Thursday Morning Superhero

Only two comics on my pull-list this week means that it is the perfect time to attempt my addition of reviewing one older comic per week. For the debut of this feature I am going to review the classic Chew #1. When I first started reading this series I was blown away at the food universe that John Layman created and was not prepared to where that journey led.

Pick of the Week:
Darth Vader #13 - An interesting development is afoot as the Empire is vying for control of Mon Cala, home of Mr. Ackbar. It is pretty interesting to see Admiral Ackbar pre-admiral title working on his home planet. Apparently there are some valuable resources on this underwater planet and Palpatine isn't taking too kindly to a rumor that the Jedi are present. In addition to positioning a fleet in the planet's orbit under the control of Tarkin, Vader and the inquisitors are attempting some "diplomacy". They have the attention of who I believe is Obi-Wan and I am anticipating an action packed follow-up to this issue. One of the best Vader issues in a while and I am definitely curious where this arc is heading.

The Rest:
DuckTales #7 - I think we can make a good case for Joe Caramagna to join the Disney XD crew at the writers' table for season 2. He has done an amazing job filling in the gap between seasons with his mini-stories that are an absolute delight. My favorite this week involved a ghost town and was very reminiscent of classic Scooby Doo. If you or your kids enjoy DuckTales then this is a title that should be on your pull-list and one well worth your time and money.

A look back (working title):
Chew #1 - The opening page of this comic provides a hint at what to expect in this off-the-walls series. It opens with someone chopping some vegetables for a soup and accidentally cutting themselves. Most people would proceed to then deal with the wound, but this person uses their bloody hand to add in the final ingredients. Chew focuses on detective Tony Chu, who works for the FDA. It is a time where chicken is outlawed and his skill as a cibopath is extremely valuable. What is a cibopath exactly? It is someone who gets visions of the life of the food he eats, with the exception of canned beets. If he eats a hamburger, he will get a flash of what the cow ate and how the cow was slaughtered. This particular set of skills comes in extremely handy when dealing with food related crimes. This debut issue featured some of the over the top characters and gore that fans would come to experience throughout this amazing series. We meet D-Bear and witness Chu's partner take a hatchet to the face.  This series is illustrated by the amazing Rob Guillory who shines in bringing this bizarre series to life. I can't imagine a different artist on this series. Good times.

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 I will take my first delve into the world of Dungeons and Dragons.  I don't know how I avoided this game throughout my nerdy life, but I look forward to finally going on my first adventure.  The reading I have been doing has made me wonder what comics would make for a good role playing game.  I didn't back the Sixth Gun rpg kickstarter, but may have to look into it.  Locke and Key would be amazing, as would this week's pick of the week Chew.  I just wonder if there would be enough demand for it.

Pick of the Week:
Chew #58 - What just happened?  Just when I think John Layman is going to zig, he zags and keeps me in total suspense.  I was convinced this was going to be a tragic issue in which Tony Chu was forced to eat his wife to save the world.  As I type this I feel like Layman has been playing me like a fiddle all along.  That is too simple for someone like him and I have no idea how the end of the world will be prevented.  Curse you Layman!!!  I think what I will miss most of all when this series reaches its end are the absurd food related abilities that Layman creates.  This issue features three brothers who are vireholitoriams (derived from the Latin words for manly, vegetables, and human), individuals who get enhanced strength from specific vegetables.  That may sound random, but Tony Chu has a strong connection to beets and enjoys the bite he takes out of the youngest brother who is powered by beets.  Small touches like this make it one of the most bizarre and enjoyable books and one that will be missed.

The Rest:
Dept. H #6 - It feels like we are nearing the end of this mystery, as Mia appears to have her list of suspects narrowed down.  Matt and Sharlene Kindt do a masterful job weaving in flash backs to really develop their characters in a condensed time frame.  Through the lens of Mia as a child, we learn so much about her upbringing and her eclectic dad (whose murder she is 6 miles beneath the surface trying to solve).  The design of the underwater gear remind me of the robots from Laputa, in Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky.  In a stellar follow-up to Mind MGMT, the Kindt family is a force to be reckoned with.



Batman #7 - The new arc, Night of the Monster Men, kicked off to a gruesome and appropriately titled debut.  In what felt like a cross between Attack of Titan and what happens to Tetsuo in Akira, Gotham is plagued by a giant baby courtesy of Hugo Strange.  Enlisting the help of Clayface, who is helping out the good guys, Batman, Batwoman, and Night Wing have their hands full.  On top of this surprise attack, a hurricane is hitting Gotham and many of its residents need to be evacuated from the flooding.  This arc looks to be high in intensity and will hopefully be a lot of fun.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #62 - It feels to finally be current with this series and a lot has gone down.  For a quick update, Splinter has taken out Shredder and is now the leader of the Foot Clan.  The Foot are supposedly loyal and doing good, but Michelangelo has had his doubts.  In this issue Raph was finally able to convince him to set aside his differences and rejoin his family.   It was a feel-good moment that was quickly dashed as Splinter and the Foot have an all out attack planned for a rival gang.  I don't like the look of the new Splinter and worry that he is being corrupted.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

As we near the end of another beloved series, I feel like reflecting on series that I miss, but that ended things properly on their own terms.  In no particular order I salute The Sixth Gun, Y: The Last Man, Locke and Key, Mind MGMT, and Sweet Tooth.  I hold a special place on my bookshelf for you all and enjoy revisiting your stories on an annual visit.  Chew will find a place on that shelf soon, but other series that seem to overstay their welcome and moved on.

