• Walking Dead – there’s a reason for its popularity!
• Chew – funniest comic on the market! With great characters and a complex storyline too!
• Morning Glories – fantastic! (Wait til you read the latest Lash!)
• Danger Club – best opening issue of a series I’ve read in…forever?
• Hell Yeah – surprise delight and really awesome new series!
• Saga – quite possibly the best new comic book series going, destined to be among the greatest ever in the medium!
• America’s Got Powers – another strong debut issue!
• Glory – brave and bold creators taking chances and also providing an amazing story!
• Prophet – science-fiction on a level few have ever reached, like Ridley Scott’s first alien film or Moebius’ European comics
• Fatale – the best crime / noir duo EVER in comics now bring the perhaps the best pulp / horror / noir series EVER to comics!
• Peter Panzerfaust – I haven’t smiled as widely and as warmly as I did the last three times when I read an issue of this series! An adventure series so good that along with Atomic Robo and Chew, it made Eryk Davis Ester believe in the medium again!
• Manhattan Projects & Secret – two new series by Jonathan Hickman that are already causing my brain to leak out my ears! Manhattan Projects was particularly awesome!
• Skullkickers – I came late to the party, but as my motto states, I’m just glad I came! ( ) I’m already blown away by how utterly terrific this series is and I’m currently hunting down back issues.
• Bulletproof Coffin – the single most creative thing in history besides perhaps the guy who first combined peanut butter and jelly!

quote:

---

Originally posted by MLLASH's back:
SAGA earns a spot on the pull after the terrific issues 2-3!

SUPREME 64 confirmed EVERY SINGLE ONE of my fears for a post-Moore version of this title. It is on the "1 more issue" bubble and if 65 follows the path 64 started, it will be the final issue I buy.

---

I had the same exact reaction when I read the latest Supreme. I was so angry, in fact, I started hunting online for interviews with Larsen and reviews. One interview calmed me down a *little*. Larsen confirmed the other Supremes will remain a part of the cast and that not many characters actually died other than walk-on Supremes and Daxes. His words were "I'm giving Alan Moore's Supreme his biggest challenge yet: Rob Liefield's Supreme." So it looks like psycho Supreme isn't the star but the villain.

So...I feel a little better. (At least not fuming with anger). But all that does is make me want to continue to give it a chance. I'm still very much on the fence.
 

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Posted by Suddenly Seymour on :
 
"America's Got Powers" was a strong first issue, though I kept wishing Todd Nauck would just bring back "Wild Guard."

Another great Image read is "Reed Gunther," an all-ages book with plenty of action and humor for adults. It has a great "Brisco County Jr." vibe to it.

I also hope to see "Marineman" return soon.
 

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Posted by MLLASH's back on :
 
I think I need to check for a WILD GUARD trade.
 

---

Posted by MLLASH's back on :
 
AMERICA'S GOT POWERS 1... ummmm... here's another massacre scene. WHAT is it with IMAGE and massacre scenes? That's, like, crazy man.

Anyway, the massacre doesn't get TOO terribly deadly before it is ended-- and HOW it is ended is enough to make me wanna continue with issue 2! I'm kinda hoping the new player discovered here puts a complete and total end to massacres by issue 6...
 

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Posted by lowercase mllash on :
 
AMERICA'S GOT POWERS 2 ...still keeping my interest.

HELL YEAH 4 ...I wanna meet the lesbian chick version of me from an alternate dimension! HELL YEAH is really starting to click.

SUPREME 65 ...Larsen surprised me. This issue gave me hope and earned my return next month.


DANGER CLUB 3 ...Yeah, I think the potential here is massive but the execution is just NOT working for me at ALL. My last issue of this.

After reading comments here about SAGA 4, I decided not to go forward with it.

Looking forward to MORNING GLORIES and TWD though!
 

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Posted by Power Boy on :
 
awww I am waiting for the trade of Danger Club since my store only had issue 3.

America's Got Powers has me intrigued too.

I recently burned through Morning Glories Trade #3. So good. I even told the clerk at the CBS how good it was.
 

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Posted by lowercase mllash on :
 
Peebs, I can send you DANGER CLUB issues 1-3 if you like, the execution may work better for you than for me
 

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Posted by Power Boy on :
 
that would be sweet ass sweet!
 

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Posted by lowercase mllash on :
 
Then send me your address either here or on FB
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
^ hm, nice move to get Peebz address!

I'm really enjoying Danger Club in a big way but it definitely isn't for everyone. Hopefully you like it more than Lash, Peebz!

