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Second Coming #1 Amanda Conner cover

Mark Russell is the popular writer of wonder Twins, The Lone Ranger: The Deaf Smith Cattle War, The Flintstones, exit stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles, and more. His most current series, with artist Richard Pace, is second Coming, the story of God sending Jesus back to earth to learn about power in a new way from the superhero Sunstar. Russell talks with Westfield’s Roger Ash about this hot new comic from AHOY.

Westfield: There’s been a lot of buzz and dispute surrounding second Coming and no one’s even read it yet. What’s your take on the situation?

Mark Russell: The fact that there’s so much dispute over a comic book that nobody’s even read yet is pretty much exhibit A that it’s feigned outrage. That it’s simply clickbait for YouTube anger merchants and a low-cost distraction technique for cable news outlets. Meanwhile, they don’t seem very concerned in any way about the very real blasphemies unfolding each day in the world around them. Priests using their positions within Christianity to abuse children, Church leaders covering up for them, and mega-churches embracing nationalism and a prosperity doctrine that is utterly contemptuous of the teachings of Christ. maybe take on these blasphemies first and then see if you have any energy left over to go after a comic book.

Second Coming #1 Richard pace cover

Westfield: What’s the genesis of the story?

Russell: It’s really a meditation on power, its abuses, and its short-comings as a tool for taking care of the problems central to life on Earth. Religion, superheroes, and political theories are, in a limited sense, all the same thing… a thought experiment on how we must apply power to make the world a better place. Superhero comics normally seem to operate under the assumption that the best way to fix the world is to punch out the ideal people. I wanted to introduce Christ into the thought experiment to broaden the palette of possibilities in going over the nature of power on Earth.

Westfield: who is Jesus’ roommate, Sunstar?

Russell: He is the Earth’s a lot of powerful superhero. He is pretty much invulnerable, at least physically. He has the powers that one would usually associate with a near-omnipotent superhero like Superman or Captain Marvel, but they’re still inadequate for the problems he faces in his own life. how does super-strength help save your grandmother from succumbing to dementia? What good is being able to fly when you’re trying to adopt a child?

Second Coming interior art by Richard Pace

Westfield: What sorts of challenges await Jesus and Sunstar?

Russell: Sunstar’s approach to life on earth is so completely different than Christ’s. and it’s one that Sunstar has never really given much thought to. He just sort of does whatever is expected of him as a superhero. So maybe the greatest challenge they face is how to co-exist. but Christ, having been away from earth for the last two thousand years, also faces other new challenges… like auto traffic.

Westfield: What can you tell us about your collaboration with artist Richard Pace?

Russell: My first conversations with Richard were about the tone of the piece and what sort of world this story takes place in and he really just took the ball and ran with it. The scenes in heaven are otherworldly and beautiful in a way I couldn’t have predicted and the way his art contrasts it with life on earth amidst all the urban decay and shabby ruins of everyday life is really quite elegant. He not only brings my vision to life in this comic, he adds a creative element that makes it transcend what we had originally planned.

Second Coming #2 Amanda Conner cover

Westfield: any closing comments?

Russell: regardless of what people may have heard about this comic, I hope people will give issue 1 a chance and decide for themselves.

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Press release

Tony Stark: Iron man #1

Featuring an all-new creative team and all-new direction!

New York, NY—March 5, 2018—New creative teams. new series. new directions. new beginnings. it all kicks off this June with TONY STARK: IRON man #1!

Tony Stark: Iron man #1 preview page 1

“As a futurist, Tony Stark thought he had all the answers. but considering that coming back from the dead, he now sees the marvel universe in a whole new light!” teased editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski. “How does Iron man continually progress and stay relevant in a world where technology advances on a daily basis? Well, Dan Slott, Valerio Schiti, and Edgar Delgado are here to answer those questions as they take our Armored Avenger on adventures that push the boundaries comic storytelling and visuals! and Dan writes Tony with such heart…pun intended…we had to put his name in the title.”

Tony Stark: Iron man #1 preview page 2

For a lot more information on TONY STARK: IRON man #1, including exclusive interviews, visit Nerdist.com.

TONY STARK: IRON man #1

Written by DAN SLOTT

Art and Cover by VALERIO SCHITI

Cover by ALEXANDER LOZANO

If you’ve not yet seen The Batman, inspect our non-spoiler review, however be alerted there’s some minor spoilers in this piece relating to exactly how the motion picture treats wealth. In The Batman, Matt Reeves guaranteed they’d talk about the principles of Bruce Wayne being a billionaire vigilante instead of just utilizing his money to save Gotham City. While this aspect was extremely vital to the plot of the film, particularly one of the villains’ plans, the ethnical concern wasn’t truly attended to beyond just stating that Robert Pattinson’s kid billionaire just didn’t care about his wealth. In a way, it’s the most brutal handle Bruce Wayne in the films yet, a type of pinnacle of rich entitlement. Yet, in this new movie, we truly don’t get to understand the Bruce side of Batman that much at all. (Though one scene is the most emotionally bare Bruce we’ve gotten, however I digress.)

Still, in spite of the focus this gets in the movie, there is no “Luke Cage talks to Danny Rand” scene here. as well as provided exactly how Pattinson is playing this Bruce, I don’t believe it’s a stretch to state that he’s never even thought about utilizing the Wayne riches to assist his city. I suspect that this is part of Matt Reeves’ plan, as well as that his series of Batman films will be akin to the MCU Spider-Man movies. It took a whole trilogy for the Peter Parker of the MCU to look like his comics counterpart in the methods that indicate the most to fans. Where Chris Nolan set out to tell the catastrophe of the Batman in three acts, I believe Matt Reeves is going to take three acts (or more?) to tell the story of exactly how this vigilante youngster becomes the Dark Knight Detective. Still, Bruce Wayne billionaire playboy is not a character we’ve truly dealt with in the movies. (Yet.)

