Comics
COMICS TO FEAST ON: Week Of September 21st 2011
Another fresh batch of The New 52 are flying your way this week! Most of DC’s major titles have been released, however, there are still a great deal of gems to be found in the new DCU. Highlights from last week’s crop were Batman and Robin, Batwoman, Demon Knights, Green Lantern, and Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.. These groundbreaking new books are still selling out all over the world, and I see no slowing in pace anytime soon.
Obviously there are loads of other comics coming out this week from other publishers, but in honor of such a milestone event, most of the books in this week’s COMICS TO FEAST ON are from DC’s New 52 lineup. Now I know you won’t be buying all 52 new series so let us know which books you can’t wait for!
With the ever-increasing number of books coming out between the tie-ins, the crossovers, and the new series, we’ve got to limit our list of comics for the week somehow. Rather than focus on every major comic hitting the shelves I’ll narrow it down to ten books that stand out from the rest. Whether you’ve been into comics since you were a young’un, or you’re new to the game, I’m here to help you decide which books to read. Read on for the skinny…
WRITTEN BY: Mike Johnson
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Stephen Molnar
PUBLISHER: IDW
PRICE: $3.99
The Low Down: “The adventures of the Starship Enterprise continue in this new ongoing series that picks up where the blockbuster 2009 film left off! Featuring the new cast of the film, these missions re-imagine the stories from the original series in the alternate timeline created by the film, along with new threats and characters never seen before! With creative collaboration from STAR TREK writer/producer Roberto Orci, this new series begins the countdown to the much-anticipated movie sequel premiering in 2012. Join Kirk, Spock and the crew as they boldly go into a new future! Up first, a drastic new envisioning of ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before.’”
The Feast: Lots, and I mean lots, of dedicated trekies (myself included) have been waiting for this book for a long time. The reason this book is so exhilarating for fans is because it allows them to revisit classic episodes in the Trek Universe in a completely new light. Though the 2009 film was a fantastic foray into the Trek world, this comic is significant because it doesn’t demand a multi-million dollar budget and years between events to look amazing. Hardcore trekies shouldn’t be the only one’s stoked for this one. It’s finally a fresh Star Trek comic that you can enjoy regardless of how many episodes you’ve seen. It’s a whole new ball game and they should smash this one out of the park.
Batman #1
WRITTEN BY: Scott Snyder
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion
PUBLISHER: DC Comics
PRICE: $2.99
The Low Down: “Be here for the start of a new era for The Dark Knight from writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM) and artist Greg Capullo (Spawn)! A series of brutal killings hints at an ancient conspiracy, and Batman learns that Gotham City is deadlier than he knew.”
The Feast: Bruce Wayne has had countless re-imaginings throughout his career as the Dark Knight, and yet again, we find good ol’ Bats in a new world. I don’t imagine we’ll get much of an explanation as to his whereabouts over the past few months, but that’s really not the point of the reboot is it. Snyder is a god among men and there is absolutely no way this book won’t be amazing, I’d be my life on it. Good luck getting your hands on this one!
DC Universe Presents
WRITTEN BY: Paul Jenkins
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Bernard Chang
PUBLISHER: DC Comics
PRICE: $2.99
The Low Down: “It’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universe’s most exciting super heroes! First up is Deadman in a five-issue epic where the body-hopping hero meets his match in a new foe who wants to make sure the souls that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell!”
The Feast: DC has been doing a lot of weird shit with Deadman over the past year, and frankly, it came as a shock to me that he didn’t get his own ongoing as part of the New 52. Luckily, DC is not forgetting Boston Brand completely, offering him the lead role in the first arc of DC Universe Presents. Deadman has always had my heart (or should I say soul) and is the best white-faced ghoul I know. It’s good to see him dead again.
Spider-Island: Cloak and Dagger #2 (of 3)
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spencer
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Emma Rios
PUBLISHER: Marvel
PRICE: $2.99
The Low Down: “It’sTy and Tandy always balanced each other out, but the corrupting touch of Mr. Negative makes Cloak & Dagger fated enemies!”