I was so glad to read your comment on Supreme, Lash! I think Larsen is being more clever than we thought at first. My biggest fear was the "Liefield Supreme" would be the new protagonist. But what I think Larsen is doing is making him the series arch-villain--and *that* could get interesting.

Also, I recommend you try REVIVAL given your love of the zombie genre. I just did a mini-review in the Random Comics thread. A really solid debut issue that sets the series apart as unique and high quality.
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Ps - also LOVING Hell Yeah!
 

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Posted by lowercase mllash on :
 
Was REVIVAL the one that a sneak preview that had the old lady, the cat and all those teeth? Because it really looked kinda cool and creepy and made me think about trying it.
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
That's the one! That teeth scene was crazy-creepy.

I hesitated on buying this one but at the last minute grabbed it...and am really glad I did. I was delightfully surprised at how much it exceeded my expectations.
 

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Posted by lowercase mllash on :
 
Shitsnacks, it's out already??? I just went to the CBS Weds... maybe I will have enough $$$ to go again next week!

And yes, Larsen is TOTES being more clever than I was willing to give him credit for... I readily admit, "My bad". SUPREME 65 was VERY intriguing!!

Although Suprememouse was really getting on my nerves. He should have died. I was THRILLED to see Sister Supreme survived!
 

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Posted by Sarcasm Kid on :
 
And this month's Glory revealed that she may have acquired her very own Donna Troy...
 

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Posted by lowercase mllash on :
 
MORNING GLORIES has fizzled out for me; # 21 will be my last issue of that. I also have decided not to proceed with AMERICA'S GOT POWERS past # 3.

That said, REVIVAL and IT GIRL & THE ATOMICS are threatening to enter-- my personal current TOP 5 COMICS!
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
I read Howard Chaykin's Black Kiss 2 #1 a coupla days ago, and.....well, let's preface this by saying this one was not for everyone. And probably not for most anyone else, either!

I didn't come into this blind at all. I read the original Black Kiss from the '80s two or three years ago. It's hard to describe, but I'd call it kind of a psycho-sexual/noirish/crime/mystery story that's a commentary of sorts on Hollywood. And, only at the end, we find out that there is a supernatural element to it that informs a lot of what we saw. For its time, it was one of the more graphically sexual books on the market.

Flashforward over twenty years later and we have here an apparent prequel, though there is no obvious connection to the original apparent in the first issue. And the degree of sexuality within is taken WAAAAAY up a notch from the original.

This issue has a pair of stories seemingly only connected through their similar themes of horror thru supernatural sexual violation.

The first story takes place in one of the earliest movie theatres and shows a crowd entranced by the new silent medium. Emphasis is placed on their near-worship of the new form of entertainment. As they watch, a creature emerges from the screen and violates them in a manner that has to be seen to believe.

The second story takes place about five years later aboard the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage. A virgin male is about to have his first experience with a prostitute when the ship hits the iceberg. As the man flees for his life, a shape-shifting demon grabs him and takes his virginity horrifically by force. Later, the man is pulled from the ocean into one of the lifeboats and has apparently been cursed.

Like I said, this book is really, really graphically sexual. Male and female genitals are on display and violent nonconsensual intercourse is shown. You could easily call this porn, and I'd have a hard time disproving you.

To me, it was kind of like an old EC horror comic but with, well, graphic sex. I'd say there was some storytelling value. They were both cautionary tales of a sort with some definite subtext beyond just being gross or titillating. Plus, I think this will all relate to the original Black Kiss and is probably setting up to tell the history that lead up to that story.

It's black and white (as the original was) and is ably illustrated by Chaykin in his inimitable style. More than likely, he's trying to outdo the original's reputation for a more desensitized modern readership.

It's twisted, dark, gross and highly sexual, so most people won't like it. I'm not entirely sure I like it, but I'll be back for issue 2.
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
I read Harvest #1 the same night. This one was a really edgy story about the blackmarket for human organs. Specifically, it focuses on a disgraced surgeon who loses his medical license and is approached by an organization selling organs to remove the organs for them. We get to see the nuts and bolts of how he lost everything.

This was very well written and illustrated. Definite R-rated material, though, with strong language, gore and some sexuality. Nothing supernatural going on here. Kind of a neat idea for a movie or TV series, really. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to and am curious to see if the story plays out in some unexpected ways.
 

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Posted by Mediocre Boy on :
 
I'm loving Danger Club.
 