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The principles of Bruce Wayne Being a Billionaire, While Batman Beats Up Gotham City bad People

picture by means of DC Comics

None of this is real, as well as part of the fun of comics stories is taking them “too seriously,” at times. provided exactly how lots of billionaires there are now (and that none of them have ended up being Batman), it’s fair to believe about this. Because, in theory, Bruce Wayne might do a lot more to impact modification in Gotham City as a billionaire than he ever might as Batman. Yet, as one Comic Years visitor on Facebook explained – a story about a person navigating the institutional hurdles of setting up a 501(c)3 doesn’t produce riveting action cinema. In the contemporary Batman stories that address this, things normally end up getting in the method of this. Bruce Wayne is a billionaire whose principles are on point, however he’s so distracted by being Batman that he lets Gotham City grifters take advantage of things. Or he runs into some kind of corrupt institutional hurdle.

Either way, this occurs since stories requirement conflict. The line from Zack Snyder’s Justice league where Bruce tells the Flash that his “superpower” is being “rich,” he’s not lying. Bruce Wayne is conceptually a person who’s got a lot more money than God. If you are thinking about stories about evil billionaires, may I suggest instead reading or enjoying Superman provide Lex Luthor the super-business?

Of course, ignoring his riches is not the response either. Every Batman is a reflection of his time, as well as you can still tell these stories in methods that keep the lore however aren’t propaganda for the super-wealthy. From a harshly analytical lens, you can take any type of superhero as well as make them a villain or mad-person. The technique is to treat Bruce Wayne’s riches as a lot more akin to a curse than a gift.

Even With the Wayne Fortune, the story needs to validate having a Batman

picture by means of Fox Broadcasting Company

One unfortunate drawback to the nature of comic book storytelling, particularly in the beginning, is that the heroes precede the villains. Thus, any individual reading these stories with a important eye, need to ultimately ask the question: Does the costumed hero produce their own monsters? We’ve seen as well as checked out many examples of storytellers answering that concern in the affirmative. However, Alan Moore – who understands a thing or two about extreme takes on heroes who may really be villains – cracked this issue in Watchmen. in that story, the criminals are the very first ones to fit up as well as embrace goofy names. This just like the 2010s series Gotham. (Pretty sure this is the very first time any individual has compared Alan Moore’s work to that show.)

The Gotham series is most likely extremely discouraging to fans of Batman lore. Yet, one great side impact of this version of that story is that the villains all pre-date Batman. (In fact, quite much all of them kidnapped Bruce Wayne,normally over principles concerns of him being a billionaire kid.) In this case, Batman makes sense. He’s the costumed action rather than the very first one to fit up. We can likewise apply this believing to why Batman doesn’t utilize money to save Gotham City instead of his fists as well as gadgets.

As a fellow Joshua (Rivers) composed for Polygon.com:

“Gotham City is a fake city cartoonishly damaged to the point where vigilante superheroes are the only rational choice since nothing else works. as well as if there is a mental health problem with symptoms that manifest as “freakishly competent murder clown,” it sure isn’t in the DSM.

“In other words, Batman can’t just buy crime, since that both ignores the truth of world earth — where there is no such thing as a criminal class, simply a shifting body of guideline as well as policy that outlaws as well as disenfranchises an ever-changing group of people — as well as the specific, fictional function of Batman stories.”

Any story wanting to address the riches question, needs to describe why that just doesn’t remedy all the ails of the city. In fact, The Batman does this rather well, particularly when coupled with exactly how bit Bruce cares about that part of his family’s legacy. This really hearkens back to the late, excellent Denny O’Neal’s Batman stories in the 1970s as well as 1980s. Bruce Wayne as well as Batman took a two-pronged technique to saving the city. Batman would fight the baddies, as well as Bruce would pay to repair things for the better. Again, this doesn’t dive that deep into the principles of Bruce Wayne being a billionaire, while Batman saves Gotham City by punching poor people who have method less money than he does. Yet, it doesn’t neglect that truth either. It just produces a new challenge for the hero to overcome.

Still, it’s odd exactly how people react to these movies. I’d state that people are wise sufficient to recognize that Bruce Wayne being a billionaire is not a major principles worry since Gotham needs both Batman as well as money to save it. Yet, then again, people started keeping racoons as family pets after Guardians of the Galaxy came out.

What do you think? Are the principles of Bruce Wayne being a billionaire in dispute with his objective as Batman to save Gotham City? Share your thoughts, reactions, as well as arguments below.

Featured picture by means of Warner Bros.

This spring will see the premiere of Snowpiercer, a post-apocalyptic thriller. If the title seems familiar, you’re ideally remembering the 2013 film of the exact same name, directed by Bong Joon-ho. Or possibly you’ve checked out the french graphic book by Jacques Lob as well as Jean-Marc Rochette, Le Transperceneige. regardless of exactly how you’ve previously consumed the story of the Snowpiercer, you may be curious as to exactly how everything ties together. So, we’ve produced a short timeline of the Snowpiercer world to show you exactly how it’s all connected.

A Snowpiercer Timeline

To recap all of the Snowpiercer content, let’s take a look at what works there are within the story world. The original idea was produced by Lob as well as Rochette, Le Transperceneige, and was published in 1982 by Casterman. It was later equated into English as well as published by Titan Comics in 2014. These graphic novels continued into several volumes, with a final thought to the series, Terminus, releasing in 2015. A prequel series likewise released its very first volume in 2019.

