December beginnings? The return of Lucifer (great), Dr. Mirage (good), and Hellcat (goofy). As well as the launch of Aftershock comics (which included Palmiotti & Conners Superzero and Enis and Coleby’s Dreaming Eagles)
Christmas meant digital sales, so I was able to sample several on my wish list. From Image: The superb Outcast, the delightful Head Lopper and best of all, Monstress! I grabbed these goodies from Dark Horse: Joe Golem, Mystery Girl, Serenity: Leaves on the Wind, The Paybacks, and Resident Alien: The Sam Hain Mystery. There were also freebies: The Spire #1 from Boom, and Archie #1 from Archie Comics.
Alas, 5 weeks in December and a lot of great comics meant I had to make several painful cuts to my list just to keep it sane. Among those missing… Amazing Spider-Man #4, Harley’s Little Back Book #1 (with Wonder Woman), Harrow County #8, Wayward #12, The Mighty Thor #2. Toil and Trouble #4, Revival #35, Invisible Republic #8 and Black Magick #3!
Collected Edition of the Month
There’s been a lot of buzz about small publisher, Black Mask and this book in particular. WCNGH is about 2 teens (one with super powers) on the run from the law and a crime boss. The trade collects the first 5 issues for the bargain price of $9.99 and it’s well worth checking out.
Written by Marjorie Liu
Art and Colors by Sana Takeda
This dark fantasy continues to impress and surprise, as it fleshes out its world and the way its characters fit in it, all while addressing the bigotry and racism that has infected this place and people.
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Burnham * Colors by Nathan Fairbairn
The final issue reveals itself as existential horror, both weird and difficult. And I while I gave into its dark charms, I can’t really tell you EXACTLY what Grant’s trying to say about the nature of identity, or society or sacrifice (maybe it’s simply that terrible things happen when outside forces pour ideas into your head?) Still, it had me by the throat and never let go. Morrison also appears to have left the door open for another mini.
Written by Johnathan Hickman
Art by Esad Ribic * Colors by Ive Svorcina
Valeria called it, this was pure spectacle, featuring a couple of giants (I love giants), and a confrontation between Doom and Thanos that made my geek heart flutter.
Written by G. Willow Wilson
Art by Takeshi Miyazawa * Colors by Ian Herring
While it repeats the “people in control of an evil genius” bit found in the first arc, seeing Kamala resolved to figure out the scheme is fun and the character portrayals –always the hallmark of this series- continue to be honest, wise and humorous. Great Chiang cover.
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Jason Masters * Colors by Guy Major
2 issues this month. Ellis channels Fleming nicely, little details like the conversation about the coffee made me smile because book Bond was a food snob. The action packed and ultra violent 3rd issue sees the plot kick into high, as 007 has to use his brains (as well as his gun) and the creepy baddies get even creepier.
Written by Jason Latour
Art by Robbi Rodriguez * Colors by Rico Renzi
This is a quieter issue, sets up some new troubles for Gwen and her father by way of Murdock and a Goblin. What I loved best were the conversations between Spider-Women of two worlds (one being Jessica Drew). My heart went out to the young heroine as she contemplates her life, and that of the Gwen who died on Earth 616.
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by David Lopez * Colors by Nathan Fairbairn
Lopez delivers on a spectacular car chase sequence and a vicious fight the character is known for. But what you also get here is a debate on the nature of violence and a Laura who’s no longer comfortable with killing first, and asking questions later. This series continues to shine… and Gabby’s become quite the scene stealer.
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Nick Dragotta * Colors by Frank Martin
EoW did not win my “Best Ongoing” award as I’d once thought it might, because it has not been the consistent 5-star series it was in its first 2 years. But this, this is more like the EoW I love! You have characters with tongues like daggers, orchestrating intricate political schemes. Backstabbing, ass covering bastards one and all…. and I love ‘em for it. Death and his group might be the only honorable ones in the bunch (and we really need to see him again).
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Michal Lark * Colors by Santi Arcas
What an explosive pulse pounding finish to the arc. There are some nifty exchanges as a new leader steps up for team-Carlyle. And on the battlefield, Forever uses brainpower against the enemy!
Written by Dennis Hopeless
Art and Colors by Javier Rodriguez
Fantastically intense, with dollops of humor: Jessica finds herself trapped, isolated, outnumbered and not quite in fighting shape. I love seeing her use her wits in this situation. What a wonderful, intelligent, funny character she’s become. All that AND Captain Marvel!
Written by Tom King
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Can a synthezoid be human…. Would our messy, volatile natures play havoc with the cool, analytical aspects of an artificial being? That seems to be the theme here, and it’s both disturbing and a little sad watching this family struggle to fit in and be accepted. What put a chill down my spine were the imitations of human behavior – from Vin’s violent response to a persistent student (and then walking away as if it were no big deal) to the wife stroking her daughter’s hair because it was mussed up… not understanding that in a traumatic situation a human mother would do that to give comfort, not for cosmetic reasons.
Written by Warren Ellis
Art and Colors by Jason Howard
Ellis’s dialogue is eloquent (and of course Howard translates it into potent imagery). One thing I’ve enjoyed in this arc is the clever transitions from one location to the other. Here, the conversation about livestock in the trap, takes us to that very thing happening in New York.
Written by Mark Russell
Art by Ben Caldwell * Colors by Jeremy Lawson
This was the perfect way to close the first part of this miniseries; it wraps up the major conflict and brings together those characters who have populated the subplots. The art is an absolute dream; the humor is a scream (as when Madam President notes that a “Madam” is someone who runs a whorehouse... which is not only funny but also says a lot about politics).
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Art by Emma Rios * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Emma Rios is doing astonishing work: Its surreal, has a certain musicality to it, panels flow like water. She makes the book visually breathtaking. DeConnick adds another layer to her story, no longer just about death, but the ravages of war.
Writer, Artists and Panel of the Month: I'm giving it all to Pretty Deadly. The top panel would be that incredible double page spread Kelly Sue and Emma breakdown in the backmatter.
To Jan 2016
Back to Nov 2015
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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