Shopping List: 10/3/07

[torippu]

Looking at my upcoming travel schedule, this is the only Wednesday in October that I will be able to visit my LCS. Bit of a bummer that's it's going to be such a mall week for me.

DC COMICS
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #16 $2.99 - Maybe. I'm not enjoying this story as much as most people.
NIGHTWING #137 $2.99 - I think so.
TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS CYBORG SUPERMAN #1 $2.99 - Passed on Ion/Parallax, do I get this one?

MARVEL COMICS
MS MARVEL #20 $2.99 - fun book!

OMEGA CHASE VOL 1 #1 $3.50 - This gets a flip test. I also can't recollect why I am even interested in this book.

Wait for Trade
LOBSTER JOHNSON THE IRON PROMETHEUS
SHANNA SHE-DEVIL SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11

Trip

[Augie De Blieck Jr.]

Plug alert: I did the podcast early this week. It's already up. Not a terribly large week, but there are a few gems in there. I'm most looking forward to EMPOWERED Volume 2 from Adam Warren at Dark Horse.

-Augie

[jclaus]

BONGO COMICS
Futurama Comics #33, $2.99 - if you liked the show, then you will like the comic

DC COMICS
Jack Of Fables #15, $2.99 - not much in the DCU excites me at this point, but this and Fables have been great

MARVEL COMICS
Exiles #99, $2.99 - still just holding on for #100 - then it looks like a drop
Ms Marvel #20, $2.99
Super Villain Team Up MODOKs 11 #4 (of 5), $2.99 - okay, but I thought this might be funnier
Uncanny X-Men #491, $2.99 - not one of Brubaker's stronger stories - just feels like a Morlocks retread
Wolverine Annual Deathsong, $3.99

DARK HORSE
Empowered Vol 2 TPB, $14.95 - did not read Vol 1 - flip test - maybe look for Vol 1 to buy first

[kevhines]

did anyone read Iron Man: Hypervelocity yet? The art is not by Warren, right? Is it good?

I will probably get Empowered vol.2, since I liked - but didn't love volume 1.
Detective Comics #837 - if it is by Dini, which I think it is not.
Infinity Inc. #2 - I liked issue 1! Milligan's hit or miss writing hit on that one, despite my distrust of all things DC lately.
Metal Men #3 - fun series.
Midnighter #12 - decent read by Giffen.
Spidey Loves MJ Vol.4 - One of the few books I buy in issue format and collected format.

[goman]

A few trades, but otherwise a small week.

Dark Horse
Buffy the vampire Slayer #7: I love the TV series, I like the writing on the comic, but I hate hate hate the art on this series. It's almost enough to make me drop it.
Empowered Vol 2: Got a kick out of volume 1, looking forward to the second. Good dirty fun.

DC/Veritgo
Faker #4: Haven't read #3 yet, maybe just self trade on this.
Green Lantern Corps #16: Enjoying the war enough to pick this up. The GLC issues have been pretty decent.
Jack of Fables #15: Caught up with the series this weekend. Still a lot of fun and a great companion to Fables.
Tales of the Sinestro Corp - Cyborg Superman: This one however is a gametime decision at the store. The art will really have to impress or I have to get the feeling that the story matters. The Parallax special kind of sucked, so torippu, you may want to check it out first.
The Exterminators Vol 3: I've switched to the trades on this, but have enjoyed the series for the most part.
Just remembered, I need to look for that Denny Oneil Question trade. Hope I got that as well.

Marvel
Essential Moon Knight Vol 2: Oh, another Essential volume to sit around for a few months before I read it. Loved the first one though, hope for more good issues.

Shonen Jump #59: As always. Love it.

I read Iron Man: Hypervelocity, kevhines. I enjoyed it a lot. The art isn't by Warren, it's not even manga style, it's pretty traditional american style, kind of looks a bit George Perez style, but it has a lot of good techno babble bits and the six issue has a terrific fight sequence. If you can find the trade cheap, I'd recommend it.

