Category Archives: Comic Previews and Picks
“Free” Comic Pick of the Month – July 2018
I don’t read comics nearly as often as I used to, in case that’s not been obvious to this point. As a casual comics fan, I’ve been pleased to find that there are quite a lot of options out there for readers who want to “check out” free comics without committing their hard earned dollars to an actual purchase.
There are a lot of ways to read free comics online. However, for today, I’m just going to focus on one platform – Amazon Prime Reading – for a few reasons:
- You can read a lot more comics for free from other sites, but if you’re reading comics people uploaded, you’re ripping off the comic companies and creators, and you should knock it off.
- I don’t like to read comics in my browser, and the experience of reading comics on a tablet is great on the Kindle App.
- If the news is to be believed, Amazon is taking over the world and approximately 112% of Americans now have Prime subscriptions – so it’s probably the quickest, most accessible for you if you just happened upon this article.
Casual Comics Preview – Week of March 15, 2017
I’m excited to announce (well, tease more than announce) that we’ve got some big things coming over at the Casual Comics Cast. In the meantime, here are some new comics this week for your consideration.
We’ve had some real bummer weeks in the recent past, so hopefully, by the time I get to the end of this, I’ll have a pick for the Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
Cadmus #1
Nice. Right off the bat, we’ve got a terrific comic.
Cadmus #1 – Writer: Samantha Beck, Art: Samantha Beck, Publisher: Antarctic Press
“Antarctic Press presents a true tale for the ages, a gorgeous retelling of a classic Greek myth. When his sister Europa is kidnapped from his home of Phoenicia, Cadmus is sent by his father to retrieve her. Unable to find her yet forbidden to return without her, his fortunes seem to turn when an oracle reveals how he shall sow the first seeds of a mighty city of his own!”
This is the kind of comic I could really get on board with. I have not heard of Samantha Beck, but she’s really killing it with dynamic art and a can’t miss story. I haven’t read Ovid’s Metamorphoses since college, and I’m really looking forward to revisiting it in this comic.
Death Be Damned #2
Writer: Ben Acker, Art: Hannah Christenson, Publisher: Boom Studios!
This is another book with brilliant art. I wish that the solicit were a little more explicit about the story author Ben Acker is delivering. Read the rest of this entry
Casual Comics Preview – Week of 01/26/2017
While you’re awaiting the next episode of the Casual Comics Cast, here are some of this week’s comics that have me intrigued, interested, and a little bit scared (if I’m honest). So, for the week of January 26, 2017, let’s take a look at some of the new comics.
Hilbilly #5
To be candid, this is the one that has me a little scared.
“A cunning and malevolent creature prowls the night harassing the people of the hills, but Rondel lays in wait to turn the creature’s lust for revenge against him.”
This is the kind of book that intrigues me at the comics shop. It’s from a publisher I’m not familiar with, and it has an attention-grabbing title. And just who (or what) is a Tailypo. It’s also the kind of book that usually proves to be impenetrable to a casual reader, especially one that’s starting at issue #5.
Boundless Comics
Bonus points this week for finding a super-scary publisher. For the first time in my recollection, I’m seeing solicits from something called “Boundless Comics”. I’m just going to leave this list of their titles for the week here…
Belladonna #4 (Matt Martin Shield Maiden Cover), $5.99
Belladonna #4 (Nahuel Lopez Regular Cover), $5.99
Belladonna #4 (Nahuel Lopez Wraparound Cover), $5.99
Belladonna #4 (Raulo Caceres Blood Lust Cover), $5.99
Belladonna #4 (Renato Camilo Killer Body Cover), $5.99
Hellina #1 (Of 3)(Raulo Caceres Kickstarter Sacrilege Cover), $9.99
Hellina #1 (Of 3)(Ron Adrian Whipcracker Cover), $9.99
Hellina #2 And #3 Kickstarter Set, $12.99
Jungle Fantasy Ivory #1 (Raulo Caceres Kickstarter Natural Beauty Cover), $9.99
Jungle Fantasy Ivory #1 (Renato Camilo Kickstarter Reward Cover), $9.99
Jungle Fantasy Ivory #4 (Costume Change Set), $19.99
Jungle Fantasy Ivory #5 (Costume Change Set), $19.99
Lookers #0 (Century Bikini Set), $149.99
Lookers #0 (Kickstarter Costume Change Set), $39.99
Lookers #0 (Matt Martin Kickstarter Sultry Cover), $6.99
Ravening #1 (Of 4)(Christian Zanier Kickstarter Reward Cover), $9.99
Ravening #1 (Of 4)(Kickstarter Costume Change Set), $36.99
Ravening #1 (Of 4)(Raulo Caceres Kickstarter Temptation Cover), $9.99
Ravening #2 (Of 4)(Gabriel Andrade Kickstarter Goth Deco Cover), $9.99
Unholy #1 (Christian Zanier POV Cover), $5.99
Unholy #1 (Christian Zanier Wraparound Cover), $5.99
Unholy #1 (Ignacio Calero Regular Cover), $5.99
Unholy #1 (Jontas Stunning Cover), $5.99
Unholy #1 (Matt Martin Femme Fatales Cover)
These are the comics that give comics a bad name. Usually I post a cover, but my kids read this blog. I literally cannot take my daughters to shops that put these titles on the rack. Running down the list, I can only imagine what dark corridors of Kickstarter I have somehow managed to avoid.
