This Week In Comics: 04/19/2006

[Clayface]

Welcome to This Week in Comics for April 19th, 2006 - April 25th, 2006!

This is the place to discuss the comics you've bought this week, whether it be a brand new title or old back-issues. We also welcome and encourage talk about comics in general - news you've read on comic news sites, the state of the industry in general, upcoming issues you're excited about, etc. All we ask is that you please use spoiler brackets in the event that your comments get too detailed concerning a particular storyline. This way the book won't be ruined for anyone who hasn't read it yet.

For a list of the new items shipping this week, please consult Diamond Comics' Shipping List (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_041906.txt).

To find a comic book store near you, check out the Comic Shop Locator Service (http://csls.diamondcomics.com/).


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Highlights of the Week!



Ace the Bathound's Pick:

http://www.mrcomics.ca/images/Bigmax/bm01th.jpg (http://www.mrcomics.ca/bigmax.html)
Big Max #1



Clayface's Pick:

http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/5136_180x270.jpg (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=5136)
Ex Machina Special #1 (of 2)



randomguy's Pick:

http://www.mrcomics.ca/images/Bigmax/bm01th.jpg
Big Max #1


wonderfly's Pick:

http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/med/10/10785.jpg
Conan: Book of Thoth #2




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[Eddie G.]

American Virgin #2
Most disturbing last page ever. Besides that, there are some really funny moments here and there. The only problem I have with it is the chase scene seemed a little out of place and so did some of the actions of the people in the book like the guy with the magazine or the reaction to the natives. It doesn't ring true, and it's not funny or interesting to make up for that. Art's pretty rad though.
B-

Nextwave #4
Brillant, just brillant, everything besides the ads is just brillant. The action is awesome, the art is fun, and the writing is hilarious especially Capt's origin. If you read this then make sure to read the little intro in the front and the letter's page.
A

Emo Boy #6
If you've read Emo Boy in the past then it's more of the same as far as the actual emo-humor goes. There are a lot of great jokes in this though that don't relate to Emo Boy or emoness at all. The art's a little iffy, but besides that it's another solid issue.
B

Squadron Supreme #2
The banter in this book sucks, Shape is a fun character and also pretty badass when in action, but they're just really unlikable and boring characters. Mark is cool and Emil is also pretty damn creepy. The action is pretty cool though as is the concept for the baddie. The action and badassery factor is there to as is the uber-realism, but beyond that I don't enjoy it as much as Supreme Power.
B-

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Some quick links:

Brian K. Vaughan talks about Runaways (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=67460), the surprise return of a character in a recent issue, and where it's going in the next story arc. Huge massive monster ugly big ol' spoileriffic spoilers stacked like cordwood all over the place in the article, although it also includes a scan of Old Lace the telepathic dinosaur going wild over stale donuts (http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Runaways/Runaways1.jpg).

See, it's the fact that I can write sentences like that which makes Runaways such an awesome comic book. Buy Runaways or a telepathic dinosaur will come to your house and eat all your donuts. Not even just the stale ones -- the FRESH ones, too.

Ronee Garcia Borgeois goes into more detail about the Friends of Lulu Empowerment Fund (http://popcultureshock.com/features.php?id=1361), dedicated to underwriting legal fees for prosecuting instances of sexual harassment or sexual assault in the comic industry. Elsewhere, Heidi MacDonald makes it explicit who the grabby-handed pro is NOT (http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/2006/04/other_voices_other_victims.html) (Jim McLauchlin of ACTOR).

Last one is to point out Task Force 1 #1 (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=67617), coming from Image Comics in July, because it's almost exactly the same as the comic book concept that I've been working on for a while now. They seem to be going in a different direction with it (they're emphasizing the super and I want to emphasize the soldier) and adding in an angle I'm explicitly NOT going with, but I'm not sure if I want to tell you to run out and buy it to show there's demand for similar material, or to tell you NOT to run out and buy it so low pre-order numbers lead to the whole book getting cancelled so I can finish my first script, find an artist, get it drawn, find a publisher, and get the book out all before they change publishers.

