Seasons & Mini's versus the On-going...

From a series of Posts I made at ifanboy.com.... 

"I can understand the corporate mentality of an on-going….and with the titles like Batman, Spiderman, etc., it makes sense. I would think that with great selling titles or titles with one author for several years (Green Lantern for example), it would make sense to keep an on-going numbering. However, with lesser selling titles/characters…..”Seasons” or “Mini’s” may be the way to go.

Elephantmen: Armed Forces (Review)

Armed Forces is a collection that includes the sold out graphic novel  War Toys (see: Book of the Month), War Toys: Yvette, & a couple of issues from the ongoing monthly, Elephantmen.  Richard Starkings continues the writing on this masterpiece of Pulp Science Fiction, while artwork is done by some of the greatest artists in the industry today....Moritat, Boo Cook, Ladronn, & Axel Medellin.

Yvette

While I must admit that Saga has taken over as the #1 comic book in my heart, Elephantmen takes a backseat to nothing else being published today.  Completely original, entertaining, with some of the best storytelling and artwork available....it's in a word: Awesome!

The Hardcover editions are breathtakingly gorgeous, with attached ribbon bookmarker, great binding....a very "real book" look and feel.

This volume is a prequel to the other Elephantmen volumes, showing the history and background on our main characters, the war fought in Europe between Central Africa & China, & the European resistance led by it's symbolic leader, Yvette. She is really the star of this volume, as she matures from naive little sister to unstoppable Force of Nature!

Saga #5 (Review)

To say that this title so far has been awesome would be an understatement.....Brian K. Vaughan (Writer) & Fiona Staples (Artist) have easily created the best series of 2012.  Saga & The Walking Dead are the only non-"Big 2" (DC & Marvel) titles in the Top 50 (in Sales) for the last 6 months.  Saga has been doing great in sales, with several reorders for each of the first 5 issues.  This is a title still gaining new readers every month, and boasts an impressive female reading audience as well (something most comic book titles struggle to find).

The covers for every issue have been wonderful, boasting a character from the Saga Universe, this issue having Prince Robot IV gracing it's cover.  He seems to have father issues, a bad temper, and maybe some problems in the bedroom as well.....but things are looking up, as he receives good news in this issue.

Issue 4 ended with Marko, Alana, & Hazel face-to-face with Landfall soldiers looking to "pacify" them, The Will trying to escape Sextillion with a little girl he's saved from slavery, & The Stalk still lurking about......on to the review.....

The Flash #10, #11, & #12 (Review)

Well, the "New 52" Flash is officially a year old!  Sales have been solid, Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato have proven they can write as well as do fabulous arwork, & this has consistently been my favorite DC Comics title.  "The Man" & "Booch" have introduced us to the re-imagined Rogues, Gem Cities, & Barry Allen with art that borders on masterpiece.....I cannot state enthusiastically enough how wonderfully awesome the artwork is from the first to last page in every issue done by these two creators.

The Flash is one of the most visually-influenced characters in comic books.  What I mean is, the story almost always hinges on the visual....rather than the visual on the story (i.e. Batman, Green Lantern, etc.).  DC Comics made the right decision in giving this title to Manapul & Buccellato, two artists who were new to writing.  They have progressed exponentially as writers over their first 12 issues together, all the while providing the breathtaking artwork that is needed on a title like The Flash!

Looking back over the years at wonderful artwork on The Flash.....from the talented hands of Harold Porter, Ethan Van Sciver, Scott Kolins, & Andy Kubert (off the top of my head).....it is Francis Manapul's Flash that I always see now when I think of The Flash!  He has made The Flash "Iconic" again in my eyes....Thank You Mr. Manapul!!!

On to the reviews.....

Red Lanterns #11 & #12 (Review)

It is only beginning!!!!

The Red Lanterns are having issues.....split into two factions, separated in two directions, dying one-by-one from whatever and whomever has poisoned the Red Lanterns' Power Battery on their home planet Ysmault.....things are not looking good.

So, it's almost been a year for the Red Lanterns title.....a year of RAGE!!  Sales show them around the middle of the pack for DC titles, and last among the 4 Green Lantern Titles.....but at around 36k, sales are solid for this title, and it should continue for at least another year or two.  Peter Milligan is going strong, with no announced plans of going anywhere...and artist Miguel Sepulveda is showing his worth just a few issues in.  On to the reviews.....

Reed Gunther: The Bear-Riding Cowboy (Review)

I've collected comic books over a couple of decades, and Reed Gunther is one of the best "all ages" comic books that I've ever read.   Entertaining, fun, comical at times....with a decent story plot and good writing & artwork. Reed, Sterling (his best friend, and also a bear), & Starla have "wild west" fun fighting monsters, giant snakes, and an "evil" businessman....which all leads them to New York City! Every Chapter leaves a smile on your face and chuckling under your breath as you shout "Pickled Beets!"