Zombie Tramp #31
Based on the title? Pass…
Based on the cover? Pass…
(These are the tribulations of a casual comics fan… The amount of trash you have to wade through to get to any kind of quality comics. And if you don’t believe me, look at the “variant covers” of this comic.)
Kamandi Challenge #1
So far, so depressing. So what’s this?
I only know of Kamandi because of KenzerCo’s “The Knights of the Dinner Table”. Because of what I learned there, plus that this is the first issue of a new series, I may actually check this one out.
When they were writing about it, they were referring to comics like this blast from the past.
So what’s happening with Kamandi today?
Let’s see what the solicit says:
“Prepare to take part in one of the greatest adventures from the infinite future of the DC Universe, and join the industry’s top creative teams in a round-robin, no-holds-barred, storytelling extravaganza titled THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE! Born from the mind of Jack ‘King’ Kirby, the post apocalyptic Earth of Kamandi has been a fan favorite for decades, and now 14 intrepid teams of writers and artists build on this incredible foundation and take the title character on an epic quest to find his long-lost parents and travel to places seen and unseen in the DC Universe. Each issue will end with an unimaginable cliffhanger, and it’s up to the next creative team to resolve it before creating their own. It’s a challenge worthy of ‘The King’ himself! In this premiere issue, the Last Boy on Earth is dragged from his safe haven by a group of tigers, only to face the nightmarish threat of the ultimate weapon! RATED T”
So many words I love… “infinite future”, “round-robin”, “no-holds-barred”, “extravaganza”, “incredible foundation”, “epic quest”, “long-lost parents”, “unimaginable cliffhanger”, “nightmarish threat”, ultimate weapon”…
It’s like they fed 40 years of comic descriptions into a database and asked Watson to come up with a perfect comic book pitch. But, wait, there’s more…
Distracted by the fanciful description, I almost missed the fact that this is a serialized story that is passed from one team to the next – issue-to-issue…
This will either be a spectacular event or (more likely) a glorious trainwreck. Either way, I’m in. So, Kamandi Challenge #1 is the official Casual Comics “Hot Pick” of the week!
Boy – this week was a bit of a downer. After I slogged through the first batch, my soul was deadened and all I could see on my screen was “Micronauts”, blahblahblah, “My Little Pony”, blahblahblah, “Jem and the Holograms”, blahblahblah, “Thanos #3” – why is there a Thanos comic and how is it already on issue #3…?
So, it was a bit of a dark time…
The plan is for us to record a new podcast and have it in your ears in the next week (or so). I promise the mood will be lighter by then.
Cheers!
– CCG
Casual Comics Preview Podcast – Week of November 30, 2016
Now we’re cooking… This just in, Mo and I covered the four most interesting titles coming out for the week of November 30, 2016.
The titles we discuss are:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #64
Batman Detective Comics Trade Paperback Vol. 08: Blood Of Heroes?
Doctor Strange Sorcerers Supreme #1 (Second Printing)
Mighty Thor Premium Hardcover volume 2: Lords of Midgard
Also, sadly, I try and recall which day of the week is New Comics Day.
https://podomatic.com/embed/html5/episode/8272106?autoplay=false
Enjoy!
