12/07/05
Maxx Vol. 4 - Why do I read this series? I can't seem to follow the larger storyline. I love the artwork. I think I love the mystery of it. Also there are some seriously disturbing characters in this series. And it tends to be very surreal.
12/16/05
Should I give Iron Wok Jan another try? I'm thinking I should. I've only read the first volume. That was back in early 2004 when I first started reading manga. I liked it but I wanted to try other things. I almost picked up a copy of volume 2 at the Liberty Comics the other day.
No new issue of Rocketo solicited this month, although there is a collection of the first 6 six issues in the Image section of the catalog. I'm tempted to order it for my mother. I think she would really like the pictures. Its a great all ages book. I don't think she would be interested in edgier more adult comics that I like to read.
I'm looking at the catalog right now and I am thinking of buying Supermarket # 1. Its written by Brian Wood. I've heard good stuff about his work but have yet to sample it. Anyway, the book is from IDW and it's $3.99, kind of pricy for a single ish in the US but I need to order a few comic books each month. Besides I've got a shelf full of unread trades.
Okay, maybe it isn't a shelf full, but from taking a quick look I count seven trades:
- Adam Strange: Planet Heist
- Captain America Vol. 1: Winter Soldier
- Conan Vol. 1: The Frost Giant's Daughter and Other Stories
- Invincible Vol. 1: Family Matters
- Losers Vol. 3: Trifecta
- Sandman Vol. 1: Nocturnes and Preludes
- Walking Dead Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye
plus two volumes of manga:
- Kare Kano Vol. 6
- Phoenix Vol. 3: Yamato/Space
then there are the ones that I've ordered but haven't received yet:
- Human Target: Final Cut
- She-Hulk Vol. 2: Superhuman Law
So I don't exactly need to order any more trades at the moment. Although I probably will order one. I'm thinking Powers Vol. 2: Roleplay. I've been itching for more Powers ever since I finished the first collection. Love the dialogue and the humor.
12/24/05
I bought my first issue of Back Issue magazine today, # 13. The cover was hard to resist. It features an article on "The Death of Romance Comics" which is just part of a group of articles called Beyond Capes. For the most part the only other sort of comics covered in this section are kung-fu comics. Just too quirky an issue for me to pass up. Plus there is an article on Will Eisner's A Contract With God.
I picked up three comic books while at the store:
- Blood of the Demon # 2
- Blood of the Demon # 3
- Solo # 6
I read Blood of the Demon # 1 a few months ago and enjoyed it. I wanted to read more but wanted to wait for the trade. It doesn't look like there is going to be a trade so I ain't waitin' no more. John Byrne co-writes and draws the artwork. His work (writing and art) doesn't always please me but this one I like so far.
This is the third issue of Solo I've bought. This one features the art of Jordi Bernet, an artist I am unfamiliar with. The blonde on the cover might have moved me to open the comic book, but the artwork on the interior moved me to buy it. Just from glancing at the book I'd say Bernet's artowrk reminds me of a cross between Matt Wagner and Alex Toth. The genres of the five stories in order are horror, noir, prison, western, and superhero (Batman). Looks like a fun read, even if it was a bit pricey at $4.99.
12/25/05
X-mas went well. I only got one item I asked for, Buddha Vol. 2 by Osamu Tezuka, but that's okay. I ate well and I like the presents I did get.
Showing posts with label LJ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LJ. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Nov 2005
11/06/05
At the comic book store I picked up the first volumes of Genshiken and Hikaru no Go. Unless I buy a bootleg copy on eBay its gonna be a while before I get to see anymore on the Hikaru no Go anime, so I'm gonna try the manga instead. It looks very well drawn and reproduced. Genshiken is a series about an otaku club. I've heard good things about it. I passed on buying volume 6 of Kare Kano because I'm stil reading number 5.
11/16/05
Hikaru no Go - I read the second chapter this morning before heading to work. So far the story is very close to the anime, with a few minor divergences. The biggest difference that I can see (so far) is that through the first 13 episodes of the anime there is little or no mention of Hikaru's family, whereas in the manga both his mother and grandfather have made appearances. *shrug*
11/17/05
I think I am just going to order one trade this month, She-Hulk Vol. 2. Next month I am planning to order Powers Vol. 2. On another comics related note I listened to episode 72 of Comic Geek Speak. I've given up on trying to listen to every ep of this show. This one caught my eye because it had a discussion of Marvel vs. DC.
11/22/05
Right now, I'm listening to an old ep (#7) of CGS in which the geeks discuss Sin City.
At the comic book store I picked up the first volumes of Genshiken and Hikaru no Go. Unless I buy a bootleg copy on eBay its gonna be a while before I get to see anymore on the Hikaru no Go anime, so I'm gonna try the manga instead. It looks very well drawn and reproduced. Genshiken is a series about an otaku club. I've heard good things about it. I passed on buying volume 6 of Kare Kano because I'm stil reading number 5.
11/16/05
Hikaru no Go - I read the second chapter this morning before heading to work. So far the story is very close to the anime, with a few minor divergences. The biggest difference that I can see (so far) is that through the first 13 episodes of the anime there is little or no mention of Hikaru's family, whereas in the manga both his mother and grandfather have made appearances. *shrug*
11/17/05
I think I am just going to order one trade this month, She-Hulk Vol. 2. Next month I am planning to order Powers Vol. 2. On another comics related note I listened to episode 72 of Comic Geek Speak. I've given up on trying to listen to every ep of this show. This one caught my eye because it had a discussion of Marvel vs. DC.
11/22/05
Right now, I'm listening to an old ep (#7) of CGS in which the geeks discuss Sin City.
11/23/05
I need to read some more comic books. I picked up Maxx Vol. 4 this morning. I only had time to read a few pages of the second chapter. I have a hard time following the story. It flows a little too freely. The artwork is the real draw. It more than compensates for the wild twists and turns that the plot takes.
I listened to another episode (# 16) of CGS tonight.
11/28/05
Ya know what sucks? Doing most of your comic book reading through trades. It makes it impossible to keep up with the current stories. At best I am six months behind the pace; at worst a year or more in arrears. *sigh*
I want to read the exciting stuff going on in the DCU, but I'd rather wait for the trade. I haven't even read Identity Crisis yet. I know how it turned out, but I still want to read it. Some people loved it. Others hated it. I still want to read it. I am also intrigued by some of the other special series like The OMAC Project and Villains United. And then of course someday, hopefully before the next US presidential election, I think I would like to read Infinite Crisis.
There's plenty of other stuff to get caught up on. Stuff like Y: The Last Man and Conan. In the manga department there's Kare Kano and Hikaru no Go.
I could go on, but I am tired and should probably take a nappy. No wonder I can't keep up with all these series. :)
Monday, October 31, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Oct 2005
10/02/05
I'm really enjoying Madrox: Multiple Choice. I think it would make for a pretty cool movie. I think it would take a talented actor and a good director to pull it off, but I think it could be done. It doesn't hurt that the story is written by Peter A. David. That's what drew me to this mini-series, initially. I've also heard lots of good things about it. PAD has a good handle on the material, keeping it both suspenseful and humorous. I just love the premise. He's taken a guy who can multiply himself (which seems like a pretty simple idea) and added wrinkles to it that most comic book writers would never come up with. I love it how some of the duplicates actually turn on him. It all very noir, and somewhat existential.
10/04/05
Y: The Last Man - One Small Step (Vol. 3) - Just one more chapter to go. I really dig this series. This could be a one note comic book but the creators are doing an excellent job IMO of exploring the different angles of what would happen if something (a plague?) wiped out all the men on earth, except one. The whole breakdown in mass communications and transportation systems alone provides plenty of fodder for stories. Its good to see the creators taking advantage of that.
In the last couple chapters in this volume the story turns away from Yorick (the last man) and focuses on a troupe of actors who are traveling the country (US of course). I found the comparisons made to what the theater was like before women were allowed to participate interesting (given of course that there are no men to participate). It was also interesting because for the most part the comic book so far has been about the struggle to survive and for Agent 355 and Dr. Mann to get Yorick to a lab in California. Despite the breakdown in society here are some women actually interested in producing art.
10/10/05
I picked up my comics today. Just three comic books (Rocketo # 2, Breach # 9, and Action Philosophers! Self-Help for stupid ugly losers # 1), two trades (Losers Vol. 3 and Walking Dead Vol. 1), and a magazine (Proculture Addicts # 85) and the latest Previews catalog (of course). I've started reading Exiles Vol. 9. There are definitely some similarities between this book and Negation (which I will NEVER stop talking about) and while I miss how deadly serious (in a life or death sort of way) Negation could be, one thing it did not have that Exiles does is humor. I love how Tony Bedard twists and plays with the Marvel Universe. It must be a fun book to write.
I'm really enjoying Madrox: Multiple Choice. I think it would make for a pretty cool movie. I think it would take a talented actor and a good director to pull it off, but I think it could be done. It doesn't hurt that the story is written by Peter A. David. That's what drew me to this mini-series, initially. I've also heard lots of good things about it. PAD has a good handle on the material, keeping it both suspenseful and humorous. I just love the premise. He's taken a guy who can multiply himself (which seems like a pretty simple idea) and added wrinkles to it that most comic book writers would never come up with. I love it how some of the duplicates actually turn on him. It all very noir, and somewhat existential.
10/04/05
Y: The Last Man - One Small Step (Vol. 3) - Just one more chapter to go. I really dig this series. This could be a one note comic book but the creators are doing an excellent job IMO of exploring the different angles of what would happen if something (a plague?) wiped out all the men on earth, except one. The whole breakdown in mass communications and transportation systems alone provides plenty of fodder for stories. Its good to see the creators taking advantage of that.
In the last couple chapters in this volume the story turns away from Yorick (the last man) and focuses on a troupe of actors who are traveling the country (US of course). I found the comparisons made to what the theater was like before women were allowed to participate interesting (given of course that there are no men to participate). It was also interesting because for the most part the comic book so far has been about the struggle to survive and for Agent 355 and Dr. Mann to get Yorick to a lab in California. Despite the breakdown in society here are some women actually interested in producing art.
10/10/05
I picked up my comics today. Just three comic books (Rocketo # 2, Breach # 9, and Action Philosophers! Self-Help for stupid ugly losers # 1), two trades (Losers Vol. 3 and Walking Dead Vol. 1), and a magazine (Proculture Addicts # 85) and the latest Previews catalog (of course). I've started reading Exiles Vol. 9. There are definitely some similarities between this book and Negation (which I will NEVER stop talking about) and while I miss how deadly serious (in a life or death sort of way) Negation could be, one thing it did not have that Exiles does is humor. I love how Tony Bedard twists and plays with the Marvel Universe. It must be a fun book to write.
10/24/05
I'm tempted to start reading black and white graphic novels on the bus and metro. I've been reading Understanding Comics on the commute to and from work. I haven't really paid too much attention to what people think of it. I don't think I'm ready to read anything too recognizable on the metro, so color is out for now, at least on the public transportation.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Sep 2005
09/01/05
Tonight I...
...read another chapter of Hawkman Vol. 3. I don't think I will be buying anymore Hawkman trades, to include the JSA/Hawkman crossover trade: Black Reign. It just ain't the same. It has lost its shine. Besides there's plenty of other stuff I'd like to try.
09/13/05
Breach - I got my Previews catalog finally. I flipped through the comics sections, taking notes of things I might want to pre-order or wait for the trade on. I was going through the DC section when I noticed that # 11 will be the last issue of Breach. It was so low on most people's radar screen that this is how I found out about it. I tried a google search and it barely registered.
Oh well, that makes two DC series that have been canceled out from under me in the past year. Fallen Angel was the other.
09/15/05
I'm listening to the 50th episode of Comic Geek Speak. I figure they must be up to # 52 or 53 by now. I haven't checked lately. Other than the Book of the Month # 3 episode (Walking Dead Vol. 1) I have listened to all the other episodes I've downloaded. # 50 is three hours long. I won't finish listening to it tonight, but it sure is geeky of me to go on rambling like this about how many eps I've listened to.
Did I mention that the comic books don't seem to be quite the guilty pleasure these days as they were a few weeks ago. Its not that I'm not enjoying them, but they just aren't quite the guilty pleasure for me that they once were. I think it must be all the anime I've been watching. It is my current guilty pleasure. I guess that means that anime are the new comic books? Dunno.
09/17/05
Black Heart Irregulars # 1 - Just read it this afternoon. I'm pondering pre-ordering # 3. I've already pre-ordered # 2. I enjoyed # 1 enough to want to read more. Its a black-and-white comic book from a small publisher, Blue King Studios. It is set in the Middle East. The first issue takes place in Bagdad. Hints have been dropped that future storylines will take place elsewhere in that part of the world. The main character is the leader of a rogue private military company, Black Heart. I'm suure of their or the writer's motivations. Hard to tell if the writer is sympathetic toward them; whether he sees them as military vets who have gone around the bend or what? It seems that they have decided to fight the "war on terrorism" themselves, without authorization from the US Government, or any other government for that matter. I think they are all Americans. The CIA is checking up on them in the first issue. In some ways in reminds me of The Losers. I think that is part of what attracted me to the book. Anyhoo, I enjoyed it. I'm intrigued. I want to read more.
Madrox: Multiple Choice - Read the first chapter last night. Fun read. I usually enjoy Peter David's writing. That's what drew me to this series. Under normal circumstances I won't touch an X-men book with a ten foot pole. I like the set up. Jamie Madrox, a former superhero, is trying to live a semi-normal existence working as PI in Mutant Town in NYC. Then one night one of his duplicates (that's his superpower, he can create duplicates of himself) comes stumbling back to his apartment almost dead. He dies in Jamie's arms, but not before Jamie can absorb his memories. Unfortunately he doesn't get enough information to figure out who killed his double. That where chapter one (of five) ends.
I'm not wild about the art work in the first chapter. It doesn't have enough flair. Hopefully it will get better. I do like the story so far. As with BHI I wanna read more, which is probably a good thing since I bought the trade paperback collection.
The next movie on my list is American Splendor. Harvey Pekar (the subject of the movie) will be in town next weekend, at the Small Press Expo (SPX). What a coincidence! I didn't arrange it this way. I knew SPX is coming up but I didn't know he is going to be there. I only found out because of an ad in the Express that caught my eye while I was working on the latest Sudoku puzzle. Anyhow, he is going to be the guest of honor at some ceremony (the Ignatz Awards?) they will be having. I don't think I will be going.
09/20/05
Buddha: Kapilavastu (Vol. 1) - Written and drawn by Tezuka Osamu. Based on the story of the Buddha. Tezuka has added to the story as it is told, or at least that is my understanding. This volume barely touches on the story of Buddha himself, other than to tell the tale of his birth. For the most part the story focuses on two young boys, Tatta (a pariah) and Chapra (a slave). The supporting cast includes Chapra's mother, a general who (ignorant of Chapra's caste) adopts him, and a monk who is convinced that Tatta is some sort of saint. At 400 pages it might seem long, but it reads very quickly.
Anyway I loved it. Tezuka's drawings are beautiful. The story has light, amusing moments as well as heavier ones. Everytime I thought I knew where the story was going it seemed to take off in a direction that I didn't forsee it going.
Hawkman: Wings of Fury (Vol. 3) - Ugh! Glad I'm done with it. It wasn't awful, but I can think of plenty of other books I would rather have spent my time re-reading. Maybe I've just gotten tired of reading Hawkman. There are plenty of other superheroes trades out there that I haven't read. I 'll give one of them a try next.
One big drawback to this collection is the seemingly consistent use of fill-in artists. I really liked the regular artists work, from the first two volumes. Flipping through the book it looks like at least half the artwork was done by fill-ins.
Tonight I...
...read another chapter of Hawkman Vol. 3. I don't think I will be buying anymore Hawkman trades, to include the JSA/Hawkman crossover trade: Black Reign. It just ain't the same. It has lost its shine. Besides there's plenty of other stuff I'd like to try.
09/13/05
Breach - I got my Previews catalog finally. I flipped through the comics sections, taking notes of things I might want to pre-order or wait for the trade on. I was going through the DC section when I noticed that # 11 will be the last issue of Breach. It was so low on most people's radar screen that this is how I found out about it. I tried a google search and it barely registered.
Oh well, that makes two DC series that have been canceled out from under me in the past year. Fallen Angel was the other.
09/15/05
I'm listening to the 50th episode of Comic Geek Speak. I figure they must be up to # 52 or 53 by now. I haven't checked lately. Other than the Book of the Month # 3 episode (Walking Dead Vol. 1) I have listened to all the other episodes I've downloaded. # 50 is three hours long. I won't finish listening to it tonight, but it sure is geeky of me to go on rambling like this about how many eps I've listened to.
Did I mention that the comic books don't seem to be quite the guilty pleasure these days as they were a few weeks ago. Its not that I'm not enjoying them, but they just aren't quite the guilty pleasure for me that they once were. I think it must be all the anime I've been watching. It is my current guilty pleasure. I guess that means that anime are the new comic books? Dunno.
