July brings the dead heat of Summer, combined with loud explosions overhead that keep me from falling asleep at a reasonable hour. So, running on no sleep – with my ADHD at an all time high – let’s see what the folks at Dragon’s Lair recommend for those long tired evenings.
Also, the new WordPress interface is giving me fits, so forgive me for the sloppy layout on this post. Once I figure out where everything on the old toolbar went, it’ll be back to business as usual.
On a side note, I know my updates have been more infrequent lately, but that’s because there’s some big news coming. Into the Void, issue #1 is almost ready for prime time. Stay tuned for details.
Black Widow #8
Come on, now. Am I supposed to celebrate the birth of our nation with a story about a Russian spy?
I’ve heard good things about this series, so let’s see what Natasha’s got in store for us this month.
On a snowy night in Prague, Natasha must fight her way out of disaster alongside the WINTER SOLDIER!
Meanwhile, Isaiah has business of his own in London, but a simple plan gets complicated.
Nathan Edmonson and Phil Noto continue their uninterrupted run on one of the most acclaimed books of the year.
Not a ton to go on, there. But, if the Lair team recommends it, I’ll check it out.
Rocket Raccoon #1
As Marvel continues to crank the promotions machine to “11” for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy film, here’s a series featuring the most immediately interesting character for casual fans. Why in the name of sam hill does an interstellar team of adventurers have a talking, gun-toting raccoon in their ranks? I’ve never been a big fan of the Marvel cosmic universe, so I’m as interested to find out as the rest.
The art, by Skottie Young, is eye-grabbing – as one would suspect. The story?
ALL-NEW, IN-CONTINUITY SERIES!
As defenders of the cosmos go, Rocket Raccoon has faced his fair share of galactic battles. He’s been a hero to the weak, a champion of good, a protector of the innocent, a heartthrob to the many intergalactic female species and now–a raccoon on the run?! ( I’m sorry, I’m sorry, a ‘formidable-and-expert-Guardian’ on the run. Rocket is NOT a raccoon, okay?)
Rocket’s high-flying life of adventure and heroism may soon be a thing of the past when he becomes a wanted man-and the authorities are not the only one on his TAIL! (We’ll definitely be overusing that pun!)
Superstar creator Skottie Young brings his A-game as writer and artist on the series we’ve been waiting decades for. Because let’s be real, this is the only Guardian of the Galaxy you actually care about. Am I right?
First off… Phew, I’m glad this is in continuity. I was worried about that. Second, apparently he’s not a raccoon? I’ll definitely check out this first issue in (what I assume) is this character’s first solo series.
Nail Biter #3
I’ll be honest. I have no idea what this series is about. I’m going to see what I can find out on Google in under three minutes for you.
While you’re waiting, check out this super-patriotic image I found of Captain America in honor of Independence Day:
Okey, doke. I’m back. According to the Image Comics web site, here’s what the series is all about:
Buckaroo, Oregon has given birth to sixteen of the vilest serial killers in the world. An obsessed FBI profiler investigating the town has suddenly gone missing, and now an NSA agent must work with the notorious serial killer Edward “Nailbiter” Warren to find his friend and solve the mystery of where serial killers come from.
Seems pretty cool, but I’ll be honest. It only seems worth checking out if you’ve already read the first two issues. I might be waiting on the trade paperback for this one.
Superman Unchained #7
Could this finally be it? The Superman/Django Unchained Crossover I’ve been hearing so much about?
Oh, wait. That’s a Zorro/Django crossover I was hearing about on the Two Headed Nerd podcast in my car the other day. (Which is a real thing and is coming soon). You should really be listening to their podcast. There’s no better way for casual comics fans to get what’s going on in the world of comic books today.
So back to this, so far disappointing, book. “What’s it about?” I’m asking myself.
It’s a rampage in the Batcave! It’s come to this: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman against Wraith! Alone, they wouldn’t have a chance–but they don’t have much of one together, either! And all the while, Lex Luthor’s machinations are clicking into place . . .
Ugh. So many exclamation marks. Between that and the cover art, this book is making me all headache-y already. Maybe it’s the after-effects of several nights in a row of fireworks rocking my neighborhood, but I don’t know about this one.
Fox TPB Vol. 01 Freak Magnet
Now this looks like just the book I was looking for. Calm, soothing, and interesting. It’s a trade paperback, too – best friend of the casual comics reader.
Here’s a book I can spend a holiday weekend with. Sitting on the porch, drinking a lemondae and reading the Fox trade paperback? Sounds good to me.
Thanks again to CJ and the crew at Dragon’s Lair for the picks this week.
Stay tuned for news on Into the Void, and don’t forget to support your local comics shop!
Cheers!
– CCG
Casual Comics Guy 