Godzilla Legends (Review)

This 5-issue mini-series explored some of Toho's other monsters that regularly make appearances in Godzilla movies and comics.  Each issue/chapter of this Graphic Novel explores one of the monsters pictured on the cover.

Various writers & artists collaborated on this project; most notably Matt Frank, who drew the cover for the collection and all of issue 1.  Simon Gane; the current artist on the on-going Godzilla series from IDW, is among the artists as well.

The Godzilla/Toho universe is a rather simple one......Giant Monsters, Alien races, and Humans trying to determine the friendliness of the aliens and avoid/defeat the Monsters.  Godzilla is the Alpha-Monster, who regularly saves mankind while also crushing them underfoot.

I am rather new to Godzilla; having watched several of the movies as a child.....and am currently catching up on several Godzilla films made after 1998.  IDW has done an outstanding job staying "true" to the franchise's history and direction (unlike previous incarnations of Godzilla at Marvel & Dark Horse).....much like they've done with G.I. Joe, Transformers, Doctor Who, Star Trek, & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

On to the Review.....

Dinosaurs vs. Aliens (Review)

Now this is an interesting concept.....which is definitely doubling as movie pitch for Barry Sonnenfeld (who is the director famous for the "Men in Black" film franchise).  Written by the Iconic Grant Morrison, with artwork done by Mukesh Singh & Liquid Studios.  The Graphic Novel is published by Dynamite Entertainment.

Just when I had given up hope that Grant Morrison could write a simplistic, straightforward, awesomely wonderful comic book like he did "back in the day" (I am referring to his JLA writing)....he writes this great piece of work!  So simple it's daring....so simple it's complex and mind-blowing!  Bravo, Grant Morrison, bravo!

I will be at my local cinema at 10am waiting in the Dinosaurs vs. Aliens line........I may have to leave occasionally (for work and showers), but I will be there on opening day!!!  On to the review...

Saga #4 (Review)

This series by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples continues to impress me with mind-blowing writing & art.  The universe of Saga continues to be as unique & complex as it is simplistic & beautiful.

The covers so far have been great as well!  Each one is really like a poster featuring one (or two) of the main characters.  #4's cover features The Will & Lying Cat.  The Will appears to be smoking.....something?.....we'll pretend that it's a self-rolled cigarette.

It's been announced that the series will take a couple of months off after issue #6, while they catch up &  see how the release of the first collection in graphic novel format sells.....before they continue on.  I understand this, and want them to be rested/caught up/etc......but I hope it doesn't steal away any momentum from this wonderfully awesome series that is really turning heads and gaining new readers!!

On to the review......

The Flash #9 (Review)

This title is by far; in my opinion, the best of the "New 52".  The artwork is always stellar, and you can see in this panel to our left that Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato prove the truth of the phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words".  Every page and every panel is like this, and then when Manapul's & Booch's scripts add more life  to the pictures.....the artwork and words come alive in your mind to form the symphonic masterpiece that is The Flash.....

The Flash #8 (Review)

As I wait for the temperature to drop below triple-digit heat indexes so I can drive my NON-air-conditioned truck over to Capital City Comics (in Reynoldsburg, OH) to pick up The Flash #10.....I thought I'd review #8.

When we last left The Flash, he had just "flashed" away from the treadmill in Dr. Elias' facilities and into the Speedforce in an effort to find Iris and the others from the boat who disappeared during his battle with Captain Cold. Issue #8 begins......

Red Lanterns #9 & #10 (Review)

Motto of the Red Lanterns!

I have to admit, the RED LANTERNS title is my guilty pleasure (BaBUM)....I've tried to drop it from my pull list (BaBUM), even tried passing by it and ignoring it in my local comic book shop (the great Capital City Comics in Reynoldsburg, Ohio...BaBUM)....even purposely didn't go to the store on the weeks that it's released just so maybe it would sell out and I'd miss it (BaBUM), tried to convince myself that I didn't want it anymore because Ed Benes left as artist (BaBUM).....but alas, no matter how much I've tried, I MUST HAVE RED LANTERNS!! (BaBUM BaBUM BaBUM!!)

Planetoid #1 (Review)

From the outset of this issue, you find that the plot is simple: Man crashes into strange planet. The Story is simple: Man attempting to survive on said planet. The artwork is great, the grays and blacks contrasting nicely with our main character. It's a strange and original world with mechanical beasts and lizard-like creatures that chew and digest metal. This first issue contained a good introduction to the Planetoid "universe", had well-placed action panels, and a good ending to lead into issue #2.....

The Massive #1 (Review)

Brian Wood writes this apocalyptic journey about the crew of the Kapital as it searches for it's "sister ship", The Massive.

In a bleak future (not very distant from now!) the crew of the Kapital is near the Kamchatka peninsula (off the coast of Russia), following a "ghost" signal on their radar that they believe may be The Massive. The small crew is being aggressively followed by "hostiles".  The Kapital and The Massive are the two boats of The Ninth Wave, Marine Conservationist Direct Action Force.  Kapital is Captained by Callum Israel, who is also the leader of The Ninth Wave.