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Posted by lowercase mllash on :
 
I saw a 6 page preview for BLACK KISS 2 # 1 and it was so over the top I instantly decided to pass. There's other places I can see that stuff in real life, for free. I did enjoy the 80s BLACK KISS when it was coming out, although I recall I had guessed the secret before the actual big revelation near the end.
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Mediocre Boy:
I'm loving Danger Club.

---

One of my favorites

Hell Yeah is another.
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Lardy, I'm also following Black Kiss 2. You said it best:
"Not sure I like it but I'll be coming back". It's as brutal as any comic I've read yet there is a definite purpose to each graphically sexual sequence.

#2 is even more sexually graphic but is at least consensual for the most part. It also clearly crosses into the territory of 'hardcore porn with a pretty good noir storyline.' As much as we joke about stuff like this, I've never bought anything like it before. It's a monthly "decide on the spot" purchase.

What I really like is the noirish depiction of sleepy Hollywood. Considering the real life players of that era, so much of it rings true.
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Ps - also recommend Debris, which Lardy, myself and Ms. Anita Cocktail are loving and discussing in the Random Review thread.

And can't rave enough about Peter Panzerfaust!

And Planetoid is mind blowingly awesome sci-fi!
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cobalt Kid:
Lardy, I'm also following Black Kiss 2. You said it best:
"Not sure I like it but I'll be coming back". It's as brutal as any comic I've read yet there is a definite purpose to each graphically sexual sequence.

#2 is even more sexually graphic but is at least consensual for the most part. It also clearly crosses into the territory of 'hardcore porn with a pretty good noir storyline.' As much as we joke about stuff like this, I've never bought anything like it before. It's a monthly "decide on the spot" purchase.

What I really like is the noirish depiction of sleepy Hollywood. Considering the real life players of that era, so much of it rings true.

---

Have you ever read the original BK? It's definitely worth a look and the reason I picked up BK2.

Honestly, one thing I like about BK2 is that it's fearless in what it's doing. And it's unlike anything else I'm reading, so that's a plus. As with other media, comics tend to be afraid to show graphic sex but have no problem showing all the blood, guts and gore.
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
Also, CK....did you pick up Harvest? And what about Punk Rock Jesus over at Vertigo?
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
I haven't tried either of those yet, and was hoping you (and others) would review! You have me curious about both, especially PRJ, so I'll sample them.

Man, there's just so much to choose from these days--and SOOO many great comics if you're savvy--that its hard to keep track of them all.
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
Harvest is pretty good, but PRJ? That one's the shit! Hope you read my review on the Vertigo thread!
 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
For the record, I'm totally expecting one of you to buy and review Great Pacific, which looks kind of interesting.
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
I plan on it. Both it and Storm Dogs looks fantastic! More sci-fi goodness (and two very different types of sci-fi).

I'll be grabbing Bedlam as well.
 

---

Posted by Viridis Lament on :
 
A few days ago my monthly shipment arrived.
One of the titles was "Debris", a 4 issue mini series...this was the final issue.

It was an excellent little story, nice ending.
I am definitely keeping an eye out for more titles from this Image imprint
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Debris was spectacular! Highly recommended!

Both writer Wiebe and artist Rossmo should be on everyone's radar as this is like the 4th or 5th great thing there EACH done.
 

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Posted by Viridis Lament on :
 
I agree.
I actually picked it up because Gieni was working on it and I have to say it not disappoint
From what I've read of my shipment for this month, Debris is the best title by far
 

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Posted by Power Boy on :
 
I'm waiting for the TPB.

... and then you bet your nass there will be REVIEWS!
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
I just realized that no one here is talking about Mind the Gap. Anyone getting this one? I'm getting it and really like it so far! Deep mystery + paranormal phenomena = a neat, entertaining book! The art is by Rodin Esquejo, who does those great covers for Morning Glories. The scripts are by Jim McCann, who's done a lot of work for Marvel the past few years, including the great, short-lived Hawkeye and Mockingbird series.

Other than the fact that I SUCK at mysteries (which makes it even harder for me with month-long gaps between installments), this has been a pleasant surprise for me. It won't kick your ass with its innovations or anything, but it's a solid, engrossing read.

I also love the text pages in the back where McCann points out some things you might have missed or should pay more attention to. It helps guys slow on the uptake like myself and just bubbles over with the writer's enthusiasm! Nice lettercol as well!
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
I'm also enjoying Mind the Gap quite a bit! For all the reasons you mention, especially for the heavy character driven element of the mystery. The latest issue I've read (#4) really took things to another level, showing a complexity to the mystery that makes me totally anxious to get more!