Um. One of those may be a lot more realistic than the other.

Let this also be an object lesson not to dilly-dally too long if you want to do a comic book yourself someday ;). Of course, The Psychos GN from Image coming in the same month can be seen as a spin on the same concept, too.

-- Ed/Ace

[Reed Richards]

how about DAREDEVIL THIS MONTH?!?!

KINGPIN, BULLSEYE AND PUNISHER ARE ALL IN RIKERS NEXT ISSUE

man oh man this is setting up to be EPIC...

[wonderfly]

This Week's Pick of the Week ties back in with my review of the 1st issue from a couple weeks back: Yes, my pick goes to Conan: Book of Thoth #2. For those that love Classic Conan, (as only Kurt Busiek can channel), a Conan that would fit perfectly in with Robert E. Howard's own writing...then you're out of luck here, because this book stars Conan's nemesis Thoth Amon. :p But the story we get here is fantastic, and one that would indeed go along perfectly with Howard's tales. It's also a nice dip into the horror genre, (an aspect of the Conan universe that's always lurking just beneath the surface). There's also enough tragedy in the story to evoke shades of Busiek's superhero works, (such as Astro City and his work for Marvel). Having Len Wein and Kelley Jones attached to this project doesn't hurt either. So pick it up!!! :)

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Two early links today. The first is the inaugural solicitation for Virgin's new comic book line (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=67750), coming in July. At the very least, they know how to write intriguing solicitation copy:


SNAKEWOMAN #1
Created by SHEKHAR KAPUR
Written by ZEB WELLS
Cover by JEEVAN KANG
July 19 ▪ 32 pg ▪ $2.99
< S N I P >
Jessica Peterson. Born 1981. First kiss 1996. Graduated with honors 2002. Moved to Los Angeles 2006. Within three years, she will have killed sixty-eight men.

STUDENT…WAITRESS….MASS-MURDERER…JESSICA PETERSON IS THE SNAKE WOMAN.

THE SADHU #1
Written by GOTHAM CHOPRA
Art & Cover by JEEVAN KANG

I was once a “Sadhu” – what, in the East, they call mystics. I was sitting on the threshold of moksha – spiritual liberation or enlightenment as it’s called.

But I’m not one anymore.

Because I lusted after something else, something just as primal and ubiquitous.

It’s called revenge.
Unfortunately, the fact that so many of the Virgin Comics people were behind Spider-Man India leaves me a bit wary. A good trailer doesn't guarantee a good movie, after all. However, I also get the suspicion that if I don't pre-order these, I'm not going to get them at my local shop. Based on what I see in July from the other major players, I may also have some more room to experiment. Hmmm.

Also, latest Comic Book Urban Legends (http://goodcomics.blogspot.com/2006/04/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-47.html).

EDIT: One more for the road -- first look at Terry Dodson's Wonder Woman artwork (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=67795), attached to a big ol' interview with the man himself.

-- Ed/Ace

[Stu]

how about DAREDEVIL THIS MONTH?!?!

KINGPIN, BULLSEYE AND PUNISHER ARE ALL IN RIKERS NEXT ISSUE

man oh man this is setting up to be EPIC...
That last shot on the page was utterly brilliant. I'm not much of a fan of that character, but I can't wait to see what he's going to do in Ryker's now that Murdock, Bullseye and Fisk are in there too. It's a shame no else reads Daredevil from the looks of things - it's been utterly outstanding since Brubaker took over.

[Condiment King]

That last shot on the page was utterly brilliant. I'm not much of a fan of that character, but I can't wait to see what he's going to do in Ryker's now that Murdock, Bullseye and Fisk are in there too. It's a shame no else reads Daredevil from the looks of things - it's been utterly outstanding since Brubaker took over.
Hey, I've just been a little behind lately. I went to the shop for the first time in like 5 weeks, picking up #83 and #84, and I agree Ed Brubaker, through three issues, has been absolutely phenomenonal. This has skyrocketed to my favorite comic to read each month already.