Pick of the Week:
Chew #57 - All of the pieces of this bizarre puzzle are starting to come together.  Either John Layman is a genius, or he is doing one amazing job at connecting the dots in one of my all-time favorite series.  We last left with Tony Chu having to eat Mason Savoy to gain his knowledge of the avian flu.  Amazingly enough, Layman managed to utilize various food based talents as the root of the cause.  This somehow brings together all of the various cibo-related individuals we learned about throughout this series and this issue brings us to the source of their powers.  I don't want to give Layman a big head, but the way that everything is coming together is mighty impressive. The only negative thing I can say about this issue is the final message conveyed to Chu from Savoy.  I am going to pretend that it isn't true and that somehow Chu will find an alternative.  From what Layman has hinted at on social media, I don't think anyone is going to survive this series.  I'm still bitter about Poyo.

The Rest:
Star Wars #22 - I had thought this series was starting to cool off, but then we are treated to a high-octane issue with an immensely satisfying payoff.  The Rebels are trying to sabotage a Star Destroyer with the assistance of the Millennium Falcon and its standard crew.  This issue feels like watching a classic Star Wars battle with near misses, X-Wings sadly going down, and Luke using the Force to guide his actions.  In order to avoid spoilers I won't spill the beans on the payoff, but this issue, which felt like a simple and fun action oriented issue, ends up being a huge strategic move by the Rebels that should pay dividends immediately.  


Dept. H #5 - Matt and Sharlene Kindt's murder mystery under the sea has really picked up in this issue.  There are a lot of suspects as to who had the means and motivation to murder Mia's father.  This issue really intensified things in terms of how far our culprit is willing to go to prevent Mia from getting to the bottom of things.  This series features and incredible story and the visuals that I've grown to love from Kindt.  His watercolor style is absolutely stunning and really adds an erie element that works incredibly well for this series.   A reader in the letters sections compared this book to Bioshock, and while there are stark differences, the haunting underwater vibe is very similar.

True Stories #2 - Derf Backderf has collected some of his comics from The City, ranging from 2009-2014.  I was introduced to Backderf's autobiographical style in the amazing My Friend Dahmer, his account of growing up with Jeffrey Dahmer (a Nerds of a Feather Best Comic of 2012!), and this book has a similar feel.  This book is a collection of one page comic strips of first or second-hand accounts of people watching.  It is a nice slice of life book in which we are all flies on the wall observing humanity and all of its flaws.  Good stuff.





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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Happy Thursday!  Before we hop into this week's books, I thought I would share another kickstarter project that is too cool not to share.  A group of smart people huddled together, and figured out how to put an escape room in a box.  Escape rooms are quite popular, but can be expensive, difficult to coordinate, and require some serious scheduling.  To avoid this hassle, this convenient option was invented and darn does it look cool.  They have unlocked some awesome stretch goals and I am looking forward to adding this to my ever growing game collection.  Check it out here and let me know what you think!

Pick of the Week:
Chew #55 - John Layman made his twitter followers promise not to spoil anything and I am a good and loyal subject.  I will say that Mr. Layman has made me feel sympathetic towards a character who I had previously loathed.  Multiple characters in this issue demonstrated that they were far more complex than I ever had realized, and it makes me want to go back and reread this insane adventure from the start.  When I first learned about Tony Chu and his cibopath powers, I never guessed that his adventure would have brought us to where we are today.  There were a few moments in the middle where I doubted where his tale was going, but it appears that the conclusion is going to be worth the journey.  If you are not already a Chew fan DO NOT read this book.  Go pick up a few trades, maybe even an omnivore edition, and catch up.  What are you waiting for?!?!

The Rest:
Daredevil #4 - Charles Soule drops a bomb, literally, in his early run with the man with no fear.  I have enjoyed the direction Soule has taken Mr. Murdock thus far, and the added twist in this one was a great touch. After Tenfingers confronted Murdock, he turns to a powerless Steve Rogers for guidance.  In a chilling moment, Daredevil realizes he has stumbled onto a bomb.  Rogers asks Daredevil how much time is left until it explodes to which Daredevil responds, "I don't know."  Something as simple as not being able to sense how much time is left is a chilling and sobering moment in this great book.  Daredevil realizes that Cap doesn't know he is blind as he directs him to the green and yellow wires.  There is something about seeing how vulnerable some superheroes really are and Soule's early take on Daredevil is not to be missed.