Godzilla #1 & #2 (Review)

The "wrap-around" cover for Godzilla #1

As "Godzilla Week" KREEEEAUNG's (Godzilla's roar spelled phonetically) to a close, we take a look at issues #1 & #2 of the new monthly on-going series; Godzilla, from IDW Publishing. Written by veteran writer Duane Swierczynski, with artist Simon Gane and colorist Ronda Pattison.....

Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters (Review)

Cover of Volume 1

Cover of Volume 2

Continuing "Godzilla Week" brings us to Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters, a three volume (twelve issue)  story arc that stars President Ogden (who looks a lot like President Obama), Sergeant Steven Woods, a girl named Allie, psychotic & telepathic twins, Godzilla, & most of his Monster "friends".

Cover of Volume 3

The story begins with Godzilla rising up from the depths of the ocean off the coast of Japan.  After destroying a fishing village, the Japanese Government makes the decision to nuke the beast!!
MISTAKE!!  Godzilla can now breath fire (or something to that effect) as a result of the failed attempt to destroy him.  Godzilla takes out his bad breath frustrations on Tokyo's helpless population.

Meanwhile, all across the world in various nations and on various continents.....other monsters are awaking as well!! Anguirus, Battra, Kumonga, and Rodan begin paths of destruction, heading toward one another.

The twins; Mallorie & Minette, decide they want to be Queens.....so they use their considerable telepathic powers to influence and control Battra.  They make their way to Paris.....where Battra cocoons on the Eiffel Tower.

Anguirus decides to leave Mexico and travel across the U.S. border illegally! Rodan eats a juvenile hockey player in Moscow, Russia, and Kumonga takes to the road just outside Pasadena, California.

President Ogden and the U.S. Government begin to panic as Godzilla makes his way across the Pacific and onto our shores.......

Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths (Review)

I've decided that it's "Godzilla Week" at Superhero Reviews!! Although Godzilla: Gansters & Goliaths may not contain the most deeply intricate story plots....and the main characters don't speak, they simply roar or "skreeonk"....how can you not love the random and all-encompassing chaos and destruction?

Written by John Layman, with artwork by Alberto Ponticelli....G:G&G revolves around Tokyo Police Detective Makoto Sato, who tries to end the corruption and violence of mob boss Takahashi.  Takahashi murders his partner and frames him for it, has his cronies take Sato out to sea to murder him and dispose of the body......they end up just off the coast of Monster Island.

Sato makes a bold move and escapes death momentarily, only to find himself washed up onshore Monster Island with the mob guns right behind him.

Saga #3 (Review)

So, we find Marko, Alana, & Hazel still in the Endless Woods (it is "endless", you know).....Marko bleeding to death from The Stalk's attack last issue, and the "horrors" having appeared.

We quickly learn that the "horrors" aren't exactly that, but rather are ghosts...."spiritual defenders of Cleave".  Marko regains consciousness momentarily and lets Alana know that he would need snow for a healing spell.....of course it's sweltering, and they are nowhere near snow.  One of the Ghosts; Izabel (see: cover on left), offers to help....for a price.  She wants off Cleave, but can only achieve escape if she's bonded with someone born on Cleave.  Alana is wary about allowing a ghost to bond to her daughter, but she does need snow for Marko.

The Stalk is still about, but is too busy fending off the indigenous wildlife to keep pursuing Marko, Alana, & Hazel.  She calls The Will, and we learn that the two have had a "past".   Prince Robot IV is planetside as well....

Higher Earth #1 (Review)

The new series from Boom! Studios, written by Sam Humphries, with artwork by Francesco Biagini.  Let me say from the start that I was drawn to this new on-going series NOT because of the writer or artist or publisher.....but because of the story concept.

The art is decent; by the way, with great colors by Andrew Crossley.  Biagini's art comes from different angles, and the fight sequences are good.  Sam Humphries' writing is good, carrying with it a great concept of awesome potential.  The former writer of Planet of The Apes, and soon to be Marvel Comics writer, Humphries shows his muster with a good first issue introducing us to Rex & Heidi; the two main characters, and Rex's bird (?).  The only place the writing fell short to me was that there was almost no revelation as to who the "enemy" is.....of course, I'm sure it will be revealed as the story progresses.

The first issue was only $1.00.....you can't beat that!!

Saga #2 (Review)

When you first look upon the cover of Saga: Chapter Two (or, #2), you think "What the Frak?"....weird hand and baby hands? But do not be fooled!  This is an awesome comic book through and through.

Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples deliver the next chapter of this on-going series, which is quickly becoming the hottest property in the comic book industry.  The only criticism I have of #2 is that it goes by so fast!  

When we last left Marko & Alana, they were fleeing the forces chasing them, and hoping to find the mythical "Rocketship Forest"....
Now they find themselves in the "Endless Woods".

Meanwhile, The Will is tracking them and learns that another is as well...The Stalk.  The Will contemplates giving up on the quest, and we will soon find out why....