– CCG
Hot Comics Picks of the Week (March 4, 2015 edition)
It’s not really fair to call it a preview if it comes out after the comics hit the shelves, so let’s call them “Hot Picks” for this week. Once again, you can thank the mighty men at Dragon’s Lair in Omaha for the picks this week.
As for me, I’m still trying to catch up on Kelly Sue DeConnick’s pretty takedown of the patriarchy in Bitch Planet #2 and 3, so I’m glad CJ sent me some hot comics to spotlight this week.
Princess Leia #1
Princess Leai #1. Writer: Mark Waid Art: Terry Dodson Cover: Terry Dodson . Marvel Comics.
Now that Marvel and Star Wars have been conquered and absorbed into the magic kingdom, things are consolidating faster than I expected. The last thing I need to see is another prequel to TOS, but if CJ says it’s worth checking out, I’ll go with it.
So what’s it all about?
When Princess Leia Organa was captured by the Empire as a Rebel spy, she never betrayed her convictions, even in the face of the complete destruction of her home world, Alderaan. When her rescue came, she grabbed a blaster and joined the fight, escaping back to the Rebel Alliance and helping strike the biggest blow against the Empire-the destruction of the Death Star. But in the aftermath of that victory, the question remains…what is a princess without a world?
Guardians Team-up #1
Guardians Tean-Up #1. Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Arthur Adams Cover: Arthur Adams . Marvel Comics.
Such a gorgeous cover. I’m skeptical that every character appearing on that cover can possibly appear in the pages of this book, but it’s worth a look. I haven’t yet found a Guardians title that I like. Ever. However, since the movie was so awesome, I’ll give this one a try, too.
Day Men #6
Day Men #6. Writer: Matt Gagnon Art: Brian Stelfreeze Cover: Brian Stelfreeze. Boom Studios.
This is where the disconnect between a professional comics guy and a Casual Comics Guy becomes clear. I love the recommendations I get from CJ and the Lair professionals. I’m sure this is a great book. Here’s the solicit:
Kellen’s gambit is over: the Virgos’ last ditch attempt to find proof of the Scourge has failed, and Azalea will be subject to Justice by Day. But before that ultimate battle between Day Men occurs, David must race up to Vermont to save his mentor Blackwill from his betrayer, Lera.
This is probably an awesome story and a great title, but that whole thing means nothing to me. So, I’ll probably do the Casual Comics thing and wait for the trade paperback, hope that they carry it at Barnes and Noble, and then read it on a Saturday at the store while I drink a coffee (Venti decaf Americano, splash of soy, please…)
Even living on my own in Ohio, waiting for my family to move out here with me, I’ve barely got enough time to keep up on the comics. So, let’s look at the list of new comics and find a Casual Comics Pick of the Week.
Aaaaand, I found it.
Alex + Ada TPB Volume 2
Alex + Ada vol. 2 TPB. By Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughan. Image Comics.
This is the most magical, delightful series I’ve read in ages. I’ve got a very short list of series that I would classify as “must owns” – books that inform the human condition while also telling an entertaining story with visuals that delight without overwhelming. Miracleman and Watchmen completed the 80s and 90s. If you want to be in on a series as important as those are, you should be reading this.
I don’t read many (read any) comics every month. I was reading this every single month… This was the comic that inspired me to create a pull list for the first time ever. Since I moved to Ohio, though, I lost track of which issues I’ve bought and which I need.
It’s time for me to just give in and get caught up on this magnificent series, even if I’m buying some issues for a second time.
I love me some Alex + Ada, and that’s why Alex + Ada TPB vol. 2 is my Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
I’ll be heading to Laughing Ogre comics in Columbus this weekend to get it. I hope you’ll also support you local comic book shop.
Cheers!
– CCG
Hot Comic Preview of the Week (December 17, 2014)
You might be asking why I’m previewing a comic so far in advance. But then, you’ll feast your eyes on the below image, and you’ll completely get it.
Sooo dreamy….
This gorgeous image popped up online and I was completely blown away. Just the cover image makes me want to pick up the back issues of the Tenth Doctor comic series. But wait, there’s more…
GABBY IS DYING FOR HER ART!
With the Doctor half the man he should be, under the draining influence of an alien tourist trap, Gabriella is left to shoulder the burden of saving him, the planet, and the future of art in our galaxy – and all on her first off-world trip, no less!
Trapped in a terrifying creative retreat, where what was once beautiful has been rendered corrupt and horrifying, is Gabby strong enough to reverse whatever has been done to the Doctor and save an intergalactic artistic community from itself? You’d better hope so!