Saga #34 - I love how sweet and trusting toddler Hazel is.  It is staggering to think of how much she has grown throughout this series, and how I hope this book shifts with more of a focus on her.  She has always been our narrator, but it is something to see her come into her own and really start to drive some of the narrative.  A lot has to be resolved before we can head in that direction, but I feel that is where we are headed and I couldn't be more excited.  It was also amazing to see that The Will, even fat The Will, is still a freaking force to be reckoned with.  We are reaching the point where our fragmented stories will all merge into one and it is going to be a glorious train wreck!



Plutona #4 - Things really pick up when Mie learns about how Tugger and her brother have been trying to gain Plutona's power by trying to absorb her blood.  It isn't apparent how well it is working as Tugger has been sick, but there are changes happening and I fear for Mie and her "friends" and what might happen after the effect of the blood kicks in.  Jeff Lemire remains adept at connecting his readers to his characters on an emotional level with ease.  I am truly afraid for the next issue and the conclusion of this dark tale.





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 week we have a jumbo sized version of Thursday Morning Superhero, but before jumping into this week's recap, I want to urge everyone to go visit the Skelton Crew Studio's website.  As the proud owner of a plush Poyo, a Chog, and multiple keys, I can attest to the amazing products that they produce.  With the impending end of Chew, my wallet fears what may happen as new products are announced.

Pick of the Week:

Chew #54 - This series is racing towards its conclusion and I fear for the life of everyone.  John Layman, George R. Martin, Jr., isn't afraid to kill even our most beloved of characters.   From what Layman wrote at the end of this issue, things are only going to get worse.  I feel like this comic just punched me in the face.  With only six issues left in the series, I struggle with how things can work out for Tony Chu.   Despite all of the doom and gloom, he does manage to give his readers a gift every now and then and the Punxsutawney Groundchog is the gift that keeps on giving.  Hoping the Skelton Crew Studio will offer a plush of this fella. 

The Rest:

Southern Bastards #13 - Jason Aaron and Jason Latour don't pull any punches with their take on football in the south.  As someone who has abandoned the NFL many years ago, it is a guilty pleasure to read about the corruption that impacts our sport system.  This is a series provides a glimpse behind the curtain of big time high school sports and might find itself on the reading list for a sociology of sport class at some point.  Boss is the coach you love to hate.




Daredevil #2 - Charles Soule's run is off to a good start and is doing a nice job distinguishing his style from Mark Waid's incredible journey with the Man with No Fear.  The series now has a noir feel to it and is lacking a lot of the humor that Waid used to inject in the series.  While I enjoyed the humor of old, I feel that the new direction breathes new life into one of my favorite comic book characters.  Tenfingers is a very intriguing villain and is a formidable foe if he managed to escape the Hand with some sort of mystical item.   I am excited to see where Soule takes this series. 

Saga #33 - Oh how the Will has fallen.  Apparently losing your main squeeze and your feline sidekick will do that to a man.  Despite all of his troubles, he remains on the trail Marko.  We learn this through a series of reporters who may be in over their heads trying to break the biggest story in the universe.  Brian K. Vaughan gives us another wrinkle in this tale of forbidden love and it continues to be one of my favorite series of all time.

Old Man Logan #1 - As strange as it is to read a Wolverine title penned by Jeff Lemire, it is quite fun.  Logan, who as you may have guessed from the title is an old man, has somehow traveled back in time.  In order to prevent his family's death at the hands of the Hulk Gang, Logan sets himself on the path that he thinks will set things straight.  After reading Daredevil and seeing the length that most superheros go to to prevent death, it is oddly refreshing to witness the brutality that Wolverine is capable of. 





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 is time for the final 2015 installment of Thursday Morning Superhero.  Since I was on holiday last week and found this week's books to be a bit slow, I am going to combine my pull list from the past two weeks in this post.  I hope you all had a great 2015 and have an even better 2016!  Cheers!

Pick of the Week:
Saga #32 - It does the heart good to see Marko and Alana back together, but I won't rest easy until they are reunited with Hazel.  In the latest chapter, we see the couple fighting the powers that be in order to find the location of Hazel and Alana's mother.  This brings them closer together as a couple and the two are able to move on from the events on Gardenia.  Brian K. Vaughan continues to push the boundaries with his character creation and the artwork of Fiona Staples is without question Eisner winning material.   The cherry on the cake in this issue is how big Prince Robot's son has grown.  I look forward to what shenanigans he gets into.

The Rest:
Captain America: White #5 - This stellar series from Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale reached a fitting conclusion and might even leave a tear in your eye.  As I mentioned in other reviews, it really felt like an homage to classic Cap and was even dedicated to Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.  Not to play spoiler, but Red Skull was stopped and Paris was saved thanks to Cap and his crew.  This series made me appreciate the connection that Cap and Bucky had and got emotional as Cap confronts the fact that there was one time he couldn't save his friend.  Captain America said, "the war went on for four more years.  This was only one of our adventures."  Is it too much to hope that we will have more of these from Loeb and Sale in the near future?  I sure hope so.

