Thursday Morning Superhero

Here is my round-up of the first week of comics in 2013.  As much as I wanted to read Fatale, I am switching over to the trades to save some money and try out some new books.

The Best:
Punk Rock Jesus #6 - All hell breaks loose in the epic conclusion to Punk Rock Jesus from Sean Murphy.  Jesus Christ and the Flak Jackets prepare for their concert in Jerusalem, we learn a shocking truth from Thomas' past, and we see the end of J2 as we know it.  There are some major secrets revealed that I won't spoil, and the comic ends in the most satisfying panel in a series finale that I have ever read.  There is a reason that this was on my list of best books of 2012.  Go read this series now!

Harvest #5 - We were left with Dr. Dane having just passed out after removing a bullet from his chest.  Issue #5 picks up the action right where it left off when Mariko injects Dane full of adrenaline so they can continue their pursuit of Jason and rescue Marta.  In an issue that features more kidney transplants, missing retinas, and provides more depth into Dr. Dane, I hope that this isn't really the end for the comic.  The ending wrapped up some things nicely, but definitely leaves the door open for more.  I am hoping that Image moved enough books to allow this series to continue.

The Not So Good:
The New Avengers #1 - This may be due to my lack of history with Black Panther and Wakanda, but this debut did little to grab my attention.  I wouldn't go out and say this isn't a good book, but given the context it definitely isn't for me.  Mildly interesting story with a very predictable final page.

The Rest:

Batman: The Dark Knight #15 - The fight between Batman and Scarecrow come to an epic conclusion in which we see Batman shoot his own blood into the streets of Gotham in order to counter the effects of the Scarecrow's latest toxin.  Fun book with a nice conclusion to this arc.

Morbius #1 - I gave this one a try on a whim and thought a vampire comic could be fun right now.  It turns out that I was right and I enjoyed the return of Morbius.  He just broke out of prison and is laying low in a town that is full of crime and corruption.  A fresh take on vampires that dispels many of the typical vampire myths (garlic, wooden stake, etc.) in the first issue.  Looks like Morbius is a character that wants to do the right thing, but ends up making things worse.  I will be on board for issue #2.

Top Comics of 2012

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

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

 Feel free to call me out for not picking a book that was not as good, but this week in comics was simply too good to be true.  This week included The Walking Dead, Saga, Punk Rock Jesus, Mind MGMT, and the return of Locke and Key.  Throw that in with another installment of Batman from Scott Snyder and a new X-Men book headed by Brian Michael Bendis and you can't go wrong.  I really struggled narrowing it down to the top two books this week.  I feel good in my selection, but you could make an argument for any of this week's releases.  Hit me up at @newhousebailey on Twitter if you want to chime in with your take.

Pick of the Week:

Locke and Key: Omega #1 - This week is bittersweet for many Locke and Key fans, including myself.  If you have read any of the interviews with Joe Hill about this chapter in the story, then you know that even he doesn't know how things will end.  This unknown is both terrifying and exciting at the same time.  The book starts out with Bode, under control of Dodge, securing the shadow key before heading down into the cave.  Meanwhile, Scot Kavanaugh embarks on a senior project making a film about reflection.  Kinsey, even though she isn't a senior, and Tyler participate and shed even more light on their past and the events that have transpired to this point.  The juxtaposition of the sheer terror of a Dodge possessed Bode threatening to open the black door and the seniors preparing for an end of the year party really put the reader in an awkward position.  On one side it is refreshing to see the Locke children begin to come to grips with their haunting past and seem to reach a point of peace and happiness that hasn't been seen in the book.  On the other side, the ultimate destruction of everything is imminent and it doesn't appear that much will stand in Dodge's way.  The final panel is a chilling image of just how dire the situation is.  I sure hope that issue #2 comes out quick!  Time for another re-read of the entire series!  This issue also featured some fun cameos from both Joe Hill and Gabe Rodriguez.

Saga #7 - I struggle when I try to convey how brilliant this book is.  The humor and heart that Brian K. Vaughan is able to impart in his books is astounding.  This issue opens with an awkward confrontation between Alana and Marko's parents that ends with Alana left humiliated in a towel alone with her father-in-law. Marko and his mother leave the spaceship to save Izabel (who was banished by Marko's mother) and we learn a jaw-dropping secret about Marko's father.  I don't think I will ever have the ability to state how beautiful, funny, and suspense filled this book is.  Coupled with Fiona Staple's art, this is one of the must have titles of the year.


The Rest:

All-New X-men #1 - Brian Michael Bendis has been tasked with tackling the X-Men arc following the aftermath of the Phoenix incident.  With the rebirth of mutant-kind from Phoenix, Scott Summers, Magneto and Emma Frost are rounding up new mutants before the human authorities can get their hands on them.  The one downside, his exploits are being televised and there is concern this will impact human-mutant relations.  Hank McCoy is afraid that his next mutation is going to kill him and he wants to complete one more good deed before he dies.  This deed, travel back in time and bring the Scott Summers of the original X-Men to the present day for a pep talk with his new self.  Intriguing story line and solid first issue.  I'm in.