[Gotham_City]

DARK HORSE COMICS
EMPOWERED VOL 2 TP

DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #856
oh my gosh this isn't a fill in story
COUNTDOWN 30
COUNTDOWN SEARCH FOR RAY PALMER CRIME SOCIETY #1
probably going to regret getting this one
DETECTIVE COMICS #837
one of the best books that DC puts out
FAKER #4 (OF 6)
liked the 1st issue
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #16
thumbs up for the Sinestro Corp War
INFINITY INC #2
METAL MEN #3 (OF 8)
NIGHTWING #137


Jeff

[kevhines]

I read Iron Man: Hypervelocity, kevhines. I enjoyed it a lot. The art isn't by Warren, it's not even manga style, it's pretty traditional american style, kind of looks a bit George Perez style, but it has a lot of good techno babble bits and the six issue has a terrific fight sequence. If you can find the trade cheap, I'd recommend it.

I think I will buy it. if someone had chimed in that it was disappointing or something I might have passed.

[pmpknface]

· HOWARD THE DUCK #1 - I gotta!
· MARVEL MAX SAMPLER 2007 - why not?
· MS MARVEL #20 - Love this book! People, it's more than cheesecake behind the cover!
· OMEGA UNKNOWN #1 - COOL!
· SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE VOL 4 DIGEST TP - Drama!
· SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #4 - Sweet!
UNCANNY X-MEN #491 - Good stuff...
WOLVERINE ANNUAL DEATHSONG #1 - Don't know what it's about, but has been good lately!

Trades:

· CONAN #44 - Recently read Vol 4 in HC.
· GHOST IN THE SHELL 1.5 HUMAN ERROR PROCESSOR TP - Darn.. think I forgot to get! :(
· OLD BOY VOL 8 TP - I want this series, but I want them all and cheap!
· JACK OF FABLES #15 - tpb only.
· BOMB QUEEN IV #2 - Ok, we're behind a tpb now!
· STRANGE GIRL #18 - I need vol 2!
· IRON MAN ENTER MANDARIN #2 - Will make for a nice HC
· SHANNA SHE-DEVIL SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST #3 - I hope they put this and the other one in 1 BIG tpb.

[mgs]

My Recent Reviews: (list includes some backlisted from a week ago)

WARNING - POSSIBLE - SPOILERS!!!!!!

The Good Stuff...
Fun Home (Mariner Books Ed.) Finally, I got this book. I read it in 2 sittings. But I feel bad. I had a feeling about this book when it first came out, but I did not buy it at the time. I wish I trusted my instincts to pick it up, and had the proud ability to show others that I could make my own decision and not be lead by the hoorah's that are all over this edition. Now, all the hoopla is out there and it's all over this new edition. It was a great book, like they all said. I did enjoy the honesty and art of it. This is the type of book that elevates the Graphic Novel and the conscious of all of humanity. I know a couple lesbians so Alison Bechdel was not the first. And I knew, from her 'Dykes' books, that she could draw and write. Small parts of it maybe seemed like they were kinda played out and she was not being honest with herself, but that's a small gripe overall.

house of clay (NBM ComicsLit) This book by Naomi Nowak is a nice book that ephemerally(sp) plays out like a romantic fairytale for young adults (not like Fables). The washes of water color-type art flow with the story very nicely, which comes to an abrupt ending. But on the whole, it is a very engaging read all the way through. Initially, this book had the look of something I would not really like, something like a Doran-wash book of colors and okay art. (not bashing Colleen, but I don't the style she uses in HER books), but after checking it out for a while, I went with my instincts and did not want to miss out on something so good.

Confessions of a blabbermouth (DC minx) I loved this book. The Carey's and Aaron created a nice book that I really enjoyed even though it was not geared towards me. The ending was kinda blah, but like I'm finding out, if the book was great until this time, it's okay for the ending to not be so wonderful. I'm glad I'm enjoying Mike's writing again, and I think I've heard of Alexovich's work before, but not the stuff mentioned in the book. I can't think of where though. Anyways, from what I'm reading on the net, this book did not hit it's mark with the target audience of teen girls, but that does not mean it was not a great comic book.