Darth Vader #14 - The "Vader Down" event continued as his plan to catch Luke doesn't seem to be  going as it should.  I don't plan on breaking down the story too much, which you should totally read, but will instead talk about what this series does right.  It introduces the reader to new and interesting characters, and provides a new angle in which to study existing characters.  There is something very appealing about a flawed Vader, Chewbacca being overpowered by a stronger Wookiee, and seeing a powerful Sith in Commander Karbin, a cross between General Grievious and Admiral Akbar.  Marvel and its creative team have really done a great job expanding on the Star Wars Universe and breaking the mold in its portrayal of classic characters.

Chew #53 - The race to the finish line continues as Tony Chu and Savoy travel to prehistoric times in an attempt to understand the root of the avian flu. In classic John Layman style, the journey into the past is psychedelic, insane, and not at all what I expected.  While I am sad for this series to end, it looks like Layman has an exciting finish in store for us fans.  As Savoy said to Chu, "there is usually one ending for people such as you and I,  For Cibopaths.  One will die.  And the other will dine on the flesh of his enemy."





 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 week Pinnacle Entertainment Group launched a Kickstarter for a Sixth Gun RPG!  Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt and  RPG author Scott Woodard teamed up to bring us this adventure that includes new comic content.  I can't wait to get my gaming group together and embark on a quest for the six guns!  It has already funded and smashed through three stretch goals at the time I wrote this.  My hope is they will unlock all of the stretch goals and add some new ones!  It also includes some amazing miniatures that I would love to add to my collection.  Check it out here.

Pick of the Week:
Chew #49 - (Chew has its own Kickstarter worth checking out too!)  The master plan has been unveiled and I have learned to trust John Layman.  That will ultimately lead to my demise, but decisions I questioned in regards to this series is setting up an epic conclusion.  The Collector may be the most formidable villain that has ever graced the pages of a comic book.  If he existed with other superheros and villains, they would likely have to team up to take him down and the movie rights would sell for millions.  In this world, the only one who was capable of taking him down, Poyo, was tragically killed a few issues back.  At the time I questioned it and wished a plague of Mega Blocks upon Layman.   After this issue, I have learned that Layman knows what he is doing and would make a bang up spiritual guide.  Guide us oh wise Layman!

The Rest:
The Infinity Gauntlet #1 - Quick background.  Secret Wars has given birth to Battleworld, a world comprised of fragments from worlds that no longer exist.  This story begins in one of those fragments, a world that was overcome by enormous bugs.  While the setting isn't too important, it serves as a nice backdrop.  While I haven't been enjoying this event, as a fan of the original Infinity Gauntlet, I wanted to give it a try.  Of the Secret Wars books, this is by far my favorite.  Gerry Duggan and Dustin Weaver tease us with the first Infinity Stone and I am very excited where this will lead.



Old Man Logan #1 - I guess I am now starting to see the value of Secret Wars.  Bringing in these fragmented worlds from the past is fun to revisit.  If they can manage to link them together cohesively I will be very impressed.  It was fun to revisit Old Man Logan and see what this grumpy cowboy is up to.  He has been  busy, taking care of Danielle Cage and attempting to maintain peace among the area gangs.  Things change when he finds the head of an Ultron in what must be the link that will bring him to join the others on Battleworld.

Fight Club 2 #1 - 19 years after the groundbreaking novel by Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club has returned.  The comic, penned by Palahniuk, is a true sequel to the book.  10 years after the failure of Project Mayhem, we rejoin our troubled narrator as he attempts to live a normal life.  Amidst his failing marriage, his son who is building bombs, and his drug addiction, he sees flashes of Tyler Durden.  I am not sure what to think after the first issue, but I will most likely check out the next to see how the story progresses.





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

Thursday Morning Superhero

A big congratulations to the good folk at Valiant Entertainment who inked a five-picture deal with Sony Pictures this week.   Bloodshot and Harbinger will each get two feature films and a fifth crossover film will bring the two together in grand finale.  If you haven't given the Valiant properties a read I highly suggest you check them out.  Rai and Ninjak are two of my favorite, and I am now very intrigued to check out these two series in details.   Congrats!

Pick of the Week:
Mind MGMT #32 - The final arc is here and I am filled with a range of emotions.  I am anxious to read the finale Matt Kindt has planned for his opus, but I don't want to leave the world of Mind Management.  Well, I don't like the management as it is evil, but the cast of characters that Kindt has assembled throughout this series is simply stunning.  I want more characters that have unique abilities like in this issue.  The power of words, the ability to use a hive mind, and the power of propaganda to name a few.   It is a stunning world that may have an ending that isn't very happy.  The Eraser seems to be one step ahead of Meru at every turn.  Just when we think Meru has a chance to recruit a former agent, we realize she was too late.  The finale is sure to be epic and I am confident that blood will be shed, but believe in Meru.  I want my daughter to be like Meru.  Maybe Zelda can dress up as Meru for Halloween?