And who, or what, are the deadly Consultants… and what plans do they have for the Doctor?!
Who is Gabby? Well, she’s obviously a companion for the Tenth Doctor we’ve not met on the TV series. I’m so jazzed for this issue, I just had to interrupt my regular, irregular, comic picks to pre-emptively name The Tenth Doctor #5 as the Official Hot Comic Pick of the Week two weeks in advance of its release.
Cheers!
CCG
Casual Comics Guy Hot Picks of the Week (October 22, 2014)
Still spooky time here in the Casual Comics Corner of the universe. I’m on the prowl for scary, weird, or otherwise holiday-themed books. I’m sure I won’t find anything this brilliant…
Why are his pants ripped? His calves aren’t THAT big…
Memetic #1 (of 3)
Memetic #1. Boom! Studios: October 22, 2014 Writer: James TynionIV Art: Eryk Donovan Cover: Eryk Donovan
Bingo! I love getting in on the ground floor of a limited series. No crazy continuity to try and follow. And, I should be able to read it through to the end without too much trouble. Especially since it’s coming out as three super-size (48 page) issues instead of six regular sized monthly books.
Why it’s spooky: Just read the solicit…
” Meme is an idea that starts with an individual, and then spreads throughout multiple persons and potentially entire societies. Richard Dawkins suggests a meme’s success comes from its effectiveness to the host. But history shows that destructive memes can spread just as rapidly through society. MEMETIC shows the progression of a weaponized meme that leads to the utter annihilation of the human race within 72 hours. The root of this apocalypse is a single image on the internet, a ‘meme’ in the popular sense. A meme that changes everything.”
Arkham Manor #1
Arkham Manor #1. DC Comics: October 22, 2014 Writer: Gerry Duggan Art: Shawn Crystal Cover: Shawn Crystal
What? Wayne Manor getting overrun by some of the scariest Batman villains of all time. And apparently, they’re vandalizing Bruce’s property.
Why it’s spooky: Just look at the cover. It’s got all the weirdest members of Batman’s rogues gallery. There’s Scarecrow…Mad Hatter… Guy who draws on his own face that looks like he’s just seen The Silence from Doctor Who. Actually, if The Silence are in this book, it rockets to number one on the must-read list. It’s much more likely that it’s just some other dude I don’t know because I haven”t read a Batman comic in ages.
Last Unicorn TPB
Last Unicorn TPB. By: Peter S. Beagle, Renae De Liz
I love this movie. I had no idea that they were releasing a trade paperback and then – like magic – I just ran across a copy of the hardback at Barnes and Noble tonight. And, if you’ve never seen it, you should definitely watch it. It used to be streaming online for free, but now I think you’re going to have to pay to stream it on Amazon.
Why it’s spooky: The Red Bull in the story still gives me nightmares.
She-Hulk #9
She-hulk #9. By: Charles Soule, Javier Pulido, Kevin Wada
She-Hulk is such a great book. Charles Soule is knocking it out of the park. Some people aren’t a big fan of Javier Pulido’s idiosyncratic art, but I’ve always found it endearing. I’m glad that the title doesn’t have the hyper-detailed art that most Marvel titles employ. Getting something a little more abstract reminds one that you don’t need a She-Hulk you can ogle, so much as you need one with heart (and brains).
A welcome relief from the normal overly-sexualized heroine we get in the books.
And for those of you who don’t like Pulido… at least Ron Wimberly isn’t drawing the book any more.
AHHHHHHH!!!! MY EYES!!!!!
Why it’s spooky: Because even though this is probably one of the best titles Marvel is publishing right now, I just found out they’re pulling the plug after issue #12. Boooo!
In almost any other week, She-Hulk would easily nail down the top spot. But… guess what I just found!
Borderland’s: Fall of Fyrestone #3
Borderlands Fall Of Fyrestone #3. By: Mike Neumann, Agustin Padilla.
A Borderlands comic? I know IDW licences a bunch of properties, but this is one of the few where I think it’s a GREAT idea.
Borderlands has to be the funniest, most surreal games I’ve ever played. If Neumann can bring half the humor to this book from the game series, this will be well worth checking out.
