Comic Book Resources

Walking Dead.

Nuff said, True Believer!

Fantastic Four. It's got Silver Surfer, the guy who used to be Deathlok, and Gravity's corpse, and how many other comics can say that?

Last month I recommended Blue Beetle, and when I read that issue I thought, "Greg might have liked this," but you bought something else instead. So I recommend Blue Beetle.

But the comic I'm looking forward to most is Supergirl and the Legion. So you should pick that up too. Because, hey, it's the Legion invading an entire planet of Dominators.

Justice Society of America #5 (how the finest superhero team book currently on the market isn't already on your list, I won't ask). If last week's surprisingly fun JLA is anything to go by, this League/Society crossover is going to be a ton of fun in the vein of the old 60s and 70s team-ups (it's especially similar so far to the classic Seven Soldiers of Victory team-up from JLA v1 #100-102). This book is a definite can't-miss in my book.

I'll echo two suggestions made already for FF #545 or Legion of Superheroes #29, giving a slight edge to FF, if only because it's the second issue of a stort arc, while Legion is towards the end of a long arc. I've never been a big reader of FF, but the first few issues from McDuffie have got me interested. And I've been enjoying Legion since the start of this Waid/Kitson reboot, and I've loved it. If you've got a little extra cash, you might try picking up the first trade and see if you enjoy it too.

There are four comics I'm looking forward to this week: 52 #51, which I won't recommend because it's the second last issue, so why bother at this point; JSA #5, which is the second issue of the JLA crossover, and you didn't go for the first issue so there's no reason to think you'll bite on this one; Supergirl and the Legion #29, in which our heroes are about to show the Dominators the error of their ways, but again, this is toward the *end* of an arc, so it's not the best time to jump on.

So I'll recommend Blue Beetle #14. In the last issue, Jaime came into conflict with the alien race known as the Reach, which seems to be trying to take over the world, but in a sneaky way, and they're the ones who made his scarab in the first place. This issue has Guy Gardner in it, and writer John Rogers has hinted that Jaime will learn more about the Ted Kord side of his legacy in this comic (or that's how I interpreted it). Plus, the Reach and the GLC are supposed to be old enemies.

My first choice is Blue Beetle, but we went over that last month.

I guess #2 would be Fantastic Four. Dwayne's doing a great job. And I think it's only going to get more fun as it gose along. His run could easily shape up to be the best one in years (better than Waid's, even).

I'm sticking with Blue Beetle until you submit. Johnny Hiro (AdHouse Books) looks like it might be fun, too.

Hmmmm....tough choices.

I think I'd like to see what you think of ps238 by Aaron Williams. I often talk about how I think the book is a bit rough on new readers, and I'd like to see if you agree.

While Justice Society is at the top of my stack, I'd say pass if you haven't read the first four issues or last week's issue of Justice League.

Since you are a fan of Agents of Atlas, I'd recommend X-Men: First Class #8. It's written by Jeff Parker and will be guest starring Gorilla Man from Agents. The book has been a lot of fun thus far, fitting nicely within continuity, capturing the energy and excitement of old-school superheroics, and stays true to the original X-Men characters. In other words, its a lot like Agents of Atlas, but with the original X-Men. Seriously, how can you pass that up?

What I'm getting:
Usagi Yojimbo, 52, Daredevil, Wisdom, and Planetary Brigade

and maybe Action comics. I'll determine that in the store.

I have no clue what to recommend since all of these you're either getting, or I wouldn't recommend for people who haven't been reading.

I'll say 52 since I happen to know there's going to be some cool stuff in this issue.

Seriously, how can you pass that up?

1. Jeff Matsuda
2. Unclear intention for the book coupled with shaky execution. Is this current, re-telling, or it's own thing? I don't care which, really, it just doesn't seem like they've decided or even bothered.
3. BORING. There's nothing being done with these characters that is new or exciting. Except for Jean, they're being written by the book, and Jean's big change is she got "capable" added to her list of traits.

Wisdom is a very neglected book written by Paul Cornell who writes for Doctor Who. Worth a look even if it is 5 of 6.

I'll say Blue Beetle as well.

I too will vote for Blue Beetle. Why? Well, I can't argue in its favor as well as others could because I haven't read it since #2. It was good enough back then; I just wasn't especially interested. But I've been hearing great buzz for it lately at Newsarama and elsewhere — it sounds like old-school Spidey comics, and you certainly can't find that in his titles anymore. So I'M trying it out tomorrow*, and it'd be fun to compare notes!

* Despite the fact that I'm not a great Guy Gardner fan! But it's a pretty funny cover.

X-Men: First Class? Jeff Parker + Gorillas!

PS238? I've heard good things and you should tell me if I heard right.