As mentioned, Snowpiercer, a 2013 film directed by Oscar-winner Bong Joon-ho, broadened on the source material. It complies with Curtis Everett (Chris Evans) as he begins a transformation against the elite passengers on the titular circumnavigational train. The newest addition to the timeline is the upcoming television series, set to air on TNT in may 2020.

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The Apocalpyse That started It All

All of the above-mentioned content, excluding the prequels, begin on the train after the events that produced a dystopian world. As explained in the film, an ice-age began in 2014 that destroyed humanity. This ice-age was brought on by climate engineering that was developed to assist stop the impacts of worldwide warming. Unfortunately, what was meant to save the world ended up killing practically all of it. The Snowpiercer, where the majority of the complying with stories take place, is a train that’s been developed to sustain life on board. It runs on tracks that surround the globe as well as ought to never stop moving.

The Prequels

While the original graphic novels, the film, as well as the upcoming TV series take location years after the apocalypse, the prequels comply with the story better to the events that triggered it all. Snowpiercer The Prequel: Extinction details what occurred three months prior to the apocalypse. one more upcoming prequel that has yet to release, Part 2: Apocalpyse, will show the days that comply with the extinction event. This will likely tell of the chaos that takes location on the train before a system is worked out. A third prequel, Annihilation, will broaden on the time complying with the extinction event even further.

The Snowpiercer Series

After the events of the prequels, Snowpiercer, the upcoming TV series tells the next part of the story. The show is set seven years after the extinction event, as well as ahead of the events of both the original graphic novels as well as the film. The film alludes to events that had occurred earlier in Curtis’ life, as well as prior train events, which ought to autumn within this timeline. So, there is a possibility that the characters may somehow connect.

picture through TNT.

The Escape

The very first volume of the graphic novel, equated into The Escape, takes location at an concealed time after the apocalypse. However, based on the timing in the second volume, it’s stated to take location prior to the events of the film.

The Snowpiercer Film

The film takes location 15 years after the apocalypse. The frustrations of passengers at the back of the train influence them to begin a revolution. They fight their method forward, wishing to reach the front vehicles as well as come face-to-face with the conductor, Wilford.

The Explorers

The second volume takes location 17 years after the events of the first. So, depending upon when the very first volume took place, it’s fairly close to the events of the film.

Terminus

Terminus, the third volume of the graphic novels, was written as an ending to the series. It takes location soon after the events of the second volume as well as offers a conclusive ending to the events of the plot.

A Timeline worth reading with To Understand Snowpiercer

The events inside of the Snowpiercer story world are such that you might pick up practically any type of graphic novel, view the film, or view the series, as well as still delight in the madness of it all. However, if you want to get the full story of what’s gone on, reading with the timeline from the beginning is one more fantastic method to go.

So, are you planning on getting caught up as well as reading the offered material prior to the release of the upcoming series? We hope that our Snowpiercer timeline hasassisted put the story into perspective. While it’s a large timeline, there’s lots of interesting material to keep us interested, including re-watching the snowpiercer series trailer.

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by KC Carlson

Last week on 10 Things: KC was frustrated because diamond forgot to send copies of Previews to his LCS. So here’s the non-DC-and-Marvel stuff.

COMICS

Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes

I am so delighted for my long-time friend (and occasional housemate) Jeff Moy, as he’s penciling the new star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes six-issue miniseries/crossover from IDW. What’s so great about this is that I just happen to know that star trek and the LSH are two of his a lot of favorite things in the entire world! how often does a project like that land in your lap!? Jeff is joined by inker (and brother) Phil Moy and Eisner-nominated writer Chris Roberson for an adventure set in the 23rd Century — but in a universe not familiar to either group. The original enterprise crew meets the great Darkness Saga-era LSH. bet you never saw that coming! (I sure didn’t!) Can’t wait for the sure-to-be-classic Mr. Spock/Brainiac 5 scenes. It’s also the first DCU/IDW-verse crossover and will feature regular covers by Phil Jimenez and variants by classic LSH and ST artists — including Keith Giffen and Gabriel Rodriguez for #1.

Usagi Yojimbo #141

When you add in the previous series from other publishers, Usagi Yojimbo #141 (from Dark Horse) is actually the 200th issue of the rabbit ronin. and every single issue was written and drawn by designer Stan Sakai! This issue will be a special celebration of the anniversary featuring a 200 theme, as a humble stonecutter receives a vision to carve two hundred stone figures in “200 Buddhas”. just as he has finished the 199th, he encounters a long-eared stranger. delighted Anniversary, Usagi (and Stan)!

CBLDF liberty annual 2011 Matt Wagner Grendel cover

This year’s CBLDF liberty annual 2011 looks to be both a barn-burner and a big money-earner for the Comic book legal defense Fund. starting off with your choice of a sensational speechless Uncle Sam cover by John Cassaday or a new Matt Wagner Grendel cover (and interior story), the CBLDF liberty annual 2011 will be a 48-page collection of stories by J. Michael Straczynski, Frank Quitely, J.H. Williams, Steve Niles, Judd Winick, mark Waid, Carla speed McNeil, and lots of others, including the first-ever color story from Craig Thompson. Plus, marvel and DC stars will be popping in for pin-ups, including Batman by Dustin Nguyen, X-Men by Greg Land, green lantern by Ivan Reis, and Avengers by Greg Horn. It’s all packaged by all-star editor Bob Schreck. All-in-all, a pretty painless way to donate to a fantastic cause.

Princeless

Check out this exclusive preview of a fun, new all-ages comic — Princeless, written by Jeremy Whitley and drawn and colored by M. Goodwin. It’s a fun twist on a familiar fairytale scenario with some stunning cartooning. You’ve read about a princess trapped in a tower before, but this one is figured out to rescue herself.

