woah.  What started as a fun adventure with the supernatural, which we expect with Ghosted, turned south very quick.  Ghosted is a title that I would use to introduce a new reader into the world of comic books and this issue would be a great leaping on point.








The Walking Dead #138 - I must say that it has been nice seeing Rick take a back seat and allowing other characters to share the spotlight.  The teen romance between Carl and Lydia has been both interesting and disturbing.  The tension this arc continues to climb each issue and doesn't quite break.  There are moments, like the end of this issue and when Maggie was poisoned that feel big, but the big moment is still out there taunting us.  This arc may have started slow, but it is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  I am really enjoying the air of mystery with the Lydia's crew.

Howard the Duck #1 - I understand that this comic is tongue in cheek and is supposed to be silly, but I didn't find it particularly funny.  It's not that it was bad, but there was nothing that caused me to laugh out loud or bring me back for issue number 2.  I feel this is going to be a book that is either right up your alley or something you would rather avoid.  I am the latter.









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