Looking for something good to read this week? The Major Spoilers Staff has sifted through this week’s releases and have pick a number of books you might want to check out as well.
ATOMIC ROBO: REAL SCIENCE ADVENTURE #1
Writer: Brian Clevinger
Artist: John Broglia & Various
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Cover Price: $2.75
SOLICITATION: The untold tales of Atomic Robo are, uh, told! At last! Featuring the (first) Revenge of Dr. Dinosaur! Part one of an all-new Sparrow adventure! The Last Stand of the Commie-Bots! And a secret guest star!
JACK: My tastes don’t usually fall in the non-capes and tights area of the comic book world, but Stephen’s non-stop yakkity-yak finally got to me, and I broke down and bought Atomic Robo: The Ghost of Station X, and really dug it. Now I’m saving my pennies to buy all the past trades, and you can bet I’m gonna pick up this title this week.
STEPHEN: Really? You really think I won’t recommend this book? Of course Scott Wegener is only providing the cover art for this book, but it is Atomic Robo. Pick it up, you’ll thank me later.
ZACH: The local comic book place that a few of us share has been sporadic in buying enough copies, or ordering in general, of standout comics, specifically those coming from the smaller publishers,so I’m lucky if I even get to see the newest Atomic Robo on the stand. Thankfully I’m now super cool and have an iPad, so I never have to worry about not getting to read the latest adventure of Tesla and his team. This issue is sure to bring the funny as it features the first revenge story of Dr. Dinosaur.
AVENGERS VS X-MEN #0 (OF 12) AVX
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis & Jason Aaron
Artist: Frank Cho
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Just before the Avengers and the X-Men go head to head, superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron & Frank Cho set up the crucial roles of the Scarlet Witch and Hope Summers before their allegiances come into question. With all eyes on Wanda and the Mutant Messiah, the Marvel Universe has become a powder keg on the verge of exploding!
ROB: Alright, I know a lot of people are tired of the big crossover messes and everything, and I am very much one of them, but for whatever reason, this crossover has me intrigued. I don’t know if it’s the young fanboy in me saying how awesome it will be to see some of these guys fight, or perhaps I’m actually curious about Wolverine’s decision as to which side to take when his teams fight, or most likely I’m just falling for the hype, but I’m really excited to see how this turns out.
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #5
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Leinil Francis Yu
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION:
•Spider-Man Meets Captain America…And It May Hurt A Lot!
• Special Guest Artist Leinil Yu Brings Together The World’s Two Favorite Super Heroes As The Most Action Packed New Book Of The Year Continues!
• You’re Going To Need New Pants After This One.
ZACH: I bought the first two issues of this series but stopped after that, I don’t really remember why but I’m thinking it revolved around money. But now I’m throwing that all aside to pick this back up after reading about the coming crossover between this, Daredevil, and Punisher. The crossover won’t start until next months issue, but after looking back at my issues are remembering how much I loved the art there is no way that I’m not buying this on Wednesday.
BPRD HELL ON EARTH PICKENS COUNTY HORROR #1 (OF 2)
Writer: Mike Mignola, Scott Allie
Artist: Jason Latour
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
SOLICITATION: As the world goes to hell, a backwoods vampire clan shelters themselves in their Gothic southern home, covered in fog and fungal horror, ready to create havoc for a trespassing B.P.R.D. crew.
GEORGE: I had the good fortune to read an advance copy of this, and I can say with conviction that it stacks right up there with the best B.P.R.D has to offer. The creepy atmosphere builds from the start, in no small part due to Jason Latour’s skillful artwork. Look for a full review on Wednesday, but I can already say it will be a positive one.
DAREDEVIL #10
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Paola Rivera
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Meet Matt Murdock, one of New York’s finest attorneys by day and the crime-fighter Daredevil by night! Discover the dark secrets behind his first days in the costume, as the man without sight became the Man Without Fear!
MATTHEW: What’s up with Megacrime? Something awesome, I hope It’s telling that this series is so good, it makes me care about a character whom I’ve always found to be kind of stiff. Haven’t liked DD this much since Nocenti…
ZACH: I have been pretty lax in keeping up with this new run on Daredevil, but I recently purchased the first trade and it is better than my high expectations. The art has never been over the top and has worked well with the stories that Waid has been writing. What has been a real standout point for this series is the cover art. I don’t generally pay to much attention to the covers of books, but it is hard to ignore these covers when walking past on Wednesdays.