Also of note this month: A new IDW title by John Byrne, cold war #1, a secret agent thriller, and Roger Landridge’s captivating Snarked #1. (Hopefully, you’ve all seen the preview by now!)

BOOKS

Milk and Cheese: Dairy products Gone Bad

They hate what you hate — and they hate you! Milk and Cheese: Dairy products Gone bad is a 240-page collection of every single silly Milk and Cheese cartoon that Evan Dorkin ever thunk up and doodled from 1989 to 2010, including tons of supplemental awesomeness and random pieces of Dorkin’s brain — assuming the scotch tape holds up. featuring all the various Milk and Cheese #1s (you think I’m kidding, don’t you?) and all the rest of the junk, too. My favorite thing in the world is our collection of Milk and Cheese coasters which drive my in-laws crazy when they come to visit. and now I’ll have a big ol’ Milk and Cheese book to give them for Christmas! From Dark horse (who must know better, although I’m looking forward to their Milk and Cheese distressed statuettes series). (Editor’s note: Not an actual product — but it must be!)

Meta Maus

Meta Maus: A look inside a modern Classic, Maus: In which designer Art Spieglemen pertains to terms with the project that consumed him for over a decade — maybe. This 300-page hardcover — and its accompanying DVD — covers everything that you’d want to know about Maus, including the frequent questions: Why the holocaust? Why mice? Why comics? This looks to be one of the most detailed and emotional retrospective/deconstructions of a major comics work to date, and it has the potential to be just as affecting as the original work. published by Pantheon.

The quality Companion

The quality companion is the current in a long line of exceptional comics history books from TwoMorrows. this one features a detailed look at one of the best of the original golden Age comics publishers, as well as following up on how their a lot of popular characters — the freedom Fighters (including Uncle Sam and Phantom Lady), Plastic Man, and the Blackhawks — fared in subsequent decades after being acquired by DC Comics. In their heyday, quality publications featured some of comics’ best artists including Jack Cole, will Eisner, Wally Wood, Lou Fine, Bob Powell, and Reed Crandall. The 256-page trade paperback is written by Mike Kooiman and Jim Amash and features copious illustrations.

Government Issue: Comics For The People: 1940-2000

I love quirky collections like government Issue: Comics For The People: 1940-2000, a 304-page study of public-service comics produced by federal and state governments — by artists including will Eisner and Milton Caniff. Walt Kelly’s Pogo informs parents about how much TV kids must watch, and Hank Ketcham’s Dennis the Menace shows us the dangers of poison (?!?). Plus, Bert the Turtle shows us how to “Duck and Cover!”, from the popular educational film. (One I actually saw in school!) Covers just about every aspect of American life from jobs, money, health, and safety to sex and drugs (what, no rock ‘n roll?). features both complete comics and many excerpts, as well as a history of the public-service comic book.

1001 Comics You need to read before You Die

I’m never quite sure about books like 1001 Comics You need to read before You Die, because you just never know what the criteria for inclusion was. Superhero fans must probably be aware that they won’t be all superhero comics, as it will draw from all of comics — including graphic novels, manga, and independently published work. This collection is nearly 1,000 pages (960 to be exact), so it will be great and thick. Personally, I’m hoping that I’ve already read all 1,001 of them — I hate homework!

CLASSIC COLLECTIONS

Walt Disney’s Donald Duck by Carl Barks

Walt Disney’s Donald Duck by Carl Barks — I recently raved about Fantagraphics first Mickey mouse by Floyd Gottfredson volume over at Comics worth Reading, so you can probably imagine how ecstatic I am by Frantagraphics’ new line of affordable, full-color, hardcover books featuring Disney’s other comic book star — Donald Duck — as written and drawn by “the good Duck Artist” Carl Barks. This first volume features over 200 pages of vintage (and prime) Barks stories from 1948-1950, including Barks’ personal favorite “Lost in the Andes”. All the artwork has thoroughly restored and re-colored for this collection. There are also in-depth commentary/annotations for every story, written by the foremost Barks authorities around the world, as well as an introduction by Barks scholar Donald Ault.

SPECIAL NOTE: You may have heard recently that Fantagraphics is also re-packinging the classic EC Comics material, beginning in summer 2012. Don’t be confused by the ad in the current diamond Previews featuring volumes of EC material published by the previous publishers (Russ Cochran and Gemstone publishing — although this is not pointed out in the ad). This advertisement is disingenuously placed ideal next to the Fantagraphics listings in the August 2011 Previews, and it may be confusing to fans who have heard the Fantagraphics/EC Comics announcements. The ad is re- soliciting (for what’s left of) the 2006-2008 Cochran/Gemstone versions of the EC Archives line — NOT the upcoming Fantagraphics collections.

Bob Powell’s Terror

Two golden Age classic artists get their due this month from IDW. In Wally Wood’s EC Stories: artist Edition, Woody’s EC stories and covers get the deluxe reprinted-from-the-original-art treatment. The material is reproduced at the original size, and considering that these pages are from the 1950s, that indicates “twice up” or twice the original printed size — making the dimensions of the 144-page book a massive 15” x 22”! holy Moley! . . . Meanwhile, Craig Yoe is assembling a 148-page full-color hardcover collection of Bob Powell’s classic 1950s horror stories in Bob Powell’s terror — part of “The Chilling Archives of horror Comics” series and chock full of gruesome ghouls and stunning gals.

If You’re Cracked, You’re Happy

If You’re Cracked, You’re Happy: The history of Cracked is actually two volumes, totaling nearly 1,100 pages of material from the “2nd greatest humor Magazine”, featuring work by John Severin, Jack Davis, Don Martin, will Elder, Jack Kirby (don’t blink, he only did one piece), Steve Ditko, Al Jaffee, and lots of others — making this pretty close to all the Cracked you might ever need. but there’s also a history of the long-running magazine, designer interviews, rare photos and artwork, and a complete checklist of every Cracked issue– all compiled by historian mark Arnold! NOTE: You may have already seen these books at your local bookstore — assuming your area still has bookstores…

MISC.