Why it’s spooky: This issue features one of my favorite bad guys from the first Borderlands – Nine Toes. (That’s not the only appendage he’s got an odd number of)
Between the comic and the release of the new video game, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, it’s a Vault Hunter’s life for me. That’s why Borderland’s: Fall of Fyrestone #3 is my Official Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
Until next time, support your local comic book shop.
Cheers!
CCG
Casual Comics Guy – Hot Comic Picks (Week of October 8, 2014)
It’s finally October. Well, I guess last week was technically October, too, but it’s finally cooling off and starting to feel like fall. I’m starting to feel the urge for scary movies and moody comics. Let’s see what this week holds for us.
The October Faction #1
The October Faction #1. Idw Publishing: October 22, 2014 Writer: Steve Niles Art: Damien Worm Cover: Damien Worm .
So, Steve Niles. That guy is pretty well respected. I mean, 30 Days of Night had a great story. Even though the art was unbearably terrible, it was still worth reading just for the cool concept. So what does Niles have in store for us this time:
“The creative team behind Monster & Madman would like to introduce you to the ongoing adventures of retired monster-hunter Frederick Allan and his family? which include a thrill-killer, a witch, and a warlock. Because sometimes crazy is the glue that binds a family together.”
All right… I’ll check it out. The art can’t be worse than 30 Days of Night….
Doctor Who 10th #3
Doctor Who 10th #3. By: Nick Abadzis, Elena Casagrande, Verity Glass. Titan.
The Doctor is back.
The Tenth Doctor is back.
To paraphrase “The Man”… “I’ve said enough.”
Also, I’d love to frame this cover and hang it on the wall.
Bad Dreams #5 (of 5)
Bad Dreams #5 (of 5). By: Gary Winnick. Red 5 Comics.
This is an unbearably beautiful cover for a very interesting book. I featured the first issue in a previous “Hot Picks of the Week” column. Now that the mini-series is winding down, I feel compelled to pick them all up. You can be ceratain that you’ll see the trade paperback (best friend of casual comics fans everywhere) featured soon.
“Using an enchanted potion Mary frees her companions from the Dream Queen’s spell. But time is running out for them, they must find the talisman they’ve been searching for to release Mother Night and discover their true nature.
As an all out assault on the palace ensues, their final confrontation between light and dark will ultimately reveal all. “
Well, if it’s the last issue, I’d certainly hope they would “ultimately reveal all”. Thanks for nothing lazy solicitation writer…
Worst Comic of the Week:
Mighty Titan #3
Mighty Titan #3. By: Joe Martino, Luca Cicchitti, Steve Lightle. Rare Bird Books.
This may or may not be a new category. I honestly can’t recall. It’s late. I’m on Eastern Time now. And I’ve been browsing more than my recommended daily allowance of comics.
One thing is for sure. This is the WORST comic of the week. It’s trying so hard to be “hot” that it’s the complete opposite. Let’s set aside the horrifyingly non-functional costume on the woman here. Let’s set aside the terrifyingly poor costume design on the guy. They both look like far too stiff action figures, And, I think she’s supposed to look seductive, but instead she looks like she’s going to plunge her claws into his chest Mola Ram-style.
Then there’s the hilariously bad cyclops behind them. Everything about the cover to this issue amplifies the argument that comics are for stunted pre-teens whose brains are damaged by heavy metal music.
But let’s be fair and find out what the plot of this comic is:
“The Mighty Titan is now aware of his cancer diagnosis. A surprise meeting with a super-powered woman, Caress, sends him reeling into a sea of anger and doubt. Joe Martino’s The Mighty Titan wraps his experiences as a cancer survivor in a super-hero shell.”
Actual real-time reaction?
*groan*… Caress? *sigh* cancer again..stop already… super-hero shell… *groooooaaaaan*
This is the worst thing I’ve seen in a long time. And I just saw a skunk run over on the highway a few weeks back.
Miracleman #12
Miracleman #12. By: The Original Writer, John Totleben, Adam Hughes. Marvel Comics.
I still count it as a miracle that Marvel is finally reprinting this classic series. For those of you who don’t know, issues 11-15 are the hardest back issues to find. Which is weird, because they are the climax of this first story arc. Reading the apex of this story arc changed my view of comics forever.
