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Starstruck Returns

Official lowdown below about a cult comic returning, via a Kickstarter campaign, and it looks like it’s going to reach its target. More details, and video here.

Renowned fantasy artist and SPECTRUM Grand Master Michael Kaluta and EMMY-award nominated actor-turned-writer Elaine Lee are have launched Kickstarter for the next book in their critically acclaimed Starstruck series. The campaign has made half it’s goal in the first 24 hours.

This Sci-Fi Noir Graphic Novel, set in the Starstruck Multiverse, follows IDW’s Starstruck Deluxe Edition. The 167 page, signed and numbered hardback book will include 60 pages reprinted from Harry Palmer’s story in the 1980s Marvel/Epic run, expanded from within with flashbacks from our hero’s past, along with 80 brand new pages of sequential art to finish Harry’s story. Approximately 20 pages will be gallery, glossary and special features.

April 6, 2013
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, News . Tags: Kickstarter . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Avengers: Endless Wartime Preview

In October comes a rare OGN from Marvel, although their newbie friendly Season One series have been rather hit and miss. Their Hulk one was great, and I did read the Ant-Man one from the library, and it was pretty average. However, with the duo behind this Avengers tale, and the preview pages below, it’s a safe bet that Endless Wartime will be entertaining.

Warren Ellis & Mike McKone Assemble for Marvel’s AVENGERS: ENDLESS WARTIME Original Graphic Novel

New York Times Best-Sellers Launch Marvel’s First Major Original Graphic Novel On October 2^nd, 2013

New York Times Best-Selling author Warren Ellis (Secret Avengers, Gun Machine) and chart-topping artist Mike McKone (Amazing Spider-Man) assemble the biggest heroes in the Marvel Universe—Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, Wolverine & Captain Marvel—for Avengers: Endless Wartime, a landmark original graphic novel scheduled for release on October 2^nd, 2013. This movie-length epic launches an all new original graphic novel line for Marvel Entertainment, featuring the biggest super heroes brought to life by the best creators and debuts in a high-end, oversized format featuring sophisticated packaging and design.

An abomination, long thought buried, has resurfaced in a war-torn land- but now it wears an American flag. Faced with another nightmare reborn, Captain America will not stand for yet more death at the hands of a ghost from his past. Haunted by his greatest shame, Thor must renew the hunt for a familiar beast. Side by side with the great Super Heroes the world has seen, united to end the threats no one of them could face alone, the Avengers will stare down the greatest threat the team has ever faced. But is even their combined might enough to overcome a force of pure evil?

“When Marvel asked me to help re-launch their original graphic novel line, I had to say yes,” said Ellis. “Their total commitment, from story to design, made it a project I wanted to be part of.”

In a historic first for Marvel Entertainment, Avengers: Endless Wartime will be released simultaneously worldwide in North America, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Brazil, Finland and Turkey. Every international edition of Avengers: Endless Wartime will be translated into each area’s primary language, allowing fans all over the world to effortlessly join in the global release of this graphic novel.

“The Avengers are the most popular super heroes in the world and we want to make sure this historic original graphic novel arrives in the hands of all our fans, no matter where they live,” said David Gabriel, SVP Sales, Print & Digital , Marvel Entertainment. “In collaboration with our friends at Panini, we’re able to bring Avengers: Endless Wartime to more fans around the world than any release in Marvel history!”

Avengers: Endless Wartime is bookended by an introduction from Marvel’s The Avengers star Clark Gregg (better known as “Agent Phil Coulson”) and an afterword from the legendary Stan Lee, co-creator of this blockbuster super hero team.

“If you’re a new fan who saw Marvel Studio’s blockbuster Avengers film last year, this is a great place for you to discover the comic book adventures of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. And if you’re a long-time fan, you’re in for an action-packed story that shows you a new side of your favorite super heroes,” said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “Avengers: Endless Wartime is one of our most important releases of the year, which is why we spared no expense in bringing two of the top talents in comics—Warren Ellis and Mike McKone—to make sure this was one of the biggest super hero stories you’ve ever read!”