09/17/05
Black Heart Irregulars # 1 - Just read it this afternoon. I'm pondering pre-ordering # 3. I've already pre-ordered # 2. I enjoyed # 1 enough to want to read more. Its a black-and-white comic book from a small publisher, Blue King Studios. It is set in the Middle East. The first issue takes place in Bagdad. Hints have been dropped that future storylines will take place elsewhere in that part of the world. The main character is the leader of a rogue private military company, Black Heart. I'm suure of their or the writer's motivations. Hard to tell if the writer is sympathetic toward them; whether he sees them as military vets who have gone around the bend or what? It seems that they have decided to fight the "war on terrorism" themselves, without authorization from the US Government, or any other government for that matter. I think they are all Americans. The CIA is checking up on them in the first issue. In some ways in reminds me of The Losers. I think that is part of what attracted me to the book. Anyhoo, I enjoyed it. I'm intrigued. I want to read more.
Madrox: Multiple Choice - Read the first chapter last night. Fun read. I usually enjoy Peter David's writing. That's what drew me to this series. Under normal circumstances I won't touch an X-men book with a ten foot pole. I like the set up. Jamie Madrox, a former superhero, is trying to live a semi-normal existence working as PI in Mutant Town in NYC. Then one night one of his duplicates (that's his superpower, he can create duplicates of himself) comes stumbling back to his apartment almost dead. He dies in Jamie's arms, but not before Jamie can absorb his memories. Unfortunately he doesn't get enough information to figure out who killed his double. That where chapter one (of five) ends.
I'm not wild about the art work in the first chapter. It doesn't have enough flair. Hopefully it will get better. I do like the story so far. As with BHI I wanna read more, which is probably a good thing since I bought the trade paperback collection.
The next movie on my list is American Splendor. Harvey Pekar (the subject of the movie) will be in town next weekend, at the Small Press Expo (SPX). What a coincidence! I didn't arrange it this way. I knew SPX is coming up but I didn't know he is going to be there. I only found out because of an ad in the Express that caught my eye while I was working on the latest Sudoku puzzle. Anyhow, he is going to be the guest of honor at some ceremony (the Ignatz Awards?) they will be having. I don't think I will be going.
09/20/05
Buddha: Kapilavastu (Vol. 1) - Written and drawn by Tezuka Osamu. Based on the story of the Buddha. Tezuka has added to the story as it is told, or at least that is my understanding. This volume barely touches on the story of Buddha himself, other than to tell the tale of his birth. For the most part the story focuses on two young boys, Tatta (a pariah) and Chapra (a slave). The supporting cast includes Chapra's mother, a general who (ignorant of Chapra's caste) adopts him, and a monk who is convinced that Tatta is some sort of saint. At 400 pages it might seem long, but it reads very quickly.
Anyway I loved it. Tezuka's drawings are beautiful. The story has light, amusing moments as well as heavier ones. Everytime I thought I knew where the story was going it seemed to take off in a direction that I didn't forsee it going.
Hawkman: Wings of Fury (Vol. 3) - Ugh! Glad I'm done with it. It wasn't awful, but I can think of plenty of other books I would rather have spent my time re-reading. Maybe I've just gotten tired of reading Hawkman. There are plenty of other superheroes trades out there that I haven't read. I 'll give one of them a try next.
One big drawback to this collection is the seemingly consistent use of fill-in artists. I really liked the regular artists work, from the first two volumes. Flipping through the book it looks like at least half the artwork was done by fill-ins.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Aug 2005
08/02/05
I got my latest shipment of comic books. I think I have more or less converted to ranks of the trade paperback collectors. I only got four comic books this month, and two trades. My most recent orders run about the same ratio.
I spent some time looking through the latest Previews catalog. So many things to buy, so little time to read.
+ I think I will finally order a few backlisted items that I've been meaning to get: Conan Vol 1: The Frost Giant's Daughter and Other Stories from Dark Horse (by Kurt Busiek, Cary Nord and Dave Stewart) and JSA: The Golden Age.
+ I'm kind of torn over whether to continue ordering Rocketo as a comic book or try waiting for the trade. The only other two comic books I have on my list to order at the moment are Solo # 7 and Breach # 10.
+ New trades and hardcovers that interest me, but that I think I will pass on for now include Batman: Under the Hood, Catwoman: When in Rome, and Young Avengers Vol 1: Sidekicks.
+ The Brave and the Bold Art of Jim Aparo from TwoMorrows looks too good to resist.
Yes there is more that caught my eye, but I've gotta be selective; kind of like I do with the anime. I've managed to resist ordering anymore, so far. I've got a plan that involves buying more, but not for at least a couple more weeks. Hopefully I can manage until then. :P
08/03/05
Powers Vol. 1: Who Killed Retro Girl? - Still reading and still loving it. Brian Bendis sure can write dialogue. Love this story so far. I like the angle (cops investigating the death of a superhero), the characters and the relationships (especially the one between the two detectives Christian and Deena, his new partner; just love watching them clash), the artwork by Michael Avon Oeming (very expressive), and the humor (I almost died laughing at the end of chapter 3 when the little girl asked him if he had figured out what a clitoris was, in front of Deena). Lots to recommend here. Its light reading, but its much better than most of the stuff put out by DC and Marvel.
08/06/05
She-Hulk: Single Green Female (Vol. 1) - Still reading and still loving it. I'm three chapters in. Love the humor. I'm 99% sure I'll buy the second collection, just not sure if I will continue to read it beyond that.
Took a quick peek at Newsarama this afternoon:
= Andy Diggle's new mini-series Silent Dragon looks interesting. I like his work on Losers and I ordered Adam Strange: Planet Heist.
= Ed Brubaker will be taking over Daredevil. That might be enough to give it a try, although given how much I like Brian Bendis work on Powers maybe I should give his DD a try too. I wonder if this means that Brubaker will be stop writing Captain America soon?
08/14/05
Stray Bullets: The Innocence of Nihilism Vol. 1 - Just started reading today. I loved the first chapter. It was so intense. Loved the artwork, loved the story. Its a little rough around the edges. It reminded me of the sort of story found in old EC horror comics. No zombies or supernatural critters, just one young man whose seen a little too much blood and flips out and starts killing people at the slightest provocation. Its the way in which he flips that sold the story for me. He has moments when he bursts out screaming but for the most part it is a quiet transformation, which made it that much creepier and more worth reading to me.
Powers: Who Killed Rerto Girl Vol. 1 - Loved it cover to cover. The first chapter was as good as the last. I wasn't sure they would be able to wrap it all up in the final chapter and satisfy me, but somehow they managed. I haven't read through the bonus material yet, but the story itself (writing and artwork) really impressed me. I'm definitely gonna have to pick up the next volume.
08/20/05
Hawkman Vol. 3: Wings of Fury - Two chapters in. I wasn't so sure after reading the first chapter, but I'm feeling better about it after second one. Hawkwoman's appearance seemed too good to be true. Maybe it is. So far I like it, but there has been a lot of action so far without as much character development. Part of the strength of the series so far (i.e prior to Vol. 3) has been Carter and Kendra's relationship working and otherwise. It had been rocky. She hasn't exactly been able to come to terms with the fact that they were lovers in a former life and has no interest in him. He can't seem to get over the fact that she doesn't want to be closer than his partner fighting crime. Anyway, there doesn't seem to be much of that so far. Hawkwoman (Shayera from Thanagar) has stolen the spotlight. The other two Hawks are in the picture, but it is taking me a little time to adjust to the change. I don't think she is a permanent addition to the book.
Stray Bullets Vol. 1: Innocence of Nihilism - Chapter two is even darker than chapter one. At first I thought the second chapter was a different story, but now I think writer/artist David Lapham started at the end (in chapter one) and then goes back (in chapter two) to tell the story from the beginning. Anyway, this is one disturbing book. I love it even though it scares the crap out of me. The art and the writing are gripping. I can feel my eyes bulging out as I read it. So glad I finally ordered it.
Comic Geek Speak - Right now, I'm listening to episode 43. Just a bunch of guys sitting around talking comic books, but its kind of fun. Check it out.
08/29/05
I did go to the comicbook store formerly known as Closet of Comics for the first time in at least two-and-a-half months. I picked up Queen & Country Vol. 2: Operation Morningstar, Kare Kano Vol. 5, and Banana Sunday # 1. I probably spent about an hour prowsing before I finally settled on what to buy. So many things to read, so little time to read them in. Currently I am reading two mangas (Buddha Vol. 1, Battle Royale Vol. 2) and two trades (Stray Bullets Vol. 1, Hawkman Vol. 3).
I also listened to a couple more episodes of Comic Geek Speak. Much fun. I enjoy listening to the guys hash over the logic and value of various comic book series, stories, artists, creators, etc.
...
I keep trying to get caught up with Comic Geek Speak podcasts. I'm falling behind. I'm starting to think that I will be perenially behind. *le sigh*
I should just give up on getting caught up and enjoy the show. The nice thing is that I can do other things while listening.
I got my latest shipment of comic books. I think I have more or less converted to ranks of the trade paperback collectors. I only got four comic books this month, and two trades. My most recent orders run about the same ratio.
I spent some time looking through the latest Previews catalog. So many things to buy, so little time to read.
+ I think I will finally order a few backlisted items that I've been meaning to get: Conan Vol 1: The Frost Giant's Daughter and Other Stories from Dark Horse (by Kurt Busiek, Cary Nord and Dave Stewart) and JSA: The Golden Age.
+ I'm kind of torn over whether to continue ordering Rocketo as a comic book or try waiting for the trade. The only other two comic books I have on my list to order at the moment are Solo # 7 and Breach # 10.
+ New trades and hardcovers that interest me, but that I think I will pass on for now include Batman: Under the Hood, Catwoman: When in Rome, and Young Avengers Vol 1: Sidekicks.
+ The Brave and the Bold Art of Jim Aparo from TwoMorrows looks too good to resist.
Yes there is more that caught my eye, but I've gotta be selective; kind of like I do with the anime. I've managed to resist ordering anymore, so far. I've got a plan that involves buying more, but not for at least a couple more weeks. Hopefully I can manage until then. :P
08/03/05
Powers Vol. 1: Who Killed Retro Girl? - Still reading and still loving it. Brian Bendis sure can write dialogue. Love this story so far. I like the angle (cops investigating the death of a superhero), the characters and the relationships (especially the one between the two detectives Christian and Deena, his new partner; just love watching them clash), the artwork by Michael Avon Oeming (very expressive), and the humor (I almost died laughing at the end of chapter 3 when the little girl asked him if he had figured out what a clitoris was, in front of Deena). Lots to recommend here. Its light reading, but its much better than most of the stuff put out by DC and Marvel.
08/06/05
She-Hulk: Single Green Female (Vol. 1) - Still reading and still loving it. I'm three chapters in. Love the humor. I'm 99% sure I'll buy the second collection, just not sure if I will continue to read it beyond that.
Took a quick peek at Newsarama this afternoon:
= Andy Diggle's new mini-series Silent Dragon looks interesting. I like his work on Losers and I ordered Adam Strange: Planet Heist.
= Ed Brubaker will be taking over Daredevil. That might be enough to give it a try, although given how much I like Brian Bendis work on Powers maybe I should give his DD a try too. I wonder if this means that Brubaker will be stop writing Captain America soon?
08/14/05
Stray Bullets: The Innocence of Nihilism Vol. 1 - Just started reading today. I loved the first chapter. It was so intense. Loved the artwork, loved the story. Its a little rough around the edges. It reminded me of the sort of story found in old EC horror comics. No zombies or supernatural critters, just one young man whose seen a little too much blood and flips out and starts killing people at the slightest provocation. Its the way in which he flips that sold the story for me. He has moments when he bursts out screaming but for the most part it is a quiet transformation, which made it that much creepier and more worth reading to me.
Powers: Who Killed Rerto Girl Vol. 1 - Loved it cover to cover. The first chapter was as good as the last. I wasn't sure they would be able to wrap it all up in the final chapter and satisfy me, but somehow they managed. I haven't read through the bonus material yet, but the story itself (writing and artwork) really impressed me. I'm definitely gonna have to pick up the next volume.
08/20/05
Hawkman Vol. 3: Wings of Fury - Two chapters in. I wasn't so sure after reading the first chapter, but I'm feeling better about it after second one. Hawkwoman's appearance seemed too good to be true. Maybe it is. So far I like it, but there has been a lot of action so far without as much character development. Part of the strength of the series so far (i.e prior to Vol. 3) has been Carter and Kendra's relationship working and otherwise. It had been rocky. She hasn't exactly been able to come to terms with the fact that they were lovers in a former life and has no interest in him. He can't seem to get over the fact that she doesn't want to be closer than his partner fighting crime. Anyway, there doesn't seem to be much of that so far. Hawkwoman (Shayera from Thanagar) has stolen the spotlight. The other two Hawks are in the picture, but it is taking me a little time to adjust to the change. I don't think she is a permanent addition to the book.
Stray Bullets Vol. 1: Innocence of Nihilism - Chapter two is even darker than chapter one. At first I thought the second chapter was a different story, but now I think writer/artist David Lapham started at the end (in chapter one) and then goes back (in chapter two) to tell the story from the beginning. Anyway, this is one disturbing book. I love it even though it scares the crap out of me. The art and the writing are gripping. I can feel my eyes bulging out as I read it. So glad I finally ordered it.
Comic Geek Speak - Right now, I'm listening to episode 43. Just a bunch of guys sitting around talking comic books, but its kind of fun. Check it out.
08/29/05
I did go to the comicbook store formerly known as Closet of Comics for the first time in at least two-and-a-half months. I picked up Queen & Country Vol. 2: Operation Morningstar, Kare Kano Vol. 5, and Banana Sunday # 1. I probably spent about an hour prowsing before I finally settled on what to buy. So many things to read, so little time to read them in. Currently I am reading two mangas (Buddha Vol. 1, Battle Royale Vol. 2) and two trades (Stray Bullets Vol. 1, Hawkman Vol. 3).
I also listened to a couple more episodes of Comic Geek Speak. Much fun. I enjoy listening to the guys hash over the logic and value of various comic book series, stories, artists, creators, etc.
...
I keep trying to get caught up with Comic Geek Speak podcasts. I'm falling behind. I'm starting to think that I will be perenially behind. *le sigh*
I should just give up on getting caught up and enjoy the show. The nice thing is that I can do other things while listening.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Jul 2005
07/20/05
Powers: I'm two chapters into Who Killed Retro Girl? I love it. Its great. Love the dialogue. Love the characters. Love the artwork. A nutshell its about two (superpowerless) detectives investigating the death of a superhero, Retro Girl. Reminds me a lot of Love Fights, which was probably inspired (in part) by Powers.
07/27/05
Started reading She-Hulk Vol. 1: Single Green Female the other day. So far I like it. I'm only one chapter into it. Not much to judge from, but I do like the humor.
07/27/05
TALKING ROCKETO WITH FRANK ESPINOSA
The pics in the previews catalog looked good, the artwork that accompanies this interview looks even better. I've ordered the first couple issues.
Powers: I'm two chapters into Who Killed Retro Girl? I love it. Its great. Love the dialogue. Love the characters. Love the artwork. A nutshell its about two (superpowerless) detectives investigating the death of a superhero, Retro Girl. Reminds me a lot of Love Fights, which was probably inspired (in part) by Powers.
07/27/05
Started reading She-Hulk Vol. 1: Single Green Female the other day. So far I like it. I'm only one chapter into it. Not much to judge from, but I do like the humor.
07/27/05
TALKING ROCKETO WITH FRANK ESPINOSA
The pics in the previews catalog looked good, the artwork that accompanies this interview looks even better. I've ordered the first couple issues.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Jun 2005
06/01/05
I got the new previews guide today. Here's a rundown of what appeals to me from the front half of the catalog.
New Series and mini-series:
The Winter Men #1 (of 8) - Former soviet super-heroes working for the Russian Mafia? Sounds neat to me. I also like the look of the promotional artwork.
Top 10: Beyond the Farthest Precinct # 1 (of 5) - I haven't read the previous Top 10 mini-series. Jerry Ordway's name and the eclectic mix of characters in the preview art are what caught my eye.
Ferro City # 1 - Looks like a mix of science fiction and hard boiled detective fiction. That enough to catch my interest and the artwork really catches my eye. Not exactly smooth around the edges but it looks like a good match for the sort of story being told.
Revelations # 1 (of 6) - I like the cartoonish look of the artwork. Its about a detective at the Vatican investigating the death of a pope. I was going to pass on it, but then I noticed that my retailer has it on sale for 75% off the cover price. I think I'll give it a try.
Trades:
Identity Crisis - Actually this is the hard cover. I've been waiting a while for this. I've read reviews and spoilers. I know how things turn out in the end. Still, I'm curious. I'll probably end up waiting for the trade paperback collection.
Adam Strange: Planet Heist - This one interests me more than Identity Crisis. I've enjoyed Andy Diggle's writing on a completely different series, Losers. I loved the trade paperback collection of the Adam Strange mini-series from a decade ago, Adam Strange: Man of Two Worlds. I don't know if this one will measure up to its predecessor, but I've heard good things and am willing to give it a try.
Justice League Elite Vol. 1 - Think I will pass on this one, but only because I've got the individual issues. Worth buying? Yes, if you haven't read the story already, although Joe Kelly's method of exposition takes some getting used to. I just love the artwork by Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen. Basically its the second coming of the Suicide Squad (or if you watch Justice League Unlimited that would be the Task Force X) except that they don't work for the United States Government.
Maxx Book 5 - I have yet to read Book 4, but I'll be getting this collection one of these days. It's the final collection in the series. Sam Kieth's art work is truly inspired. I love how his characters change appearance with the mood of the story. It isn't always easy to follow the plot but I find something strangely compelling about this series.