Faker #4 (DC Vertigo) Hey another Carey book! :) Not sure why I did not get previous books, but I'm glad I did! The art and script were wonderful and the book was action packed! Finally, a recent Vertigo book I like! Jocks' art was great, like in his other book the Losers, but this only confirms to me that his strength lies in his ability to make a 'strong' static image. I don't think he's very good at making fluid, moveable art, but that's okay b/c his strength is so good. Can't wait for the next issue!

Teen Titans #51 (DC) I don't think the cheesy cover does this justice. In any case, sometimes I just like watching superpeople bash on each other. I don't really care all that much about their histories and backstories and this is one of those books. I was very glad to see Garza and Marlo art though. They are the reason I picked up the book in the first place. I don't know what was going on, but I enjoyed this.

JLA #13 (DC) I love this book! Another, bash 'em up superpowered book which was just fun, plain and simple. I also love that Benitez is back after i think the last book I got of his was from waaay back, (edit: Joe Benitez on Weapon Zero from Top Cow) but Image...

the Immortal Iron Fist #9 (Marvel) The art and story in this book continue to enthrall like no other. Successfully, Burbaker/Fraction/Aja/Hollingsworth and others have managed to transform the cheesy 80's image of hong kong fooey into a legitimate martial arts character.

Raphael: Bad Moon Rising #3 (Mirage) What's with the cheesy title, Everyone looks weird in this book, the art, unlike Tales, actually stays the same, what's going on? It doesn't matter. This is a great book, it's like if someone took the Turtles into a Heavy Metal Magazine (yes, there is irony) story. The action is almost nonstop and the books are well paced. I really misjudged the first book, but have been onboard ever since.

AstroCity: The Dark Age Book 2 #4 (DC Wildstorm) Yes, this book seems to come out like every other year, the art looks like it belongs in the 80's, there is actually a kickass non-superhero, non glossy cover by Ross. The story, plot and scripting for this book rock. If you get this, get it b/c you want to READ something that feels like it has a purpose. That's the best thing I can say about this book.

Wonder Woman Annual #1 (DC) All the loose ends were tied up in this book. I liked it. I know there are a lot of haters, but I like the style and look of this book. They could get a little tighter with the layout but it was an overall joy to read for me. Even the Dodsons somehow managed to not cross over their typical line of uber-cheesecake. Great book! I don't know what will happen now, but I'd be fine if this was the way it stayed. I think Gail is coming on, so that can only means it gets better, provided the art flows with her style.

Ms. Marvel #20 (Marvel) This was good, as usual, but for some reason, I think the other half of this book failed. Meaning the art. The book is great when the story and art match, but in this issue, the art did not carry it's weight (was this a new inker I was not aware of?) and that's a hard thing to say with Tocchini and Sotomayor on it. I love this book, but if either the story or art continue to fail...

The Programme #3 (DC Wildstorm) I think this is one I've actually bought while checking out some of the eariler issues that did not appeal to me. But this one was pretty good. First, Editor Ben Abernathy, where do I know that name...I think he's done other books I like, but I can't say where. Second, the art, yes, photographic coloring has been done to death now, and honestly the art is above average in this one, but it's the writing and story that I like in this book, even with the cheesy political slight in it.

Super-Villain Team-Up Modok's11 #4 (Marvel) Fred's proven to me that he can write, ever since Action Philosophers! but this supervillain tale is another thing. It's hard to have this book with Modok in it, when the Ms. Marvel book was amazing with him in it! This book is pretty fast paced, well illustrated, got some fun moments and the ending is nice. I definitely want to see more of Fred's comic book writing.

[mgs]

The Bad Stuff....

