Monthly Archives: June 2014
Hot New Comic Picks of the Week (June 25, 2014)
It looks like it’s going to be interesting for new comics this week. We’re getting back to the usual routine – expert picks from the experts at Dragon’s Lair and amateur commentary from the casual guy. Let’s see what they’ve got for us this week.
Savage Hulk #1
Savage Hulk #1. By Alan Davis, Mark Farmer, and Matt Hollingsworth. Marvel Comics.
Not the Incredible Hulk. Not the Indestructible Hulk. I was hoping this was a She-Hulk title, since she used to be the Savage She-Hulk. She-Hulk is a tremendous book that everyone should be reading.
But, it looks like it’s old purple-pants back in action in an all new title. Wanna hear some more about it? Here goes:
“AN ALL-NEW SERIES!!! Alan Davis writes and draws a blockbuster story pitting the HULK against… the X-MEN!?!?! Learn the startling secret of Professor Xavier’s connection to Bruce Banner! Guest starring the Leader and the Abomination!”
For those of you scoring at home, that description contains:
- 4 sentences
- 3 periods
- 2 question marks
- 8 exclamation marks
It’s gotta be exciting based on those numbers alone.
Outcast #1
Outcast #1. By: Robert Kirkman, Paul Azaceta. Image Comics.
Again, I was hoping that this was something else – a comic starring Big Boi and Andre 3000 is exactly what this world needs right now. So, it’s not that… what is it?
“NEW HORROR SERIES FROM THE WALKING DEAD CREATOR ROBERT KIRKMAN! Kyle Barnes has been plagued by demonic possession all his life and now he needs answers. Unfortunately, what he uncovers along the way could bring about the end of life on Earth as we know it. ”
Man. All caps? You know that’s a good comic. Walking Dead is getting a little tired, so hopefully this one will be good.
Goon One for the Road (One Shot)
Goon One for the Road. By Eric Powell. Dark Horse Comics.
Goon seems like a comic I should be into, but one where I missed a good jumping on point. This is a one-shot, so you know it’s got my interest right away. One-shots can either be the best friend or the worst bane of a casual comics fan. This is one I’ll actually buy. Thanks for the recommendation, CJ.
Amazing Spider-Man #3
Amazing Spider-Man #3. By: Dan Slott, Humberto Ramos. Marvel Comics.
Spider-Man is once again Peter Parker, and is once again Amazing. All seems right with the world. Let’s see what Petey’s up to this month.
“• Because of her last encounter with Spider-Man, Felicia Hardy lost everything. Now the Black Cat is back, and she doesn’t want any apologies or excuses… just REVENGE. • Plus: Spidey teams up with a real hero, fireman Pedro Olivera… who just happens to be the current boyfriend to one Mary Jane Watson. • And… more on you-know-who from the opening scene back in ASM #1. You know who we’re talking about. Yeah, that’s right. You better not miss this one! ”
That seems like a lot to be going on in one issue. However, I’ve always had a soft spot for Felicia Hardy, so I’ll definitely check in on this one as well. Maybe I should go back and pick up #1…
Before Watchmen Ozymandias and Crimson Corsair TPBK
Before Watchmen Ozymandias Crimson Corsair TPB. By: Len Wein, Jae Lee. DC Comics.
Ever wondered just what happened before the Watchmen series started (that wasn’t already covered by the flashbacks in that book)? Then Before Watchmen might be the title for you.
I kid… I’ve heard it’s pretty good, and a trade paperback is casual comic fan friendly, so I’ll give it a rest on the kidding about the probable necessity of this entire series.
C.O.W.L. #2
C.O.W.L. #2. By: Kyle Higgins, Rod Reis, Trevor McCarthy. Image Comics.
Now, I did like the first issue of this. Well done, gritty urban adventure. I’m very excited to see if they can keep up the momentum. How long will I stick on board with this title? You’ll have to tune in to a future installment. I think I’ll cover this one in depth along with another title in an upcoming Double Down post.
There’s no Hot Comic of the Week in the new comics section. That’s because I’m still distracted by the Savage Hulk comic. So, here’s the deal. This week’s Official Hot Comic Pick of the Week is Savage She-Hulk #1. My site, my rules, people.
Savage She-Hulk #1. By Stan Lee and John Buscema. Marvel Comics. February 1980.