The Expatriate Vol. 1 - Looks interesting, in a cold war espionage sort of way. I liked Hawaiian Dick, which was also written by B. Clay Moore so I'm tempted to buy this one.
Avengers: Vision and Scarlet Witch TP - Collects a (IMHO) classic series from the early 1980's. Its an odd sort of mini-series for Marvel to reprint. Not that I didn't like it, I loved it, but not exactly the sort of thing that I thought fans were clamoring for or is going to make the company a ton of cash.
06/14/05
Hard Time Vol. 1: 50 to Life - Excellent story about a teenager who gets sentenced to life in prison for taking part in Columbine-type prank. He doesn't actually kill or injure anyone, but his friend (who is killed in the first issue) does and he suffers the penalty. Starting wiht the second issue the story is about his life in jail, how he fits in, and the mysterious power that he has but is unaware of. In every chapter it manifests itself. It always seems to come out when he is in danger.
Unfortunately this volume collects just the first six issues of the series. It got cancelled after # 12. They have yet to release or announce plans to release a second collection. I have heard rumors that the series might be brought back later this year, but so far nothing concrete.
Exiles - I am so geeked about the fact that Paul Pelletier is going to be joining Tony Bedard on this series. I loved their work together on Negation. Can't wait to see them working together again, although I will probably wait for the trade.
---
I put in my order for comic books tonight. Here's what I decided to order:
Comic Books
Breach # 8
Top 10: Beyond the Farthest Precinct #1 (of 5)
Wintermen # 1 (of 8)
Deal with the Devil # 5 (of 5)
Revelations #1 (of 6)
Black Heart Irregulars # 1
Rocketo # 1
Trade Paperbacks
Adam Strange: Planet Heist
Maxx Book 4
---
Trade paperbacks and manga:
Currently Reading
Enemy Ace Vol. 1 (DC Archive Edition)
Losers Vol. 2: Double Down
Buddha Vol. 1: Kapilavastu
On my shelf waiting to be read
Battle Royale Vol. 1, 2, 3
Hanazakari no Kimitachi he Vol. 2
Marmalade Boy Vol. 6
Stray Bullets Vol. 1
Hawkman Vol. 3: Wings of Fury
Ministry of Space
Human Target
Ordered
Hysteria Vol. 2
She-Hulk Vol. 1: Single Green Female
Madrox: Multiple Choice
Y: The Last Man Vol. 3: One Small Step
Adam Strange: Planet Heist
Maxx Book 4
I got the new previews guide today. Here's a rundown of what appeals to me from the front half of the catalog.
New Series and mini-series:
The Winter Men #1 (of 8) - Former soviet super-heroes working for the Russian Mafia? Sounds neat to me. I also like the look of the promotional artwork.
Top 10: Beyond the Farthest Precinct # 1 (of 5) - I haven't read the previous Top 10 mini-series. Jerry Ordway's name and the eclectic mix of characters in the preview art are what caught my eye.
Ferro City # 1 - Looks like a mix of science fiction and hard boiled detective fiction. That enough to catch my interest and the artwork really catches my eye. Not exactly smooth around the edges but it looks like a good match for the sort of story being told.
Revelations # 1 (of 6) - I like the cartoonish look of the artwork. Its about a detective at the Vatican investigating the death of a pope. I was going to pass on it, but then I noticed that my retailer has it on sale for 75% off the cover price. I think I'll give it a try.
Trades:
Identity Crisis - Actually this is the hard cover. I've been waiting a while for this. I've read reviews and spoilers. I know how things turn out in the end. Still, I'm curious. I'll probably end up waiting for the trade paperback collection.
Adam Strange: Planet Heist - This one interests me more than Identity Crisis. I've enjoyed Andy Diggle's writing on a completely different series, Losers. I loved the trade paperback collection of the Adam Strange mini-series from a decade ago, Adam Strange: Man of Two Worlds. I don't know if this one will measure up to its predecessor, but I've heard good things and am willing to give it a try.
Justice League Elite Vol. 1 - Think I will pass on this one, but only because I've got the individual issues. Worth buying? Yes, if you haven't read the story already, although Joe Kelly's method of exposition takes some getting used to. I just love the artwork by Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen. Basically its the second coming of the Suicide Squad (or if you watch Justice League Unlimited that would be the Task Force X) except that they don't work for the United States Government.
Maxx Book 5 - I have yet to read Book 4, but I'll be getting this collection one of these days. It's the final collection in the series. Sam Kieth's art work is truly inspired. I love how his characters change appearance with the mood of the story. It isn't always easy to follow the plot but I find something strangely compelling about this series.
The Expatriate Vol. 1 - Looks interesting, in a cold war espionage sort of way. I liked Hawaiian Dick, which was also written by B. Clay Moore so I'm tempted to buy this one.
Avengers: Vision and Scarlet Witch TP - Collects a (IMHO) classic series from the early 1980's. Its an odd sort of mini-series for Marvel to reprint. Not that I didn't like it, I loved it, but not exactly the sort of thing that I thought fans were clamoring for or is going to make the company a ton of cash.
06/14/05
Hard Time Vol. 1: 50 to Life - Excellent story about a teenager who gets sentenced to life in prison for taking part in Columbine-type prank. He doesn't actually kill or injure anyone, but his friend (who is killed in the first issue) does and he suffers the penalty. Starting wiht the second issue the story is about his life in jail, how he fits in, and the mysterious power that he has but is unaware of. In every chapter it manifests itself. It always seems to come out when he is in danger.
Unfortunately this volume collects just the first six issues of the series. It got cancelled after # 12. They have yet to release or announce plans to release a second collection. I have heard rumors that the series might be brought back later this year, but so far nothing concrete.
Exiles - I am so geeked about the fact that Paul Pelletier is going to be joining Tony Bedard on this series. I loved their work together on Negation. Can't wait to see them working together again, although I will probably wait for the trade.
---
I put in my order for comic books tonight. Here's what I decided to order:
Comic Books
Breach # 8
Top 10: Beyond the Farthest Precinct #1 (of 5)
Wintermen # 1 (of 8)
Deal with the Devil # 5 (of 5)
Revelations #1 (of 6)
Black Heart Irregulars # 1
Rocketo # 1
Trade Paperbacks
Adam Strange: Planet Heist
Maxx Book 4
---
Trade paperbacks and manga:
Currently Reading
Enemy Ace Vol. 1 (DC Archive Edition)
Losers Vol. 2: Double Down
Buddha Vol. 1: Kapilavastu
On my shelf waiting to be read
Battle Royale Vol. 1, 2, 3
Hanazakari no Kimitachi he Vol. 2
Marmalade Boy Vol. 6
Stray Bullets Vol. 1
Hawkman Vol. 3: Wings of Fury
Ministry of Space
Human Target
Ordered
Hysteria Vol. 2
She-Hulk Vol. 1: Single Green Female
Madrox: Multiple Choice
Y: The Last Man Vol. 3: One Small Step
Adam Strange: Planet Heist
Maxx Book 4
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Apr 2005
04/14/05
Read, read, read. I finally got my shipment of comic books on Monday. Not too much volume wise.
Just seven comic books:
- Blood of the Demon # 1
- Breach # 3
- Ballad of Sleeping Beauty # 8
- Justice League Elite # 9
- Simpsons/Futurama Crossover Crisis # 2
- Breakdown # 5
- Fallen Angel # 19
and three collections:
- Ministry of Space TPB
- Enemy Ace HC
- Losers: Double Down TPB
plus the Previews catalog.
The Enemy Ace book wasn't cheap but it is gorgeous. I just love pictures of planes and aerial combat from WWI. I also adore Joe Kubert's art work. So far I have only read the Simpsons Futurama comic. Very funny.
I'm already making my list of comics to order this month. So far there isn't much on it.
- Breach # 6
- Doom Patrol # 13
- Justice League Elite # 12 (of 12)
- Solo # 5 (by Darwyn Cooke)
- GLA # 3 (of 4)
- Deal with the Devil # 3 (of 5)
- Action Philosophers All Sex Special # 1
- Human Target TP
- She-Hulk: Single Green Female TP
- Previews Catalog
OK, maybe that's more than not much, but I could easily order more. I could if I weren't so disciplined about not ordering more than I can read. It is also a function of avoiding comic books for the most part and waiting for the trade collection to be published. Sometimes the wait is long, and it isn't always worth it, but it does tend to keep my expenditures down.
Winding down. Gotta go do other things. Its been a couple months since I published the list but here it is:
Finished Reading
- Batman: The Long Halloween
- Kare Kano Book 4
- Human Target Book 2
- Love Fights Book 2
- Marmalade Boy Book 4
- Phoenix Book 2: A Tale of the Future
- Queen & Country Book 1
- Scion Book 4
- Y: The Last Man Book 2
Currently Reading
- Enemy Ace (DC Archive Edition)
- Marmalade Boy Book 5
- Maxx Book 3
Have Not Started Reading Yet
- Buddha Book 1
- Hana-Kimi Book 2
- Losers Book 2
- Marmalade Boy Book 6
- Ministry of Space
- Powers Book 1
Ordered But Have Not Received Yet
- Stray Bullets Book 1
- Hysteria Book 2
- Hawkman Book 3
- Exiles Book 8
04/16/05
Breach # 3 - I enjoyed this issue more than the last one. The last one was kind of hard to follow. It wasn't until I reread # 2, just before reading # 3, that it all made sense. Anyhow the pieces are starting to fall into place. I'm getting into this series. Major Zanetti has woken up after being in a coma for about 20 years. The world has changed quite a bit. He has changed quite a bit. He isn't exactly human anymore.
I love the whole military angle of this thing. Kinda reminds me of how the military is portrayed on Justice League Unlimited. They don't trust the superheroes to save them or to always be on their side, so they hedge their bets by trying to develop technology to rival what the Justice League and others possess.
I like how they brought in Kobra's organization. Although it resembled Hydra quite bit. I didn't remember that about Kobra. Based on the way the issue wound down another organization, the JLA, will be making an appearance next issue.
I also like the artwork. Some splash panels, but also some effectively used small ones. It may eventually get collected but for now I think I will continue to buy it in comic book form.
Jack of Hearts # 1 - This is an oldy but goody in my book. This is the first in a four-issue miniseries. The miniseries was orginally released over 20 years ago. I don't think it has ever been reprinted. You can probably pick it up pretty cheap. It was written by Bill Mantlo, who also created Cloak and Dagger. He wrote a number of stories I enjoyed.
Anyhow, this series focuses on a character who was (at the time) relatively new to the Marvel Universe. From what I can tell this is the only Jack of Hearts mini-series ever released. He never got his own ongoing series. Prior to this series he had a few guest appearances here and there. I think he was originally a villain. This series find him in the custody of SHIELD. Jack is the wielder of great power which he doesn't completely understand. SHIELD considers him a threat and so are keeping him in (what they think) is a secure facility. Over the course of the series Jack learns more about his powers, learns that his mother was an alien, and travels to the planet that half his ancestry comes from. Once there he learns that the planet is in danger of dying (I think the sun was getting ready to go nova or something I haven't finished rereading the series yet) and gets embroiled in local politics.
The artwork is pretty good for the time, although the colors and quality of the paper that the series was printed on leave a lot to be desired.
04/24/05
Read a little more of Maxx (Book 3) and Generation X.
04/28/05
I haven't gotten the previews catalog yet, but MailOrderComics is offering a couple deals this month that sound a little too good to pass up.
Sgt. Rock Archives Vol. 3 - I haven't read the first two volumes, but this is an episodic series. There are no long story arcs here and very little in the way of continuity. I enjoy war comics. It isn't cheap, but I was thinking of buying the first volume and they are offering this one for almost 1/2 price.
Captain America Vol. 1 - This is the first colection of the news series. I read and enjoyed the first issue. I like the story and the art. Not much to dissuade me here. Plus, they are offering it for 1/2 price this month.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Mar 2005
03/02/05
I got home last night to find that the offer letter had not arrived yet and neither had my comic books. UPS tried to deliver the comic books, but I wasn't there and apparently there wasn't anyone else around to sign for them. Usually they just leave 'em at my door. If no one is there to sign for 'em today or tomorrow I will have to drive to Laurel on Friday evening to pick them up. *sigh*
I checked on line this morning. Mail Order Comics updated my account to indicate which comics they sent me. It looks like they only sent comic books, no trades. I wonder why? I was expecting to get two or three trades in this month's shipment.
...
Kare Kano Book 4 - I finally started reading it. I think I bought it back in December. They've introduced a bratty new character, Tsubasa, from Arima's past. So I guess in a way she isn't new, but it is her first appearance in the series. She is very cute, used to getting her way, and in the past was good friends with Arima. He thought of her as a younger sister. When Arima introduces Yukino as his girlfriend Tsubasa goes kind of nutty. So far so good. At the same time Maho is still trying to freeze Yukino out by convincing all the other girls in their class to not talk to her.
I think Tsubasa is the first serious challenge (from another girl) to Yukino's relationship with Arima. Can't wait to see how this plays out.
03/10/05
Batman: The Long Halloween - A killer starts bumping off members of Gotham's organized crime families. Batman (with help from Comissioner Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent) investigates. Joker, Catwoman, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Riddler, Scarecrow, and the Mad Hatter put in appearances. Nearly everyone is a suspect, including Harvey Dent.
The art, by Tim Sale, is gorgeous. I wish I knew more about the technical aspects of art so I could describe it properly.
The story is okay, it has its moments. The ending leaves me mystified and chilled. I think the writer, Jeph Loeb, put too many elements into the story. Its not a bad effort, but I think it would have worked much better if the story had been more focused. I can see how it might satisfy people if they read it one chapter at a time. It reminds me of one of those Hollywood blockbusters that has a ton of stars in it but still manages to come up short. Its fun to read but leaves me feeling less that satisfied on some levels.
03/15/05
I've been looking at the DC Comics solicitations for June. Not much jumps out at me. I figure I will buy Justice League Elite # 12, the last in this limited series. I also plan to order Breach # 6, latest issue in this ongoing series. I like what I've read so far, just the first issue. I've got # 2, I just haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
Kissing John Byrne
What is up with JB? Two (Doom Patrol and Blood of the Demon) of the three titles he draws for DC have characters kissing on the cover. In both cases one of the characters looks passionate and the other suprised. Well, maybe not in the case of Doom Patrol # 13. After all, how can a robot look suprised? Still I may just buy the issue based on the cover. It will probably be awful, but that passionate kiss on the cover does things for me. :P
Just for reference sake here is the other kissing cover, Blood of the Demon # 4.
What else?
Well, Solo # 5 is done by Darwyn Cooke. The only other issue in this series that I bought was the Tim Sale ish. Well worth it and I expect this one will be too. It features stories starring two non-powered types from the DCU, Slam Bradley and King Faraday, both of whom played a role in what I think was the best miniseries of 2004, DC: The New Frontier, which of course was also written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke.
That's about it, from DC. Nothing else really catches my eye. Although the new JSA/Hawkman trade that collects the Black Reign story line is tempting, but I probably won't preorder it.
Aside from DC there is a neat article over at Newarama about Phil Hester's new mini-series published by Devil's Due, The Stronghold. It won't be out until August, but it looks really cool to me.
I got home last night to find that the offer letter had not arrived yet and neither had my comic books. UPS tried to deliver the comic books, but I wasn't there and apparently there wasn't anyone else around to sign for them. Usually they just leave 'em at my door. If no one is there to sign for 'em today or tomorrow I will have to drive to Laurel on Friday evening to pick them up. *sigh*
I checked on line this morning. Mail Order Comics updated my account to indicate which comics they sent me. It looks like they only sent comic books, no trades. I wonder why? I was expecting to get two or three trades in this month's shipment.
...
Kare Kano Book 4 - I finally started reading it. I think I bought it back in December. They've introduced a bratty new character, Tsubasa, from Arima's past. So I guess in a way she isn't new, but it is her first appearance in the series. She is very cute, used to getting her way, and in the past was good friends with Arima. He thought of her as a younger sister. When Arima introduces Yukino as his girlfriend Tsubasa goes kind of nutty. So far so good. At the same time Maho is still trying to freeze Yukino out by convincing all the other girls in their class to not talk to her.
I think Tsubasa is the first serious challenge (from another girl) to Yukino's relationship with Arima. Can't wait to see how this plays out.
03/10/05
Batman: The Long Halloween - A killer starts bumping off members of Gotham's organized crime families. Batman (with help from Comissioner Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent) investigates. Joker, Catwoman, Solomon Grundy, Poison Ivy, Riddler, Scarecrow, and the Mad Hatter put in appearances. Nearly everyone is a suspect, including Harvey Dent.
The art, by Tim Sale, is gorgeous. I wish I knew more about the technical aspects of art so I could describe it properly.
The story is okay, it has its moments. The ending leaves me mystified and chilled. I think the writer, Jeph Loeb, put too many elements into the story. Its not a bad effort, but I think it would have worked much better if the story had been more focused. I can see how it might satisfy people if they read it one chapter at a time. It reminds me of one of those Hollywood blockbusters that has a ton of stars in it but still manages to come up short. Its fun to read but leaves me feeling less that satisfied on some levels.