Batman #14 - As long as Scott Snyder is writing Batman I will be reading it.  The Court of Owls was amazing and Death in the Family is off to a fast and furious start.  Batman finally learns that Alfred is kidnapped, Commissioner Gordon is poisoned, and the Joker has vowed to kill the rest of the family using Batman himself.  This is going to be one hell of a ride.

Hoax Hunters #5 - As someone new to this title I found this book very enjoyable.  A simple, but fun story that introduces the reader to the Hoax Hunters world and what it entails.  We are provided the story of the Jersey Devil and how the Hoax Hunters team not only successfully swept that under the rug, but provided some back story on how Jack Lawson was really part of this team before he knew it.  Seems like a great starting point for new readers like myself.

Punk Rock Jesus #5 - With only one more issue left to go in Sean Murphy's epic tale of the second coming of Jesus, J2 is reunited with Thomas and the two begin to plot how to take down Slate and his cronies.   J2 and his punk band, the Flak Jackets won a Nobel Peace prize for their efforts furthering science and helping the poor.  Through a chilling flashback we learn why Thomas left the IRA and has such a soft spot for children.  This issue ends with the Flak Jackets embarking on a final show at Jerusalem.  Can't wait to see how this one ends!

Walking Dead #104 - Wow does Kirkman know how to keep the reader hooked.  Negan and his men drive triumphantly home and Rick is left with his group disappointed in his apparent surrender.  I don't know if anyone is as disappointed as Carl who attempts to take things into his own hands.  One thing is clear, this current arc is not going to end pretty. 

Mind MGMT #0 -In this one-shot, we are treated to Meru's investigation of Mind Management and we learn about past agents spanning all the way back to World War I.  There are whispers of Henry and the usual Mind Management psychic techniques.  Not my favorite issue of the bunch, but a fun issue nonetheless.  Matt Kindt continues to deliver a physical comic that is worth your money.  The watercolor format is simply stunning.  I can't wait for arc #2.

Thursday Morning Superhero

The two big publishers both dropped bombs on comic readers this week.  DC launched its Death in the Family crossover event and Marvel began its post Avengers vs. X-men with multiple titles, including the belle of the ball, the Uncanny Avengers.   My LCS had a small launch party for Uncanny Avengers but it wasn’t enough to propel it into the top 2 of the week.  Enjoy this week’s installment of Thursday Morning Superhero and drop me a line at @newhousebailey.

Pick of the Week:

Punk Rock Jesus #4 – Yet again this gem from Sean Murphy is my pick of the week.  This issue is rife with tragedy, but we see Jesus embrace rebellion and truly become the Punk Rock Jesus the title has been implying.  At times I felt that Murphy was a little preachy (get it?), but the gritty, black and white art invokes empathy with this tragic figure created by TV executives and his struggles.   Seeing Jesus grow emotionally and begin to be inspired and inspire others was very satisfying as a reader.  The ultraviolence is this in this issue as we learn more about Thomas and his IRA past and in a memorable scene in which Gwen attempts to rescue her son.   Murphy delivers on his ability to blend action, drama, and humor in what has been a delight to read.  My only complaint is that there are only two issues left.

Runner-up:

Batman #13 – The death in the family story line begins with the return of the Joker.  Scott Snyder continues his brilliant run at guiding the Batman ship.  Joker returns to the Gotham City Police Department to steal his face back and continue his assault on Gotham and ultimately Batman.  With over a year since anyone in Gotham has seen Joker, even Harley Quinn is concerned with how he is acting.  I won’t spoil the cliffhanger, but it is going to be hard to wait until issue #14 to see what transpires next.  Clearly the best DC title on the market today.

The Not as Good:

MacGyver #1 – When I saw that MacGyver was back, in comic form, I was stoked.  MacGyver dazzled me as a kid with his ability to create a bomb out of endless combinations of 3 or 4 items.  The book begins with a mysterious email from an old college professor who is in need of help from the Phoenix Foundation and MacGyver.  From there a pretty ho-hum tale about a seed that grows in saltwater, corporations wanting to profit instead of ending world hunger, and with MacGyver probably saving the day, I will have to miss on issues 2-5.  I was hopeful, but disappointed.  If they want me back on the series I want a photo variant cover featuring Richard Dean Anderson.  Issue 2 really needs a Jack Dalton cameo as well.

The Rest:

Uncanny Avengers #1 – The aftermath of the Avengers vs. X-men begins with the formation of the Uncanny Avengers.  In a book that featured the funeral of Charles Xavier and the emergence of Red Skull seeking to wipe out the mutant race, it seems that this series may make up for the lackluster Avengers vs. X-men event.

Morning Glories #22 – Oh what a complicated tale Nick Spencer can weave.  I wonder if he has binders and binders full of the backstory of all of the characters at Morning Glory Academy.  When you think he can’t push you further as a reader, he introduces time travel into the series and a major character is shot.  I need to go back and reread to keep everything in line, but it is an enjoyable read so I am happy to.  