I’m going to scour the local comic book shops this weekend for a copy and see if it’s as good as I remember.
Thanks, and Cheers!
– CCG
Hot Comics of the Week (Courtesy Dragon’s Lair): Week of June 18, 2014
The doldrums of early summer are officially setting in. It’s time to venture out to the local comic shop (virtually) to check out the new comics (virtually) and see what’s hot. Although, with the humidity kicking it up a notch, maybe we can find something cool instead.
Let’s see what CJ, Craig, and the Lair crew recommend this week.
I’ll start with what’s NOT on their list.
Original Sin #4
Original Sin #4. By: Jason Aaron, Mike Deodato, Julian Totino Tedesco. Marvel Comics
I’m pretty psyched about this series, but I’ve only read the first two issues. I hope that it’s not petering out. Some Marvel events sustain the momentum all the way through (Civil War) or peter out and die a slow death (World War Hulk). Here’s hoping Original Sin is in the former category.
Guaranteed that The Watcher doesn’t stay dead, but it’s been fun so far anyway.
What IS on the list?
Uncanny X-Men #22
Uncanny X-Men #22. By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo. Marvel Comics.
I feel like I just wrote about the Uncanny X-Men last week. Maybe I’m losing it with all these titles. Take a look and let me know, will you?
I have to say, I like Cyclops’ new mask, but I have a feeling it’s going to get old, quick. It just seems impractical. (Not like the normal ruby-quartz visor with a trigger implanted in the thumb of his glove, as I recall from the Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe).
That one… right there.
Velvet TPB Vol. 01 Before The Living End
Velvet TPB Vol. 01 Before The Living End. By: Ed Brubaker, Steve Epting. Image Comics.
Now I know I’ve written about this one before. And, already here’s a trade paperback. Boy, time flies… Super fun art, and Ed Brubaker can usually deliver a potboiler like no one’s business. If you liked the last Captain America movie, you’re already a Brubaker fan, even if you don’t know it.
Winterworld #1
Winterworld #1. By: Chuck Dixon, Butch Guice. IDW Publishing.
What the heck is this? That guy looks like Kurt Russel from The Thing. I could only hope this book is that sweet. Let’s learn a little more about this one:
Winter is coming early! All new stories based on the Chuck Dixon/Jorge Zaffino classic! The apocalyptic international comics sensation of an Earth turned to an icy hell is back with Dixon returning to script and Butch Guice doing some of the best work of his illustrious artistic career as they take on the bleak and frozen future. Follow Scully and Wynn from their icy home of Wintersea into a killing wasteland where the coldest place is the human heart.
Well, I can’t say that I’m in favor of a bleak and frozen future. Why is it so cold? Were all the scientists really that wrong about global warming? Out of all apocalyptical futures (robotic, giant insect, volcanic, nuclear, zombie, etc…), I think “ice age” is way down on my list.
Still, if the Lair guys like it, it’s probably worth a peek.
Star Trek City on the Edge Of Forever #1 (of 5)
Star Trek City on the Edge Of Forever #1. By: Harlan Ellison, J. K. Woodward, Juan Ortiz. IDW Publishing.
Now this one, I gotta see. Like any teenage boy/nerd worth his salt, I loved Ellison’s short stories when I was “of a certain age”. That cover art, in the words of a certain Doctor is “Fantastic”! I can’t explain the nerd appeal of this book any better than the solicit:
For the first time ever, a visual presentation of the much-discussed, unrevised, unadulterated version of Harlan Ellison’s award-winning Star Trek teleplay script, ‘The City on the Edge of Forever!’ This Hugo- and Writer’s Guild of America Award-winning teleplay has been much discussed for decades but only here can you see the story as Mr. Ellison originally intended!
C’mon, now. Mr. Ellison? Really? When did we get so formal?
That said, this book is a must have. That’s why Star Trek City on the Edge Of Forever #1 is the official Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
Thank you again to the crew at Dragon’s Lair for all the help. You guys are the best.
Support your local comics shop, people. Cheers!
– CCG
PS – Alex + Ada #7 is also out this week. That’s the best comic out right now, but I gotta mix in some other titles, otherwise where’s the suspense in these lists?
Alex + Ada. Read it. Post-haste…
Dragon’s Lair’s Picks: Hot Comics of the Week (June 11, 2014)
After a bit of a hiatus, our friends at Dragon’s Lair are back and better than ever with their comic book recommendations for this week.