Speaking of twists, how about the ending to Green Lantern #10? Tomar Tu!! He was once of my favorite Lanterns from the last batch, a member of the great Tomar Re's race. I can't wait to see where things go here. Outside of that ending, it was actually a rather dull issue. I don't know if I like where One Year Later is taking the Green Lantern universe as its being used more as a crutch than a helpful plot device. Oh well, we'll see.

All Star Superman #3 really disappointed me for some reason. It had all the fun of a done-in-one story but seemed just as irrelevent. Sure, the main story advanced somewhat, but it seemed pointless and boring to me. I would much rather see more of the Superman universe than more obscure characters from history.

Robert Kirkman this month: Invincible #30 seemed like filler as he just mopped up the storyarc, which wasn't entirely necessary but I didn't mind it either. The synopsis for #31 really intrigues me as we finally get to see Eve again. The Walking Dead was predictably better once again, particularly what the hell is going through a couple of the characters' minds with those smiles.

I'm glad Squadron Supreme has finally started and we are away from all the mini-series involving just specific characters. #1 and #2 didn't thrill me. Really, I think deciding on the team has taken a bit away from the comic. Nighthawk is still a mystery, but everyone else seems to be more out in the open than before. I really don't want this comic to be another JLA because IMO, Supreme Power was so good primarily because it was the opposite of that. I have faith in JMS.

Ex Machina Special #1 was really interesting, but I don't understand why this story couldn't have been told in the regular series numbering. I haven't read American Virgin #2 yet, but if its nearly as good as #1, we have another great title on our hands.

[Spider-Man]

Last week I picked up my regular books and they all have talkback threads so they should be easy to find. I won't bother talking about them here as I plan to post my thoughts about them in their own threads. I am making this point to briefly talk about one book which has totally surprised me - Robin.

I didn't expect much from this book and picked up the first two "OYL" issues of the series out of curiosity and this book has completely surprised me. Not only do I really like his new costume but the book itself is just incredibly interesting. The writing by Adam Beechum (is that right?) is great and the artwork really fits the comics. The first OYL issue was really good and the second one was still good but not as great. The writer hit a little snag when he brings in a character to throw exposition at Robin to move the story ahead. I just wish that wasn't there.

Overall this book has really surprised me and I might add it to my regular pull list. The two main Batman and Superman comics have been really enjoyable and this comic is right up there too. The writer gives Robin the connection he needs to Batman but it looks like he's finally getting his own identity. The more mature look and costume design he has adds to it I think. Robin is a strong character and its nice to see that here. Robin #148 and #149 come really recommended.

[Stu]

Overall this book has really surprised me and I might add it to my regular pull list. The two main Batman and Superman comics have been really enjoyable and this comic is right up there too. The writer gives Robin the connection he needs to Batman but it looks like he's finally getting his own identity. The more mature look and costume design he has adds to it I think. Robin is a strong character and its nice to see that here. Robin #148 and #149 come really recommended.

I've really been enjoying the new Robin book. It's actually taken advantage of the OYL story and made the book it's own. I haven't really enjoyed the book since around #100 when Chuck Dixon left, and I pretty much dabled in and out of it before finally giving up until my brother recommened it.

I really like the fact they're taking advantage of Robin's differences from Batman, rather than him just being an annoying little sidekick. It's also great to see Batman and Robin somewhat working together instead of having them make snide remarks about each other. It's quite weird that OYL presented the perfect oppertunity to fix those little niggling problems with Batman and sort of succeded, but has made Nightwing and Robin more interesting than they have in years. If I weren't leary of crossovers as much as I am (and saving for a holiday), I'd have probably picked up those Superman books by now.

[Max Mercury]

I really liked Robin this week too. At first I was feeling a little "been done before," but the humor, mystery, and cool action sequences really add a lot to the book. I liked all of the little touches, like the police officer showing a little fear of Robin.