Additionally, this original graphic novel will also include a code for a bonus digital edition of Avengers: Endless Wartime, redeemable for reading viathe Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices) and online in the Marvel Digital Comics Shop. This code is included at no extra charge, allowing fans to keep their copy of Avengers: Endless Wartime safe on their bookshelves but still carry this jaw-dropping adventure with them on the go to read anytime, anywhere! Avengers: Endless Wartime features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

Avengers: Endless Wartime will be available on October 2^nd in book stores, comic shops, the Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices) and online in the Marvel Digital Comics Shop.

Stay tuned to www.marvel.com for more details on Avengers: Endless Wartime and join the discussion on Twitter using #AvengersOGN.

AVENGERS: ENDLESS WARTIME OGN

Written by WARREN ELLIS

Art & Cover by MIKE MCKONE

ON SALE OCTOBER 2^nd, 2013

March 29, 2013
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: Marvel, The Avengers . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Age Of Ultron #6 and Superior Spider-Man #8 Previews

Text-free previews of two Marvel April issues below, including Iron Man in one of his classic armours, and the return of Cardiac.

DO OR DIE! – Your First Look At AGE OF ULTRON #6!

This April, the heroes of the Marvel Universe bring the war to Ultron, in Age of Ultron #6 from the superstar creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artists Brandon Peterson and Carlos Pacheco! The surviving heroes have decided to take a stand, following the lead of Captain America! But will it be enough? Meanwhile, Wolverine makes the most controversial decision the Marvel Universe has ever seen—and when fans see who agrees with him, they’ll be chomping at the bit for more!

Earth’s Mightiest are down to their last resort as they forge the ultimate plan to finally break free from Ultron’s ferocious iron grip. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to your local comic shop and reserve a copy of Age of Ultron #6!

AGE OF ULTRON #6 (FEB130480)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art by BRANDON PETERSON & CARLOS PACHECO

Cover by BRANDON PETERSON

FOC – 3/25/13, ON-SALE – 4/17/13

Marvel NOW! First Look – SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #8!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Superior Spider-Man #8 from the chart-topping creative team behind Amazing Spider-Man #700, writer Dan Slott and artist Humberto Ramos. This might just be the beginning of the end for Doc Ock—or is it? With Peter Parker fighting full-force to regain control over his own body, will he be able to save Cardiac and redeem himself in the eyes of the Avengers?

Each issue of Superior Spider-Man includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices). Each issue of Superior Spider-Man features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

An internal war between good and evil hangs in the balance, and it all leads up to one unbelievably heartbreaking surprise – only in Superior Spider-Man #8!

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #8 (FEB130537)

Written by DAN SLOTT

Art & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS

FOC- 03/25/13 On-Sale – 04/17/13

March 24, 2013
Categories: Comic Art . . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Rap Sheet, Not Wrap Sheet

Geoff Johns has been writing comics, and TV shows for years now, so maybe this wasn’t his mistake, but in this week’s second issue of DC’s new Justice League of America, Steve Trevor’s dialogue refers to Green Arrow’s fake “wrap sheet.”

That spelling didn’t look right to me, and after some brief investigation, I can confirm that it should actually be, “rap sheet,” when referring to someone’s criminal record. Apparently its stands for Record of Arrest and Prosecution.

As for the series itself, it’s not too bad, and has an interesting line-up with Katana, Vibe and Catwoman, but I kept thinking of the various Avengers launches from Marvel in recent years, with the similar boardroom and press conference scenes, and behind the scenes political shenanigans.

March 23, 2013
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, DC Comics . Tags: Justice League of America . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #25 Preview

Ooh, sweet, destruction! Text-free preview pages below.

Fialkov & DiGiandomenico Disassemble ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES!

This June, the red-hot creative team of Josh Fialkov and Carmine DiGiandomenico take Ultimate Comics Ultimates in an all-new direction…by tearing the team apart! With the hunt for the Infinity Gems on everyone’s mind, disaster creeps up on the steps of the Triskellion. Can Thor, Captain America and Iron Man figure out the source of the dark force crippling the Ultimate Comics Universe in time before it’s too late?!

“Josh and Carmine hit the ground running hard and fast with issue 25” explained Mark Paniccia, Senior Editor – Marvel Entertainment. “From page one it’s a non-stop, 90 miles an hour ride that takes the book in an unexpected and dangerous direction.”

Meanwhile, Reed Richards, Hulk, and Quicksilver, form an pact with a powerful new ally who promises redemption and…revenge! Things change big time this June in Ultimate Comics Ultimates #25!

ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #25

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV

Art by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Cover by MICHAEL KOMARCK

ON SALE JUNE 2013!

March 14, 2013
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Ten Grand Preview

Joe’s Comics, the Top Cow imprint that gave birth to Midnight Nation and Rising Stars from celebrated scribe J. Michael Straczynski is back, now at Image. The first series to be released is Ten Grand, about murder, resurrection and love. The press release gives a much better idea of the story, which kicks off on May 1, with renowned artist Ben Templesmith.

The premise: Joe Fitzgerald was a mob enforcer until the day he met Laura, who convinced him to leave that world behind. Before quitting, Joe agrees to one last job, little realizing that the man he’s been sent to kill was deeply involved in demonlogy. He survives Joe’s attempt and comes after him, fatally wounding Joe and killing Laura. As he lies dying, an angelic force promises that if Joel agrees to work for them as a different kind of enforcer, they will bring him to life and keep on bringing him to life every time he is killed in a righteous cause. The reward: for those five minutes of death, he will be with Laura again. Would you endure an eternity of pain and death, dying over and over, to be with the woman you love for just five minutes each time you died? Most people might say no. But Joe Fitzgerald isn’t most people.

Image have also released 11 text-free preview pages from the first two issues, and below are two of those spooky pages.

March 14, 2013
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics? . Tags: Image Comics . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

All-New X-Men #9 Preview

Man, Stuart Immonen is a great artist. It makes me happy that Marvel send their previews text-free. Below is a look at the March issue of this series that has the time-travelling original X-Men teaming up with their modern day counterparts.

Marvel NOW! – ALL-NEW X-MEN #9 First Look!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at All-New X-Men #9, from the critically acclaimed creative team of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Stuart Immonen! Hot on the heels of the Uncanny X-Men facing Sentinels in their first issue, the All-New X-Men find themselves face-to-face with Sentinels for the very first time. Something is boiling under the surface of the Marvel Universe! Also, Mystique continues to make some big moves that will have huge circumstances for the X-Men.

As part of Marvel NOW!, All-New X-Men joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Each issue of All-New X-Men includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices). Each issue of All-New X-Men features special augmented reality content available exclusive through theMarvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

An all-new direction! All-new threats! All-new consequences! This is All-New X-Men #9!

ALL-NEW X-MEN #9 (JAN130676)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art & Cover by STUART IMMONEN

FOC – 02/25/13 On-Sale – 03/20/13

February 20, 2013
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: Marvel, X-Men . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New X-Men #8 Preview

The premise of the original X-Men meeting their very different modern equivalents is a great premise for a new series, although I’ve only read the first issue. Here is a text-free preview of next month’s issue of All New X-Men.

The Avengers Meet Original Five X-Men In ALL NEW X-MEN #8!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at All New X-Men #8, from the blockbuster creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and David Marquez! Angel, plucked from the past, finally meets his future self and the two end up fighting Madame Hydra and a Hydra cadre. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! How will the Avengers react to the time-swept X-Men?

Each issue of All-New X-Men includes a code for a free digital copy on the Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices) and in the Marvel Digital Comics Shop. Additionally, each issue of All-New X-Men features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

So what are you waiting for? Head on out and reserve a copy of All-New X-Men #8 today!

For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW.

ALL-NEW X-MEN #8 (JAN130674)

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art by DAVID MARQUEZ

Cover by STUART IMMONEN

FOC – 2/11/13, ON SALE – 3/6/13

February 5, 2013
Categories: Comic Art, Comics . Tags: Marvel, X-Men . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

New Conan and Tomb Raider From Dark Horse

No, it’s not across-over, although that’d be pretty cool. Publisher Dark Horse have been pumping out some great new, and reprints of classics, focused on the sword swinging barbarian for a while now, and they’re next two Conan series have great creative teams attached. Press release below.

DARK HORSE COMICS TO PUBLISH

KING CONAN: THE HOUR OF THE DRAGON!

ADAPTING ROBERT E. HOWARD’S ONLY CONAN NOVEL!

Dark Horse Comics is thrilled to announce the return of a fan-favorite Conan creative team. Writer Timothy Truman, artist Tomás Giorello, and colorist José Villarrubia are set to adapt Robert E. Howard’s only Conan novel in two six-issue miniseries.