As you can see, Alan Moore still continues to be a jack-hole about the credits to the comic. But, if you want to see the best work Alan Moore ever did, you’ll be reading (or re-reading) this classic series. The continuing revelation of the true source of Mike Moran’s powers, plus the introduction to Miraclewoman would normally be enough. But, this issue also slips in the re-introduction to the super-evil Kid Miracelman. It might sound silly, but that’s the point. Moore creates one of the best, most tragic story arcs in all of comics and this is smack in the middle of it.
That’s why Miracleman #12 is the Official Casual Comics Hot Comic Book of the Week.
(Also, be prepared for #13-15 to be the hot picks, regardless of what else comes out those weeks…) In the meantime, support your local comic book shop.
Cheers!
– CCG
Casual Comics Hot Comic Book Picks of the Week – October 1, 2014
October is upon us. It’s finally spooky season. Let’s tremble together as we try and figure out what comic publishers are up to this week. I’m so out of it, comics-wise, that this is going to be scary.
Sing No Evil: Graphic Novel
Sing No Evil. By: JP Ahonen, KP Alare. Abrams Comicarts.
This is listed in the promotional materials under “Horror”. The cover isn’t particularly spooky. Let’s see what the solicit says:
“Twenty-something guitarist Aksel stutters when he sings, and the latest reviews say he has the voice of a crow with throat plague. That’s not a compliment, even for the avant-garde music his band Perkeros plays. Aksel is having a hard time keeping the band together, stopping his girlfriend from kicking him out, and not getting eaten by his drummer (who happens to be a cranky brown bear). There are also the rival bands that Perkeros find themselves in battle with to save the city from supernatural forces set loose by ancient music. The key to it all could be in the music Aksel hears in his dreams – if it doesn’t drive him mad first.”
Hmmm… I might just go ahead and watch “Rock and Rule” again instead of reading this one.
Rock and Rule is awesome….
Critical Hit #1
Critical Hit #1. By: Matt Miner, Jonathan Brandon Sawyer. Black Mask Comics
This seems a bit more like a horror comic I can get on board with.
“Matt Miner rallies a brand new art team and launches Liberator fan-favorites Jeanette and Sarah in a bold new direction with their own gritty mission to stop a rogue gang of hunters – but the girls learn to their horror that these hunters have developed a new hobby: hunting people… and suddenly the rescuers become the prey.”
OK – So I don’t know who Jeanette and Sarah are, but they’re apparently on a “gritty” mission. I’ll give the comic props for having both of the female leads wearing sensible clothing while fighting evil. Don’t know why there’s a cat on the cover, but I guess I’ll find out. Hopefully I’m not too far behind on continuity, because this one sounds good.
Garfield #30
Garfield #30. By: Mark Evanier, Andy Hirsch. Boom! Studios.
Mark Evanier is writing Garfield now?!? This is less horror than existential dread.
Gotham Academy #1
Gotham Academy #1. By: Becky Cloonan, Karl Kerschl. DC Comics.
It’s been a long while (since the debut of Batman ’66, in fact) since I’ve been interested in any DC Comics offerings. This one has promise, though. I already love it – simply based on the cover. Let’s see if this one can live up to the promise:
“WELCOME TO GOTHAM ACADEMY! Gotham City’s most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It’s got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by…like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange is the students!
Like, what’s up with Olive Silverlock? Is she crazy or what? Where did she go last summer? And what’s the deal with her creepy mom? And how come that Freshman MAPS is always following her around? And is she still going out with Kyle? P.S. Did you hear the rumor about the ghost in the North Hall?!
GOTHAM ACADEMY is a new, monthly teen drama set in the shadow of Batman and the craziness of Gotham City, with new characters and old plus a secret tie to Gotham’s past…”
Seems like the folks at DC have finally realized that their actual heroes are a little tired and they’re OK putting them on the sidelines while someone tells actual stories. Good for you, DC!
Alex + Ada #9
Alex + Ada #9. By: Jonathan Luna. Image Comics.
I don’t care that (because of my move to Ohio) I’ve missed issues 7 and 8. This is the best series I’ve read in a looooooong time. Seeing issue #9 just reminds me that I’ve got to get out and get 7 and 8 ASAP.
As always, when there’s an issue of Alex + Ada out, it’s obviously The Official Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.
I just wish Jonathan Luna would tell me if it’s “Alex and Ada” or “Alex Plus Ada”. (I prefer the latter). Think he’ll tell me if I hit him up on Twitter? Let’s find out – shall we?
While you’re waiting, you can watch the finale from “Rock and Rule”. Enjoy!