Alter Ego #105

Alter Ego #105 will be of interest to those interested in the now-defunct Comics Code. “Tales From the Code” will showcase a number of Before/After examples ofsome of the “best” of what the Code didn’t want you to see — featuring work by Simon & Kirby, Ditko, Buscema, Cole, Steranko, Krigstein, Williamson, Orlando, Heath, and lots of more!

DC Superhero Figurine Collection Magazine

I don’t follow figure/toy collecting much, but this month’s DC Superhero Figurine Collection magazine from the UK is a Mr. Mxyzptlk/Bat-Mite special with a very cute hand-painted Mxy/Mite figurine which is kind of tempting… It would have to be — the magazine itself is only 20 pages long! Yikes!

KC CARLSON: only 17 days to a new DC Universe. hope my little rocket is ready in time to get off the old one before it explodes.

As always, WESTFIELD COMICS is not responsible for the silly things that KC says. especially that thing that really irritated you.

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Wayne Markley

by Wayne Markley

Late last year DC announced a new line of comics featuring younger heroes and the whole line being managed by Brian Michael Bendis. Bendis is well known for his writing of younger characters over the years from Miles Morales to Takio. DC had high hopes for this new line of four books, so with this blog I am going to look at them. I need to say overall they are really enjoyable. I say this as an old man reading these books with the idea they are for younger readers. I think the target audience is young teens and above. I will admit that while these books do tie into the DC universe they are not that complex to the DCU nor do you need to know anything about DC Comics to appreciate these books.

Young Justice

First up we have young Justice which takes the name from a DC Comic from 1998 that was written by Peter David and featured Robin, Superboy, and Impulse. considering that then, the name and various mixes of heroes have been published including a fun run by Art Baltazar and Franco. (There have been at least three young Justice series before Bendis’ version). I must mention that there was also a very popular cartoon show based on the concept of the teen DC heroes teaming together for all sorts of adventures. In Bendis’ new young Justice, the story opens with the magical world of Gemworld (from the classic series Amethyst) merging with earth and wonder Girl, Impulse, and Robin hook up with Jinny Hex (who may or may not be related to Jonah Hex) and teen Lantern. As a group they attempt to stop Gemworld from taking over Metropolis. In the process have they found the long missing Conner Kent (Superboy)? This first arc of six issues (yes, they are still writing for the trade sadly) is written by Bendis and beautifully drawn by Patrick Gleason. This is a fun adventure filled with action and gags. The characters are a lot of fun and Bendis hits a great mix of a young reader’s book and a well done standard superhero comic. It is fast paced and filled with twists. as with a lot of stories by Brian Bendis, there are a lot of subplots and teases of things to come so you are left with a number of questions at the end of the first arc. The first issues have been collected into a beautiful hardcover collection. I must mention that Patrick Gleason has left the book after issue six (he is moving to marvel and Spider-Man). Gleason was replaced on art by John Timms.

Naomi

Next is another book written by Bendis that was a six issue miniseries called Naomi. This book was co-written by David F. Walker, who I consider highly an underrated writer (I still consider his Luke Cage Christmas special a classic), and drawn by Jamal Campbell. The art is just beautiful as it is clean and smooth and just flows like water. The story is about a teen girl named Naomi who, after Superman and Mongul crash into her home town, goes on a quest to look into when the last time a superhero had come to her home. This leads to Naomi discovering her origins are not what she thought and she is not a normal teen after all. This book had a lot of buzz when it was coming out and Naomi has recently appeared in the pages of action Comics along with Superman. I really took pleasure in this book but it read differently than young Justice. It is a different type of story as it is a single character that is firmly set in a normal world with amazing things going on around her. (Young Justice is a lot of magic and fantasy.) Both books are very good but to me it seems they would appeal to different audiences. The first hardcover collection of Naomi season One is just out and it is a worth checking getting. DC has announced there will be a second season of Naomi (a second series) but there are no dates yet for it.

Dial H for Hero

The third series is Dial H for Hero. like young Justice, there are at least three previous versions of Dial H for Hero. all of these series have revolved around the mystical H Dial, where the owner can dial the word HERO and they transform into a different superhero. This series was originally announced as a six issue miniseries but considering that then it has been expanded into a 12 issue series. It is written by Sam Humphries and drawn by Joseph A. Quinones Jr. This new series revolves around Miquel Montez who, through a number of accidents, comes across the H Dial and from there things go south. I find this book to be my least favorite of the wonder Comics. It is well done and the art is great but the story to me is too complex. (I guess the same thing could be said about young Justice). Humphries does a great job of tying in the previous Dial H history into this current run with an appearance by Robby Reed, the original holder of the H Dial in the pages of house of mystery in the 1960s. I will continue to read this book until it reaches its conclusion as I want to see where it goes. It is an interesting read but it does not entertain me as much as the other three books. The first collection is due out this Christmas and the second trade is due next spring.

Wonder Twins

The final book is wonder Twins. The wonder twins are Zan and Janya, a brother and sister superhero team who first appeared in the Hanna-Barbara incredibly friends cartoon. over the years they have appeared in various DC Comics including teen Titans Go! and an appearance on the TV show Smallville. As part of wonder Comics they were approved their own six issue series which, like Dial H, was been extended to 12 issues. It is written by mark Russell (another one of my current favorite writers) and beautifully drawn by Stephen Byrne. In this version of the wonder Twins, the duo are exiled from their home planet and land up on earth and under the enjoy of Superman who recruits them to be interns at the Hall of Justice. From there they find themselves involved with a secret crime gang which they take upon themselves to stop. Mayhem ensues. This is my favorite of the wonder Comics as it is filled with mark Russell’s humor and lean storytelling. In my book Russell, along with David walker and Tom Taylor, are my favorite comic writers. This book is a best mix of humor and action along with a touch of snark. It moves swiftly and the art is beautiful with a hint of an animation look which is a great nod to the character’s origins. The first trade collection collecting the first six issues will be on sale in November. I would highly recommend this book.