DOROTHY OF OZ PREQUEL #1
Writer: Denton J. Tipton
Artist: Blair Shedd
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Dorothy Of Oz Prequel #1 Comic Book is an Urban Collector pre-order. Based on the upcoming animated film Dorothy of Oz! Building on the world created in the celebrated children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum, Dorothy of Oz will tell the tale of the titular hero’s return to the Land of Oz. But first read here about what events transpired to necessitate Dorothy’s return, and witness the rise of the Jester!
RODRIGO: If they’re going to make a new Wizard of Oz movie then why not use the art from Marve’s Oz stuff? Oh well, might as well check it out.
THE FLASH #7
Writer: Brian Baccellato
Artist: Francis Manapul
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Captain Cold is back – and he’s more dangerous than ever! Seeking revenge on The Flash, he must convince the rest of the Rogues to reunite one last time. But what tore them apart before? And what did The Flash do to earn their deadly scorn? Find out here!
JIMMY: While I was initially very skeptical of Captain Cold being a metahuman, I am glad they kept his cold-gun history. The ability to slow down The Flash’s molecules always makes a good counter to a speedster, and the prospect of hearing more about the Rogues in the relaunch is very exciting for me. I love Francis Manapul’s art, and he’s been writing a compelling story as well.
GERONIMO STILTON HC BOX SET VOL 1-3
Writer: Geronimo Stilton
Artist: Geronimo Stilton
Publisher: Papercutz/Sholastic
Price: $29.99
SOLICITATION: Join Geronimo on his trips to ancient Egypt, the voyage of Christopher Columbus and the Coliseum of ancient Rome in this collection of the first three graphic novels from Papercutz. Over 150 pages of full-color comics in one boxed set!
BRUCE: This series of Italian Graphic Novels ‘written’ by Geronimo were created by Elisabetta Dami and have been translated into 25 languages. My eight year old daughter devours the adventues of mouse reporter Geronimo Stilton, his sister Thea, and their cousin Creepella von Cacklefur. If your young ones aren’t into superheroes, but like humor, mysteries, and cartoons then give Geronimo’s books a shot. Beautifully illustrated, each panel of these graphic novels looks like it was pulled from a Disney quality animated film with cristp, brightly colored characters on painted backgrounds. Gorgeous to look at and enjoyable to read, my daughter introduced these to me and she’s read every one she can get her hands on. These are the comics SHE likes, and they’re pretty darned good.
GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #7
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artist: Tyler Kirkham
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: World breaker and sun killer: Invictus has come to remake us all into his vision of perfection – he just needs to burn everything in his path first. In the New Guardians’ most desperate hour, Red Lantern Bleez returns, but is even her rage a match for the wrath of a living god? All this and the origin of Invictus – and how it all ties back to Larfleeze!
ROB: Of the Lantern books coming out (and I have been reading them all) this is the one I’ve been enjoying the most. Kyle is great as a leader, and having him harness all the rings was fun. Exploring the differences in the Corps and their members is entertaining, and now that Bleez (with her recent mental upgrade) is back, we can finally see the team in action.
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #7
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Daniel G. Sampere
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Straight off the shocking events of last month’s I, VAMPIRE #6, vampires across the world have gone berserk, attacking anyone and everyone with a pulse. Fearing her apocalyptic vision of the future has come to pass, Madame Xanadu mobilizes the team to intervene. But everything the JL Dark members know about how to slay a vampire is useless, for the world has changed. It’s a crossover that had to be, continuing into this month’s I, VAMPIRE #7!
MATTHEW: This is my favorite of the Justice League titles, featuring interesting characters (including John Constantine, for whom I’m a total mark) and a story that actually comes to a somewhat meaningful conclusion. There’s talk of a new lineup, but since the characters have been a pretty loose agglomeration anyway, as long as Shade and Zatanna stick around, I’m good…
MAGIC THE GATHERING #3
Writer: Matt Forbeck
Artist: Martín Cóccolo
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: After last issue’s fierce battle against a group of Innistrad vampires, Dack Fayden has found a new ally: young cathar Ingrid Reichert. With her help, Dack continues to track down the person who devastated his hometown. But when Dack stumbles into another vampire attack, even Ingrid’s help may not be enough to get them out alive…
ROB: Do I really need to point out why I’m excited about this? Ok, Dak is cool, the art and tone are moody without being overly dark, free promo cards, what more could I want? Seriously, the story has been good and the mystery keeps getting better, the only thing that I need from this now is the nod that says whether or not it’s directly tied to the current story for the sets.
THE NEW DEADWARDIANS #1
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Ian Culbard
Publisher: Vertigo
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Another vampire/zombie comic? Really, Vertigo? Trust us. This is different.In post-Victorian England, nearly everyone of the upper classes has voluntarily become a vampire to escape the lower classes who are all zombies. Into this simmering cauldron is thrust Chief Inspector George Suttle, a lonely detective who’s got the slowest beat in London: investigating murders in a world where everyone is already dead!But when the body of a young aristocrat washes up on the banks of the Thames, Suttle’s quest for the truth will take him from the darkest sewers to the gleaming halls of power, and reveal the rotten heart at the center of this strange world.