The Rest:
Chew #48 - John Layman is truly a comic book pioneer.  For the first time in comic book history, a cybernetic horse dick joke was dedicated to a fellow creator.  I hope comic book artist Nick Pitarra is truly honored to be part of history.  Beyond the awesome dedication, Layman delivered an epic issue!  Olive Chu is awake and ready to take down the collector.  She surprisingly has teamed up with Savoy (who I still don't trust) and must first face a deadly team of Jellassassins (a deadly group of criminals who have special powers associated with gelatin based food).  Layman is gearing up for an epic finale that is sure to leave large numbers of bodies in its wake.  I fear for Tony Chu and am convinced that Layman is only ending the book soon because he can't think of enough food related powers to keep the story going.

Convergence Wonder Woman #1 - I really want to give Convergence a chance, but may have spent my last $3.99 on a DC title until this event is over.  I imagine I will cave for Batman, but the Mortal Kombat of the DC Universe does little for me.  This issue introduced Wonder Woman as a champion of the Gotham from our world.  I like this idea, but was lost as soon as the vampire world villains appeared, including vampire Joker, Catwoman and Poison Ivy.  I am sure that some are enjoying this event quite a bit, but I think I will be taking a DC break for some time.

Star Wars #4 - After the hype of the new trailer that dropped at Star Wars Celebration, it is good to return to some new material set after Episode IV.  There is a lot of soul searching taking place amongst the characters.  Leia wants to define herself as a leader of the rebellion, Luke doesn't know who the hell he is, and Vader is trying to maintain a balance between serving the Empire and gaining control of it.  I continue to be impressed with this title and feel the creators have done an excellent job remaining true to the source material.  That is no easy task and should be commended.  Oh yeah.  A character named Boba Fett showed up.



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 is hard to believe that the anxiety, excitement, and frustration of Comic Con is already beginning to unfold.  This past week was open registration, which saw dreams made and hopes dashed simultaneously.  Congrats to those who secured passes, but to those that didn't, don't feel sad.  If you really want to experience SDCC, you may do so in the Gaslamp with the plethora of offsite activities.  If you are just hankering for a convention, I would suggest C2E2 in Chicago.  It is one of the bigger comic book conventions and always has an amazing lineup, but it is approachable and an absolute blast.  My only request is that you don't complain about an unfair system or get angry at the folks behind the scenes.  No system is perfect and everyone is acting with good intentions.  It's just rough when demand outranks supply by such a wide margin.

Pick of the Week:
D4VE #1 - A little over a year ago I reviewed a fabulous digital comic from the good folk at MonkeyBrain Comics.  It pleases me that IDW is bringing this to the masses and I hope it can enjoy a wider audience.  It is your basic story.  Man creates robots, robots kill man, robots kill all living things in the universe, robots mimics man and lives a dull and mundane existence.  In the first issue we learn about D4VE, a former defense bot who has seen his life go from one of the heroes of all robot-kind, to working a dead end job and stuck in a loveless marriage.  Ryan Ferrier and Valentin Ramon deliver a fresh, humorous book with amazing visuals to go with it.  Small touches from hoodies that D4VE wears, to the complaint about forgetting to pick up oil from the convenience store on the way home may this book special.  I said it was a must read comic a year ago, and that holds true today.  It was great to revisit this title and I hope the sales reflect how freaking good this book is.

The Rest:
Chew #46 - Well, it wasn't a dream.  As crazy as this series is and the bizarre stuff that John Layman and Rob Guillory put in each issue, the heartbreak from issue #45 is real.  Things have reached a pretty depressing state in the Chew Universe and I am not sure how things will be undone.  While it appears Colby had good intentions for snapping Poyo's neck, Agent Chu is up a creek without a paddle.  Amazing that I can feel that way after reading an issue in which the Devil was fleeing from Poyo in Hell, there was a Swedish Fish battering ram, and we saw the return of D-Bear.  I'm not sure if Layman is a genius or if he is certifiably insane.




Batman #39 - Solid issue, but color me a bit underwhelmed.  The prospect of Batman returning to the Court of Owls was genius, but the actual meeting felt a bit flat.  I think we will learn more of the meeting next issue (I hope), but I was hoping for more.  Despite this, Batman has quite the scheme to attempt to extract blood from Joker's spine in an attempt to find a cure for what is plaguing Gotham.   Fun issue and I can't wait to see the conclusion of this arc, but not quite what I wanted.

Darth Vader #2 - Despite getting the business for his screw up on the Death Star, Vader is still Vader and is one conniving sun of a gun.  I never felt his character in the movies to be truly menacing or evil, but feel the comics provide a fresh take on him and really paint him in a new light.  I sound like a broken record, but I continue to be impressed with Marvel's ownership of this franchise.