Young Justice #11

This wraps it up for this time. I really like what Bendis has made with these books. I do not know how much he is personally involved with these books, but I think DC should have credit scores for trying to do these books that can be read by non-traditional comic fans or the hardest comic fan alike. I would recommend any of these books to any individual trying to find a good read. As always I would love to hear what you think about these books. I can be reached at MFBWAY@AOL.COM or on Facebook at Wayne Markley. (Sorry, I am not social enough to be on any other platforms.) all of these words and thoughts are mine and do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of Westfield Comics or their employees. As always…

Thank you.

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by Wayne Markley

Supergirl has had a long and bumpy ride in the DC Universe. considering that she first appeared in action Comics #252 in 1959 (although there was a Super-Girl a year earlier in Superman #123, 1958), she has come and gone and been reinvented and re-introduced a number of times. The Supergirl that ran in the pages of action Comics and adventure Comics prior to getting her own title was killed in crisis On limitless Earths #7. At the time, a groundbreaking event that shook the comic book world. considering that then a number of different Supergirls have been introduced in the DC universe to various degrees of success. With the current success of the Supergirl TV show, DC has been collecting and issuing a lot of trades (and hardcover) collections of these earlier appearances. considering that there are so lots of different collections and version of Supergirl I am not going to look in any way of them, but I am going to cherry pick the books I have took pleasure in the most and would recommended. There are a few periods of the character I am going to neglect as I really did not care for them.

Supergirl: The Silver Age Omnibus Vol. 1

The original Supergirl was Superman’s cousin from Krypton, Kara Zor-El. like Superman she was rocketed to earth from Krypton but landed lots of years later than he did. The original story was written by science fiction author and longtime DC writer Otto Binder (who also happened to create Mary Marvel, who is remarkably similar to Supergirl in relation to her mentor, Captain (Shazam) Marvel; young teen female version of the adult male, etc.) Supergirl was originally drawn by Al Plastino and later on by a number of artists. In these early stories Superman wanted to keep Supergirl (Linda Lee Danvers) a secret and she was placed in an orphanage and would secretly change into Supergirl in a hollow tree trunk. She would have fun adventures in the pages of action Comics after the lead Superman story. a lot of of these early stories were very basic and were such things as rescuing a cat stuck in a tree or teaching the local bully a lesson. There was also the ongoing saga if she would ever be adopted and if she was, how would she deal with her duel lifestyle. This went on till action Comics #285 when Superman introduced Supergirl to the world at large. I really take pleasure in these stories partially due to their innocence but also because they are short, 8-12 pages, and are able to tell a compelling story with a beginning, middle, and end. A lot of these early stories can be found in the Supergirl: The Silver Age Omnibus which reprints all her appearances in action Comics #252-307. but coming soon is a paperback version called Supergirl: The Silver Age (more details here) which reprints action Comics #252-284 for less than a third of the Omnibus’ price. See KC Carlson’s column for a much deeper look at this material.

The daring new Adventures of Supergirl Vol. 1

In the late 1960s, DC moved Supergirl from being a back up feature in action Comics to being the lead feature in adventure Comics swapping places with the legion of Super-Heroes. She debuted in issue #381 where she was the lead feature till issue #424 when she got her own book. So far none of the action stories from #308-376 or adventure Comics stories or her first solo series have not been reprinted but I am hopeful DC will get around to reprinting these stories in a future Omnibus or Silver Age Collections. Also, we do have the first volume of the second Supergirl solo series, The daring new Adventures of Supergirl (and volume 2 is coming soon.) This series ran from 1982 to 1984 and was written by Paul Kupperberg with art by Carmine Infantino and Bob Oskner. This first volume reprints the first 12 issues of this series. It is light hearted and normal of DC Comics of the time. In these stories Supergirl travels around the united states battling crime and having adventures. It is undoubtedly an attempt to update the teen look of Supergirl from the pages of her last series. It is a fun read with pleasurable art. It is by no indicates great, but it is captivating enough to pass away an afternoon.

Supergirl by Peter David Vol. 2

From here we jump ahead to 1996 when Peter David and Gary Frank bring Supergirl back once again in Supergirl by Peter David. (There was a character known as Matrix who posed as Supergirl in a run of Superman starting in 1988). In this new series, the Matrix version of Supergirl sacrifices her existence by merging with Linda Danvers, a less than upright human being, to create a new Supergirl that is sort of a hybrid of the whole Matrix thing and the classic Supergirl stories from action and adventure Comics. So far DC has done two collections of these stories. They are not really standard Supergirl stories, as there is a lot of magic and supernatural (as well as religious) overtones, at least in the first 20 issues. This series is significant though as Gary Frank did the art in the first 9 issues and was then followed by Leonard Kirk. These are all fun stories that are much better when I re-read them in trades versus when I first read them back in 1996. I found I quite took pleasure in these stories, which I did not when I read the original series. My one problem is in these collections there are events that the stories undoubtedly tied into, such as whatever the event was at the time, but there are no editorial notes or explanations in the story as to why the skies are black and people are turning into monsters. In the world of reprint collections, marvel is much better at this by adding a page of synopsis or at least a few lines of text saying “X happened in…” so this odd behavior and events have context. I am hoping that DC reprints all of Peter David’s run on this book as it takes a 180 degree towards the end, which at the time got all sorts of attention.