03/15/05
I've been looking at the DC Comics solicitations for June. Not much jumps out at me. I figure I will buy Justice League Elite # 12, the last in this limited series. I also plan to order Breach # 6, latest issue in this ongoing series. I like what I've read so far, just the first issue. I've got # 2, I just haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
Kissing John Byrne
What is up with JB? Two (Doom Patrol and Blood of the Demon) of the three titles he draws for DC have characters kissing on the cover. In both cases one of the characters looks passionate and the other suprised. Well, maybe not in the case of Doom Patrol # 13. After all, how can a robot look suprised? Still I may just buy the issue based on the cover. It will probably be awful, but that passionate kiss on the cover does things for me. :P
Just for reference sake here is the other kissing cover, Blood of the Demon # 4.
What else?
Well, Solo # 5 is done by Darwyn Cooke. The only other issue in this series that I bought was the Tim Sale ish. Well worth it and I expect this one will be too. It features stories starring two non-powered types from the DCU, Slam Bradley and King Faraday, both of whom played a role in what I think was the best miniseries of 2004, DC: The New Frontier, which of course was also written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke.
That's about it, from DC. Nothing else really catches my eye. Although the new JSA/Hawkman trade that collects the Black Reign story line is tempting, but I probably won't preorder it.
Aside from DC there is a neat article over at Newarama about Phil Hester's new mini-series published by Devil's Due, The Stronghold. It won't be out until August, but it looks really cool to me.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Feb 2005
02/03/05
Previews Catalog Part 1
Marvel - not much here, just GLA # 1, and Strange # 5. Not wild about this miniseries, but I wanna see how it winds up. I can't see myself ordering anything else from Marvel this month. I wanted to order Exiles Book 8, but I need to take a break from ordering trade paperbacks. They are starting to pile up again. Wolverine: Enemy of the State HC has me intrigued. I know it got hyped, so it probably isn't as good as it looks, but I do like John Romita Jr.'s artwork. Other collections? How about Black Widow: Homecoming or She-Hulk: Superhuman Law? They both look like fun reads.
Dark Horse - Steve Rude's The Moth is finally out in trade paperback form. I perused the comics at the comic shop. It has a retro look to it that I like and the story looked kind of zany. Not this month, but it goes on my list.
DC - Batman: Faces TP written and drawn by Matt Wagner. I'm willing to give it a try, but not this month. No trade paperbacks, thank you! I will get Breach # 4. This series looks cool. I just got issue # 1, and haven't read it yet, but it just has one of those looks to that make me wanna get it. I hope it lives up to expectations; mine at least. Justice League Elite # 10? But of course. If I was going to get a trade paperback and I wanted it to be something different then I might get Strontium Dog: The Early Cases. Looks cool. Bounty hunters are cool.
Image - Invincible # 0 looks like a cost effective purchase at 50 cents. It is yet another series that I have heard good things about and want to try. The Iron Ghost # 1 looks very cool. Definitely looks reminiscent of The Shadow.
So far I am ordering:
- GLA # 1
- Strange # 5
- Breach # 4
- Justice League Elite # 10
- Invincible # 0
- Iron Ghost # 1
There still all the smaller publishers to go through, but not tonight. Hopefully tomorrow or over the weekend.
02/04/05
Here's the list of trade paperbacks that I want to buy. Overtime I will buy some of them. I doubt that I will ever get them all. Some I may lost interest in before I get them or may just get dropped off the list without being purchased.
02/05/05
Previews Catalog Part 2
ADV Films - Not just films, manga too. Only thing to mention here is Ray. Story about a girl who is raised to be harvested for her body parts, but who escapes and attempts to live a normal life. Sounds good to me, but not this month.
Alias Enterprises LLC - Deal with the Devil looks too good to pass up. I don't know the writer or artist, but its the first ish of a four issue mini and looks too good to pass up. And it is only 75 cents. Other than that Alias seems to have quite a few T&A looking titles, like 10th Muse and Judo Girl, that catch my eye but that I think I will pass on. OK maybe not all of them feature scantily female characters, but I still think I will still pass on the rest.
Devil's Due Publishing - Breakdown continues to be a fun ride, so I will continue to buy. Plot? Good guy turns into a vigilante after his family gets wiped out by the baddies.
Evil Twin Comics - Action Philosophers # 1? Yes. Why? Looks too silly for me to pass up. I need to at least give it a try.
ibooks - Blacksad # 2 looks good, but at $12.95 its a little more than I feel like spending this month, even though at 56 pages it isn't very long. The first book was just plain gorgeous. Blacksad # 3? Nah, I don't buy sketchbooks.
IDW - Easy Way #1 looks interesting, but I'm not wild about the $3.99 cover price. Maybe someday they'll collect it in a trade paperback.
Second to Some Studios - I can't remember how long it has been since the last issue came out, but Fade From Blue # 10 is finally being solicited. Final chapter.
Viz LLC - Midori's Days Book 1, also known as Midori no Hibi. I was reading it on a snoopycool.com, but its no longer available there. I might just buy it, but not this month.
That's about it so let's see. From the second half of the catalog I am ordering:
- Deal With the Devil # 1
- Breakdown # 6
- Action Philosophers # 1
- Fade From Blue # 10
No trades this month.
02/06/05
Batman: The Long Halloween - I've read the first six (of thirteen) chapters. I love the artwork and the story isn't bad, but haven't I read this story before? Maybe it wouldn't seem as dated as if I had read it when it first came out. What I mean is that it reminds me a lot of Batman: Hush, in that it is a pageant. Batman is trying to solve a mystery and as he works he crosses paths with a number of prominent characters (Joker, Harvey Dent, Solomon Grundy, Catwoman, Riddler) from his past/present. Instead of focusing on his relationship with any one or two of these characters the point of the story seems to be to showcase, Tim Sale's art if nothing else. I like the characterizations and as I said before I love the art. I just wish there was more to the story.
02/15/05
Haven't written much about what I've been reading lately. Not much change to the list of trade paperbacks I am reading other than the fact that I started reading Queen & Country Book 1, but here it is anyway:
Recently Finished Reading
- Human Target Book 2
- Marmalade Boy Book 4
Currently Reading
- Batman: The Long Halloween
- Phoenix Book 2: A Tale of the Future
- Queen & Country Book 1
Have Not Started Reading Yet
- Scion Book 4
- Kare Kano Book 4
- Marmalade Boy Book 5
- Marmalade Boy Book 6
- Maxx Book 3
- Y: The Last Man Book 2
- Love Fights Book 2
Ordered But Have Not Received Yet
- Ministry of Space
- Stray Bullets Book 1
- Enemy Ace (DC Archive Edition)
- Losers Book 2
- Hysteria Book 2
The online solicitations for DC Comics (to be realeased in May) are out. There are only a few things that jump out and make me want to buy them.
The Golden Age TPB - DC is finally releasing a new printing of this miniseries, that I have heard so much about. Gotta have it, but I might wait until it comes out and not preorder.
Hawkman Book 3 - Just a year after the last TPB collection came out here it is.
Losers Book 3 - I have yet to read book 2, but I will probably be buying this one somewhere down the line.
02/22/05
Later that afternoon we checked out two of the bigger comic book stores in NYC. The first, Midtown Comics, had a huge selection, but for the most part it was mainstream (DC, Marvel, Image, etc.) and not much in the way of back issues on the racks. The second comic book store, Jim Hanley's Universe, was much more to my liking. It had a bigger selection of independents than it did of mainstream. I found the two back issues of Heroes Anonymous that I was missing.
02/23/05
Y: The Last Man Book 2 - I'm only one chapter in, but so far so good. Who woulda thunk that this series could be this good. It is entertaining on more than one level, too. It is exciting and amusing. It makes me think about trying Ex Machina, another series written by Brian K. Vaughn.
Flipping back and forth between unflopped manga and American comic books sometimes gets me confused and I start reading from the wrong side of the page. Lately I've started reading Naruto and Gantz @ degreeanime.com. While I wait for the pages to load I sometimes read from comic books.
Batman: The Long Halloween - Still reading it. Love the artwork. It is very dark and expressive. I'm not gaga about the coloring job, but I think it goes well with the sort of story that is being told and the work done by the penciler/inker, Tim Sale. I also like the detail in the artwork. It isn't always realistic. For instance the Joker's toothy smile looks positively and unrealistically horrific. And just because the work is detailed doesn't mean that you can see all the fine lines on every characters face. Anyhoo, I've got about 3 more chapters to go in this monster epic.
Phoenix Book 2 - Still reading it too. I guess I am close to the halfway point. This is a very different story from the first book. I can't wait to see how things work out in the end. Osamu Tezuka's artwork is sheer genius. Visually he tells a story as well as any artist I can think of. The flow from one panel to the next is smooth and logical.
That's it for now. I still have quite a few comics and trade paparebacks waiting in the wings to be read.
02/25/05
Breach # 1 - I like it. It reads more like something that Marvel would publish, but I like it. What's it about? An experiment 20 years ago gone wrong. Man horribly transformed. Story begins in December 2005. That is not a typo. Then the story flashes back to show how (in 1985) he was transformed. Of course he left a wife and kid behind. Angst. The first issue more or less just tells his origin. What comes next? I can't wait to read the next issue and find out why he, his wife, best friend and a couple others were in a helicopter than crashed in Siberia.
Previews Catalog Part 1
Marvel - not much here, just GLA # 1, and Strange # 5. Not wild about this miniseries, but I wanna see how it winds up. I can't see myself ordering anything else from Marvel this month. I wanted to order Exiles Book 8, but I need to take a break from ordering trade paperbacks. They are starting to pile up again. Wolverine: Enemy of the State HC has me intrigued. I know it got hyped, so it probably isn't as good as it looks, but I do like John Romita Jr.'s artwork. Other collections? How about Black Widow: Homecoming or She-Hulk: Superhuman Law? They both look like fun reads.
Dark Horse - Steve Rude's The Moth is finally out in trade paperback form. I perused the comics at the comic shop. It has a retro look to it that I like and the story looked kind of zany. Not this month, but it goes on my list.
DC - Batman: Faces TP written and drawn by Matt Wagner. I'm willing to give it a try, but not this month. No trade paperbacks, thank you! I will get Breach # 4. This series looks cool. I just got issue # 1, and haven't read it yet, but it just has one of those looks to that make me wanna get it. I hope it lives up to expectations; mine at least. Justice League Elite # 10? But of course. If I was going to get a trade paperback and I wanted it to be something different then I might get Strontium Dog: The Early Cases. Looks cool. Bounty hunters are cool.
Image - Invincible # 0 looks like a cost effective purchase at 50 cents. It is yet another series that I have heard good things about and want to try. The Iron Ghost # 1 looks very cool. Definitely looks reminiscent of The Shadow.
So far I am ordering:
- GLA # 1
- Strange # 5
- Breach # 4
- Justice League Elite # 10
- Invincible # 0
- Iron Ghost # 1
There still all the smaller publishers to go through, but not tonight. Hopefully tomorrow or over the weekend.
02/04/05
Here's the list of trade paperbacks that I want to buy. Overtime I will buy some of them. I doubt that I will ever get them all. Some I may lost interest in before I get them or may just get dropped off the list without being purchased.
02/05/05
Previews Catalog Part 2
ADV Films - Not just films, manga too. Only thing to mention here is Ray. Story about a girl who is raised to be harvested for her body parts, but who escapes and attempts to live a normal life. Sounds good to me, but not this month.
Alias Enterprises LLC - Deal with the Devil looks too good to pass up. I don't know the writer or artist, but its the first ish of a four issue mini and looks too good to pass up. And it is only 75 cents. Other than that Alias seems to have quite a few T&A looking titles, like 10th Muse and Judo Girl, that catch my eye but that I think I will pass on. OK maybe not all of them feature scantily female characters, but I still think I will still pass on the rest.
Devil's Due Publishing - Breakdown continues to be a fun ride, so I will continue to buy. Plot? Good guy turns into a vigilante after his family gets wiped out by the baddies.
Evil Twin Comics - Action Philosophers # 1? Yes. Why? Looks too silly for me to pass up. I need to at least give it a try.
ibooks - Blacksad # 2 looks good, but at $12.95 its a little more than I feel like spending this month, even though at 56 pages it isn't very long. The first book was just plain gorgeous. Blacksad # 3? Nah, I don't buy sketchbooks.
IDW - Easy Way #1 looks interesting, but I'm not wild about the $3.99 cover price. Maybe someday they'll collect it in a trade paperback.
Second to Some Studios - I can't remember how long it has been since the last issue came out, but Fade From Blue # 10 is finally being solicited. Final chapter.
Viz LLC - Midori's Days Book 1, also known as Midori no Hibi. I was reading it on a snoopycool.com, but its no longer available there. I might just buy it, but not this month.
That's about it so let's see. From the second half of the catalog I am ordering:
- Deal With the Devil # 1
- Breakdown # 6
- Action Philosophers # 1
- Fade From Blue # 10
No trades this month.
02/06/05
Batman: The Long Halloween - I've read the first six (of thirteen) chapters. I love the artwork and the story isn't bad, but haven't I read this story before? Maybe it wouldn't seem as dated as if I had read it when it first came out. What I mean is that it reminds me a lot of Batman: Hush, in that it is a pageant. Batman is trying to solve a mystery and as he works he crosses paths with a number of prominent characters (Joker, Harvey Dent, Solomon Grundy, Catwoman, Riddler) from his past/present. Instead of focusing on his relationship with any one or two of these characters the point of the story seems to be to showcase, Tim Sale's art if nothing else. I like the characterizations and as I said before I love the art. I just wish there was more to the story.
02/15/05
Haven't written much about what I've been reading lately. Not much change to the list of trade paperbacks I am reading other than the fact that I started reading Queen & Country Book 1, but here it is anyway:
Recently Finished Reading
- Human Target Book 2
- Marmalade Boy Book 4
Currently Reading
- Batman: The Long Halloween
- Phoenix Book 2: A Tale of the Future
- Queen & Country Book 1
Have Not Started Reading Yet
- Scion Book 4
- Kare Kano Book 4
- Marmalade Boy Book 5
- Marmalade Boy Book 6
- Maxx Book 3
- Y: The Last Man Book 2
- Love Fights Book 2
Ordered But Have Not Received Yet
- Ministry of Space
- Stray Bullets Book 1
- Enemy Ace (DC Archive Edition)
- Losers Book 2
- Hysteria Book 2
The online solicitations for DC Comics (to be realeased in May) are out. There are only a few things that jump out and make me want to buy them.
The Golden Age TPB - DC is finally releasing a new printing of this miniseries, that I have heard so much about. Gotta have it, but I might wait until it comes out and not preorder.
Hawkman Book 3 - Just a year after the last TPB collection came out here it is.
Losers Book 3 - I have yet to read book 2, but I will probably be buying this one somewhere down the line.
02/22/05
Later that afternoon we checked out two of the bigger comic book stores in NYC. The first, Midtown Comics, had a huge selection, but for the most part it was mainstream (DC, Marvel, Image, etc.) and not much in the way of back issues on the racks. The second comic book store, Jim Hanley's Universe, was much more to my liking. It had a bigger selection of independents than it did of mainstream. I found the two back issues of Heroes Anonymous that I was missing.
02/23/05
Y: The Last Man Book 2 - I'm only one chapter in, but so far so good. Who woulda thunk that this series could be this good. It is entertaining on more than one level, too. It is exciting and amusing. It makes me think about trying Ex Machina, another series written by Brian K. Vaughn.
Flipping back and forth between unflopped manga and American comic books sometimes gets me confused and I start reading from the wrong side of the page. Lately I've started reading Naruto and Gantz @ degreeanime.com. While I wait for the pages to load I sometimes read from comic books.
Batman: The Long Halloween - Still reading it. Love the artwork. It is very dark and expressive. I'm not gaga about the coloring job, but I think it goes well with the sort of story that is being told and the work done by the penciler/inker, Tim Sale. I also like the detail in the artwork. It isn't always realistic. For instance the Joker's toothy smile looks positively and unrealistically horrific. And just because the work is detailed doesn't mean that you can see all the fine lines on every characters face. Anyhoo, I've got about 3 more chapters to go in this monster epic.
Phoenix Book 2 - Still reading it too. I guess I am close to the halfway point. This is a very different story from the first book. I can't wait to see how things work out in the end. Osamu Tezuka's artwork is sheer genius. Visually he tells a story as well as any artist I can think of. The flow from one panel to the next is smooth and logical.
That's it for now. I still have quite a few comics and trade paparebacks waiting in the wings to be read.
02/25/05
Breach # 1 - I like it. It reads more like something that Marvel would publish, but I like it. What's it about? An experiment 20 years ago gone wrong. Man horribly transformed. Story begins in December 2005. That is not a typo. Then the story flashes back to show how (in 1985) he was transformed. Of course he left a wife and kid behind. Angst. The first issue more or less just tells his origin. What comes next? I can't wait to read the next issue and find out why he, his wife, best friend and a couple others were in a helicopter than crashed in Siberia.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Jan 2005
01/03/05
I haven't been reading a whole lot lately. I've been kinda busy with other stuff. I finished off Ranma 1/2 Book 4 and Hana-Kimi Book 1, over a week ago. I'm winding down on Rex Mundi Book 1 and Scion Book 3.
Marmalade Boy Book 4 - I just started it. I'm not even halfway through the first chapter, which is kinda long. It opens with Miki and her best friend, Meiko, spying on Miki's step-brother, Yuu. He has been spending a lot of time with another good-looking guy, Satoshi. Naturally, everyone at school starts suspecting that they are gay, including Miki who doesn't want to believe it because she has a crush on Yuu.