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

Thursday Morning Superhero

The kind folks here gave me the week off for Thanksgiving and things were looking up.  We started putting Christmas decorations up at the house (the Star Wars tree will go up this weekend), I spent most of Thanksgiving break playing board games with my son, and I am in the home stretch this semester.  Then I read Chew.

Pick of the Week:
Chew #45 - Well, John Layman just ruined Christmas.  Sorry Virginia, but there isn't a Santa Claus because he would never allow something like this to happen.  I knew that nobody was safe and that Layman wasn't scared to pull some major punches, but this one is below the belt.  Maybe if I put my fingers in my ear and say "lalalalalalala" I can pretend it didn't happen.  Maybe issue #46 will open with this character, looking sharp with Patrick Duffy hair, taking a shower and we will learn this is all a dream.  I know in the bottom of my heart this isn't true and these last five issues are going to be soul-wrenching, but this was just too cruel.  The only good that came out of this issue was a nice Kool-Aid gag and the best sounding lasers in the business.  Still, I feel as if I have had a "pyeoom, pyeoom!" right in the gut.  Curse you Layman!!!

The Rest:
Birthright #3 - Josh Williamson and Andrei Bressan's exciting fantasy tale continues this week as Mikey is beginning his epic quest back in this world. Utilizing some impressive magic he was able to escape from the police and rejoin his father and brother.  It appears that his mother can see through his tricks, but regardless, he sets on his quest to slay the five escaped criminals from his world.  This series is a good to look at as it is to read.  Bressan, colorist Adriano Lucas, and letterer Pat Brosseau do a marvelous job in the juxtaposition of fantasy and reality.  The effect is stunning and I am oddly reminded of the live action Masters of the Universe movie.  In a good way.


Gotham Academy #3 - This series just continues to be plain fun.  If it could avoid being as bad as Gotham, which wouldn't be too hard, it would be a perfect fit for television.  My wife is a big fan of the high school drama shows like Dawson's Creek and The O.C. (I swear it's her!) and this would fit that genre well.  It would have amazing cameos considering all of the colorful characters that populate Gotham and would hook a lot of readers if it were as well written as this series.  The ghost hunt was both entertaining and horrifying.  I love the pacing of this series.  It provides insights into the characters that attend the school while maintaining a focus on the story that the issue revolves around.


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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Another great week of comics featuring an impressive debut from none other than Alyssa Milano!  Throw in an epic conclusion to All out War and sprinkle in some Mind MGMT just for fun and this is one solid week for the funny books.  Add to the mix that International TableTop day has been officially announced for April 5 and I am one happy camper.

Pick of the Week:
Batman #27 - This is the moment that I completely buy in to what Scott Snyder is doing with Zero Year.  This is the moment that I am a fan of the Riddler.  I have sung high praise for Snyder's run with Batman, as have countless others, but have struggled with Zero Year.  It had improved, but I feel that it truly came into its own in this issue.  From the frantic action to open the book, to the additional background provided about Gordon's coat, this issue truly felt like it was all coming together.  Snyder's vision for Zero Year finally paid off (not that it was ever bad by any means) and it was worth it.  Personally I have never been a fan of the Riddler, but with Snyder controlling the nefarious foe I am rapidly enjoying this duel with Batman.  Time to get excited about Batman again.

The Rest:
Hacktivist #1 - Alyssa Milano, actress, reality tv host, and possibly the boss, released her first comic this week on Archaia (now officially part of Boom).  Hacktivist pays homage to Anonymous and was inspired by Jack Dorsey, the creator of Twitter.  Hacktivist is the tale of SVE_URS3LF, a hacker that is helping overturn the Tunisian government.  Filled with intrigue, rivalries, deception, and get this, hacking, Hacktivist is an impressive debut from an unexpected person.  Well done Ms. Milano.  You have yourself a fan.

Mind MGMT #18 - Matt Kindt continues his impressive run with Mind MGMT and introduces us to another student of the Mind MGMT academy.  This month we learn about Ella, a Mind MGMT agent who has the ability to telepathically communicate with animals.  She had a troubled past (trips to the zoo were disasterous), but found support from Henry, her guardian bear.   Straight out of Richard Scary's Busytown, the perception of Mind MGMT from Ella's lens is fascinating and entertaining.  Ella's struggle to use the animals as weapons was heartfelt and crushing.  Still, Lyme and Meru need all of the help they can get if they are to stop Mind MGMT and the Eraser.  Things are getting intense and this remains one of the best titles on the market.

Chew #39 - The insanity that is John Layman is very apparent in the latest issue of Chew.  I am very happy I went back and reread this series as it has reinvigorated me on what an amazing world he has created.  I don't want to spoil anything, but if you are a fan of the series you will be pleased to know that issue 39 is insane and beautiful.  I want a spin-off of Amelia's sci-fi detective novel.  I want that novel produced by SyFy in a cheesy made for tv movie.  I want it all.  I also was pleased to see Olive Chu show off her impressive skills.  I think that the next Chew sculpt from the Skeleton Crew Studio should be Olive with a chocolate sword.  That is all.