Wolverine Annual #1 (Marvel) Had potential, but failed. While it was nice to see Frusin art back in play and seemingly up to par, the story, plot and dialogue was crap. I have no idea where this book was going! This was the opposite of the Ms. Marvel book only the writer/editor failed miserably. To waste such great Frusin art on this misdirected crap was shameful.

Black Diamond Issue Four (Ait Planet Lar) Ugh, sorry Augie, this was awful. :( The barebones, faux-photgraphic style is bad. Very bad. I'm not sure who's at fault, the writer, artist, but this book is bad. The only thing keeping me from tossing this to the four winds is the backup story. 'Tale From the Black Diamond' actually warrants a look at this book. Rob Lavender and Josh Boulet actually worked well together. The artist has a LOT of talent. MUCH more than the artist for the book, if the whole book was by those two, I might continue to get this book. As is, it's bottom of the heap. Hope to hear more from Lavender and Boulet.

Roadkill Zoo #5 (Novaris) I tried to get in on this book right away and I forget what happened, but maybe it was my taste. Yeah, this is bad. I admit, coming in at the end of a story, not knowing what is going on, but this is bad. The art, the story, it's just a hodge-podge mess of things, like what's going on for the characters.

The Spirit #10 (DC) Yeah, people love this book. But unless it's perfect, it's not my cup of tea. Hey, Ben! There you are again! Anyways, two great artists, Stewart and Cooke. Then there's Bone. I can tell his art cause I don't like it all that much. I hate when they pull that 'finishes' crap cause all it has to mean is the artist drawing like one line and the others finish it. Plus, the story, while politically fun, was not right with me. Either it has to be way over the line or more subtle. This was neither. My reviewed book, The Programme, above, was the right way to do this. I can tell, even though he's not gone yet, that this book shows how Cooke is probably already out of this book in his mindset b/c he's capable of so much better work. Obviously, with the talent on this book, it's not total crap, but it's hard to compare this one to the first few issues of this title.

Cyborg Superman #1 (DC) Are you kidding me? That's his origin! That's a pretty blatant rip off of the Fantastic Four. Anyways, even though this is part of the fun GL war going on, his sad Grecian tragic story hinted at in the beginning just got a whole lot stupider.

Green Lantern Corps #16 (DC) Guy Major?! Wait, so you left Oni and Chynna for this? Good move, dude good move...*sigh* Again, while fun in the whole Gl war scheme of things, I think it's moving too fast for the DC creators to handle right now. It's one of those creative stories that grows so fast and furious that it's hard to keep up with unless everyone can help out. This issue could be better with less cheese in the dialogue.

Tales of the TMNT #38 (Mirage) Welcome Dan! :D uh, yeah. There's nothing really wrong with this book. The story or art, but it's a little too uh, amateur for me. The first page was wonderfully drawn and look a Gaydos pic on the back! :) The backup was even a fun read, but the main story was not one that excited me either artistically or bookwise. If you have kids who like reptiles, give them this, it should be fun for them.

Howard the Duck #1 (Marvel) Ho-Ley-Shit! This is what the put Bobillo on, after, She-Hulk. Are you kidding me!!!?!?!?!!?! O.O I don't think words can express how bad this was all around. PLEASE PLEASE put Bobillo back on a non-Initiative storylined She-Hulk! *gives up hope* :(

Conan #44 (Dark Horse) Maybe it's Howard's fault, who knows. Well, it's been nice to have Nord for a while, but he's gone on a whimper. This was bad. The story made no sense, did he just crack open someone's skull by throwing a PADDED footstool at them? O.o Anyways, man-gorilla was never intriguing and played a bit part in his own non-interesting story.

The Immortal Iron Fist Annual (Marvel) At first, I was excited to see that Brereton was on this book, then Chaykin! How could it get any better?! Well, it couldn't. Dan, proving his talent to paint all things mystical was a nice touch. Howard managed to make everyone look like they were maniacal, and on the verge of a breakdown. Even though flashbacks are used creators/editors should realize, like a Top Chef preparing a great meal, they should still match and not clash, like these two artists' styles did in this book.