McCann is the author behind the universally praised "Return of the Dapper Men" which basically everyone who has read it agrees is the best thing ever (not me yet). He brings a unique style that shows his voice is pretty different from everyone else. And as you (Lardy) say, his enthusiasm in the back pages is infectious!

The artwork is pretty phenomenal too. The MG covers have always been gorgeous and here the interiors really shine with beautiful characters in a solid mystery setting.

High recommendation!
 

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Posted by Fat Cramer on :
 
Nowhere Men #1 begins a fascinating story. Four scientists, who have been promoted as rock star personalities, are facing some serious problems. Their company is cracking under the strain of personal animosities, experiments are going seriously wrong and one of the geniuses just wants to keep plowing ahead, consequences be damned.

There's a lab with a lot of sick people - most of them are ambulatory, but each one has a different manifestation of some virus. (There's even a Vi-Ayla look-alike couple.) They've just gotten word that they're going to be quarantined indefinitely and wonder if they're being abandoned. And there's a wonderful cliff-hanger/surprise final page which made me jump a bit.

The artwork is really detailed - I love that in a book. Lots of bits and pieces to look at.

I've read some pretty negative reviews of the book, but I think it's a keeper.
 

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Posted by Fat Cramer on :
 
Great Pacific #1: Chas Worthington is heir to a big oil fortune - and his family's company. However, he'd rather be adventuring around the globe than sitting in board meetings. Chas does have a serious side, though: he does the philanthropy thing, and he's personally working on a project to clean up oil spills and break down polluting plastics.

The Board is not amused with this playboy do-gooder and they are not too upset when word of his death at the hands of a home invader reaches them. Of course, he's not really dead, or there wouldn't be a story.

I was skeptical of this comic before I read it, since the previews showed Chas walking on an island of plastic garbage in the Pacific, which is an inaccurate portrayal of the real life plastic mess in the ocean - but Image has been on a great run, so I gave it a try and was not disappointed.

It's a bit of a Green Arrow story - rich business heir not buying into Dad's corporation, wanting to do good and hated by the company's directors. I don't know if the resemblance will end there (without the arrows, no doubt). It should be interesting to see where the story goes from this first issue: will Chas succeed? Return to his father's business? Be killed off by enemies? Or settle down happily on a mountain of garbage?
 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
Just downloaded a whole bunch of free Image #1s from Comixology!
 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
Read the first three!

ALPHA GIRL #1

Bratty, annoying teenage girl and something like a zombie apocalypse? Didn't do anything for me

I give it 1 collapsing pillar!



AMERICA'S GOT POWERS #1

This looks to have a lot of potential, but I didn't exactly love it. The story is a bit cliched/predictable, but fairly well-done nonetheless.

3 collapsing pillars.


 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
DANCER #1

Now this one really intrigued me! A really nice set-up for a fun spy/assassin on the run story. Nice reveal at the end of the issue as well!


 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Some thoughts:

DANCER was absolutely fantastic! It remained great from beginning to end. A very exciting / artistic "spy versus spy with sci-fi twist" that shines in how the narrative comes through with art and atmosphere.

ALPHA GIRL, I skipped.

AMERICA'S GOT POWERS - I felt exactly the same. Stopped after #2.

I have a whole slew of new series to read & review coming up: Nowhere Men, Storm Dogs, Bedlam, etc.
 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
EPIC KILL #1

Honestly I wasn't expecting much from this one, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. Another assassin thriller book, though without the moody-coolness of Dancer. Still, an intriguing set up that I wouldn't mind checking out more of in the future!

I think I'll give it 4 collapsing pillars!


 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
FATALE #1

I liked this quite a bit as well, though I suspect it would probably read better in trade than by the single issue. The switch between two time periods was a bit jarring, but interesting.

Another 4 collapsing pillars!


 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Jeepers H Christmas!

Fatale is brilliant! Like top 5 in all of comics brilliant! My highest recommendation and I'd add it only gets better as it goes. I read them monthly and love it that way.
 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
GLORY #23

Meh. This was okay, but definitely not my kind of thing.



HELL YEAH #1

This started out kind of blah, but got more interesting as it went along. Definitely has potential.


 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
HOAX HUNTERS #1

So, apparently this is actually the second issue, since there's an #0? Anyway, it was pretty groovy. A reality TV show debunking various cryptids/weird stuff being used as a cover for a team whose mission it is to cover them up. Definitely cool.