I love the dialogue and how the characters convince themselves (of Yuu and Satoshi's relationship) without concrete evidence to back up their suspicions. Meiko, getting over her own soap-operatic moment in the sun in Book 3, is tickled pink over the possibilities. Miki only makes things worse for herself by eavesdropping on Yuu and Satoshi, and then trying to figure out what they are talking about in a round about sort of way. Anyhow I find it all very amusing.
01/04/05
I just read (on Newsarama)about Will Eisner passing away last night. I've read a few of his graphic novels. I think I have two of them, Fagin the Jew and another older one. Never got around to reading The Spirit.
I've been thinking more about buying some of the DC Archive Editions of this series and other series. I don't want to get them every month, but maybe once every three months I'll pick one up. They usually sell for 35% off (the $50 cover price) at MailOrderComics.
I'd love to pick up some of the Archive Editions that were drawn by Joe Kubert like Enemy Ace, Sgt. Rock, and Adam Strange. I'm primarily interested in Silver Age Archive Editions, but I'd also like to get New Teen Titans by Wolfman, Perez, and Giordano. Watching Teen Titans on TV really makes me wanna go back and read and reread the stories from the late-70's and early 80's.
Well I don't feel quite as bad as I did after reading the obit. Still, it is sad to be without such a prolific and influential talent. At least we still have his stories.
01/06/05
Well, my monthly shipment should be arrive today. I found out yesterday that two trade paperbacks that were scheduled to be included will not be, so I'll only be getting two trade paperbacks instead of four. :(
On time - Batman: The Long Halloween, Queen & Country Vol. 1
Late - Ministry of Space, Love Fights Vol. 2
At this point I'm just glad to be getting a shipment. I haven't had the time to make it to the comic shop lately and I ran out of new comic books a couple weeks ago. I've been living off of trade paperbacks (Rex Mundi Book 1, Scion Vol 3), manga (Marmalade Boy Vol. 4), and back issues (X-Men: The Hidden Years, Marvel: The Lost Generation, Superman & Batman: Generations 3, Route 666, Dreadstar).
S&B:G3 sucks by comparison to the previous two mini-series. Most of the issues are forgettable. Some of the artwork looks incomplete and most of it is very roughly drawn.
M:TLG is much better by comparison to S&B:G3 but that's not saying much. I bought both these series a couple years back and am just getting arounf to reading them. At least I don't feel like I completely wasted my money on them.
01/07/05
* Comic books arrived on time. Batman: The Long Halloween is a long book, longer than I realized, about 350 pages long. I spent about an hour going through the Previews catalog. There wasn't too much that caught my eye that I hadn't already earmarked.
* I hear it on NPR: an interview with Sharad Devarajan, CEO of Gotham Entertainment Group, which has licensed the Marvel Comics characters to be distributed in South Asia. Their first publication is Spider-Man India, featuring Pavitr Prabhakar as Peter Parker.
Link: Fresh Air for Thursday January 6, 2005 (you have to scroll about 2/3 of the way down the page to find the link to the audio of the interview. It is about 20 minutes long.
Trade Paperbacks and Manga
Currently Reading
+ Rex Mundi Book 1: The Guardian of the Temple
+ Scion Book 3: Divided Loyalties
+ Marmalade Boy Book 4
Waiting to be Read
+ Batman: The Long Halloween
+ Queen & Country Book 1: Operation Broken Ground
+ Human Target Book 2: Living in Amerika
+ Kare Kano Book 4
+ Scion Book 4: Sanctuary
+ Marmalade Boy Book 5
+ Marmalade Boy Book 6
Ordered
+ Ministry of Space
+ Love Fights Book 2
+ Maxx Book 3
+ Stray Bullets Book 1
+ Y: The Last Man Book 2
01/08/05
So I went to liberty Comics and splurged today. Well, I spent more than I usually do. I bought X-Men Unlimited # 6 which features a story written and drawn by the crew that used to write and draw Negation: Paul Pelletier, Dave Meikis, and Tony Bedard. It was okay. It was no where near as good as Negation. What was missing of course was Laura Martin's colors. That and a decent story. Anyone could have written this one.
Comparisons to Negation: The way the four women in this story interacted did remind me kind of the way the main female characters in Negation interacted. Emma White would obviously be Evinlea. Kitty Pryde would be Corrin. I guess Storm would be Shassa, but the correlation isn't as strong. That leaves Sage to be Iress.
I also bought...
+ Teen Titans # 19 - final issue in the Titans of Tomorrow story
+ She Hulk # 9 - the art is by Paul Pelletier and I've heard good things about this series
+ Phoenix Book 2: Future - a year after I bought the first volume in this series I finally got the second one. Written and drawn by the godfather of manga, Osamu Tezuka. I really enjoyed the first book. Not short, but the first book was very good so I have high hopes for this one.
01/09/05
She-Hulk # 9 - Very amusing. Jen trying to learn to control her new strength. Hercules being sued (by a supervillain) for being too aggressively heroic. Very amusing, the whole thing was very tongue in cheek. I may just have to pick up the next issue. It didn't hurt that Paul Pelletier did the pencils.
01/11/05
Teen Titans # 19 - Good but not great. Not good enough to convince me to continue buying this series. I have yet to be truly impressed or satisfied with Geoff Johns writing. I tried JSA for a while and didn't care for it, now I tried Teen Titans and was equally un-wowed. I did enjoy the whole Titans of Tomorrow story. It wasn't bad, but I get the impression that it was the time travel elements and not the writing that worked for me.
Human Target Book 2 - Chapter one of this book (six of the series) is one of those stories that I thinks works a little better if you know the ending in advance. The story was plodding along and I wasn't that impressed with it until I saw the twist in the tale. Then it hit pretty hard. This chapter is a self-contained story. The Human Target is hired to impersonate a priest who is being theatened by a local heavy. Christopher Chance (The Human Target) isn't a religious man, but after spending some time in the role of the priest he finds himself starting to sense that maybe there are things he should believe in. Then he encouters the heavy, and finds out why he has been trying to 'off' the priest: he was molested by the priest when he was a boy. Maybe I should have seen in coming. The story is set in Boston. Anyhow that casts the story in a very different light. I won't give any more of the story away, but I did like how it ends. Still I think there should have been some foreshadowing as to the true motivations of the heavy and the true nature of the priest.
01/19/05
Midori no Hibi is no longer available at SnoopyCool. There ain't much available anymore at SnoopyCool, but from what I understand the anime of Midori no Hibi is going to be released in March, by ADV. I haven't heard anyword on when the manga will be available.I managed to download te first two-and-a-half books before the SnoopyCool went down in December.
No Fallen Angel in April, according to DC. The next and probably last issue, # 20, will come out in May.
Last issue of Adam Strange comes out in March. I wonder how long we'll have to wait for the trade of that?
I'm still not going to order the individual issues of Identity Crisis. Even though DC is rereleasing all of them in March. I'm waiting for the trade, even if I have to wait until 2006. There are plenty of other things to read in the meanwhile.
Human Target is ending with # 21. The second trade collects up through # 10. I guess that means that there will be two more trade collections, hopefully.
Iron Ghost from Image looks good. Written by Ron Marz, it looks like a riff on The Shadow. It is a mini and only runs six issues. I'll probably wait for the trade.
Trade-wise, this month I decided to pre-order the second trade of The Losers (DC/Vertigo), Hysteria Book 2 (Oni Press; written and drawn by Mike Hawthorne), and the DC Archive Edition of Enemy Ace.
OK, that's enough for now. Time to read some more comic books.
I haven't been reading a whole lot lately. I've been kinda busy with other stuff. I finished off Ranma 1/2 Book 4 and Hana-Kimi Book 1, over a week ago. I'm winding down on Rex Mundi Book 1 and Scion Book 3.
Marmalade Boy Book 4 - I just started it. I'm not even halfway through the first chapter, which is kinda long. It opens with Miki and her best friend, Meiko, spying on Miki's step-brother, Yuu. He has been spending a lot of time with another good-looking guy, Satoshi. Naturally, everyone at school starts suspecting that they are gay, including Miki who doesn't want to believe it because she has a crush on Yuu.
I love the dialogue and how the characters convince themselves (of Yuu and Satoshi's relationship) without concrete evidence to back up their suspicions. Meiko, getting over her own soap-operatic moment in the sun in Book 3, is tickled pink over the possibilities. Miki only makes things worse for herself by eavesdropping on Yuu and Satoshi, and then trying to figure out what they are talking about in a round about sort of way. Anyhow I find it all very amusing.
01/04/05
I just read (on Newsarama)about Will Eisner passing away last night. I've read a few of his graphic novels. I think I have two of them, Fagin the Jew and another older one. Never got around to reading The Spirit.
I've been thinking more about buying some of the DC Archive Editions of this series and other series. I don't want to get them every month, but maybe once every three months I'll pick one up. They usually sell for 35% off (the $50 cover price) at MailOrderComics.
I'd love to pick up some of the Archive Editions that were drawn by Joe Kubert like Enemy Ace, Sgt. Rock, and Adam Strange. I'm primarily interested in Silver Age Archive Editions, but I'd also like to get New Teen Titans by Wolfman, Perez, and Giordano. Watching Teen Titans on TV really makes me wanna go back and read and reread the stories from the late-70's and early 80's.
Well I don't feel quite as bad as I did after reading the obit. Still, it is sad to be without such a prolific and influential talent. At least we still have his stories.
01/06/05
Well, my monthly shipment should be arrive today. I found out yesterday that two trade paperbacks that were scheduled to be included will not be, so I'll only be getting two trade paperbacks instead of four. :(
On time - Batman: The Long Halloween, Queen & Country Vol. 1
Late - Ministry of Space, Love Fights Vol. 2
At this point I'm just glad to be getting a shipment. I haven't had the time to make it to the comic shop lately and I ran out of new comic books a couple weeks ago. I've been living off of trade paperbacks (Rex Mundi Book 1, Scion Vol 3), manga (Marmalade Boy Vol. 4), and back issues (X-Men: The Hidden Years, Marvel: The Lost Generation, Superman & Batman: Generations 3, Route 666, Dreadstar).
S&B:G3 sucks by comparison to the previous two mini-series. Most of the issues are forgettable. Some of the artwork looks incomplete and most of it is very roughly drawn.
M:TLG is much better by comparison to S&B:G3 but that's not saying much. I bought both these series a couple years back and am just getting arounf to reading them. At least I don't feel like I completely wasted my money on them.
01/07/05
* Comic books arrived on time. Batman: The Long Halloween is a long book, longer than I realized, about 350 pages long. I spent about an hour going through the Previews catalog. There wasn't too much that caught my eye that I hadn't already earmarked.
* I hear it on NPR: an interview with Sharad Devarajan, CEO of Gotham Entertainment Group, which has licensed the Marvel Comics characters to be distributed in South Asia. Their first publication is Spider-Man India, featuring Pavitr Prabhakar as Peter Parker.
Link: Fresh Air for Thursday January 6, 2005 (you have to scroll about 2/3 of the way down the page to find the link to the audio of the interview. It is about 20 minutes long.
Trade Paperbacks and Manga
Currently Reading
+ Rex Mundi Book 1: The Guardian of the Temple
+ Scion Book 3: Divided Loyalties
+ Marmalade Boy Book 4
Waiting to be Read
+ Batman: The Long Halloween
+ Queen & Country Book 1: Operation Broken Ground
+ Human Target Book 2: Living in Amerika
+ Kare Kano Book 4
+ Scion Book 4: Sanctuary
+ Marmalade Boy Book 5
+ Marmalade Boy Book 6
Ordered
+ Ministry of Space
+ Love Fights Book 2
+ Maxx Book 3
+ Stray Bullets Book 1
+ Y: The Last Man Book 2
01/08/05
So I went to liberty Comics and splurged today. Well, I spent more than I usually do. I bought X-Men Unlimited # 6 which features a story written and drawn by the crew that used to write and draw Negation: Paul Pelletier, Dave Meikis, and Tony Bedard. It was okay. It was no where near as good as Negation. What was missing of course was Laura Martin's colors. That and a decent story. Anyone could have written this one.
Comparisons to Negation: The way the four women in this story interacted did remind me kind of the way the main female characters in Negation interacted. Emma White would obviously be Evinlea. Kitty Pryde would be Corrin. I guess Storm would be Shassa, but the correlation isn't as strong. That leaves Sage to be Iress.
I also bought...
+ Teen Titans # 19 - final issue in the Titans of Tomorrow story
+ She Hulk # 9 - the art is by Paul Pelletier and I've heard good things about this series
+ Phoenix Book 2: Future - a year after I bought the first volume in this series I finally got the second one. Written and drawn by the godfather of manga, Osamu Tezuka. I really enjoyed the first book. Not short, but the first book was very good so I have high hopes for this one.
01/09/05
She-Hulk # 9 - Very amusing. Jen trying to learn to control her new strength. Hercules being sued (by a supervillain) for being too aggressively heroic. Very amusing, the whole thing was very tongue in cheek. I may just have to pick up the next issue. It didn't hurt that Paul Pelletier did the pencils.
01/11/05
Teen Titans # 19 - Good but not great. Not good enough to convince me to continue buying this series. I have yet to be truly impressed or satisfied with Geoff Johns writing. I tried JSA for a while and didn't care for it, now I tried Teen Titans and was equally un-wowed. I did enjoy the whole Titans of Tomorrow story. It wasn't bad, but I get the impression that it was the time travel elements and not the writing that worked for me.
Human Target Book 2 - Chapter one of this book (six of the series) is one of those stories that I thinks works a little better if you know the ending in advance. The story was plodding along and I wasn't that impressed with it until I saw the twist in the tale. Then it hit pretty hard. This chapter is a self-contained story. The Human Target is hired to impersonate a priest who is being theatened by a local heavy. Christopher Chance (The Human Target) isn't a religious man, but after spending some time in the role of the priest he finds himself starting to sense that maybe there are things he should believe in. Then he encouters the heavy, and finds out why he has been trying to 'off' the priest: he was molested by the priest when he was a boy. Maybe I should have seen in coming. The story is set in Boston. Anyhow that casts the story in a very different light. I won't give any more of the story away, but I did like how it ends. Still I think there should have been some foreshadowing as to the true motivations of the heavy and the true nature of the priest.
01/19/05
Midori no Hibi is no longer available at SnoopyCool. There ain't much available anymore at SnoopyCool, but from what I understand the anime of Midori no Hibi is going to be released in March, by ADV. I haven't heard anyword on when the manga will be available.I managed to download te first two-and-a-half books before the SnoopyCool went down in December.
No Fallen Angel in April, according to DC. The next and probably last issue, # 20, will come out in May.
Last issue of Adam Strange comes out in March. I wonder how long we'll have to wait for the trade of that?
I'm still not going to order the individual issues of Identity Crisis. Even though DC is rereleasing all of them in March. I'm waiting for the trade, even if I have to wait until 2006. There are plenty of other things to read in the meanwhile.
Human Target is ending with # 21. The second trade collects up through # 10. I guess that means that there will be two more trade collections, hopefully.
Iron Ghost from Image looks good. Written by Ron Marz, it looks like a riff on The Shadow. It is a mini and only runs six issues. I'll probably wait for the trade.
Trade-wise, this month I decided to pre-order the second trade of The Losers (DC/Vertigo), Hysteria Book 2 (Oni Press; written and drawn by Mike Hawthorne), and the DC Archive Edition of Enemy Ace.
OK, that's enough for now. Time to read some more comic books.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Dec 2003
12/01/03
More reasons to drop Mile High like a hot potato? Maybe. The following books have yet to get shipped to me. I'm not sure if it is the publisher's fault or Mile High's but in at least one case (Gene Pool) I saw the book at Closet of Comics.
Here's the list:
CrossGen - I'm pretty sure that this have not come out yet.
Image
Other
Given how much these will cost me altogether I'm not sure if I should complain or not. Maybe Mile High is just trying to save me some dough. Ya know?
12/07/03
I did go to closet of comics today. I spent about an hour in there. I must have gone through the shelves about three times. At first I thought I would get D (the student I tutor) a Will Eisner book. I know he writes/draws good stuff. They have quite a few there, but I decided to keep looking. Eventually I found TPB editions of Matt Wagner's Mage. I've never read Mage, but I've read some of his other stuff and heard good things about Mage, so I bought him one of the many TPB volumes they had there. It was only $9.95. Just about right for what I wanted to spend on D's present. I also considered buying him the TPB collection of the original issues of Swamp Thing. D is into horror books. It was $19.95, which isn't too much for me to spend, but given that I'm not too sure what he thinks of comics I decided to play it safe and get him something a little less pricey, but just as attractive.
12/09/03
It's been a while since I wrote about what I've been reading.
Things I liked:
Heaven's Devils # 1 (Image) - I wish it was done on better or a different sort of paper, or maybe colored, but I really like the story so far. I bought it because the pencils are done by the same guy that did the first four issues of Clockmaker, Zach something-or-other. I like the story so far, I just wonder if the last three issues of this limited series can live up to the first one.
JLA # 88 (DC) - This book seems to get a lot of knocks from reviewers, but I like it a lot. I don't read many spandex superhero books, but this is one that I'm not about to drop. Love the whole Martian Manhunter gone nuts story line, and his budding romance with that flaming vixen whose name escapes me at the moment.
I think the biggest trouble with this book is that it seems like every other storyline involves the JLA saving the world, but recently I think the creative team on this book has done a fairly good job of not making it too over the top.