Now, let's not forget the team who brought us LONE WOLF AND CUB manga, as vol. 6 (of 15) of PATH OF THE ASSASSIN continues its slaughter.

If manga's not to your taste, but horror-thriller is:
then SE7EN # 4: LUST (of 7) is a pre-quel to the classic move SE7EN.
I'm still waiting for Fincher to do a follow-up sequel (which I would call FOUR!)

Your choice. Choose wisely.

Wouldn't a sequel to a movie called "Seven" be "Eight?"

Tiny Tyrant, brilliantly fun comic about a young spoiled king who is also the absolute monarch of a country. Witten by one of the funniest men in comics, Lewis Trondheim!

Since you are already buying Professor’s Daughter, you can get this one too.

Best,
Hunter (Pedro Bouça)

Hey new Powers this week. It's been a while hasn't it?

*Only read Powers through trades.

New Superf***ers! Awesome! Thanks for the heads up.

I'm gonna say Amazons Attack #1.

I'm gonna pick it up. I really like Pfiefer and Woods; their run on Catwoman was under-appreciated and worth a trade.

Oh, wow. Wait! Amazons Attack is this week? I didn't look at the list closely.
From one fellow Catwoman fan, don'tcha think you oughtta support Mr. Pfiefer here? Plus the covers are great. Plus, you know, warrior women with spears. (Although I'm still gonna grab Beetle too, ’cause I said I would and it's time to check out the little book. If it's really good, then it deserves the same sort of reprieve from the abyss that Manhunter got.)

I'd recommend Wormwood, but this is the last issue of this arc, then it's going on hiatus for a while. It's still probably going to be the most fun this week, though.

If you're looking to get into a story that's not so close to completion, I'd recommend Crossing Midnight #6, which I've really been enjoying so far. It makes great use of Japanese folklore and Carey's writing has been superb as usual. Other than that, I want to check out God Save the Queen, but it's a little pricey for me this week. Still, Mike Carey working with the Sandman universe again with art by John Bolton is a pretty tempting package.

The newest Runaways digest should be good, or do you get it in singles?

"Heroes for Hire," as it has the Savage Land along with Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy!

To Michael:

Not necessarily, Se7en is derived from the seven deadly sins.

Way I figure in terms of sequel using the same characters and storytelling: Four would be derived from the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

I'll leave that to your imagination.

I only read Blue Beetle in trades, but I'd still recommend it; PS238 I unreservedly recommend, but I'd recommend beginning at the beginning, rather than just picking up this week's issue and diving in.

Oh, and yes, Paul Cornell is a GOD--I was going to link to the eBook of 'Human Nature', but it looks like they've taken it down (because they're adapting it for TV in a few weeks' time.) Still, he's a great writer. (Bit sappy at times. Still great.)

I'm going to recommend one of my favorite all-time books this week: Castle Waiting (Vol II #6).

Castle Waiting is a fun, light-hearted story set in an isolated castle, featuring a twist on some of the fables and myths we know from our childhood.

I don't know that this issue is a good "jumping on" point, but I think it is easily accessible for the new reader. Linda Medley's artwork is gorgeous. It is being distributed by Fantagraphics, which is putting out some really beautiful books lately.

If you like Usagi Yojimbo and Bone, I think you would enjoy Castle Waiting!

I'll throw in anothe recommendation for Blue Beetle. A good, fun & funny superhero book.

Crossing Midnight is starting a new arc, too, and it's getting better with every issue. A very good read - spooky and mysterious without being confusing or obscure.

The Spirit Archives Vol 21. Eisner at the height of his powers, but before he started to lose interest in the strip and hand over to Jules Feiffer, Wallace Wood and co.

On the other hand, you presumably know by now whether or not you like Eisner's Spirit, so you've probably already decided against.

Justice Society - Johns is at his best when he is writing this team. And c'mon, it is one heck of a team.
- or -
Little Lulu - I know it sounds juvenile, but it is on trippy, silly funny strip. The humor holds up and you honestly don't know what'll happen next. Fun stuff.

I'd go with Fantastic Four #545 as the last issue was pretty good. Another would be the Death Of Captain America - Avenger one-shot primarily as it's Ed McGuinness' first full book since returning to Marvel.

'Wisdom' #5. A great little series, and each issue has been nicely self-contained so far. Witty, inventive comics.

Mark

In case you haven't bought your books yet...

First recommendation: Wisdom #5. The best "X" book out there.

Second recommendation: Blue Beetle #14. Consistent fun, and it hasn't been hurt by Giffen's departure.

Third recommendation: Action Comics #848. Fabian Nicieza comes back to Action (without Busiek though). He's a good writer. This story should be good - even though it's just a fill-in.

Blue Beetle becausethe book is fun!