Thursday Morning Superhero

After some pretty packed weeks, my pull list only had two books this week.  I decided that I would give the second issue of Man-Thing a whirl as I have enjoyed reading other R.L. Stine titles with my son.  Enjoy this rare all-Marvel edition of Thursday Morning Superhero.

Pick of the Week:
Old Man Logan #20 - This series has really shown off the versatility of Jeff Lemire as a writer.  The series opened with familiar dark tones that were a central part of the original Old Man Logan, and then shifted to show us the more caring and fatherly side of Wolverine.  With Logan desperate to return home, Lemire has brought in the lighter side of this superhero.  This issue featured Wolverine lifting a valuable artifact from Dr. Strange by requesting to use the restroom and a storage unit in New Jersey.  All to persuade Asmodeus, a powerful sorcerer, to beam Wolverine back to his own timeline.  Logan should no better than to strike a deal with someone like Asmodeus and I am super excited about the next arc that this story will take us.  I had my doubts about this being an ongoing series, and I was dead wrong.

The Rest:
Man-Thing #2 - I am not sure if it is the fact that I don't know enough about Man-Thing or I don't enjoy comics that feel like they were written in the silver age, but it is safe to say that this series isn't for me.  It definitely has an old timey feel to it and reminds me of reading old silver age comics.  The art is stunning in this series and I enjoyed the short story from Stine's "Chamber of Chills" at the end of the book.  If you are looking to read something nostalgic or are a big fan of Man-Thing then this title is likely up your alley, but this is one that will not be on any of my future pull lists.



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 shocking news that I learned reading my weekly stack of comics is that Nailbiter only has two issues left!  The series has felt that it is coming to its natural conclusion, but I didn't expect it to happen that quickly.  Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson both stated that they had a clear beginning, middle, and end and that the series will wrap up as they intended from the start.  As Mike said in the letters section of this week's issue, "it was better to leave people wishing there was more than asking why something was still going."  He was paraphrasing Vince Gilligan, and it sums up my feeling towards a lot of comics.  I am going to miss Nailbiter, but am going to revisit Buckaroo on an annual basis to immerse myself in this wonderful story.

Pick of the Week:
Saga #41 - An error in the printing delayed this book one week and it is a fitting way to kick off the new year.  After the cliff hanger that left us thinking that Prince Robot was going to take his own life, I am pleased to report that Alana and Marko intervened and appear to have saved another life.  In the meantime, The March has finally tracked down Alana, Marko, and Hazel and plans on adding to the body count after killing (can you kill a ghost?) Izabel in order to track them down.  In possibly the most heartbreaking moment of the issue, The Will is briefly reunited with Lying Cat and Sophie and it doesn't go according to plan.  The end of this issue would have been a fitting end to 2016 (I am pretty sure Brian K. Vaughan intended it to end the worst year in recent memory) and left me absolutely stunned.  I won't spoil anything, but it was one thing I felt confident would never take place in this series.

The Rest:
Nailbiter #28 - As I mentioned earlier, Nailbiter is going to reach its conclusion only two issues from now.  This issue sets this in motion as the town is utterly crippled due to a string of explosions in the underground tunnels.  It really spells the beginning of the end for Buckaroo, and there is a mad dash to get everyone from the hospital safely transported to Portland.  This includes Sharon Crane, who is saved by her daughter following the horrific attack from issue #27.  The attempted transfer doesn't go quite as planned, as Alice (the child of the Nailbiter and Sharon Crane) tries to wake up her dad and save him as well.  The beginning of the end is upon us, and it looks like there are going to be some casualties along our short path to the conclusion.

Old Man Logan #16 - In a surreal issue, Logan appears to be flashing back to the point that brought him back in time as he returns to Las Vegas to check on the child, a descendant of Bruce Banner.   Jeff Lemire does a great job matching up his return to Vegas with a flashback to him attempting to rescue Puck who sent him a distress call from an abandoned satellite that has been taken over by the Brood.  As he returns to find the child missing, his flashback takes us to the point where he remembers what caused him to be sent back to prevent the destruction that took place in the Wastelands.  Unfortunately we will have to wait until the next issue to learn more.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Prelude #1 - As someone who is a huge fan of the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie and is eagerly waiting for Vol. 2, I was excited to see a prelude comic to wet my whistle.  Color myself disappointed as this is merely a comic re-telling of the events in the first movie.  While the art and comic are well done (I am really impressed how they successfully compressed half of the story into one issue), I was hoping for some new content.  If you are a huge Guardians fan or if you haven't seen the first movie, this comic is for you.  Otherwise I would leave it on the shelf for another customer.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Since next Thursday is Thanksgiving and one of my only weeks off each year, I thought I would open this week's post with the comic book creators I am thankful for.  I am thankful for the duo of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez who introduced me to the magical world of Locke and Key.  I am thankful to Jeff Lemire for making me a better father by reading the complicated father/son relationships that tend to remain central in his stories.  I am thankful for Brian K. Vaughan for continuing to push the boundaries and for gifting us the epic that is Saga.  I am thankful for Matt Kindt and his ability to cause me to question reality and to look for hidden clues beneath the surface.  There are many other creators that I am thankful for, but I feel I am starting to ramble.  I will finally say that I am thankful that smaller publishers are continuing to thrive and companies like Image, Dark Horse, IDW, and many others have provide creators the freedom to create such wonderful works of art.