Other news:
I just read in Lying in the Gutters that Mark Waid and Barry Kitson maybe taking over Legion in the near future. That's enough to get my attention. I think this is the same team that's been doing the Empire mini-series, and I love that.
I also plan on sticking with Thanos after Jim Starlin leaves (last issue #6) and Keith Giffen takes over. I was kind of bummed when I read that Starlin was leaving, but I'm interested to see how Keith Giffen, who has written and drawn the Legion of Superheroes in the past, handles Thanos.
I've been picking up the issues I missed of Lady Death: A Medieval Tale, and plan on buying Lady Death: The Wild Hunt. I loved Jim Cheung's artwork on Scion, even though I only have read a few issues of it. I thing Cheung is a good choice to draw LD, although I'm not so sure that he was the best pick to draw an issue of Route 666 (#18 I think) I'll be getting that in the mail soon.
There's more books that I could write about including some of the disappointments like:
I'm sure there are more things that I didn't mention, maybe tonight or tomorrow I'll get around to writing about them.
12/10/03
I got my shipment (or most of it at least) of comics from Mile High yesterday. I guess my last exchange with them put a sense of urgency in them, for this month at least. That was about ten to twelve days from the time I got the e-mail saying the comics were on their way. That's the fastest I've ever gotten a shipment from them. Now I said most of them because three items were missing which I assume were shipped seperately.
So naturally I stayed up late reading my favorite item from the shipment, the previews catalog.
12/14/03
What a nothing weekend. I've read a lot of comics. Maybe I should write about that?
Let's see, in reverse order I read:
Extinction Event # 5 - Talk about the non-event mini-series of the year. I am so disappointed in myself for buying this one. I guess with everything that I do buy I'm bound to make some bad decisions. Not only did I not care for the plot, the art, the pacing, but it doesn't even have an ending! WTF?
Captain Marvel # 15 - Another fairly good (but not great) issue of Captain Marvel. I think it is the dark humor as much as it is anything else that keeps me reading this book. The artwork hasn't been too impressive lately, but the writing (Peter David) is fairly good and not too predictable.
1602 # 3 - Another good issue in the mini-series.
Lady Death # 6 - Not quite as good as I hoped it would be, or as some of the earlier issues. Hopefully the quality of the writing will pick up again with #7.
Oh, and I have just one more issue to go before I'll be done with the Thor/Walt Simonson TPB. I'm still enjoying it. Great writing. I wish I had believed the hype when these issue were coming out and bought them then.
I was only going to read negation # 23, but it was such a tease that i had to read # 24. Now I have to wait another month before I get # 25.
Was it worth it? Right now I'm thinking yes.
12/17/03
My second package of comics from Mile High arrived today. It contained:
More reasons to drop Mile High like a hot potato? Maybe. The following books have yet to get shipped to me. I'm not sure if it is the publisher's fault or Mile High's but in at least one case (Gene Pool) I saw the book at Closet of Comics.
Here's the list:
CrossGen - I'm pretty sure that this have not come out yet.
- SEP - Scion (Vol. 5) TPB: Far Kingdom
- SEP - Sigil (VOl. 5) TPB: Death Match
- OCT - Route 666 (Vol. 2) TPB: Three Ring Circus
- OCT - Scion (Vol. 3) Traveler: Divided Loyalties
- NOV - Chimera TPB
Image
- SEP - Hawaiian Dick: Last Resort # 1
- SEP - Savage Dragon TPB: Worlds at War
- OCT - Hawaiian Dick: Last Resort # 2
- OCT - Rex Mundi # 7
- NOV - Hawaiian Dick: Last Resort # 3
- NOV - Rex Mundi # 8
Other
- SEP - Comic Book Artist Vol. 2
- OCT - Dead Memory HC
- OCT - Gene Pool
- OCT - John Byrne's You Go Ghoul Ashcan
- OCT - Yossel
Given how much these will cost me altogether I'm not sure if I should complain or not. Maybe Mile High is just trying to save me some dough. Ya know?
12/07/03
I did go to closet of comics today. I spent about an hour in there. I must have gone through the shelves about three times. At first I thought I would get D (the student I tutor) a Will Eisner book. I know he writes/draws good stuff. They have quite a few there, but I decided to keep looking. Eventually I found TPB editions of Matt Wagner's Mage. I've never read Mage, but I've read some of his other stuff and heard good things about Mage, so I bought him one of the many TPB volumes they had there. It was only $9.95. Just about right for what I wanted to spend on D's present. I also considered buying him the TPB collection of the original issues of Swamp Thing. D is into horror books. It was $19.95, which isn't too much for me to spend, but given that I'm not too sure what he thinks of comics I decided to play it safe and get him something a little less pricey, but just as attractive.
12/09/03
It's been a while since I wrote about what I've been reading.
Things I liked:
Heaven's Devils # 1 (Image) - I wish it was done on better or a different sort of paper, or maybe colored, but I really like the story so far. I bought it because the pencils are done by the same guy that did the first four issues of Clockmaker, Zach something-or-other. I like the story so far, I just wonder if the last three issues of this limited series can live up to the first one.
JLA # 88 (DC) - This book seems to get a lot of knocks from reviewers, but I like it a lot. I don't read many spandex superhero books, but this is one that I'm not about to drop. Love the whole Martian Manhunter gone nuts story line, and his budding romance with that flaming vixen whose name escapes me at the moment.
I think the biggest trouble with this book is that it seems like every other storyline involves the JLA saving the world, but recently I think the creative team on this book has done a fairly good job of not making it too over the top.
Other news:
I just read in Lying in the Gutters that Mark Waid and Barry Kitson maybe taking over Legion in the near future. That's enough to get my attention. I think this is the same team that's been doing the Empire mini-series, and I love that.
I also plan on sticking with Thanos after Jim Starlin leaves (last issue #6) and Keith Giffen takes over. I was kind of bummed when I read that Starlin was leaving, but I'm interested to see how Keith Giffen, who has written and drawn the Legion of Superheroes in the past, handles Thanos.
I've been picking up the issues I missed of Lady Death: A Medieval Tale, and plan on buying Lady Death: The Wild Hunt. I loved Jim Cheung's artwork on Scion, even though I only have read a few issues of it. I thing Cheung is a good choice to draw LD, although I'm not so sure that he was the best pick to draw an issue of Route 666 (#18 I think) I'll be getting that in the mail soon.
There's more books that I could write about including some of the disappointments like:
- Batman/Joker: Switch - I'm not sure what attracted me to this in the first place, but I didn't care for the plot/pacing or the coloring.
- World's Best Comics: Golden Age DC Archive Sampler - Glad I only paid $0.99 for this.
- Tigress: Journey to Caldathera - OK, but nothing spectacular. It was a little pricey, $9.95, for a prestige book, but I wanted to give Mike Hoffman's work a try. He does nice paintings, but his writing and sequential artwork leave a something to be desired. Glad I tried it, but I don't plan on returning for more. any time soon.
I'm sure there are more things that I didn't mention, maybe tonight or tomorrow I'll get around to writing about them.
12/10/03
I got my shipment (or most of it at least) of comics from Mile High yesterday. I guess my last exchange with them put a sense of urgency in them, for this month at least. That was about ten to twelve days from the time I got the e-mail saying the comics were on their way. That's the fastest I've ever gotten a shipment from them. Now I said most of them because three items were missing which I assume were shipped seperately.
So naturally I stayed up late reading my favorite item from the shipment, the previews catalog.
12/14/03
What a nothing weekend. I've read a lot of comics. Maybe I should write about that?
Let's see, in reverse order I read:
Extinction Event # 5 - Talk about the non-event mini-series of the year. I am so disappointed in myself for buying this one. I guess with everything that I do buy I'm bound to make some bad decisions. Not only did I not care for the plot, the art, the pacing, but it doesn't even have an ending! WTF?
Captain Marvel # 15 - Another fairly good (but not great) issue of Captain Marvel. I think it is the dark humor as much as it is anything else that keeps me reading this book. The artwork hasn't been too impressive lately, but the writing (Peter David) is fairly good and not too predictable.
1602 # 3 - Another good issue in the mini-series.
- It appears that the grand inquisitor is Magneto after all.
- John Grey has to be Jean Grey in disguise. Her chat with Angel, certainly hints at that.
- As in issue #1 Peter Parquagh almost gets bit by a spider.
- Speaking of spiders, Black Widow's fight in the Inn in the Tyrol was a little confusing. It was kind of like the camera was focusing in on Daredevil while the fight went on around him.
Lady Death # 6 - Not quite as good as I hoped it would be, or as some of the earlier issues. Hopefully the quality of the writing will pick up again with #7.
Oh, and I have just one more issue to go before I'll be done with the Thor/Walt Simonson TPB. I'm still enjoying it. Great writing. I wish I had believed the hype when these issue were coming out and bought them then.
I was only going to read negation # 23, but it was such a tease that i had to read # 24. Now I have to wait another month before I get # 25.
Was it worth it? Right now I'm thinking yes.
12/17/03
My second package of comics from Mile High arrived today. It contained:
- Fagin the Jew by Will Eisner - Eisner's take on Fagin's life
- Sgt. Rock: Between Hell and a Hard Place by Brian Azarello and Joe Kubert - I almost passed up on this one, because it cost so much, but how many more Sgt. Rock stories is Mr. Kubert going to draw?
- Previews Catalog - I didn't realize that I was going to be getting one from MailOrderComics.com, otherwise I wouldn't have paid an extra $2 for one from Mile High.
12/19/03
I read Empire #4 tonight and tried watching Storm Riders on DVD. The movie was disappointing. It is based on a Manga comic book. It seems like one of those deals where I would probably enjoy it more if I had read the comic book, or maybe not. Anyway, the plot moves too fast, the special effects are really weak, and it was putting me to sleep, so I turned it off after about an hour. Empire #4 I enjoyed very much. It is a shame that this is only a six-issue limited series.
12/24/03
I was reading the interview (skimming is more like it) with Jeph Loeb (over at Newsarama) about his work on the relatively new Superman/Batman book when I got an idea for a slightly different book. I'm half afraid to post this to one of the message boards. Someone has probably already thought of it before. Here goes:
What I would like to see is a Batman/Wonder Woman book. They have had a nice little thing going in JLA, where they are not romantically involved, but there is something there (more than just friendship or a working relationship) that neither one wants to seem to acknowledge. I think it could be good. It would probably attract more female readers than the current Superman/Batman title does.
Of course, I would want them to drag the relationship out as long as possible. Not resolve things too quickly. Maybe I should send an e-mail to someone at DC. Hmmmm....
12/26/03
I just read Heaven's Devils # 2 from Image. Another good issue. I wish the gray scale work was a bit lighter, but other than that I really like it: story, artwork, everything.
I also finally got around to reading JLA # 90. The one where they finally resolve the whole Batman/Wonder Woman thing. From my previous posts and my posts at comicbooklovers it should be apparent how I feel about it.
12/27/03
I read a few more comics: Incredible Hulk # 63, Thanos # 2, Conan: The Legend # 0. I enjoyed all three of 'em. :-)
12/30/03
After reading the Tokyopop: Lucky in Love, I am thinking of trying a couple of shoujo manga series and spent some time checking them out at TOKYOPOP. Yeah, yeah I know. They're supposed to be just for girls, but I wanna know what all the fuss is about. I probably won't stick with 'em, but I want to give them a try.
I just read Heaven's Devils # 2 from Image. Another good issue. I wish the gray scale work was a bit lighter, but other than that I really like it: story, artwork, everything.
I also finally got around to reading JLA # 90. The one where they finally resolve the whole Batman/Wonder Woman thing. From my previous posts and my posts at comicbooklovers it should be apparent how I feel about it.
12/27/03
I read a few more comics: Incredible Hulk # 63, Thanos # 2, Conan: The Legend # 0. I enjoyed all three of 'em. :-)
12/30/03
After reading the Tokyopop: Lucky in Love, I am thinking of trying a couple of shoujo manga series and spent some time checking them out at TOKYOPOP. Yeah, yeah I know. They're supposed to be just for girls, but I wanna know what all the fuss is about. I probably won't stick with 'em, but I want to give them a try.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Nov 2003
11/01/03
After that I read Empire # 3. Great issue. I really am getting into this story line. It's a shame that it is only a 6-issue limited series. I won't be getting issue # 4 in my next shipment, so I am probably six weeks away from reading the next ish. I heard a rumor that they are planning a follow-up for sometime next year.
I also read JLA # 86. Or was it 87? It's the one with Superman on the cover with his hands and feet buried in concrete. It was pretty good. I really like the art; something about the way Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen draw the team members, in particular Batman and Wonder Woman.
11/02/03
I went to Closet of Comics today. I picked up copies of Route 666 # 16, 1602 # 1, Solus # 7, and Lady Death # 3 and 4. I finally got around to reading issue #1 of Frank Miller's Robocop. It was pretty good, and violent, but I don't think I'll be picking up the rest of the issues. I might buy the trade paperback if there is one. Just one more issue of Solus to go. I originally was going to drop the series after issue #6, but since they are canceling it with issue #8, I figured I may as well buy the last two issues and make it a complete collection. Issue # 7 does have a beautiful cover.
11/03/03
I just finished reading Lady Death # 3.
11/06/03
I got home around 9 and read Solus # 6.
11/07/03
I was thinking of buying Kiss Kiss Bang Bang before I saw the ads and the press release about it. Looks too much like Ruse, which I wasn't wild about. Besides, I am collecting plenty of other comicbooks.
This week seems to have flown by. I don't know quite why.
I picked up my mail while at lunch. I got the new Bud Plant catalog. I love looking through that thing, but I've got too much stuff at home to be buying more comics. Maybe I can find some gifts in there.
I also finished off Batman and Superman: Generations 2 by John Byrne. The ending was worth it. I'm starting to wonder what Generations 3 will be like. I have the first nine or ten issues, but I think I'm going to wait for the trade paperback to come out before reading it. Up next I have two trade paperbacks, Batman: The Cult and Maxx Vol. 1.
11/08/03
I was looking at bidding on some comics online today, at eBay,. but came to my senses and didn't. Some of them ended up going for considerably more than I was willing to pay. I don't need to be buying back issues anyway. I've got too many current comics to read as is. If not comics, then certainly too many trade paperbacks.
There are a lot of good looking collections of silver and bronze age comics that come out on a regular basis. In particular the DC hardback collections look very attractive. They retail for $49.95, but can be obtained for about $35 at Amazon. The problem isn't money so much as it is buying things just for the sake of having them. If I am going to buy reading materials I think that I should read them at least once. Twenty comic books a month I can read, but when I start buying trade paperbacks, even just two a month, it really adds the backlog of comic book reading I have. to do. So in an effort to limit myself I am trying to keep a forward thinking/reading perspective. Not buying things, or only buying them sparingly, which aren't new material. Blah, blah, blah....
After that I read Empire # 3. Great issue. I really am getting into this story line. It's a shame that it is only a 6-issue limited series. I won't be getting issue # 4 in my next shipment, so I am probably six weeks away from reading the next ish.
I also read JLA # 86. Or was it 87? It's the one with Superman on the cover with his hands and feet buried in concrete. It was pretty good. I really like the art; something about the way Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen draw the team members, in particular Batman and Wonder Woman.
11/02/03
I went to Closet of Comics today. I picked up copies of Route 666 # 16, 1602 # 1, Solus # 7, and Lady Death # 3 and 4. I finally got around to reading issue #1 of Frank Miller's Robocop. It was pretty good, and violent, but I don't think I'll be picking up the rest of the issues. I might buy the trade paperback if there is one. Just one more issue of Solus to go. I originally was going to drop the series after issue #6, but since they are canceling it with issue #8, I figured I may as well buy the last two issues and make it a complete collection. Issue # 7 does have a beautiful cover.
11/03/03
I just finished reading Lady Death # 3.
11/06/03
I got home around 9 and read Solus # 6.
11/07/03
I was thinking of buying Kiss Kiss Bang Bang before I saw the ads and the press release about it. Looks too much like Ruse, which I wasn't wild about. Besides, I am collecting plenty of other comicbooks.
This week seems to have flown by. I don't know quite why.
I picked up my mail while at lunch. I got the new Bud Plant catalog. I love looking through that thing, but I've got too much stuff at home to be buying more comics. Maybe I can find some gifts in there.
I also finished off Batman and Superman: Generations 2 by John Byrne. The ending was worth it. I'm starting to wonder what Generations 3 will be like. I have the first nine or ten issues, but I think I'm going to wait for the trade paperback to come out before reading it. Up next I have two trade paperbacks, Batman: The Cult and Maxx Vol. 1.
11/08/03
I was looking at bidding on some comics online today, at eBay,. but came to my senses and didn't. Some of them ended up going for considerably more than I was willing to pay. I don't need to be buying back issues anyway. I've got too many current comics to read as is. If not comics, then certainly too many trade paperbacks.
There are a lot of good looking collections of silver and bronze age comics that come out on a regular basis. In particular the DC hardback collections look very attractive. They retail for $49.95, but can be obtained for about $35 at Amazon. The problem isn't money so much as it is buying things just for the sake of having them. If I am going to buy reading materials I think that I should read them at least once. Twenty comic books a month I can read, but when I start buying trade paperbacks, even just two a month, it really adds the backlog of comic book reading I have. to do. So in an effort to limit myself I am trying to keep a forward thinking/reading perspective. Not buying things, or only buying them sparingly, which aren't new material. Blah, blah, blah....