Walking Dead #120 - Holy heroics Denise!  I was quite impressed with her can do spirit, but that is when it hit the fan.  Negan and his men conclude their all out assault on Hilltop. Just when you think Negan can't get any more vulgar, Kirkman finds a way.  Let's just say that throwing grenades at Rick and company has got him excited to the point that he is considering wrapping a certain body part with barbed wire and dubbing it Lucille 2 (Side note: I want to go back and look for other parallels between Negan and Buster from Arrested Development now).  The action is brutal as things look bleak for Hilltop.  Did Negan win?  What happened?  I don't want to wait.  Curse you Kirkman!

Thursday Morning Superhero

In this installment of Thursday Morning Superhero I will be writing on the road in my old stomping grounds of Austin, TX.  Like most of my fellow comic bloggers, I am attending an academic conference on the study of sport this week.  Maybe it's just me.  Well on to the comics!

Pick of the Week:
X-Men #1 - Brian Wood has established himself as a force to be reckoned with.  From the success of the Massive (which is great) to his ability to appease finicky fans (ie, Star Wars fans), this is a creator that you can trust.  I had my doubts that this book, featuring an all female cast, would read like a gimmick.  I am pleased to report that this title breathes new life into a franchise that, in my opinion, has been spread a little thin in recent memory.  Jubilee returns to earth with a mysterious infant.  When the two are brought into custody, there are major concerns as there is no record of the infant. There is concern that this is some sort of trap that the X-Men have willingly allowed into their custody.  Fast paced, well written, and great potential.  Very nice debut issue.

The Rest:
The Wake #1 - When I saw that Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy were working on a title together I could hardly contain myself.  A creative duo like this working on a new project is reason to be excited.  While I wasn't completely hooked with issue one, the intrigue built in the world they have created will keep me on board.  Whatever creature is being secured underwater in this post apocalyptic future gives me the heebie geebies!

Chew #34 - This feels like classic Chew.  We are introduced to a series of characters with special food related skills, Savoy asserts himself again akin to the early arcs, and Tony Chu makes a bold move hell bent on revenge.  For a series that I was still enjoying, but without the same passion as the early issues, this one served as a springboard to bring me back in.

Morning Glories #27 - Nick Spencer and crew really know how to provide the most bang-for-buck in comics.  The bridge between season one and season two was only $1, and the first issue in season 2 is a double-sized issue that explains a lot, and creates more questions.  The tone is set that we will finally understand some of the secrets of Morning Glories Academy, but I find myself confused with the overlapping timelines, etc.  

Thursday Morning Superhero

Thursday morning is upon us and it is time for another recap of what comics I read this week.  That's right, it is time for Thursday Morning Superhero! My budget limited me from picking up some great comics this week, but I am quite pleased with my haul.  No real bad book in the bunch.

Pick of the Week:
 Chew #30 - Issue 30 of Chew is a landmark issue for multiple reasons.  It marks the half-way point in the series and the conclusion of the current Space Cakes arc.  This is a tough review to write because this issue features some of the humor that has sustained this excellent book, but also featured a very rare and dark moment that truly saddened me.  I can't say this book has evoked this type of emotion before, but I think it is testament to the characters and the world Layman has created.  I actually care about Tony Chu and his rag tag gang.  It appears that the path laid out ahead for Tony is going to be a rough one.  This book also featured a poster of a toilet seat at a hospital.  That is all.

Runner-up:

Uncanny Avengers #2 - Captain America and crew are still trying to deal with the aftermath of Avengers vs. X-men.  Cap wants to put together a new team that will have a strong mutant leader in an attempt to ease tensions on the homefront.  Meanwhile, Rogue, the Scarlett Witch and Professor X's body have been captured by Red Skull.  This book started a little slow, but I love me some Red Skull and his latest scheme didn't disappoint.  Really enjoying this series and can't wait for more Red Skull.

The Not so Good:
 Nowhere Men #1 - While this comic has me intrigued, I felt the story bounced around a bit too much for a first issue.  World Corp. is a group of four top scientists who are working on some pretty scary stuff, but I don't know what the true focus of the book will be.  It seems to be filled with good characters and an interesting premise, but it felt flat and didn't hook me.  This is one I will keep my eye on for future issues, but only if I hear good things.

The Rest:
FF #1 -Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four are leaving this dimension for a quest and need to find replacements to oversee FF for four minutes in their absence in case something happens.  She-hulk, Medusa, and Ms. Thing are quick to join, but Ant Man isn't so sure.  Interspersed with the kids' opinion about what FF is, Matt Fraction has a good balance of humor that keeps the pacing of the story fresh.  Something tells me that the four minutes with this crew in charge may be quite eventful.