For those of you who don’t know, Dragon’s Lair – a staple of the Omaha comic book community – had a fire some time back. They’re moved into their new location on 90th and Blondo, which is spectacular. If you haven’t yet, you should check it out.
And while you’re there, be sure to check out the following comics, recommended by CJ and Craig:
Walking Dead #128
Walking Dead #128. By: Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard. Image Comics.
Man. This book just keeps going. I’m glad to see Kirkman’s still pushing the story along, but I also haven’t read an issue in over four years. Let’s see what’s going on this month. Let’s see. The solicit says:
“After all this time, she should be more prepared. “ Read the rest of this entry
San Diego Comic Con HOT and NOT – More Weird Toys
The announcements of exclusive toys for San Diego Comic Con 2014 are coming fast and furious. Two more toys for discussion today:
NOT – Diamond Select Toys Spirit Yoda Vinyl Bank
Checking in at around $30 and limited to 1500 pieces, this is an oddball piece that (in my opinion) will struggle to sell out. I’m not sure that the “collectible bank” crowd is clamoring for a see-through blue Yoda. And it’s not really functional either. If you fill it with coins, it ceases to be transparent.
A weird idea for a toy.
HOT – Hot Wheels® The Homer
Hot Wheels’ “The Homer”, Mattel
I love this car and I love this episode. While “The Homer” didn’t have “rack-and-peanut” steering, it did have the following features (thanks Wikipedia):
- The Homer has two bubble domes; one in the front, while the one in the back is for quarreling kids, and comes with optional restraints and muzzles.
- According to Homer, the engine sound causes people to think “the world’s coming to an end.”
- There are three horns, as Homer claims that “you can never find a horn when you’re mad.” The three horns play the song “La Cucaracha.”
- The car also features gigantic cupholders, which actually became a feature on many cars in the 1990s onward.
- The car has various outdated features such as bubble domes, shag carpeting, and tailfins. It also has a metal bowler as a hood ornament.
While The Homer had a sticker price of $82,000, this one comes in at a much more reasonable $30. At the same price as the Yoda Bank, this is a way cooler exclusive toy to look out for this July at SDCC.
If I can’t snag one in San Diego, I’ll be on the lookout on eBay for this one.
– CCG
San Diego Comic Con Hot and NOT- Weird Toys from NECA
When I say “weird”, I mean it with love. There’s a lot that goes on at San Diego Comic Con. And even though I won’t be there this year, that doesn’t mean I won’t be tracking down the best and funniest weirdness that the Con has to offer. Let’s start with some of the exclusive toys:
HOT! – Super Freddy Retro 8″ Clothed Action Figure
It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s a weird Superman/Wolverine hybrid? According to the description, this version of Freddy is from Nightmare on Elm Street Part 5: The Dream Child (a.k.a Nightmare on Elm Street Part 5: Two Parts After You Stopped Caring).
It’s a bird… Oh, wait. Already did that one.
The Freddy action figure is kinda cool. I always love the ones with the Mego-style clothing. And this one’s got a nicely stitched cloth cape to boot.
But, as any casual collector knows, this thing’s going to be sitting on a shelf in its pristine packaging. So how does that look?
Wowza! I love the illustration and the packaging. I’m not a huge horror fan, but this early in the SDCC exclusive toy race, I gotta rate this one as HOT.
NOT HOT: Marvel Scalers 2-Pack – Silver Centurion Iron Man and “Marvels” Spider-Man
I don’t get these things. My kids are 10 and they’ve already outgrown the “big head, tiny body superheroes”.
And why are the DC in black and white?
These seem like variants of variants for absolutely no reason. Did NECA already produce so many versions of Spider-Man and Iron Man Scalers that they’re down to the “Marvels” and “Silver Centurion” costume variants? Why is Iron man even climbing a rope? Are his rockets not functioning, but the rest of the armor is? You’d think his two choices were:
1. Flying
2. Taking off the armor to climb, because if the armor is out of order, no way he’s hauling it up that rope.
That’s too much thought for a toy. Especially when I was able to buy into the Superhero Freddy so easily.
Stay tuned for more SDCC toy commentary.
Thanks! and Cheers!
– CCG
Casual Comics Guy 