The first series, titled The Hour of the Dragon will run through October 2013 and continue in a second arc titled King Conan: The Conqueror starting in February 2014.

More about The Hour of the Dragon: King Conan has faced many threats to his throne in Aquilonia—but none more deadly than a traitorous alliance backed by the resurrected sorcerer Xaltotun, at whose command mountains crumble!

With The Legend of Conan announced for 2014, King Conan is essential reading!

Praise for Timothy Truman, Tomás Giorello, and José Villarrubia:

“With both King Conan: The Scarlet Citadel and King Conan: The Phoenix on the Sword Truman, Giorello, and Villarrubia have been making some the greatest Conan adaptations ever made. I look forward to their next series. Hour of the Dragon, Dark Horse. Twelve issues. It will be beautiful” – Comics Bulletin

For a sneak peak at the variant cover and a full-color interior page, check out the exclusive on MTV Geek!

King Conan: The Hour of the Dragon #1 is on sale in comic stores everywhere May 29!

Next month sees a new Tomb Raider game, which looks at Lara Croft’s origins. It actually looks pretty great, and it may just be the first Tomb Raider game I buy. Lara is also returning to the comic shelves. Press release below.

CRYSTAL DYNAMICS AND DARK HORSE

BRING LARA CROFT BACK TO COMIC BOOKS STARTING WITH

TOMB RAIDER: THE BEGINNING

Crystal Dynamics™, a Square Enix® studio, and Dark Horse Comics, today revealed they have partnered to bring the re-imagined Lara Croft back to print in the world of comics. Look for news on the new series following the release of TOMB RAIDER®, the highly anticipated origin story for Lara Croft®, available March 5, 2013, and will chronicle Lara’s journey after her harrowing adventure in the Dragon’s Triangle.

To kick off the partnership, Crystal Dynamics and Dark Horse have teamed up to create “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning.” This will be the first installment in the new TOMB RAIDER comic book series, and is a prequel to the events in TOMB RAIDER. “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning,” was written by lead game writer Rhianna Pratchett. Fans can get the first series early when they pre-order TOMB RAIDER at Best Buy.

A 48-page, six-part hardcover omnibus, “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning” follows the story of how the crew came together for The Endurance’s fateful mission to discover the lost Japanese kingdom of Yamatai. Originally intended to feature as the latest instalment of Dr. James Whitman’s successful archaeology show, Whitman’s World, the show-biz archaeologist gets more than he bargained for when he enlists the help of Captain Conrad Roth. As Roth’s unique and eccentric crew gradually come together and share their stories and secrets, the expedition faces unexpected threats before it’s even begun.

“Lara Croft is an icon across all forms of media, including comic books,” said Karl Stewart, global brand director for TOMB RAIDER and Crystal Dynamics. “The team at Crystal Dynamics has worked closely with Dark Horse on ‘The Beginning’ to bring the relatable, re-imagined Lara Croft back to the comic book world.”

“Whilst penning Lara’s origins story for the game I had lots of ideas about the world she and the other characters inhabited, and the story behind their voyage: as great to be able to flesh out the world of TOMB RAIDER and work with the talented team at Dark Horse to bring Lara Croft back to comics,” said Rhianna Pratchett, lead game writer for TOMB RAIDER.

“The bold new vision of the game demanded we bring an equally fresh approach to the comics,” said Dave Marshall, editor at Dark Horse. “We’re excited for TOMB RAIDER fans to experience a new side of Lara Croft as they accompany her on the earliest parts of her first adventure.”

To celebrate the partnership, Crystal Dynamics and Dark Horse revealed four pages from “TOMB RAIDER: The Beginning.” The full comic is available as a bonus when you pre-order TOMB RAIDER at Best Buy. More news on Tomb Raider comics will be available in the coming months.

Related Links

Official Homepage: www.TOMBRAIDER.com

Official Twitter: @TOMBRAIDER

Official Facebook page: http://facebook.com/TOMBRAIDER

Official Tumblr: http://officialTOMBRAIDERblog.tumblr.com/

Official YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/TOMBRAIDER

February 2, 2013
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, New To Comics?, News . Tags: Dark Horse . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Winter Soldier #15 Preview

Below are a few text-free preview pages and covers from February’s issue of Winter Soldier, the former Bucky’s solo series.