Morning Glories #23 - More secrets are revealed about Morning Glories Academy and there are some hints about Hunter's origin.  Nick Spencer's world has grown a bit confusing with all of the flashbacks and the secrecy around MGA.  I am a happy reader as this book inspires me to reread this series from the beginning to see when the seeds were planted that lead to the payoffs in this issue.

Bedlam #2 - This issue continues the dark journey that was laid out in issue one.  We learn a little more about Mister Red, but there is a lot of mystery and intrigue surrounding this serial killer.  The police have their plan, but the demented mind of this killer keeps things very fresh and interesting.  If this series continues down the path that Spencer has laid out thus far, it will quickly become one of my favorite series. 

Thursday Morning Superhero

Marvel Now! Point One launched yet Hawkeye managed to steal its thunder this week and Sixth Gun and Walking Dead continue to dazzle.  I say it week after week, but it truly is a good time to be reading comics.  Without further ado here is this week’s Thursday Morning Superhero.  As always, hit me up at @newhousebailey with any comments or suggestions.

Pick of the Week:

Hawkeye #3 – Yeah Bro, if you are looking for a book that is simply a pleasure to read, filled with top-notch action sequences, humor, and is just plain fun to read then you need to be reading Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye.  The premise for this issue is that Clint Barton has done nine stupid things today.  He takes you through them, not in sequential order, while the final chase scene is taking place.  Throughout the day you learn about his trick arrows (putty arrow, boomerang arrow, net arrow, etc.), his attempt to get organized, and his current tryst.   This issue makes a great one-shot that is just flat out entertaining.  You will not be disappointed to picked this one up. Bro.

Runner-up:

Sixth Gun #26 – Hot off of a new deal with NBC, the Sixth Gun continues to deliver.  Drake and Becky attempt to take on the Wendigo, the creature that has them trapped in a mysterious snow storm and Gord, Kirby and the mummy Asher pursue the two for their own personal reasons.  The Sword of Abraham complicates things for the trio in pursuit of the gun and we learn from a flashback the type of devious creature the Wendigo truly is.  Cullen Bunn continues to deliver in one of the best books on the market today.

The Not as Good:

Marvel Zombies Halloween #1 – The original Marvel Zombies was an enjoyable concept mixed with humor and gore.  It was light, and an interesting twist to the Marvel Universe.  At this point the series feels like a gimmick that has stopped working.  While not terrible and without merit, I just don’t think we need to continue to go down this road.

The Rest:

The Walking Dead #103 – In what was an incredibly strong week for comics, this issue was just edged out of the top 2.  We finally meet the devious Negan and his bat Lucille and Rick begins his plan of pretending to throw in the towel with the Saviors to save everyone and learn their secrets.  Not the most exciting issue to date, but Kirkman is still putting out a phenomenal book and this issue featured the best final line in a comic for the week.

Marvel Now! Point One – Marvel’s latest attempt to draw in new readers featured a preview issue that introduces readers to some new titles on the horizon.  Of the six titles previewed in this issue, I am most intrigued by FF featuring Ant Man, Young Avengers and Cable and X-Force.  From what this book lays out, Marvel has some promising titles on the horizon.

Daredevil #19 – Foggy is still convinced that Daredevil isn’t right in the head so he finally seeks some help.  We learn that someone is causing Murdock to have the hallucinations that have severed his relationship with Foggy.  Foggy spills the beans to Kirsten McDuffie about Matt’s instability, and she has no choice but to use her resources to bring Murdock in.  On top of that, Daredevil realizes who is the culprit behind everything and seeks to stop him.   We learn that the Spot is back and has Daredevil in a rather compromising position at the conclusion of this issue.  Waid continues to demonstrate why he won the Eisner for this series.

Lookouts #2 – Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik of Penny Arcade continue their new comic with the second tale about a boy scout like tribe set in a fantasy world.  The humor and art have a very Penny Arcade feel which isn’t a bad thing.  The comic is light, humorous and may provide some depth later on.  Not my favorite book out there, but one that I enjoyed.

Peanuts #3 – When Kaboom! got the Peanuts license I was pretty excited.  Their Muppets is one of my favorites for kids and they have captured the spirit of the Charlie Brown I grew up with.  Lucy is still bossy, Linus is still four steps ahead of everyone else and Charlie Brown is still a loveable blockhead.  If you are a Peanuts fan you will enjoy this book.

What I should have read:

Saucer Country #8 – @Kristroffrable turned me on to this series, but sadly I haven’t started it yet. I picked up the first two issues on ComiXology and plan to read it, but haven’t started this tale of a presidential candidate with claims of alien abduction.  A new story arc begins this week in what, I have been told, is a great book.

Chew #29 – I decided to move to trades with Chew and should have probably stuck with single issues.  John Layman has introduced comic readers to an incredible world that everyone should read.  This week’s issue starts to conclude the Space Cakes story arc as this series begins to reach its final conclusion.