GEORGE: Okay, zombies and vampires are played out. We all know this. But with Dan Abnett writing, and what looks like some very good art from I.N.J. Culbard, I’m willing to give this a shot. I do like the central conceit of upper class vampires and lower class zombies as a reflection of the very stratified society present in England circa 1910.
RODRIGO: I really hope that The New Deadwardians isn’t a new take on vampires, or a new take on zombies. I’m hoping it’s a crime thriller where there happen to be some vampires and zombies.
SNARKED #6
Writer: Roger Langridge
Artist: Roger Langridge
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: The adventure continues as Roger Langridge — the Harvey Award winner behind THE MUPPET SHOW and THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER — brings you the next chapter of his critically acclaimed side-splitting series! Having thwarted the dastardly crocodile Big Norman, the crew of the Snarkhunter is faced with their biggest threat yet — a pirate attack by some very familiar Lewis Carroll characters! Don’t be late! Don’t be late! Join Princess Scarlett, baby Rusty, the Walrus and the Carpenter for this very important date!
JIMMY: As a huge fan of Lewis Carroll’s work, I’ve been greatly enjoying Snarked. The combination of cute art with clever writing that clearly honors Lewis Carroll. If you haven’t been reading this, I suggest reading the poem “The Hunting of the Snark” and, if you like it, picking up this book. It’s a great example of an all-ages comic that is truly all-ages; like Tiny Titans there are plenty of jokes for both the adult readers and their children. I know many Major Spoilers readers are looking for something to share with their kids, and Snarked is a great way to both introduce them to comics AND some classic literature through the world of Lewis Carroll and Wonderland. (At the very least, it’s a much better way for kids to get into Wonderland than the Zenescope series…)
SPACEMAN #5 (OF 9)
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Eduardo Risso
Publisher: Vertigo
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: The epic new series from the team who brought you 100 BULLETS continues! Orson is in way over his head, trying to do right in a world gone wrong. Now, a mysterious man from his past is about to make things much, much worse.
GEORGE: This series has so far fulfilled the promise of that five-star first issue. This is Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso firing on all cylinders, telling a story of a (space)man apart in a dystopian future scarred by lolspeak, reality TV and global warming. Orson is one of the most imaginative protagonists in recent memory, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every issue of this series.
TEEN TITANS #7
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artist: Brett Booth
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Are the Teen Titans ready to stage an assault on N.O.W.H.E.R.E.? No way! But as Red Robin explains to the rest of his team, they’ll have to rally to save the Superboy from certain death. And through all of this, only Solstice learns a secret Red Robin has been hiding that could tear the team apart just as they have finally come together!
JIMMY: While I prefer the old Young Justice take on this team, I have been enjoying Scott Lobdell’s reimagining of the Teen Titans. Tim Drake is capable and fun (though not as awesome as his pre-launch Red Robin self), and the art by Brett Booth has been absolutely fantastic. The story has been quite decompressed so far, with Superboy still not being a part of the team, and admittedly if it were up to me buying this book I wouldn’t be paying $2.99 a month for it. Thankfully, though, I have friends who value the book more highly than I do and are willing to share. That being said, I am really looking forward to reading this book.
TWELVE #11
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Chris Weston
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: The Showdown With The Killer Who’s Been Targeting The Twelve! Madness! Mayhem! And Did We Mention The Madness?!
MATTHEW: Two issues into the much-delayed second half, I am still interested, and the issues thus far have been worth the wait. The Dynamic Man reveal actually surprised me, and I’m hopin that the ending of the series lives up to the buildup. Worst case scenario, the art has been phenomenal.
WARLORD OF MARS: DEJAH THORIS #11
Writer: Robert Place Napton
Artist: Carlos Rafael
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: The Great Toonolian Marshes–one of the most feared places in Barsoom with 1800 miles of marsh land infested with exotic and dangerous creatures. It also possesses natural resources that Helium needs for its reconstruction. Dejah, along with her new pilot Kantos Kan, ventures into this foreboding region on an expeditionary mission. While there, Dejah is possessed by “the Boora Witch,” one of the marshes’ most dangerous residents. Unknown to anyone, The Witch takes control of Dejah and starts spinning a web that could destroy Helium once and for all! Dejah has overcome many enemies, but can she overcome the enemy within?
RODRIGO: Might as well scoop them up now, after the ERB estate lays the hammer down who knows what’ll happen?