I got around to reading Marvel 1602 #2 this afternoon. Another great issue. I can't wait to read some of the comments that other people have about this ish. I loved the ending. Despite the fact that Neil Gaiman reportedly is not going to use characters who weren't introduced in Marvel Comics prior to the late 60's or early seventies I am convinced that Virginia Dare is supposed to be Snowbird of Alpha Flight. The ending of Marvel 1602 #2 seems to support this conjecture. Of course, I also like another theory which holds that she is Thor (in human form) and that the treasure of the Templars is the staff which will turn him back to his true form and which is in reality his hammer, Mjolnir.
I also read Fallen Angel # 3 today. I wasn't too wild about ish # 2, and was thinking of dropping the series after the end of the current story arc, but # 3 has renewed my interest in this series. If I enjoy # 4 as much as I did # 3 I will definitely stick with the series for at least another story arc or two.
I'm looking at the e-mail I got about the shipment I'll be receiving in another week (probably) and I still can't but think (again) that it looks small.
11/09/03
Anyhow, this morning I took Batman:The Cult with me to read while I was doing my laundry.
11/10/03
I mentioned that I started in on Batman: The Cult on Sunday, but what I forgot to say was that I really love the artwork. Bill Sienkiewicz (I think I spelled that right) and Bill Wray have done a spectacular job. Some of the pages I can just sit and stare at. Such depth. So far I would say it is the trade paperback I have read this year since the Adam Strange book I bought in the Spring.
11/11/03
I read Negation # 21 last night.
Negation # 21 was awesome. Great issue. A shame that one of the escaped prisoners has to die, but what a way to go. The coloring on this issue was fantastic. It wasn't until I had finished reading it that I noticed that they had a new colorist. James Rochelle has moved on to Route 666 and Laura Martin has taken over. Hopefully she'll stick with Bedard, Pelletier and Meikis when they start in on The War.
I put in an order with mailordercomics.com.
After hearing about them on the Newsarama message boards I decided to give mailordercomics.com a try and put in a relatively small order. They offer considerably bigger discounts than Mile High's NICE program. I'm not ready to jump ship just yet, but I may if things work out for the first couple months.
I read Negation # 21 last night.
Negation # 21 was awesome. Great issue. A shame that one of the escaped prisoners has to die, but what a way to go. The coloring on this issue was fantastic. It wasn't until I had finished reading it that I noticed that they had a new colorist. James Rochelle has moved on to Route 666 and Laura Martin has taken over. Hopefully she'll stick with Bedard, Pelletier and Meikis when they start in on The War.
I put in an order with mailordercomics.com.
11/14/03
I read JLA # 87 last night.
11/15/03
Since I am running low on new issues of comic books to read, I recently dug into the pile of back issues that I have bought in the last couple months but not read yet. I read the sixth of ten issues in the Thor/Walt Simonson trade paperback. I also read issues X-Men: The Hidden Years # 1 - 3. I am starting to realize that John Byrne's work isn't everything that I remembered it to be. It lacks the depth of some other artists. I am speaking of both the artwork and his writing. His stories (for the most part) seem very surface level. Having said that there is still a very iconic look to his work. It probably doesn't hurt that he is one of the two artists to have first drawn the New X-Men.
I also read the first couple issues of Dreadstar. I picked up the first 27 issues for about $0.68 per issue a couple months back. I didn't collect Dreadstar when it first came out, but I had a friend who did and I remember reading it. Great stuff.
11/16/03
I read the second chapter of Batman: The Cult at the laundromat this morning. It wasn't as good as the first chapter. Much less focused. There was much more to advance the plot, but I just wasn't as taken by this chapter as I was by the first. Oh, well.
11/19/03
Now I want to know where my damn comics are! It's been three weeks since Mile High sent me an e-mail telling me that they were on their way. The longest it has ever been is three-and-a-half weeks. Of course they charged my credit card for the comics when they (said they) sent them. It's happened before that they haven't mailed the comics out until a week or three or four days after they e-mail me. One more reason to switch to MailOrderComics.com. The ironic thing is that what I want almost more than the comics themselves is the Previews catalog so that I can put in my order for January comics. Grrrrr!
11/21/03
I got my comic books last night, at last. They, Mile High Comics, overcharged me for postage and, according to the postmark, they didn't mail them out until fifteen days after they told it was going out. So, I sent them a e-mail. I tried to be to the point and not nasty, but I've got a feeling that some of my disappointment came through in my choice of words and phrasing. No fowl language but I made it clear that I wasn't pleased and expected some explanation.
Oh, well. One more nail in the coffin of my Mile High account. Of course, what I was really looking forward to was getting the new Previews catalog.
11/22/03
I read Lady Death # 4 the other night, and Solus # 7 this morning. Both good episodes. I'm not sure if Solus # 8 is out yet, but I'm going to the comic shop today to see if it is and if they still have copies of Lady Death # 5 & 6. There are a few other things I want to look for. I'd better make a list before I go.
Friday, October 31, 2003
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Oct 2003
10/05/03
I read a few CrossGen comic books and a few DC over the past few days.
Empire # 2 - Good, really good. I like how this is developing. No heroes just bad guys. It kinda disturbed me at first, but now I am getting into it.
Extinction Event #2 - Possibly the worst buy I have made all year. I am referring to the whole mini-series, and not just the first issue.
Brath # 6 - Not a great issue. The regular artist has either moved on or was taking off this issue. The art was ok, but the story for the most part was background on the upper levels of the government which has captured Brath.
Negation # 18 - Bit by bit I am getting caught up. This was a really good issue. I liked the improbable pairing of Lizard Lady and Westin. Lizard Lady in particular hasn't gotten much screen time in recent issues. Westin now knows her secret: how she interrogates by devouring her subjects. Also got more detail on Westin's power.
Mark of Charon # 3 - More background on the Lawbringers. Javi knows it all now, or at least considerably more. I can't wait to see how he uses the information he has gotten, how far those bearing the mark of Charon will go along with him, his confrontation with Apollyon, and what his angle is.
My next shipment of comics is on it's way and it's a big one. I'm still working my way through Generations 2 and Thor Visionaries Vol. 2, and haven't even started on Batman: The Cult or Maxx Vol. 1.
10/18/03
I was in such a bad mood yesterday that I completely ignored the monthly shipment of new comics that arrived and didn't even turn on the tube to watch Game 7 of the ALCS. It a little late to watch the game, but I did open the box of comics. I got a lot this time, but still not as much as I was expecting. One of these months my bill is just going to be huge.
This month's was the biggest so far in the 10 months that I have been buying new comics through Mile High. I only got one more TPB (Hawaiian Dick: Byrd of Paradise from Image), but there were also a couple of prestige books in the mix (Superman: Blood of my Ancestors from DC, Tigress Journey to Caldathera from Antimatter).
What else? Well, the last issue of the Lee/Loeb run on Batman, #619. The last issue of Solus that I am going to get, #6. Along with a number of other comics.
Which one excites me the most? Probably Thanos #1 (from Marvel) by Jim Starlin. Always an interesting character, the fact that he is going to be written and drawn by the artist who has done the best work on him only adds to my heightened sense of anticipation.
The latest installment of Empire, #3 also looks to be a good one.
I also got the first couple issues of a new story arc in Hulk, #60 and 61. I'm only planning on collecting this arc, but if I like it enough I may stick with it.
There was plenty more including Brath #7, Captain Marvel #14, Fallen Angel #3, JLA #87 and 88...
10/21/03
What else? Hmmm...as far as inconsequential things go I finally got back to reading volume to of Walt Simonson' Visionaries: Thor. I'm not a big fan of the thunder god, but I have to say the stories are good. I have one more chapter to go in the battle with Surtur.
10/24/03
I read the Fallen Angel # 2 and Captain Marvel # 13 the other night. Both are written by Peter David. Fallen Angel didn't do much for me. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the fact that it felt a bit forced. The storyline just wasn't all that compelling. Captain Marvel I enjoyed. The art work was a big improvement over the art work in the previous four issues. It was a self-contained single issue story. It wasn't completely original. I mean there have been plenty of Captain Marvel stories about him trying to teach other lessons with his amazing powers and quirky/malevolent sense of humor. Still, I enjoyed this one.
I also read Mark of Charon # 4 earlier this week. It was okay. Not good or great, just ok. It does provide a lot background information of Charon and Appolyon. Kind of like the Negation Lawbringer one-shot, it is required reading for any Negation fans out there.
10/25/03
Upon discovering the following I have decided to reread the first issue of 1602. I have yet to read the second or third issues. I do have issue 2.
Mystery and Conundrums: The Mysteries of Neil Gaiman's 1602 Issue 1 by Jason Pomerantz.
There are a couple other essays out these on Neil Gaiman's 1602:
Notes on 1602 #1 by Jess Nevins
and
Annotations to Marvel 1602 by Julian Darius.
10/28/03
A couple non-mainstream comics from smaller publishers that look cool to me.
FARO KORBIT #1 (of 4)
by Baron, Rubi, Feeney & De La Cruz
Ancient evil never dies... It waits on the other side of the curtain for humanity to stumble. Faro Korbit is an immortal mystic, sole defender against a Lovecraftian menace. As the forces of evil gather in the Nevada desert, Faro recruits an odd assortment of allies: a cocktail waitress, a grand prix driver, and a dancer. Unless they succeed, humanity will be scoured from the earth like a billiard ball in a clothes washer.
www.apcomics.com
RUULE: GANGLORDS OF CHINATOWN #2 (Ongoing)
by Brandon, Hawthorne, Remender, & Brusco
Chinatown has found its hero. A young teenage boy named Gid, who just days before was looked upon as an outcast by his own people. But now, speaking with a newfound power and authority inspired by his mysterious visions, Gid has urged his followers to strike back against the marauding Ganglords. But Gid knows that no matter how brave they are, it will take more than inspiration to defeat their rulers. It will take a war.
beckettcomics.com/Ruule/index.html
10/29/03
I read Hulk # 60 last night. It is the first issue in a five (or six) issue arc that I have decided to buy. The writing is ok, the art is good, but not great. I don't think it was a mistake to buy it, but I doubt that I will continue to buy it after this story arc.
I got my notification that Mile High shipped my latest batch of comics today. The list looked a little light. The total, dollar wise came to less than half of what I was expecting it to be. They really are starting to make me wonder now. A couple of the books (which I won't be getting in this shipment) I was expecting to get last month. Oh well.
10/30/03
I also read a couple comics (Brath #7 and chapter 7 of Generations II).
I read a few CrossGen comic books and a few DC over the past few days.
Empire # 2 - Good, really good. I like how this is developing. No heroes just bad guys. It kinda disturbed me at first, but now I am getting into it.
Extinction Event #2 - Possibly the worst buy I have made all year. I am referring to the whole mini-series, and not just the first issue.
Brath # 6 - Not a great issue. The regular artist has either moved on or was taking off this issue. The art was ok, but the story for the most part was background on the upper levels of the government which has captured Brath.
Negation # 18 - Bit by bit I am getting caught up. This was a really good issue. I liked the improbable pairing of Lizard Lady and Westin. Lizard Lady in particular hasn't gotten much screen time in recent issues. Westin now knows her secret: how she interrogates by devouring her subjects. Also got more detail on Westin's power.
Mark of Charon # 3 - More background on the Lawbringers. Javi knows it all now, or at least considerably more. I can't wait to see how he uses the information he has gotten, how far those bearing the mark of Charon will go along with him, his confrontation with Apollyon, and what his angle is.
My next shipment of comics is on it's way and it's a big one. I'm still working my way through Generations 2 and Thor Visionaries Vol. 2, and haven't even started on Batman: The Cult or Maxx Vol. 1.
10/18/03
I was in such a bad mood yesterday that I completely ignored the monthly shipment of new comics that arrived and didn't even turn on the tube to watch Game 7 of the ALCS. It a little late to watch the game, but I did open the box of comics. I got a lot this time, but still not as much as I was expecting. One of these months my bill is just going to be huge.
This month's was the biggest so far in the 10 months that I have been buying new comics through Mile High. I only got one more TPB (Hawaiian Dick: Byrd of Paradise from Image), but there were also a couple of prestige books in the mix (Superman: Blood of my Ancestors from DC, Tigress Journey to Caldathera from Antimatter).
What else? Well, the last issue of the Lee/Loeb run on Batman, #619. The last issue of Solus that I am going to get, #6. Along with a number of other comics.
Which one excites me the most? Probably Thanos #1 (from Marvel) by Jim Starlin. Always an interesting character, the fact that he is going to be written and drawn by the artist who has done the best work on him only adds to my heightened sense of anticipation.
The latest installment of Empire, #3 also looks to be a good one.
I also got the first couple issues of a new story arc in Hulk, #60 and 61. I'm only planning on collecting this arc, but if I like it enough I may stick with it.
There was plenty more including Brath #7, Captain Marvel #14, Fallen Angel #3, JLA #87 and 88...
10/21/03
What else? Hmmm...as far as inconsequential things go I finally got back to reading volume to of Walt Simonson' Visionaries: Thor. I'm not a big fan of the thunder god, but I have to say the stories are good. I have one more chapter to go in the battle with Surtur.
10/24/03
I read the Fallen Angel # 2 and Captain Marvel # 13 the other night. Both are written by Peter David. Fallen Angel didn't do much for me. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was the fact that it felt a bit forced. The storyline just wasn't all that compelling. Captain Marvel I enjoyed. The art work was a big improvement over the art work in the previous four issues. It was a self-contained single issue story. It wasn't completely original. I mean there have been plenty of Captain Marvel stories about him trying to teach other lessons with his amazing powers and quirky/malevolent sense of humor. Still, I enjoyed this one.
I also read Mark of Charon # 4 earlier this week. It was okay. Not good or great, just ok. It does provide a lot background information of Charon and Appolyon. Kind of like the Negation Lawbringer one-shot, it is required reading for any Negation fans out there.
10/25/03
Upon discovering the following I have decided to reread the first issue of 1602. I have yet to read the second or third issues. I do have issue 2.
Mystery and Conundrums: The Mysteries of Neil Gaiman's 1602 Issue 1 by Jason Pomerantz.
There are a couple other essays out these on Neil Gaiman's 1602:
Notes on 1602 #1 by Jess Nevins
and
Annotations to Marvel 1602 by Julian Darius.
10/28/03
A couple non-mainstream comics from smaller publishers that look cool to me.
FARO KORBIT #1 (of 4)
by Baron, Rubi, Feeney & De La Cruz
Ancient evil never dies... It waits on the other side of the curtain for humanity to stumble. Faro Korbit is an immortal mystic, sole defender against a Lovecraftian menace. As the forces of evil gather in the Nevada desert, Faro recruits an odd assortment of allies: a cocktail waitress, a grand prix driver, and a dancer. Unless they succeed, humanity will be scoured from the earth like a billiard ball in a clothes washer.
www.apcomics.com
RUULE: GANGLORDS OF CHINATOWN #2 (Ongoing)
by Brandon, Hawthorne, Remender, & Brusco
Chinatown has found its hero. A young teenage boy named Gid, who just days before was looked upon as an outcast by his own people. But now, speaking with a newfound power and authority inspired by his mysterious visions, Gid has urged his followers to strike back against the marauding Ganglords. But Gid knows that no matter how brave they are, it will take more than inspiration to defeat their rulers. It will take a war.
beckettcomics.com/Ruule/index.html
10/29/03
I read Hulk # 60 last night. It is the first issue in a five (or six) issue arc that I have decided to buy. The writing is ok, the art is good, but not great. I don't think it was a mistake to buy it, but I doubt that I will continue to buy it after this story arc.
I got my notification that Mile High shipped my latest batch of comics today. The list looked a little light. The total, dollar wise came to less than half of what I was expecting it to be. They really are starting to make me wonder now. A couple of the books (which I won't be getting in this shipment) I was expecting to get last month. Oh well.
10/30/03
I also read a couple comics (Brath #7 and chapter 7 of Generations II).
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Sep 2003
09/01/03
I also bought some comics at Closet of Comics this weekend: a few issues of JLA, a couple of Zero Girl: Full Circle (by the incomparable Sam Keith), and an issue of The Goon. I started in on Zero Girl: Full Circle, but haven't touched the other yet. I did finally get around to reading the first issue of Dark Angel. It looks good. I think I'm going to enjoy it.
I've also been thinking more about buying comics for resale. I've been thinking about trying to collect a couple of extra sets of 1602 and Thanos, among others. Things that I'm keeping my eye on in the future: Superman by Jim Lee, the Elseworlds series that will be coming out next year, and John Byrne's upcoming run on JLA.
I also bought some comics at Closet of Comics this weekend: a few issues of JLA, a couple of Zero Girl: Full Circle (by the incomparable Sam Keith), and an issue of The Goon. I started in on Zero Girl: Full Circle, but haven't touched the other yet. I did finally get around to reading the first issue of Dark Angel. It looks good. I think I'm going to enjoy it.
I've also been thinking more about buying comics for resale. I've been thinking about trying to collect a couple of extra sets of 1602 and Thanos, among others. Things that I'm keeping my eye on in the future: Superman by Jim Lee, the Elseworlds series that will be coming out next year, and John Byrne's upcoming run on JLA.
09/03/03
I wasn't planing on it, but I found some good deals on some John Byrne comics and I ended up bidding on them. I won a couple of issues of X-men, at a pretty good discount to price guide value. They are also autographed by John Byrne, so I figure that should add something to the PG value. How much? I'm not sure.