Supergirl: Being incredibly #1

Since the Peter David run there have been many attempts to bring Supergirl back, in both the new 52 and Rebirth, but to me none of these attempts have really worked very well, if at all. currently though there is a four issue prestige miniseries called Supergirl: Being incredibly written by Mariko Tamaki (writer of Marvel’s Hulk comic) and drawn by Joelle Jones that is fantastic. So far the first two issues are out they are great. They take the best elements of Archie Comics and mix it with classic Supergirl to make a modern and thoroughly satisfying take on the girl of Steel. I cannot wait for the rest of this series as it is the best Supergirl I have read in a long, long time.

Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade

Also of note is Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th grade collecting the first six issues of this series by Landry walker and Eric Jones. This was a DC kids book from a few years ago that is fine as a kids book, but not really for the true Supergirl fan. There are also two volumes of DC Superhero girls which are once again kids’ books, but they are excellent. These are small, full color graphic novels with all of the DC female heroes being young (pre or just turned teens mostly) having adventures and battling crime and evil. They are written by Shea Fontana (who is taking over wonder woman soon) and drawn by Yancey Labat. While these are created for kids, they are terrific reading for any age. A third volume is coming this summer.

Monika Vol. 1: Masked Ball

Finally, something completely different. Titan books have released two full color albums reprinting the murder mystery Monika. They are written by Thilde Barboni and beautifully drawn by Guillem (Gotham City Sirens) March. These two volumes (Vol. 1-Masked ball and Vol. 2-Vanilla Dolls) make for an appealing mystery about what happened to Monika’s older sister as well of the worlds of alternative art and terrorism. Together, these two volumes make for a pulse pounding read that is hard to put down. There are a number of twists and turns and some elements that you would not expect in a straight mystery, such as a living robot. I was first drawn to this book by the stunning art by March, but Barboni’s story is just as strong. The art has a rich soft look, nearly like watercolor or colored pencils, which works perfectly for this story. nothing in any way like the books above but well worth reading. I must note these books are mature audiences only as Monika is very sexual and there are plenty of sex scenes and nudity throughout this book. It is not XXX material by any means, but not for kids.

Supergirl by Michael Turner from the cover of Superman / Batman #13

This wraps up this week’s blog; a look at some of the high points of Supergirl, as least in my view, and another strong female in a mystery. I know some people loved Michael Turner’s run on the book, (Mr. Dave Wagner, for example, who thinks I am outrageous for not loving Turner’s run) and I have other pals that take pleasure in the regeneration version of Supergirl, but neither one works for me. As you might have guessed, everything I have written here is my opinion and in no way reflects the thoughts or opinions of Westfield Comics or their employees. What are your thoughts on Supergirl? Do you have a period you like a lot more than the others? Am I completely off base? have you read Monika? What did you think? Did you take pleasure in it as much as me? I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at MFBWAY@AOL.COM or on Facebook at Wayne Markley. As always…

Thank you.

some of the best graphic novels began as Kickstarter campaigns, but rarely do we see them in our local bookshop. Or on Amazon, for that matter. However, we might see one of those problems start going away. Bookshop and Kickstarter are now partnering to push crowdfunded indie graphic novels and comics beyond their fundraising stage. As a result, some of the best graphic novels could experience even much more sales than ever before.

Kickstarter and Bookshop Aren’t just publishing Indie graphic Novels – but It’s Their most significant Draw.

(Image through Kickstarter)

The new joint site, called Kickstarter publishing (powered by Bookshop), has several curated lists already. There are novels, children’s picture books, cookbooks, and, of course, comics. So far, the comics and graphic novel list includes 48 books. some of them flew way under the radar, but others have become huge hits. For instance, the series that Warner Bros is adapting, Black. In fact, Black actually helped launch one of the best new imprints in comics, Black Mask. but it started as a Kickstarter before it ever saw the inside of a bookstore. Now, Kickstarter publishing will help books as popular as Black. but they are also promoting lesser-known titles, such as Katrina Hates the Dead increase their sales and audience.

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But some titles are already on backorder. It’s been about two days, Cyber Force: renewal and September Mourning.

Awesome things currently Crowdfunding That will hopefully Come to the new Store

There are hundreds of projects on Kickstarter, but there are two really exciting. Firstly, a new graphic novel from Eisner winner Marco Lopez and artist David Brame, Blanco volume One: The truth shall set You Free. As Lopez describes on the page:

(Image through Kickstarter)

In a post-apocalyptic future where man has long because been gone, and medieval kingdoms control their people with an iron fist, religious guideline is the purchase of the day. and Blanco is one of the most beloved warriors in the kingdom of the seraph Azrael.

He and his brother Cane hunt the heretics who dare defy their father’s law. Zealots of a new apocryphal belief that is spreading across the five Kingdoms and the Middling Lands.

When Blanco discovers a band of heretics is heading through the outer zone to a safe haven, they call new Eden. He chooses to make an example of them, but what he finds in the outer zone will literally change his perception of the world he lives in.

Secondly, there’s LAMBDA Literary Fellow Tina Horn’s sequel to her exceptional image Comic series SFSX, SFSX volume Two: terms of Service. As Horn describes the series:

(Image through Kickstarter)

After their previous adventures in sex, love, and torture left them separated and traumatized, our dirty Mind heroes should face new state sanctioned nightmares in SfSx: terms of Service.

ToS brings the same combination of sensual thrills, fetish imagination, and political subtext that fans of SfSx have come to love. Both a continuation of the series’ world-building and a stand-alone graphic novel, this intelligent and colorful dystopian satire is ideal for fans of Ex Machina, “San Junipero,” and Pose.