The Feast: This Cloak and Dagger mini-series is the only good thing to come out of Spider-Island so far and I’m not afraid to admit it. The entire event has been a major let down. Cloak and Dagger have been out of the ink for a long time, and their return is just as epic as anyone would hope. This deserves to become a new ongoing, and I see no reason why Marvel would pass up the chance to extend the series.
Witch Doctor #3 (of 4)
WRITTEN BY: Brandon Seifert
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Luka Ketner
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $2.99
The Low Down: “It’s Dr. Morrow’s biggest case yet: ‘The Patient From The Black Lagoon!’ What’s the secret of the Deep Ones? How do they fit in with the Relapse, the Extinction Event that’s coming for humankind? And why are Morrow and his medical staff at each other’s throats? ‘Basically, I’m jealous. Bastards!’ — Ben Templesmith”
The Feast: Witch Doctor is the comic that horror fans have been waiting for. Not only is it creepy as all hell, not only does it bring disturbing imagery, but it offers a take on the genre never seen before. Horror fans, above all others, love to see their genre progress to a new plateau and Seifert has climbed high. The story follows (you guessed it) a lunatic doctor who travels around Oregon curing all sorts of disgusting “illnesses”. The doctor is a cross somewhere between Dr. House and Dr. Herbert West, never failing to explain his procedures in medical terminology. If you missed the first two issues, not to worry, the series runs in an episodic fashion allowing you to jump in anywhere.
Nightwing #1
WRITTEN BY: Kyle Higgins
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Eddy Barrows
PUBLISHER: DC Comics
PRICE: $2.99
The Low Down: “Dick Grayson flies high once more as Nightwing in a series from writer Kyle Higgins! And as he embraces his destiny, Haley’s Circus, the big top where Dick once performed, returns to Gotham City–bringing with it murder, mystery and superhuman evil!”
The Feast: We may never find out why Dick decided to give up the cowl, but at least he’s still a major player in Gotham. I have a sneaking suspicion that his stint as Batman, brief as it may be, will not only allow him to bring more fear to his crime fighting, but make him a major player in the Bat family. Higgins has done great work with the character in the past so Dick’s return to Nightwing is in good hands. It will be sad to see him without the cape and bat-ears.
Game of Thrones #1
WRITTEN BY: George R.R. Martin and Daniel Abraham
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Tommy Patterson
PUBLISHER: Dynamite
PRICE: $3.99
The Low Down: “George R.R. Martin has been called ‘the American Tolkien’ by Time Magazine, and now his landmark fantasy series is being adapted to a graphic format, starting with the first book of the series: A Game of Thrones. The premiere issue introduces readers to George’s world, adapting the prologue and first three chapters of the novel, and bringing onto the graphic stage such iconic characters as Eddard and Catelyn Stark, Jon Snow, young Bran Stark, and Daenerys Targaryen.”
The Feast: The original series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ has been around for over a decade now despite it’s current rise in popularity, but I guess that’s only 50 or so years shorter than it took LOTR to enter pop culture. The television show, ’Game of Thrones’, has proved that this fantasy epic can be adapted and adapted well. Since the show’s release, it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing somebody reading one of the books. ’Game of Thrones’ now enters the world of comics, written by Daniel Abraham, renowned fantasy author who works first hand with Martin on his novels.
Wonder Woman #1
WRITTEN BY: Brian Azzarello
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Cliff Chiang
PUBLISHER: DC Comics
PRICE: $2.99
The Low Down: “The Gods walk among us. To them, our lives are playthings. Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and powerful forces. But is she one of us–or one of them? WONDER WOMAN begins anew under the creative team of Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang!”
The Feast: Wonder Woman is the most iconic and progressive female characters in all of comics. Her golden lasso, her red, white and blue attire, and her sleek black hair are unmistakable features, making her one of the most recognizable heroes. Though she has had her ups and downs in recent years, this reboot is the perfect place for her to rise back into mass popularity. With a mind like Azzarello behind the new ongoing it’s hard to believe that it could be anything short of amazing.