I also finally received the issue of Power of the Atom and Sword of the Atom (that I bought through eBay) today. They're not in great shape (VG to FN) but I didn't pay much for them ($5.50 for 13 comics including S&H) and they are good reading material.
I'm kicking myself now about not bidding higher on that John Byrne piece that I had the high bid on last week. I don't know how high I would have had to go, but it was a nice piece, and given how much some of the original artwork sells for, I think it would have been a bargain even if I had to spend $200 for it.
09/06/03
I went to the Small Press Expo today. I worked at the front door for a few hours and then got to walk around. The funniest moment had to be when one of the exhibitors told me that most of the stuff on display was schlock. Not his words exactly, but he said something like that. It really cracked me up. I ended up buying a few books. I spent about ten or fifteen dollars altogether, not counting the three dollars I paid to park.
It was an interesting experience. I can go back tomorrow, but unless there is a panel that really interests me I think that I'll pass. I have my cousin's rehearsal dinner tomorrow night and I can't stay too late. The other interesting thing that happened to me is that I ran into a former co-worker who is now trying to break into the business as an artist. He didn't have any comics complete, as of yet.
Back to the funny comment, I had to agree with the exhibitor who said most of it was schlock. A lot of it is schlock. A lot of it just doesn't appeal to me. Two things did jump out at me and I bought them. If they turn out to be as good as I thought I just may buy some more issues.
...
More Thoughts on SPX
It was a bit of sensory overload for me. Yeah, that about sums it up. I wasn't sure what to expect. There was a lot of diversity among the exhibitors. It went from the larger publishing houses that aren't quite mainstream to the people who draw and publish their own comics. There was some very professional looking work there are some real crap.
Why were people there? I mean the exhibitors? Good question. I think that there are several answers to that one. I think that the more established comic book creators and publishers were there to spread the word, make some sales, connect with the fans, etc. For the most part they didn't seem quite so desperate to sell to me or to get me to look at their stuff. Then there were the people who have had some success and I think are trying to broaden their base. Finally, and I think most of the folks fall into this category, there are the people are there either because they are trying to break into the business or because it is what they like to do. The chances of them making it big are probably slim. I think some people were there just to socialize. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not me.
One reason why I like to shop online and why I don't like to shop in comic book stores too much is that I like the privacy of being able to buy things without someone looking over my shoulder. As crowded as it was yesterday that was definitely not a possibility. I started out (browsing) with the feeling that everyone deserves an opportunity. I did not realize how much crap their would be there. As I said in my last post I found a couple things that looked interesting, but aside from that it was an educational experience.
09/11/03
When I got home I found the issues of X-Men Hidden Years that I purchased through eBay on Monday had arrived. That was fast. They were all in NM to Mint condition and didn't cost me much at all, less than $1 an issue. I am even happier. I also managed to get through the day without bidding on any new items, although there are a few that I have my eye on. My monthly shipment of comics from Mile High Comics' subscription service should be here any day now.
I started reading Lab Rats last night. I recently bought issues 1 - 6 through eBay. Pretty good story, although it does remind me of Next Men in some ways. I also read issue 14 of Negation and issue 81 of JLA. I wasn't too impressed by the plotting in JLA. On the whole I find the writing to be kind of hit or miss. I also like the artwork that the regular team does. Issues 80 - 82 have a guest penciller filling in. The issue of Negation was awesome. I loved it. I'm glad that I finally broke down and bought the issues I was missing instead of waiting for the trade paperback.
09/13/03
I've managed to not bid (successfully) on any items since Wednesday, or was it Thursday? I did bid on a very nice piece of Sam Keith artwork from the Wolverine story he did with Peter David in Marvel Comics Presents back in the early 90's. The top bid was $350, and the reserve had not been met yet. I put in a bid of $400, but was outbid immediately. Oh yeah, and the reserve has still not been met yet. According to the seller it is worth between $800 and $1200. I wonder what he has the reserve set at. I really like it.
I finally got my piece of original Paul Pelletier artwork that I won a little over two weeks ago. It is from an issue of Flash. Now I want to get a copy or two of that issue and get it mounted with the cover, page from the comic and the original artwork altogether. It should make a nice set. I've thought about buying another of his original pieces that is for sale on CrossGen's web site. They have some as low as $50, but not a big selection.
09/16/03
Um, I know there has to be something else, but I cannot think of it. I finally got my monthly shipment from Mile High. The Superman & Batman Generations 2 TPB was in there. I've already started in on it. I've been collecting G3, but wanted to wait until after I read G2 before starting in on it.
09/24/03
I finally got back to some comic book reading with Negation # 17, which unfortunately is not penciled by Paul Pelletier. I picked up issue 21 over the weekend. I also put in my order with Mile High for November comics. Thankfully there were not as many hardcovers and trade paperbacks that caught by eye this month as did last. Those higher priced items really add up fast.
I put in a couple bids on John Byrne art pieces on eBay today. Both auctions end tonight. I got outbid on one, but still have the high bid on the other.
09/27/03
I read a couple comic books (Mark of Charon # 2, JLA # 84). I also read an issue from the 2nd TPB collection of Walt Simonson's work on Thor from the mid-80's. I'm not wild about the art, but the writing I really like. The dialogue comes off as authentic and Simonson does a good job of mixing elemernts of the Norse mythos and the Marvel Universe.
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Aug 2003
08/02/03
I spent a good portion of the day fixing up my comic book collection. I went to Closet of Comics and bought a couple more long comic boxes. I can definitely use them. I'm going to need more bags and backings, but I'll go back in a week or two for those. I also picked up a copy of the traveler edition of Scion Vol. 1. I already have the TPB edition, but I think the comic looks better in the smaller format.
So after I got back from CoC I used up all the bags and backings I've got putting away comics. I've still got plenty left to put away. They'll have to wait. I'm writing in circles.
I still have probably 150 to 200 marvel comics to index. Everything else has been indexed. Enough about comics.
I spent a good portion of the day fixing up my comic book collection. I went to Closet of Comics and bought a couple more long comic boxes. I can definitely use them. I'm going to need more bags and backings, but I'll go back in a week or two for those. I also picked up a copy of the traveler edition of Scion Vol. 1. I already have the TPB edition, but I think the comic looks better in the smaller format.
So after I got back from CoC I used up all the bags and backings I've got putting away comics. I've still got plenty left to put away. They'll have to wait. I'm writing in circles.
I still have probably 150 to 200 marvel comics to index. Everything else has been indexed. Enough about comics.
08/10/03
I ran out of comics. Well not really, but I ran out of new ones to read. All I have are a couple TPBs that I am working my way through and some old Spider-Man comic books. I've got another week or so till my next shipment of new comics arrives. I do have some old issues of Alter Ego that I haven't read. Maybe I'll flip through them instead.
08/20/03
I can't believe how much some of the comics I bought are worth. I'm not talking old comics either. I'm talking comics I bought for three dollars a piece two months ago that are now worth between ten and twenty dollars each. Or at least that what the market seems to be willing to pay for them. Unbelievable.
08/21/03
I need to write. Even if no one else is going to see this I need to write. I've been going a bit crazy lately. Bidding on and buying too many comics. I even started thinking about buying multiple copies of comics. That isn't the part that really bothers me. That is the amount of time I spend on eBay looking for deals. It just isn't healthy. I can resist up to a point, but then I just get the urge to buy. I need to do something to help me control it, or find someway to keep myself in check.
08/28/03
I got some more comic books in the mail today. Ones that I bought through eBay. There were twenty-three issues of Marvel Comics presents, almost all of which have Sam Keith cover art. I paid less than $10 for the lot. They are almost all in Near Mint, which is what they were advertised to be in. Unlike the Namor comics which were also advertised in Near Mint, they actually passed muster. According to the price guide collectively they are worth almost $100.
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Comic Book Notes (LJ) Jul 2003
07/05/03
I finally got around to reading issue three of Chimera. This really is an awesome limited series. The writing is good and the art work is nothing short of amazing. I am still left wondering how this ties into the rest of the CrossGen universe. The main character has a sigil, and I suppose that is the connection, but I'm wondering if the culture she comes from is related to or has come into contact with any of the other cultures any of the CrossGen universe.
07/10/03
I'm doing a little better on the comic book front. I read some more over the past couple nights.
Last Night
Negation - Chapter 8 from the second TPB. This series rocks. Period. No doubt about it. It takes a lot of will power to not read too much all at once. There are so many characters and so much going on, but it all seems to work. I love it.
Fantastic Four - Unthinkable Part 2 - It's a damn shame that this will be the last Waid and Wieringo story in FF. They do an excellent job together. Marvel really has me and a lot of other people wondering about their decision to let them go. It really does make it look like the company cares more about the movies and licensing than it does about the comics.
Batgirl: Year One # 6 - I like the artwork in this 9-part limited series, and that's what drew me in, but I find the story to be lacking. I'm already committed to buying the rest of the series to there's no point in crying about spilt milk at this point.
Tonight
Marvel Universe: The End # 5 - Another great issue in this limited series from Jim Starlin and Al Milgrom. I can't think of anything else to say other than it is a shame that there is only one more issue.
Batman # 615 - Once again I love the artwork and the story is pretty good, but if it weren't for the fact that it is Jim Lee I probably would not be buying this. Only four more issues to go in his run and as with BG:YO i am now already committed to buying the rest of the run. I don't think I would drop it even if I wasn't.
07/17/03
I got my monthly shipment from Mile High today. For the first time I received a copy of Diamond Distributor's Previews. It retails for $3.95, but Mile High sells them through the subscription service for $2. I thought it would be a big pamphlet. It isn't. It's huge. Beautiful full color advertisements for all sorts of comics, both mainstream and non.
I also received a number of comic books, including the last issue of two limited series (Chimera #4 and Marvel Universe: The End #6) and the first of two other limited series (Empire # 0 and Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity #1). I also received a number of that are the next to last issue I have ordered in their run:
Truth: Red White and Black #6 - I saw a not so flattering review of the final issue the other day. Hopefully it won't be as big a let down as the reviewer made it seem.
Peter Parker: Spiderman # 57 - It's a shame that this is the second and last issue drawn by Sam Kieth. He's the only reason I picked up the book.
Wonder Woman #193 - Goes in the Good Riddance category
JSA #49 - Another Good Riddance comic. It's a shame too because I really like the JSA, just not the comic. I agree with the majority of the reviewers on the current story line, too busy, lack of substance, hard to follow, simple solutions to complex problems, etc.
Flash # 199 - I'm enjoying the current story, but will be cutting this off after another issue.
Micronauts #8 - Not all that bad, but I needed to drop something, so after 8 issues this will be it.
Mark of Charon #4 - One day I'll get around to reading this series.
There are a few more.
From CrossGen
Brath#5
Route 666# 13
Scion#37
Sigil#37
Solus#4
and there are other comics, but I am getting tired of just listing the comics I just received. I'd rather be reading them or writing a more substantive journal entry. G-night.
07/19/03
I stopped at Closet of Comics in College Park. I browsed for ten minutes and then got what I came in for, a couple long comic book boxes and some more backings and bags. After getting home I realized that I will need at least one and maybe two more such boxes to fit all my comics in. I also need to buy a lot more bags and backings if I am going to protect all the old comics I got from Mom and Dad's. I still haven't finished compiling the inventory of them.
I decided to volunteer to work at the Small Press Expo this year. I make it sound like I do this all the time. Seriously, I filled out an online form yesterday at the web site: http://www.spxpo.com/ and hopefully someone will call or e-mail me. I think this might be a good experience for me. Get me away from the computer for a bit and doing something interacting with people I don't know. It's just in Bethesda, so it ain't too very far to go. No hotel bill, etc to worry about.
07/20/03
I've just spent a good deal of time reading up on the updates from the San Diego comic convention. There were a few things that caught my interest:
DC is going to be hiring Waid & Weiringo (formerly of Marvel's Fantastic Four) to write and draw some stories for them. I can't wait to see what it is they do.
Sam Kieth is going to be doing a limited series, called Scratch, for DC. Another thing that I will have to buy.
JLA: Another Nail - maybe, maybe not
Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil - maybe, maybe not
Anyhow, now I won't have as much to plow through tomorrow. From the sounds of it the convention was mobbed and I'm not so sure that would be all that much fun. Also from what I hear there were probably as many non-harcore comic readers as there were hardcore comic readers. My source (Chuck Rozanksi) credits that to the convention committee. I think that the success of movies like Spiderman, Daredevil, Hulk, and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (as well as T3) probably has something to do with it as well.
That's about it from here. I haven't read any comics, but I did manage to catalog most of those that haven't been done yet. Hopefully I can finish up next weekend. Ditto for my personal finances.
I finally got around to reading issue three of Chimera. This really is an awesome limited series. The writing is good and the art work is nothing short of amazing. I am still left wondering how this ties into the rest of the CrossGen universe. The main character has a sigil, and I suppose that is the connection, but I'm wondering if the culture she comes from is related to or has come into contact with any of the other cultures any of the CrossGen universe.
07/10/03
I'm doing a little better on the comic book front. I read some more over the past couple nights.
Last Night
Negation - Chapter 8 from the second TPB. This series rocks. Period. No doubt about it. It takes a lot of will power to not read too much all at once. There are so many characters and so much going on, but it all seems to work. I love it.
Fantastic Four - Unthinkable Part 2 - It's a damn shame that this will be the last Waid and Wieringo story in FF. They do an excellent job together. Marvel really has me and a lot of other people wondering about their decision to let them go. It really does make it look like the company cares more about the movies and licensing than it does about the comics.
Batgirl: Year One # 6 - I like the artwork in this 9-part limited series, and that's what drew me in, but I find the story to be lacking. I'm already committed to buying the rest of the series to there's no point in crying about spilt milk at this point.
Tonight
Marvel Universe: The End # 5 - Another great issue in this limited series from Jim Starlin and Al Milgrom. I can't think of anything else to say other than it is a shame that there is only one more issue.
Batman # 615 - Once again I love the artwork and the story is pretty good, but if it weren't for the fact that it is Jim Lee I probably would not be buying this. Only four more issues to go in his run and as with BG:YO i am now already committed to buying the rest of the run. I don't think I would drop it even if I wasn't.
07/17/03
I got my monthly shipment from Mile High today. For the first time I received a copy of Diamond Distributor's Previews. It retails for $3.95, but Mile High sells them through the subscription service for $2. I thought it would be a big pamphlet. It isn't. It's huge. Beautiful full color advertisements for all sorts of comics, both mainstream and non.
I also received a number of comic books, including the last issue of two limited series (Chimera #4 and Marvel Universe: The End #6) and the first of two other limited series (Empire # 0 and Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity #1). I also received a number of that are the next to last issue I have ordered in their run:
Truth: Red White and Black #6 - I saw a not so flattering review of the final issue the other day. Hopefully it won't be as big a let down as the reviewer made it seem.
Peter Parker: Spiderman # 57 - It's a shame that this is the second and last issue drawn by Sam Kieth. He's the only reason I picked up the book.
Wonder Woman #193 - Goes in the Good Riddance category
JSA #49 - Another Good Riddance comic. It's a shame too because I really like the JSA, just not the comic. I agree with the majority of the reviewers on the current story line, too busy, lack of substance, hard to follow, simple solutions to complex problems, etc.
Flash # 199 - I'm enjoying the current story, but will be cutting this off after another issue.
Micronauts #8 - Not all that bad, but I needed to drop something, so after 8 issues this will be it.
Mark of Charon #4 - One day I'll get around to reading this series.
There are a few more.
From CrossGen
Brath#5
Route 666# 13
Scion#37
Sigil#37
Solus#4
and there are other comics, but I am getting tired of just listing the comics I just received. I'd rather be reading them or writing a more substantive journal entry. G-night.
07/19/03
I stopped at Closet of Comics in College Park. I browsed for ten minutes and then got what I came in for, a couple long comic book boxes and some more backings and bags. After getting home I realized that I will need at least one and maybe two more such boxes to fit all my comics in. I also need to buy a lot more bags and backings if I am going to protect all the old comics I got from Mom and Dad's. I still haven't finished compiling the inventory of them.
I decided to volunteer to work at the Small Press Expo this year. I make it sound like I do this all the time. Seriously, I filled out an online form yesterday at the web site: http://www.spxpo.com/ and hopefully someone will call or e-mail me. I think this might be a good experience for me. Get me away from the computer for a bit and doing something interacting with people I don't know. It's just in Bethesda, so it ain't too very far to go. No hotel bill, etc to worry about.
07/20/03
I've just spent a good deal of time reading up on the updates from the San Diego comic convention. There were a few things that caught my interest:
DC is going to be hiring Waid & Weiringo (formerly of Marvel's Fantastic Four) to write and draw some stories for them. I can't wait to see what it is they do.
Sam Kieth is going to be doing a limited series, called Scratch, for DC. Another thing that I will have to buy.
JLA: Another Nail - maybe, maybe not
Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil - maybe, maybe not
Anyhow, now I won't have as much to plow through tomorrow. From the sounds of it the convention was mobbed and I'm not so sure that would be all that much fun. Also from what I hear there were probably as many non-harcore comic readers as there were hardcore comic readers. My source (Chuck Rozanksi) credits that to the convention committee. I think that the success of movies like Spiderman, Daredevil, Hulk, and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (as well as T3) probably has something to do with it as well.
That's about it from here. I haven't read any comics, but I did manage to catalog most of those that haven't been done yet. Hopefully I can finish up next weekend. Ditto for my personal finances.
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