What I should have read:

Transfusion #1 – IDW released a new series this week about a dystopian future in which both robots and vampires need human blood for survival.   It follows the remaining humans and their struggle to reclaim normalcy.  Intriguing plot + good initial reviews = my weekend read.

Hoax Hunters #4 – The Hoax Hunters discover real life monsters and such and then convince the world they are a hoax.  Not a bad premise, but nothing I was too interested in.  Turns out the book is a lot of fun with likable characters and good action.  It has been well reviewed from the get go, but from what I read about the conclusion of its first arc I will have to check it out.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Everyone has had a good 24 hours to read their weekly books and I am ready for another installment of Thursday Morning Superhero.  The DC #0 line continued with some great books, Avengers vs. X-Men is nearing its epic finale and creator owned books continue to shine a light on what comics are capable of achieving.  I know I say this almost every week but it really is a great time to be a comic book fan.  My weekly budget continues to frustrate me as I am forced to limit my purchases.  On a side note, any publisher that wants to float me a free book I will happily include it in this section with no fear of any spoilers hitting the web prior to Wednesday.

Pick of the Week:

Punk Rock Jesus #3 –This was a book that initially slipped under my radar.  Living in a smaller town, issue #1 sold out before I saw it on the shelf.  After reading tweets from authors I respected and learning of the concept, I hopped on Comixology to get caught up.  It is easy to get behind a book about a reality show based on the second coming of Jesus when he is cloned and implanted in a virgin for his rebirth.  Not surprisingly, the general public isn't keen on this idea, but also isn't turning off their televisions when the show is airing.  Gwen, the mother of Chris, is going through quite the bout of depression and isn't doing the show any favors.  Chris attempts his first miracle and nearly drowns himself trying to walk on water.  This was really a sad issue seeing the depression that Gwen was going through and the lack of identity as a real child Chris was dealing with.  Sean Murphy really developed the characters to a level where you truly care for them and feel sorry for the situation that Mr. Slate has placed them in.  The issue ends with an emotional conclusion that will leave me frustrated until issue #4 comes out.  Normally I struggle with what to select as my pick of the week, but this was easy.  Vertigo and Sean Murphy have one of the most captivating books on the market today, and this week dropped the emotional hook with amazing effectiveness.  Kudos.

Runner-up:

Chew #28 – The first couple of arcs from John Layman were some of the best I have ever read.  The concept of a detective who is a cibopath (someone who gets psychic readings from food) and must ingest the deceased to solve crime works on so many levels.  While Chew has had its up and downs in my opinion, it is currently on an upswing.  Rob Guillory captures the fun of this series and delivers some of the most brutal pages in the industry.  Newcomer Agent Poyo has been a pleasure since his inception and may be the best superhero partner in the biz today.  Poyo is a cyborg Rooster who appears to be unstoppable.  The fun and intrigue continue in a book that I continue to recommend to anyone who will listen to me.  I am just really concerned about the condition of Tony Chu.

The Not as Good:

A vs. X #11 – This issue had some dramatic twists and turns that will leave a lot of people talking.  There have been parts of this series that I have enjoyed, but I have trouble getting past the cheesiness of the Phoenix Five.  In most of the issues I can look past some of the design and dialog that bother me, but this issue was a tough read.  I did enjoy the major twists and will continue reading the series, but I have been ultimately disappointed with this event. 

The Rest:

Batman #0 – As long as Scott Snyder is behind the wheel of Batman I am on board.  The court of owls arc was brilliant and issue #0 told a great stand alone story of a young Bruce Wayne.  While I didn't care for the second story in the issue, Tomorrow by James Tynion IV, it wasn't bad.  I think having it in the same issue as the Synder story only hurt it.  Not a bad issue by any means, just not on the same level as Chew or Punk Rock Jesus.

Captain America #17 – When you combine Ed Brubaker and Captain America I am going to be one happy reader.  The current story of the havoc the Discordians are bringing to earth behind the control of Zemo was action packed and left me wondering how it will be concluded in the next issue.  Things don't look good for Captain America and crew, but I would be willing to wager that somehow things will be ok.

Batman and Robin #0 - After reading tweets from both Rob Liefeld (who hasn't been shy about his departure from DC) and Scott Snyder in praise of Batman and Robin I decided to give it a shot.  This one-shot told the enjoyable tale about the upbringing of Damian as the next heir of the Al Ghul dynasty.  While his upbringing is far from traditional (who else is trained by the league of assassins at the age of 5), Peter Tomasi definitely brings the reader on a journey that helps us understand why Damian is the way he is.  I may be on board for the future of this series. 

What I missed:

Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #2 – After listing issue #1 as one that I missed you think I would have been smart enough to pick up this book.  I was not.  Not surprising that Mark Waid has another success under his belt.

Stumptown #1 – The start of the second volume from Eisner-Award winning Greg Rucka appears to have picked up where it left off.  Private Investigator Dex Parios is on the case of a missing baby of a guitarist in what sounds like a great book.

 Per usual, please leave any comments, suggestions or send me any comics that should be included in this feature.  I am at @newhousebailey so let me know what you think!