[Spider-Man]

For Robin the only thing I'm really disappointed on is that they changed the artist already. I'm not sure if Karl Kerschl needed a break after one issue but I really loved the artwork he did for #148. He really does suit the book well. The artist for #149 did good. Freddie Williams II did a fine job but I just preferred Kerschl a bit more but I assume they are going to have him on bigger projects soon. Williams II does fit the book quite well too and he did alot of great subtle storytelling in his issue.

Another Batman book I picked up just this week was the trade collection for Batman: Dark Detective (talkback (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=140266)) and I really enjoyed that. I wish I picked it up when it was released as a mini-series last year. It was a fun book which ended a bit too fast. Not great by any means but it had a nice feel to it. It sort of reminded me of Dan Slott's work on the Spider-Man/Human Torch: I'm With Stupid mini-series (talkback (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=131094)). It had that classic feel to it. I don't know who Silver St. Cloud is so I had to figure all of that out but aside from that it was a nice read. Definitely worth the $20.

And I keep forgetting to mention Daredevil when I pick it up. Such a great cliffhanger on the last issue!

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


Another Batman book I picked up just this week was the trade collection for Batman: Dark Detective (talkback (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=140266)) and I really enjoyed that. I wish I picked it up when it was released as a mini-series last year. It was a fun book which ended a bit too fast. Not great by any means but it had a nice feel to it.

Looking back at that talkback thread, I notice that I reviewed issue #1 and then stopped for the duration :o. I did like the mini-series overall, but there were definitely some filler issues that brought the package as a whole down (I think #4 was one of them, but I'd have to fish out my issues to remember for sure). I also thought that the last issue had a really rushed ending that didn't do the series any favors. Still, I stand by my initial assessment that it's comic book comfort food, and a nice change of pace from the usual. Not quite sure whether I'm in for Dark Detective III (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004885), though.

I would highly recommend the Batman: Strange Apparitions TPB (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1563895005/qid=1145992164/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-1036089-5171328?v=glance&s=books) (which really should be "Dark Detective I" now, but anyway...). I think it's a far more successful story overall (70's comic book overwriting and all), it will get you the famous "Laughing Fish" story in context, and you'll get all the background info there is to be had on Silver St. Cloud.

Anybody ever notice how young women love interests in comic books have white or silver hair (Silver Sable and Abigail Cable, in addition to Ms. St. Cloud), even though it just makes you look old in real life?

Quick link or three: earlier in this thread, I linked to Virgin Comics' initial solicitations. Now they've launched their ad campaign, summed up by the tag line, "No Crisis. No Civil War." (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1905702#post1905702) If I didn't know better, I'd almost think they were specifically targeting me.

Hey Kids! Free Comics! Read B. Clay Moore and Jason LaTour's The Expatriate, from Image Comics (http://popcultureshock.com/blog.php#12347), for free on LaTour's blog. I believe it's rated on the upper end of PG-13 if not higher, so don't come yelling at me if your boss or your mother looks over your shoulder and starts whapping you upside your head for reading something naughty.

Kurt Busiek podcast (http://www.newsarama.com/wordballoon/busiek.html). Haven't listened to it, but it's Kurt Busiek talking about comics. Busiek wins.

-- Ed/Ace

[Eddie G.]

Quick link or three: earlier in this thread, I linked to Virgin Comics' initial solicitations. Now they've launched their ad campaign, summed up by the tag line, "No Crisis. No Civil War." (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1905702#post1905702) If I didn't know better, I'd almost think they were specifically targeting me.But Civil War is shaping up to be a really, really good story by a pretty good writer.

[randomguy]

But Civil War is shaping up to be a really, really good story by a pretty good writer.That, of course, is a matter of opinion on both counts. I think it looks boring. Not bad, so much, just boring. And Millar's really only wowed me twice, and never in the mainstream Marvel Universe.

[Eddie G.]