Pick of the Week:
Ether #1 - It is a happy day when we have a new Matt Kindt comic and it should come as no surprise that it involves a mystery.  In what appears to be a classic whodunit set in the magical world known as the Ether, I feel that there is much to unravel about our detective and some of the interesting characters that populate the magical city.  Boone Dias is a scientist who has been traveling to the Ether's capital city, Agartha, in an attempt to gain a scientific understanding of knowledge.  On his most recent trip, his presence is requested by the mayor who needs his help solving a murder.  We learn that Dias has solved other mysteries by using the logic that is found on Earth.  In classic Kindt form we are introduced to a series of interesting characters and magical objects.  Among them is a bird known as the bloody screecher and a bullet that can change course mid flight.  While this side of the tale is enough to capture my interest, what Kindt reveals about Dias' life on Earth is what has me intrigued.  This truly is a story about two sides of a coin and it is going to be a blast learning about them both.

The Rest:
Thanos #1 - I cannot think of a better fit for a new Thanos story than having it penned by Jeff Lemire.  In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thanos is a power hungry Titan and a force to be reckoned with.  This is true in comic book form, but his past is filled with unrequited love and his familial relationships are a great fit with Lemire.  Thanos has returned to the Black Quadrant to reclaim his throne and restore his order once again.  His son and a couple of other Titans, teamed up with Death of course, have a plan to take it away from him.  Lemire wastes no time demonstrating Thanos' power and setting the stage for a family throw down.  Seems fitting with Thanksgiving only one week away.


Old Man Wolverine #13 - I hope you are all feeling as happy as I am that this week's entry includes back-to-back Lemire titles.  In the fitting conclusion to this series, Logan channels his time in the wastelands after he had given up everything to live a normal life.  While I love seeing Wolverine break out the claws and go berserk, it is always a nice change of pace to be reminded about how much he craves a simple life.  By channeling that desire and how truly caring he is, Logan is able to calm the young boy who has been leading the Silent Order in one last chance at setting things right.  Despite some very intense moments, the beauty that Lemire is able to inject in this final issue is a nice way to wrap things up.  Even if everything isn't fully resolved.

Batman #11 - While I wasn't feeling the last issue when Batman and Catwoman were scheming to break Psycho Pirate out of Bane's prison, I must say that this issue provided a pleasant surprise.  Things don't quite go according to plan and Tom King provides some nice surprises for his readers.  I will say having more Catwoman is always a good thing and I am intrigued to see how the Ventriloquist will pan out in the next issue.  I will admit the last issue had me fooled thinking this was a simple heist and I thoroughly enjoyed how things panned out.  Looking forward to issue #12.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Every time I venture to a new convention I am never sure what to expect.  Next weekend I am going to attend my very first Mondo Con, and I am already not doing very good.  I have failed to secure any event tickets and will either try to find some stand-by tickets or just check out the glorious art prints that will likely be out of my budget.  Regardless I am excited to see what this corner of fandom is like.

Pick of the Week:
Darth Vader #25 - I have been waiting for this issue for quite some time.  Again it must be reiterated that the comics do a better job than the movies in demonstrating the sheer terror in Darth Vader's power and this issue did not hold back.  Vader exacts his revenge on Cylo in a most glorious fashion before returning to find out that Dr. Aphra has sold him out to Palpatine.  She told him about the heist and how he slaughtered members of the Empire to cover his tracks.  The way Kieron Gillen brought this series full circle fills me with confidence in terms of how Marvel is going to fill in the gaps with this series.  Gillen had this planned from the beginning, and took us along on this journey to set Vader up in a way that I couldn't have imagined.  This series is officially ready for the collector's edition hardcover.