Your First Look At WINTER SOLDIER #15!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Winter Soldier #15, from the creative team of writer Jason Latour & artist Nic Klein. In the wake of the hunt for the Black Widow, a broken and beaten Winter Soldier begins a quest for atonement. But just as Bucky makes peace with his deadly past – a new villain from his future is out for his head! This February, Latour and Klein send Captain America’s former partner on a road to redemption like no other in Winter Soldier #15!

WINTER SOLDIER #15 (DEC120695)

WINTER SOLDIER #15 KLEIN VARIANT (DEC120696)

Written by JASON LATOUR

Art by NIC KLEIN

Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY

Variant Cover by NIC KLEIN

FOC – 1/14/13, ON SALE – 2/6/13

WinterSoldier_15_Cover

WinterSoldier_15_CoverVariant

WinterSoldier_15_Preview1

WinterSoldier_15_Preview2

WinterSoldier_15_Preview3

December 21, 2012
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Hawkeye #6 First Look

Here’s a preview from Marvel for this month’s issue of the Avenging archer, Hawkeye.

HAWKEYE #6 First Look!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Hawkeye #6, continuing the all-new ongoing series from the creative team of writer Matt Fraction and artist David Aja! Clint Barton is preparing for the Holidays! After the conclusion of The Tape, Clint is in dire need of a vacation, but will his break from action turn out as planned?

Fans and critics agree, Hawkeye is a smash hit!

“Super fun!” – Kelly Thompson, ComicBookResources.com

“This is a fantastic comic book that mixes action, mystery, and just the right amount of sheer insanity.” – Benjamin Bailey, IGN.com

“This is a series that needs to be read.” – Tony Guerrero, Comicvine.com

Looking to catch up on the critically acclaimed series? Then be sure to pick-up Hawkeye #1Third Printing Variant and Hawkeye #2 Third Printing Variant, in stores now! Also, Marvel is pleased to announce that Hawkeye #3 has sold out at Diamond and will be returning to stores with Hawkeye #3 Second Printing Variant!

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to your local comic shop and get in on the action!

HAWKEYE #6 (OCT120621)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Art & Cover by DAVID AJA

On-Sale – 12/19/12

HAWKEYE #1 3^rd PRINTING (SEP128135)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Art and Cover by DAVID AJA

ON SALE NOW!

HAWKEYE #2 3^rd PRINTING (SEP128136)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Art and Cover by DAVID AJA

ON SALE NOW!

HAWKEYE #3 2^nd PRINTING (OCT128311)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Art and Cover by DAVID AJA

FOC – 12/10/12, On-Sale – 01/09/13

Hawkeye_6_Cover

Hawkeye_6_Preview1

Hawkeye_6_Preview2

Hawkeye_6_Preview3

December 1, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, New To Comics? . Tags: Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

FF #1 Preview

Here’s a text-free preview of Marvel’s FF #1 which is released next month.

Marvel NOW! – FF #1 First Look!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at FF #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of writer Matt Fraction and artist Michael Allred! With the Fantastic Four embarking on an epic journey, an all-new substitute Four, handpicked by original members – Ant-Man, She-Hulk, Medusa, and Miss Thing – stand ready to guard and protect Earth and the Future Foundation for four minutes! What could possibly go wrong?

As part of Marvel NOW!, FF joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!

Each issue of Fantastic Four features special augmented reality content available exclusive through theMarvel AR app – including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

An all-new direction! All-new adventures! This is FF NOW!

This November, Matt Fraction and Michael Allred redefine the future in FF #1!

FF #1 (SEP120593)

Written by MATT FRACTION

Art & Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED

FOC – 11/5/2012, On Sale – 11/28/2012

November 1, 2012
Categories: Comic Art . Tags: Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

Archeologists of Shadows of Volume 2 Review

Yes, apparently that is also a correct way to spell archaeologists. Here’s my review of the second OGN from Septagon Studios that blends sci-fi, fantasy, and some stand out visuals.