That, of course, is a matter of opinion on both counts. I think it looks boring. Not bad, so much, just boring. And Millar's really only wowed me twice, and never in the mainstream Marvel Universe.The Illuminanti was pretty great and is the only pure Civil War thing we've gotten so far, the preview looked pretty nice too. As for Millar, I'm not a big fan of his work outside of Ultimates. The thing with Millar is that when I don't like his work it's more on a conceptual basis (Like I don't like the story he's telling or where he's going with the characters) but even bad Millar is fundamentaly good (Nice plotting, pacing, flow of action, dialogue). In short the guy's a good writer whose only told two truly great stories (Ultimates and Ultimates 2) and I trust him as a writer especially with a story like this which I think is something he can really handle.

It just seems juvenile to me to have advertisments for your company that boil down to, "Yeah, These Mega-Events Sure Do Suck, Right?" when one of these mega-events has been a well developed and interesting story which if it follows the trends of past Marvel events will not have the problems of other mega-events by actually having consequences and making it possible to read the core book without reading the tie-ins. I guess I'm also a little pissed that there is this attitude of, "GRAH! NOT ANOTHER EVENT!" with an event that is not doing the things that make other events suck.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


It just seems juvenile to me to have advertisments for your company that boil down to, "Yeah, These Mega-Events Sure Do Suck, Right?" when one of these mega-events has been a well developed and interesting story which if it follows the trends of past Marvel events will not have the problems of other mega-events by actually having consequences and making it possible to read the core book without reading the tie-ins. I guess I'm also a little pissed that there is this attitude of, "GRAH! NOT ANOTHER EVENT!" with an event that is not doing the things that make other events suck.
I look at the ad campaign as more of an attempt to reach out to the people (like me) who don't have the time or the interest to follow Yet Another Mega-Event. Plus, it demonstrates an understanding of the market and its current trends, which suggests someone somewhere is paying attention to the business side of things.

Just to put it in perspective, I wasn't that keen on trying to follow Crisis on Infinite Earths when it was coming out on the newsstands, and I've never had much interest in any of the Big Events since then. The only one I can remember attempting to follow was Armageddon 2001. So, I'll freely admit that my skepticism towards Civil War may well be driven in large part by being way too jaded about "Big Event" comic book crossovers, but that's because I've seen way too many of them over the years, and almost none of them have ever delivered on their promises. I also think they're counter-productive, and another sign of a growing insularity in the Big 2 comics.

Of course, I haven't read it and Civil War may be the one that breaks all the rules, but I'll reserve judgment until it's done. It doesn't help that I've grown to have a general antipathy towards nearly all the writers involved in the project.

Of course, I'm not totally sold on the Virgin comics, either, despite what I perceive to be a deliberate reach-out to people like me. Like I said, a rotten movie can have a terrific trailer, and I've been suckered before by awesome solicitation copy for comics that really sucked.

-- Ed/Ace

[Eddie G.]

Howdy,


I look at the ad campaign as more of an attempt to reach out to the people (like me) who don't have the time or the interest to follow Yet Another Mega-Event. Plus, it demonstrates an understanding of the market and its current trends, which suggests someone somewhere is paying attention to the business side of things.

Just to put it in perspective, I wasn't that keen on trying to follow Crisis on Infinite Earths when it was coming out on the newsstands, and I've never had much interest in any of the Big Events since then. The only one I can remember attempting to follow was Armageddon 2001. So, I'll freely admit that my skepticism towards Civil War may well be driven in large part by being way too jaded about "Big Event" comic book crossovers, but that's because I've seen way too many of them over the years, and almost none of them have ever delivered on their promises. I also think they're counter-productive, and another sign of a growing insularity in the Big 2 comics.

Of course, I haven't read it and Civil War may be the one that breaks all the rules, but I'll reserve judgment until it's done. It doesn't help that I've grown to have a general antipathy towards nearly all the writers involved in the project.