The Rest:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #63 - I still can't get used to Splinter being the head of the Foot, but I will say that I have more faith in the rat than his children do.  The Turtles are not as sure as it looks like Splinter is leading the Foot into a massive battle.  Couple that with the fact that Harold has been kidnapped by the Phantoms who are attempting to force him to develop technology for their cause.  In some ways this feels like the competing factions in the Walking Dead.  We have the Foot, the Phantoms, and the Purple Dragons.  Things are going to get messy.



Old Man Logan #12 - This book continues down its dark and gritty path to the point when a young boy with telekinetic powers appears to be holding Logan's fate in his hand.  This boy, the leader of the Silent Order, has seen the future and knows his fate is to be killed at the hands of Wolverine.  Not knowing that Wolverine has been busy changing the future with the trail of bodies he has left in his wake, Logan makes a desperate move and takes the boy hostage and he negotiates his release.  Pretty pumped to read the conclusion of this arc in the next issue.  Jeff Lemire has really done a nice job on this title.

Daredevil #12 - I have really enjoyed the gritty undertones in Charles Soule's run with Daredevil.  In the latest arc, Daredevil is trying to solve a mystery that involves a mass murderer who has been leaving "art" installations around town.  The first mural, painted of human blood, led Murdock to a scene involving murdered Inhumans.  The killer, who the media refers to as Vincent Van Gore (sorry), appears to have the upper hand.  When you factor in the fact that the Inhumans are taking the lead on the case and are not willing to help, Daredevil has to work against two foes in this hunt.  This arc seems tailor made for inclusion in the Netflix series or a movie.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

For the first time in quite some time my pull list was quite short.  Only three titles caught my attention this week and it leaves me wondering if I should branch out and add some new titles to my reading list.  Budget and time issues aside, I think I need some suggestions as to what to read.  Feel free to leave a comment in the article or offer some suggestions via Twitter at @newhousebailey.

Pick of the Week:
Old Man Logan #11 - This week's issue almost brings things full circle for Logan.  After escaping the trap set forth by the Silent Order, Logan must once again defeat Sohei, someone he defeated in his previous life.  In order to juxtapose the two battles, artist Andrea Sorrentino and color artist Marvelo Maiolo steal the spotlight from Jeff Lemire.  His writing has brought us to this moment, but the use of contrast and color in the two-page spreads do a masterful job of telling us these two stories simultaneously.  I think because I am so used to Lemire's art accompanying his storytelling that I have somehow overlooked the beautiful job that Sorrentino and Maiolo have been doing.  Time to backtrack and look at the previous 10 issues with a more astute eye.

The Rest:
All-Star Batman #2 - It looks like if I desire to stick with a Scott Snyder Batman I will be good to go with this series.  This issue feels like a Quintin Tarantino.  Snyder messes with the timeline, introduces us to a series of villains with flashy graphics, and is just fun.  While we have to wait until next issue to find out why Bruce is being investigated, we get the pleasure of watching him use a variety of gadgets to take down a string of super villains as he pursues Two-Face on a speeding train.  That alone is worth the price of admission.  One thing I feel Snyder has always done an exceptional job with is introducing and utilizing a good number of villains.  While some of their appearances may be brief, the manner in which they are introduced and disposed of is quite satisfying.

Stray Bullets #18 - It's been too long since I revisited David Lapham's Stray Bullets.  Lapham normally shares a story about drug dealers and some of the consequences of surrounding yourself with the wrong scene.  Often it depicts how it impacts families, children, and friends.  This issue was a bizarre story involving diet pills, past criminal lives, and corrupt doctors.  While it didn't capture my attention like some of his previous entries, there is something oddly appealing about watching some of his characters see their lives unravel before their eyes.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Today marked the end of a truly epic era.  Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo finished their epic run with Batman and will go down as one of the best duos to ever pen and draw the caped crusader.  Snyder and Capullo have defined what Batman is to a generation of fans.  The two have had a masterful run with the series since 2011 and they will be missed.  Their work is some of the best that Batman has ever seen and they deserve a spot on the Mt. Rushmore of Batman.  Thanks fellas.

Pick of the Week:
Batman #51 - We have reached the end of an era.  Snyder and Capullo said farewell to the Dark Knight in a beautiful tribute to Batman and the impact he has on Gotham.  He is often blamed for creating many of the villains in Gotham, but we need to remember the positive impact he has on its citizens.  In a somewhat subdued issue, it was a fitting way to mourn the passing of the torch and the end of an era.  While I am sad to see Snyder and Capullo give up the reigns on this series, with the reboot that isn't a reboot entitle Rebirth on the horizon, it makes sense to let someone else start anew.  I would like to take this time to thank both Snyder and Capullo on the definitive run of Batman during my time with comic books.