We can’t wait to see what other indie graphic novels come to the Kickstarter Bookshop page. Hopefully, it will lead people to discover even much more fantastic comics.

Featured image through Kickstarter

For those in Hawaii participating in the Thirty Meter Telescope protests, a big-screen comic book hero just rode to their rescue. (On a wave, no doubt.) Jason Momoa, DC’s Aquaman, traveled to his birthplace of Hawaii, where he took in some motorcycle riding as well as cultural exchange with the Standing rock Sioux Tribe. Yet, he’s likewise joined the Thirty Meter Telescope protests that have led to the short-term shutdown of 13 observatories on one of Hawaii’s many essential mountains, Mauna Kea. A recent court ruling enabled advancement of the Thirty Meter Telescope to continue, in spite of legal action from native Hawaiians to whom it’s sacred land. With building arranged to begin again, protesters flocked to the site. singing tunes as well as celebrating native culture, they occupied the area avoiding building from continuing. as well as Jason Momoa joined them.

In a series of Instagram posts, Momoa highlighted the fight led by the protesters. He called them sacred protectors. He likewise composed demonstration messages on his body as well as his son’s in black marker. They published for photos as well as took part in events on the site. Yet, things may be getting much more tense according to his many recent post. In the caption, Momoa warns “Warner Bros. we can’t shoot Aquaman 2, since Jason got run over by a bulldozer trying to stop the desecration of his native land.” He then encourages his fans to share the picture of the building of the Subaru Telescope, likewise on Mauna Kea.

What is the Thirty Meter Telescope?

The Thirty Meter Telescope, as planned, will be the largest telescope that utilizes the visible light spectrum on the mountain. If they develop it on the site, it will be the last such observatory enabled on Mauna Kea. The protests stimulated up since of the sacred history of the suggested site. Boasting a thirty-meter diameter light-gathering mirror comprised of 492 segmented pieces, that will provide resolution never before seen from a land-based telescope. If it’s developed on Mauna Kea, it will be the tallest such observatory in the world. since of this, the job enjoys support from Canadian, Chinese, Japanese, as well as Indian area agencies.

Is He truly Not going to Shoot Aquaman 2?

It’s fair to infer that Momoa is being somewhat hyperbolic here. His rage at the suggested Thirty Meter Telescope is, of course, legitimate. It’s unlikely he won’t show up for Aquaman 2, however. This is most likely not a risk to Warner Bros., who have nothing to finish with the Thirty Meter Telescope, however rather a public statement. The protests are relaxed for now, however some (including Momoa) may be prepared to sacrifice their bodies to stop construction. Whether that implies dealing with off with security, chaining themselves to equipment, or just a healthy dose of bravado, it may not come to that. While the problem is far from settled, the NPR reports that the Astronomers wishing to develop the TMT, filed an application to their backup site in the Canary Islands. The site in Hawaii is still “the favored site,” however the protests shook their resolve a bit.

If building resumes, will Jason Momoa throw himself in front of a bulldozer? only he knows, however ideally the protests stay relaxed as well as nobody ends up injured. It’s uncertain exactly how long Momoa will stay with the protests. Nonetheless, he’s utilizing his platform to raise understanding about the issue. With numerous personal as well as public area companies from across the globe involved, moving the site produces numerous issues for them. However, to the Hawaiian people, the place will ruin land that has special implying to their belief as well as their history. If these protests fail, ideally the activists take solace in the truth that there will be no much more observatories on Mauna Kea.

Netflix’s sweet Tooth comic adaptation is getting a full series order. The Robert Downey Jr. produced original series is finally coming to Netflix, after much back and forth between another streamer. The series initially landed at Hulu but didn’t really go anywhere. The announcement came from Downey Jr. himself, as he posted an image from the Vertigo comics series and outlined his and his production company’s involvement in the series.

Netflix’s sweet Tooth Adapted From A Vertigo Comic Book

images via Vertigo Comics.

The Vertigo comic book series sweet Tooth, written by Jeff Lemire, ran from 2009 to 2013. The comic book featured a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by an unknown disease. much of the story is from the perspective of a young boy with the physical features of a deer. The world sees many such hybrid children that are part animal among its population after the apocalypse. The boy’s father sheltered him far in the woods, away from civilization. but after his dad’s death, the boy ventures out into the world, only to discover what part he plays in the larger scheme of things. As a result, he meets more like himself who seek answers about their existence and other mysteries. Meanwhile, there are characters who are trying to find the link between these hybrid kids, and what happened to the world.

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The series was very well received, containing influences from a lot of other works. Lemire created, wrote, and drew the entire thing himself. sweet Tooth is such a blend of different genres that many have described the series as mad Max meets Bambi. That pairing of contrasting style and tone is really what sets sweet Tooth apart from other post-apocalyptic content. especially considering that the Netflix adaptation is meant to be a family-friendly adventure show. I’m very curious to see how a post-apocalyptic series can also be family-friendly. 

Sweet Tooth will get One full season On Its Netflix Premiere

Netflix’s sweet Tooth comic adaptation was originally supposed to be on Hulu. However, there was no progress beyond that initial announcement. The series stalled and then Netflix picked up the rights for the show. Robert Downey Jr. showed his support for the show on his Facebook page, announcing his production company’s involvement. The series will be going into a full season during its premiere. This shouldn’t be too surprising as Netflix’s original series usually release an entire season at once. It’s all part of the Netflix binge model experience. The series has the production company of Iron man himself, team Downey behind it. and it stars Christian Convery, Nonso Anonzie, Adell Akhtar and will Forte. However, no word yet on the release date of the sweet Tooth adaptation on Netflix just yet. 

Will you be tuning into Netflix’s sweet Tooth comic adaptation? let us know in the comments below.