Green Wake Vol. 1 TP
WRITTEN BY: Kurtis J. Wiebe
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Riley Rossmo
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $16.99
The Low Down: “’Green Wake is the strongest debut of 2011.’ – CBR The highly acclaimed, repeat sellout series from writer KURTIS J. WIEBE and artist RILEY ROSSMO is a riveting tale of loss and horror. In the forgotten town of Green Wake, a string of grisly mutilations leads Morley Mack on the trail of a young woman named Ariel, who is the prime suspect. But when a stranger with startling connections to Ariel arrives under mysterious circumstances, Morley unravels a dark plot with a surprising link to his past. Collects GREEN WAKE #1-5”
The Feast: We absolutely love this series. Undoubtedly the freshest and most impressive debut of the year, Green Wake is not a book you want to pass up on. Originally the story was intended to end after this mini-series, but thankfully it’s been contracted for an ongoing, coming up in a few months. If you missed Green Wake the first time around, don’t be a sucker and miss it again. For lovers of David Lynch, crime fiction, and dark fantasy, Green Wake is an incredible dreamy ride into a strange world that is as mysterious as it is beautiful.
X-Men: Schism #4 (of 5)
WRITTEN BY: Jason Aaron
ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Alan Davis
PUBLISHER: Marvel
PRICE: $3.99
The Low Down: “When the survival of the mutant race is on the line, just how far will the X-Men go? Once a line is crossed, there’s no going back.”
The Feast: Big plans are in the works for the X-Men, with the return of Cable due out this December. Schism has been an extremely charming event that appeals to both old and new audiences, which is exactly what the X-Team needs. After the events of last issue it’s hard to see where things are going but hopefully this issue will focus on the tension between Wolverine and Cyc
Comics
‘Werewolf By Night’ Returns This Summer in Brutal “Red Band” Series from Marvel Comics
In the wake of the Halloween special on Disney+ back in 2022, Marvel Comics is bringing their Werewolf by Night back to life with a brand new RED BAND comic book series!
What does that mean? Marvel previews, “This summer, Werewolf By Night embarks on new adventures so violent and bloody, it can only be told in Marvel’s new Red Band format!”
Werewolf by Night, Jack Russell’s new solo ongoing series, will be written by Jason Loo, writer of the upcoming Werewolf by Night: Blood Hunt one-shot, and drawn by artist Sergio Dávila, known for his bold work on titles like Venom and Thor.
Marvel’s premier horror icon will undergo a startling transformation during Blood Hunt that will cause his upcoming battles and hunts to be too graphic for some readers.
Labeled with a Parental Advisory and polybagged to keep those weak of heart from experiencing its intensity, Werewolf by Night will mark a new chapter in the character’s 50-year storytelling history as Jack gets his claws, fangs, and fur blood-soaked like never before!
“Full moon rise—werewolf kill! Jack Russell has been trying to live a simple life—but in the deadly and dramatic wake of the Blood Hunt, his life is about to be turned upside down in ways he never imagined! With new enemies hoping to extract a (literal) pound of flesh and Jack unsure if he can be trusted around old allies and a lost love, the original Werewolf by Night is in for the fight of his life… and he’s in it alone!”
“I give Jack Russell a taste of the life he wants before the Blood Hunt event rips it away and leaves blood on his hands,” Loo shared. “His new journey is to find redemption while figuring out his new lycanthropic transformation. No one is safe when the full moon is out. But luckily, Elsa Bloodstone is around to keep him in check.”
“Our team is delivering a very metal, monster comic and we’re not holding back,” Loo continued. “I’m both shocked and impressed at myself for conjuring up these gruesome scenes from the dark recesses of my mind, then seeing them come to life with every gory detail thanks to penciler Sergio Dávila and inker JP Mayer, as our editors keep giving us the thumbs up of approval. This is literally our smash room in a Red Band comic.”
“This has been a great experience,” Dávila added. “Jason Loo is writing a very wild Werewolf By Night and I’m having a lot of fun with the character. I’ve always enjoyed taking characters to the extreme and Werewolf By Night is someone very much tormented by his inner self, so this is a book full of intense action and lots of blood!”
Werewolf by Night #1 will be unleashed on August 14!
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