The Rest:
Saga #36 - Marko and Alana are reunited with Hazel!!!!!!!!!!  They are all together again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh happy days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Marko Alana and Hazel are a family again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This issue brought a tear to my eye and I am not embarrassed to admit that I cried when Hazel was hugging her daddy.





Old Man Logan #5 - I continue to enjoy Jeff Lemire's take on Old Man Logan.  Wolverine is once again reunited with the X-Men, but still is struggling to return back to his own timeline and hopefully save his family.  In what has been a violent series, we see are treated to an issue that shines a spotlight on why Logan is such a powerful character.  He returns to the Weapon X facility for unknown purposes, only to find a young girl named Maureen and has an instant connection.  He vows to protect her, not sure of why he is drawn to her, but he knows it what he has to do.  Something tells me that these moments of peace are going to be fleeting.

Daredevil #6 - The first issue in the new arc, Elektric Connection, is off to a smashing start and is a great jumping on point if you are thinking about reading some Daredevil.  Most of the issue is a fight between Elektra, Blindspot, and Daredevil and I am just fine with that.   I have really enjoyed the darker tone that Charles Soule has brought back to the Man with No Fear and artist Matteo Buffagni and color artist Matt Milla deliver some stunning panels.  This is a high-octane, no frills start to the new arc and one that has me very excited to see such an elite assassin brought into the mix.




Star Wars #18 - The alliance between Aphra, Leia, and Sana appears to be working well as the three attempt to break out of Sunspot Prison.  The mysterious figure who is killing the prisoners held captive at Sunspot remains a mystery, but we gain a small amount of insight on who he might be.  It seems that he once learned under Princess Leia.  A very action packed issue that was an absolute delight to read.  This series and Darth Vader are the two must read Star Wars comics currently.





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

Thursday Morning Superhero

We here a lot of hype about Black Friday, Christmas in July, and other great moments in consumerism, but did you know that the best sale is currently taking place?  Top Shelf Comics is having its annual Massive Sale and you can pick up great titles starting at $1.  That's right.  Only one measly dollar!  I highly recommend scooping The Underwater Welder for a measly $3 and Essex County at the bargain price of $10.  $13 for that amount of Jeff Lemire is insane!  Check out the amazing sale here!

Pick of the Week:
Death of Wolverine #2 - Charles Soule is a talent that Marvel should try to keep with all of its might.  Soule has done an astounding job, for a series I had no high hopes for, with this event.  The mystery that Logan is uncovering as he attempts to find out who put a contact on his life has been a highly enjoyable tale.  This week brought us to Madripoor as he confronted his former wife, Viper, only to learn that someone else is pulling the strings.  Steven McNiven delivers stunning art and the production quality of these issues warrants the $4.99 price tag.  While I am doubtful that this series will have any lasting impact on the Marvel Universe (I hope it does), it sure has been an enjoyable ride thus far.

The Rest:
The Walking Dead #131 - The calm before the storm.  Robert Kirkman has been moving slow in his latest arc of The Walking Dead.  A lot of pieces have been set in place and the you know what is going to hit the fan any issue now.  It has been nice seeing Carl grow up and begin to form his own identity, but I am ready for some action.  Based on the end of this issue I might be getting my wish and I certainly hope so.  Not that I haven't enjoyed this arc, but it feels like something big is bound to happen.




Batman: Future's End #1 - Set five years in the future Bruce Wayne is dealing with a broken spine (I wonder how that happened) and is willing to risk a great deal to ensure that Gotham always has a Gotham.  This involves breaking into Lex Luthor's labratory which has some of the most insane security that I have ever seen in a comic book.  An enjoyable one-off, but I am not sure where I stand on Future's End just yet.

Annihilator #1 - I figured a new title from Grant Morrison justified my time and money.  Personally, I have found Morrison's work to be hit or miss.  I either really love his work, or it fails to resonate.  Unfortunately, Annihilator never really hit its stride with me.  Ray Spass is a struggling writer who is attempting to pen a sci-fi screenplay.  He moved into a haunted house in Hollywood and is hoping to find the inspiration needed to pen his next masterpiece.  Without spoiling anything, Spass finds himself in an unusual situation after a night of drinking and partying.  Not a bad debut, but not one that will bring me back for issue #2.



The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage #1 - Valiant Comics is quickly becoming one of my favorite publishers.  Their original titles are highly enjoyable and they seem to attract some of the best creative minds in the business.  This debut issue was highly intriguing as Dr. Mirage takes on the case of Linton March, a wealthy man seeking to separate himself from a demonic binding.  Despite her reservations, she quickly realizes that there may be some unforeseen benefits to taking on this case.  Very intriguing title that has me excited about what is to come.




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