And, as always – support your local Comic Book Shop!
Cheers!
– CCG
PS – I’ll let you know what Mr. Luna says about the title of his book…
Hot Comics of the Week – Transition Edition (Week of 08/20)
Holy Cow, has it been a crazy month. I know even less about new comics today than I did two months ago, believe it or not. Aside from the sweet Kickstarter for Into the Void, my first comic book, I’m transitioning to a new city. Soon, you’ll be able to read about all the best comic shops in Ohio, right here on this very blog.
But, while I’m on the road and have a few minutes, I thought I’d look over the new comic list and see what’s interesting. Join me, will you, on this flight of fancy (and confusion) as I once again attempt to figure out what the heck is going on in comic book culture today.
Fables #143
Fables #143. By Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Nimit Malavia. DC Comics.
Even if I don’t read a book anymore, sometimes I gotta give it a nod just based on longevity. Back when I was getting my MBA, I would do my homework at Border’s. Yes… this was a long time ago. And, yet, when I took a break from homework, I’d catch up on trade paperbacks of Fables. Border’s is a distant memory, but Fables soldiers on.
Infinite Crisis Fight For The Multiverse #2
Infinite Crisis Fight For The Multiverse #2. By: Dan Abnett, Tom Raney, Dan Panosian. DC Comics.
The most confusing title of the week goes to DC Comics. I’m not sure what to make of An infinitiely large crisis that is also a fight for the universe. How does something like that come about? And why is The Joker so fat?
This might also be the ugliest cover I’ve seen in recent memory. I’d say it was the ugliest comic art, but the recent issues of She-Hulk almost made me quit the title forever.
Seriously.. what is this?
Apparently, this title is based on a recent video game. Because we all know how well the major publishers do translating video games to the page.
Curse you Scott Adams! And not the Dilbert one. (Although come to think of it, I’m not that happy with him, either)
DC! You’re failing so hard with this title, you’re making me nostalgic for Questprobe. Please, stop monkeying around with new universes.
Multiversity #1
Multiversity #1. By: Grant Morrison, Ivan Reis. DC Comics.
………..SIGH…….
I’m not even going to read the description. Please tell me you’re not trying for a gritty reboot of Captain Carrot. Seeing this cover makes me want to go back in time and prevent myself from ever reading a DC title. If you’re messing with Captain Carrot, you’ve totally lost your marbles.
I need to find a way to calm my nerves after seeing this one.
Oh, no. I accidentally just looked at the solicit for this one. I’m not copying a pasting it here. It’s a TRAIN WRECK. If you want to see it, go ahead. But what you see cannot ever be unseen!
I don’t think I can dislike the current state of comics any more than I do this week. If the industry so bereft of ideas that every title makes my inner comics geek die a little more?
Steampunk Battlestar Galactica 1880 #1 (of 4). By: Tony Lee, Aneke, Ardian Syaf. Dynamite Entertainment.
This makes every molecule of my heart sad. I could write a whole post of what’s wrong with this book. And I still might… But I’m shell-shocked by the awfulness of this week’s titles right now.
Since I started this blog, over a year ago, this week has made me more sad then ever about where comics are. Maybe that says something about me. Perhaps I need a professional guide, like the Dragon’s Lair crew, before I venture into the wild world of comics.
I promise I’ll try harder next week. Until then, I suppose I should pick at least one GOOD comic of the week. And, appropos of this week, I’m picking this one:
Ms Marvel #1 (6th Printing)
Ms. Marvel #1. By: G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, Sara Pichelli. Marvel Comics.
In a weak week for comics, I’m going to just give a shout out to Ms. Marvel.
You know why this book is in its SIXTH printing? (I’m not going to get into the pricing dynamics and Marvel’s complex schema for maximizing profits). No. A sixth printing is still pretty rare. If you haven’t jumped on board with Ms. Marvel, you should. The success of this title just shows you how starved REAL comics fans are for something unique and different. The new Ms. Marvel is a revelation – calling back to the original uniqueness of Spider-man. Dealing with real teen issues in relatable ways, this is a book where you’ll care about the characters as much as the action.
That’s why the SIXTH PRINTING of Ms. Marvel #1 is still the official Hot Comic Pick of the Week.
I’m going to be doing these more regularly now that my schedule is settling down, and I’m getting used to the rarified air of Ohio. Let this be a warning to you comics. Step it up…
– CCG