Of course, I'm not totally sold on the Virgin comics, either, despite what I perceive to be a deliberate reach-out to people like me. Like I said, a rotten movie can have a terrific trailer, and I've been suckered before by awesome solicitation copy for comics that really sucked.

-- Ed/AceI do understand where you're coming from, I've personally felt burnt by Infinite Crisis devolving into a piece of garbage and while I did enjoy House of M, I found Avengers: D to be rather meh. What I do give credit to Marvel on both accounts though is that they're following through with it. The New Avengers have not reverted back to the old team and we still haven't gone back to millions of mutants running around. That's what I do find interesting, these really are big changes. The Marvel Universe has actually changed because of them and until there is an editorial switch, it is doubtful that they're going to backtrack.

The reason I'm pumped about Civil War is because I honestly believe in the story. This is something huge and realistic that makes perfect sense and I'm confident in Millar as someone who can flesh it out. More than that though, I'm confident that this is going to matter and won't end with a return to the status quo.

I excuse mocking the Crisis only because it got so bogged down in editorial stuff and horrible art in the core book with minimal payoff that I just don't care. Civil War though seems like it may be a valid piece of storytelling and I don't think it's professional to be mocking it.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


That's what I do find interesting, these really are big changes. The Marvel Universe has actually changed because of them and until there is an editorial switch, it is doubtful that they're going to backtrack.
( snipped for length, not content )

Yeah. I was thinking a bit more about why the big "event comics crossovers" leave me so cold and I think it's that, despite any pretenses at the time, they never really last. I mean, the only really big thing anybody ever did in any of them that's really lasted is the death of Barry Allen. I might do a dedicated post on why crossovers don't work for me later.

The other reason why I'm resurrecting the thread now is actually to bring up Batman: Dark Detective again, since Buzzscope looks at it long and hard in the latest Comics You Should Own column (http://popcultureshock.com/features.php?id=1364). Since the column spoils nearly the whole arc, you may not want to read it before you've read the comics, but it does do a pretty good job of justifying why Silver St. Cloud was a better romantic match for Batman than nearly any other contender, including Catwoman or Talia.

-- Ed/Ace

[Eddie G.]

Howdy,



Yeah. I was thinking a bit more about why the big "event comics crossovers" leave me so cold and I think it's that, despite any pretenses at the time, they never really last. I mean, the only really big thing anybody ever did in any of them that's really lasted is the death of Barry Allen. I might do a dedicated post on why crossovers don't work for me later.Once again, I do get what you're saying. The truth is that Mega-Events do for the most part suck. Infinite Crisis is a good example. The core of the story is pretty cool, but it was so bogged down with editorial tie-ins that any quality it could have had just didn't have a chance. If the art wasn't so bad, the outerspace stuff was gone, the Blue Beetle stuff was gone, the Spectre stuff was gone, and big events were kept in the core book then the story would have had a chance.

What it comes down to is that Marvel has made a push to have Mega-Events that have change. I think it ties into the No-Death Rule of don't bring someone back unless it's for a good reason. Marvel has become aware of why Mega-Events suck, so their fixing some of the problems involved. I gave my dad The Illuminanti and he understood it. My dad as a sidenote loves comics but isn't too big on the history so when he reads stuff like Identity Crisis
then I have to explain who Elongated-Man and Boomerang are. I didn't have to explain anything to my dad. Even stuff like Nick Fury going underground and House of M which were mentioned, he didn't understand but just glossed over it. I think Civil War can be a good story, accessable, well done, and actually have an impact. I think this is the book that has a chance to be what mega-events can and should be and I'm exicted about that.

If you haven't yet, I'd read the Illuminanti and read the first issue next month only on the principle that this could be something great and on the principle that if my faith in Marvel is correct than this can be something pretty healthy for comics. I mean if meaningful mega-events with true impact while being accessable have a chance then I think as comic book fans we should support that.

In the end I guess we're on the same side, we both have the same opinion about mega-events. I just believe that one in particular may not suck.