October 31, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, Reviews . Tags: Septagon Studios . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

This Week’s Winners

Uncanny Avengers #1. Not being a huge Marvel reader, like I was in the ’90s, I only pick up stuff from the publisher when it’s a fresh start or landmark issue really. This ish is the first of the Marvel NOW! initiative that sees a few new series debuting over the next few weeks. Rick Remender writing, with John Cassady pencilling a series starring a team made up of Captain America, Thor, Rogue, Scarlet Witch, Wolverine (of course! every team must have him!) and Havok is intriguing enough. Cassady won’t stay on this series for long I’m guessing, but whenever he does superheroes, it’s worth a look, although Cap’s costume still looks a little weird. In fact, they all, except Wolvie, have (slightly) new costumes, although that’s not mentioned in the story. It’s not a great jumping on point, but does follow the events of AvsX, which I didn’t read. I do know that Professor X died at the hands of a Phoenix Force-possessed Cyclops, which isn’t fully explained here.

Logan speaks at Xavier’s funeral, Cap and Thor enlist Havok (or try to) before fighting mutant Earthquake (fresh from brain surgery!), and Havok goes to talk to his cynical brother Cyclops in priosn. Oh, and Rogue and Scarlet Witch almost get into a fight at Xavier’s grave before some new baddies shown up, including, “The Goat-Faced Girl.” Yep. Not a lot really happens, the team isn’t forced yet and the fate of Xavier’s body is gruesome, but at least it looks good.

Oh, and when Cap asks Havok to lead the new team of mutants and humans, he refers to Wolverine’s “checkered past.” Shouldn’t that be, “chequered past?”

Batman and Robin #13. If the title of this issue (Zombie Moon Rising) wasn’t enough, then thankfully the pages following it live up to expecattions, although the credits page names this issue, “Eclipsed.” Writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason have been telling Bruce and Damian Wayne’s intense and bizarre adventures for a long time now, so it’s a safe bet that any issue of theirs will be a winner.

It begins with father and son venturing up, up and away to prepare a satellite that’s linked with the Batcave for any temporary disruptions that may come with the eclipse, and with the Joker’s return they need all the resources at their command. While Batman and Commissioner Gordon check out some possible zombie attacks at a graveyard, Robin fights off a bounty hunting monster before some zombies fight him. The last 5 pages are pencilled by Tomas Giorello and it’s jarring as his style is so different from Gleason’s. It’s unfortunate, especially as Robin looks much older when Giorello draws him. Hopefully Gleason can draw the remainder of this story arc, as it’s setting up to be an entertaining one.

Creator-Owned Heroes #5. A new venture form Image Comics that acts like a magazine and anthology, this is a good idea, with stories from various creative teams running for a few issues. In his month’s release there are 3 new tales. Killswitch by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Jerry Lando is the first and follows the titular assassin as he kills his latest target aboard a plane and befriends his not-so-grieving widow. It’s a good set up, especially the aftermath and the banter between the blonde widow and professional killer is great.

Next up is Black Sparrow. Set in a farm in the 1880s it centres on a recently hanged evil boy (so we’re told) whose body is returned to his family for burial. There’s only one more part in this story by Steve Niles, Jay Russel and Andrew Ritchie so I hope the end is a doozy. It’s certainly creepy so far, thanks to the desolate and haunting artwork of Ritchie.

The last story is by Gray, Palmiotti and Norberto Fernandez. Retrovirus follows scientist Zoe Wallace as she begins her new job at a research facility in Antarctica to help study a frozen and scary looking Neanderthal.

Also included is an interview with artist Amanda Conner, a few fan questions answered by Palmiotti, the first part of a writing comics tutorial by Steve Niles, and an editorial/behind the scenes piece by Gray. It all adds up to a good place to start for comics veterans or newbies.

October 13, 2012
Categories: Comic Art, DC Comics, Reviews . Tags: Marvel . Author: Kris Bather . Comments: Leave a comment

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Starstruck Returns

Avengers: Endless Wartime Preview

Age Of Ultron #6 and Superior Spider-Man #8 Previews

Rap Sheet, Not Wrap Sheet

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #25 Preview

Ten Grand Preview

All-New X-Men #9 Preview

New X-Men #8 Preview

New Conan and Tomb Raider From Dark Horse

Winter Soldier #15 Preview

Hawkeye #6 First Look

FF #1 Preview

Archeologists of Shadows of Volume 2 Review

This Week’s Winners

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