 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Wow, sounds like I should have given Hoax Hunters a shot. I picked up the #0 issue and thought it was okay but I've heard it's not really representative of the series.

Hell Yeah is pretty freaking awesome. It's gotten continually more so as its gone on, and has introduced a few characters I think you'd like (you = Eryk). It has a very viceral, strait forward was to the story telling where it doesn't hide the fact that its appealing to action lovers too; that's not a bad thing and in fact I like it. But the overall focus is on character and sci-fi elements with a quasi-superhero bent.
 

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Posted by Power Boy on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eryk Davis Ester:
FATALE #1

I liked this quite a bit as well, though I suspect it would probably read better in trade than by the single issue. The switch between two time periods was a bit jarring, but interesting.

Another 4 collapsing pillars!

---

I read it monthly but I think it would be much better as a trade ... I liked the first story arc better than the second and was a bit surprised that they did a second story arc. I think the 2nd story needs to go somewhere big soon. The first story arc did up the ante as it went along, It intends to be a bit of a mystery for the readers.
 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
GRIM LEAPER #1

Given that it's written by Kurt Weibe, the brains behind the groovy Peter Panzerfaust, I had high expectations for this one, and it pretty much met them! Love the dark romantic comedy genre, and this is a solid example! Bonus points for the solid "Love Stories to Die for!" back-up feature!

I would probably really give it four and half collapsing pillars, but the pillars don't do halves!



[ December 12, 2012, 03:43 PM: Message edited by: Eryk Davis Ester ]
 

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Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #1

This had a lot going for it, with some fun alt-history, wacky science stuff, but somehow it just didn't quite work for me. It's like Atomic Robo, minus all the stuff that makes AR fun, charming, and exciting.


 

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Posted by Power Boy on :
 
Thanks Edes ... I was wondering about Manhattan Projects ... they've got some great covers but ... I never submitted to actually buying one.


Did anyone follow Secret? I was curious about it but/because the 1st issue was a torture scene ... wondered if it ever went anywhere in the subsequent issues?
 

---

Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
 
Secret #1 is in my queue.

I think the real problem for MPs may be the lack of a real POV character, at least in the first issue.
 

---

Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eryk Davis Ester:
THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #1

This had a lot going for it, with some fun alt-history, wacky science stuff, but somehow it just didn't quite work for me. It's like Atomic Robo, minus all the stuff that makes AR fun, charming, and exciting.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eryk Davis Ester:
Secret #1 is in my queue.

I think the real problem for MPs may be the lack of a real POV character, at least in the first issue.

---

I'll await your thoughts on this. I thought it was very good though I did not like it as much as MP. There have only been 2 issues to date as I think the artist has caused a bit of a delay which is too bad.

It definitely has the Jonathan Hickman "this is about to get batshit crazy" sense to it though so I'm curious as to when that will happen.
 

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Posted by Power Boy on :
 
On a related note ... I am all about Bedlam!

I forgot to put it in my top five favorite comic books. Well it is not really one of my favorites but as far as being well done ... it is one of the best.



It is a really interesting book, I have no idea which way it is going to go ... I think it's hard to do something so bizarre.
 

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Posted by Power Boy on :
 
This review mirrors my sentiment except what they call the "bad" is the best part of the book.

It dosn't give anything away, it dosn't even give away much of the premise. The story is a lot more complicated with hints at conspiracies.

http://www.comicvine.com/bedlam-/37-364098/staff-review/
 

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Posted by Fat Cramer on :
 
I loved I Love Trouble #1! Felicia is a small-time crook and con-artist who discovers she has a superpower when a plane she's in crashes - and she thinks herself out of it.

She quickly gets used to her new power and uses it to steal stuff, of course. When she goes to pay back some loan shark, with interest, he decides she should work for him - and holds her honey to ensure cooperation.

A great read, lots of action, beautiful look to the art. Felicia is like the best of Catwoman without Batman - devious, smart, funny and tough.
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
^ Def glad you reviewed that one, FC! I would have probably passed on it.

Meanwhile, I thought Storm Dogs #1 was a solid debut, introducing a world of characters and concepts while maintaining a strong mystery / suspense vibe. My one complaint is there wasn't a lot of "pop" in the opening, though that may be due to some of the artistic choices. The art overall is quite beautiful, specifically the landscapes, but the character designs are very "soft" which doesn't make any one character jump out at me automatically.

That being said, its definitely a tightly written comic that lays the ground work for some major things to come. Writer David Hine is superb--especially these last 3-4 years--so I have faith this is going to get better.

Solid sci-fi series that I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
 

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