Mike Maillaro
- Book Of Death Legends Of The Geomancer #4 – I typically try to start on a positive note here…but Legends of the Geomancer may have been the worst conceived move in the history of comics. It’s a free give-away…BUT I’M AFRAID I’VE GOT SOME BAD NEWS. The issues themselves are very hard to come by. Valiant did this intentionally…saying “This is a little known story, the history of which is only known to a select few of the most important players in the Valiant Universe, and it’s telling will mirror its method of distribution. This will be a rare series that we hope fans will seek, much as they did decades ago for tales like the original ‘Harbinger’ #0.” Retailers were given the freebies based on how many copies of Book of Death they ordered. They are not going to be available digitally or in any kind of trade. Honestly, the only reason I’ve been able to read them at all was because Valiant sends me digital preview copies of their books. Personally, I think this is a horrible idea, and does more to alienate comic readers than anything else. The worst part is the story itself hasn’t been all that great, though we finally know the origin of Ivar, Gilad, and Aram.
- Book Of Death #4 – Just to provide some balance to the universe, I will say that I have enjoyed Book of Death quite a bit. Valiant has done a great job reintroducing Master Darque, and it was nice to have a crossover that was simple and self-contained. Definitely a great alternative to Secret Wars. Real curious what the ramifications of Book of Death will be for the Valiant universe moving forward.
- Secret Wars – In Marvel’s typical late release fashion, this week they are releasing the Secret Wars Official Handbook Of Marvel Multiverse…when Secret Wars is already basically over. That is just absurd timing. I hope it’s more in the fashion of Age of Apocalypse: The Chosen, where the profiles are quick and punchy. When Marvel does these types and books in the Official Handbook style, I just don’t have the time or patience to read through all those long entries. SHOW ME, don’t tell me. HOUSE OF M and WHERE MONSTERS DWELL are the only two other Secret Wars books coming out this week.
- Howling Commandos Of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 – I groan every time Marvel tries to reimagine The Howling Commandos as monsters. But I have to admit, I have typically enjoyed the books where they have tried that, and I immediately added this to my pull list. I can’t imagine this series lasting all that long, but it should be fun while it does last.
- Batman And Robin Eternal #4 – Last issue they basically suggested that Batman got his Robins by working with a mysterious figure called Mother who provides specialized children for various tasks. I am kind of tired of the New 52 constantly putting a wedge between Bruce and his “family.” That said, I am still really enjoying Batman and Robin Eternal. But can we make a pledge to have a year free of Batman being a jerk to his family. Please?
- Gotham by Midnight #10 – I know I keep saying this, but I am pretty sad they are ending Gotham by Midnight. I thought it took a few issues to find solid footing, but it’s been one of my favorite titles for a while now. Going to be real sad to see it go. DC could use more different titles like this.
- Justice League Darkseid War Batman #1 – I haven’t yet read Justice League from last week when I sat down to type this, but supposedly it ended with some major upheavals to the status quo. I don’t know if we needed a bunch of one-shots on top of Darkseid War, but I am real curious to see how this story plays out.
- Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #724 – IDW’s Disney books are a little hard for me to keep up with since they continue to make them unavailable for digital release. That said, I still keep up the best I can. WDCAS might be my favorite of the bunch. It has been one big story tying in a lot of different Disney characters on a quest to gather up medallions with Zodiac symbols on them. Each has been basically a stand alone story as bad of a bigger arc. Pretty much my favorite type of story.
- Captain America Sam Wilson #2 – Huge improvement about Remender’s work on the character. Sam Wilson definitely stands for some new things as Captain America, and I love seeing these changes. Kind of surprised that Steve Roger seems to be standing against him, but Steve Rogers has kind of become a big wet blanket over the last few years. I kind of wish Marvel had just left him dead.
- What If Infinity Dark Reign #1 – I can’t say this enough. As much as I didn’t like Infinity, the What If’s that came out the last few weeks have all been terrific. Pretty much all of them would have create far more interesting stories than we got from Infinity. Sort of like Secret Wars version of Civil War, Marvel needs to look at these stories as templates for future crossovers. They are far better than what we actually get for crossovers.
- Chewbacca #2 – Marvel continues shipping books in back to back weeks. I really hate this policy, especially with $4 cover prices. But I did enjoy the first issue of Chewbacca, so I will probably be a customer for this. Marvel has done a great job with pretty much all their Star Wars books.
- Grayson #13 – Grayson is pretty much my favorite comic lately. Every month we get something very new and fresh. I love the use of continuity, and there are always great new twists. I especially like when they show up in other books, like Batman and Robin Eternal. I doubted Grayson as a secret agent would work, but I was damn wrong.
John Babos
- Aquaman #45 – Aquaman… in space? Wha….??
- Batman and Robin Eternal #4 – A great start to an abridged weekly series celebrating Robin’s 75th anniversary. Compelling, mysterious, action packed. Great roster of artists and writers.
- Book of Death #4 – Valiant’s big event ends!
- Book of Death: Legends of the Geomancer #4 – This was an interesting experiment by Valiant. It is a retailer exclusive mini-series that the company promises not to collect in any form. It also has been well written with solid art. If you can pick this up, likely in the $20 range, do so.
- Deathstroke #11 – One of my fave DC titles; Harley Quinn appearances notwithstanding. ;)
- Flash #45 – I didn’t expect to reading this book this look, but its book embued with energy by script and art. A great parallel read for fans of the CW’s The Flash TV show.
- Justice League: Darkseid War: Batman #1 – I like the core Justice League series’ Darkseid War arc. DC seems intent on cashing in with as series of one-shots. I’m iffy on this one.
- New Suicide Squad #11 – The best and most eclectic team book at DC.
- Sinestro #16 – My fave solo DC book right now. Solid art and writing.
- Secret Wars: Official Handbook of Marvel Multiverse #1 – Will leaf through this to see if it worth putting money on.
James Fulton
- Black Magick #1 – As much as I hate when people spell ‘magic’ like that, I’m immediately sold on any comic by Greg Rucka and Nikola Scott. I have no idea what this about (I’m guessing it has to do with black magic though), and haven’t even read the preview that was running in a lot of Image books, but I’m sure I’m going to like it with those two in control.
- Book of Death #4 – This has been a very good event at Valiant, and I’m interested to see how it all ends, and how it will lead into the upcoming Wrath of the Eternal Warrior series.
- Gotham by Midnight #10 – The last issue of this series was a big one, story-wise, and it should be cool to see where it goes next. I’m sad that this title is ending soon, but it looks like Ray Fawkes is being given enough space to end his story properly, so that’s good.
- Island #4 – There is no comic being published right now that I look forward to more than a new issue of Island. And this one has work by Farel Dalrymple in it! I’m so thankful to Brandon Graham and his crew for putting out this beautiful anthology magazine.
- Stumptown #8 – Greg Rucka’s love letter to Portland continues. This series always makes me happy.
