Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Weekly Previews for October 5, 2011

Where are you, Marvel? No books from the House of Ideas this week, as DC's relaunch takes center stage with the majority of the books in the Previews. Image and Boom round out the rest, but what will come home with me? Get an idea after the jump.

Action Comics #2

  • Written by Grant Morrison
  • Art by Rags Morales & Rick Bryant
  • Cover by Rags Morales
  • Variant Cover by Ethan Van Sciver

In his weakest moment, Superman is taken down – but by whom? And if the world wasn’t ready for a man with super powers, they’re utterly unprepared for the rage of a Superman cornered! The cornerstone character of the new DCU continues his debut adventure!

This is the only one of the New 52 I'm able to really comment on, as my shop was out of all the others when I went last month. Which means I'll be spending a little extra this month and getting second prints of some books.

I thought the first issue was a great debut, hitting all the bases. (The only complaint I can think of is the non-complaint of it not being as complex as Grant Morrison normally writes.) We found out how this version of Superman works (idealistic, pissed and able to do something about it); this version of Clark Kent's situation (a poor but happy newbie reporter for the Daily Planet); the new versions of Lois Lane (must-get-to-the-top newbie reporter, not at all even thinking about being with Clark, Superman or anyone not named “her job,” likely), Jimmy Olsen (recently new best bud of Clark, works with Lois at Daily Planet's rival), and Lex Luthor (aliens are an invasive species that will wipe out humanity, we must kill them all; still very conniving and business-like) — pretty much in that order. Then, the action gets into full swing, and we're brought to the setup for this issue: Superman in Chains.

My wife found the first issue technically sound but not her thing (Superman's too boring because he's too much of a good guy, basically). I hope this issue (with the promised rage of a Superman cornered) will give her reason to give this book another chance.

Status: Buying It.

Animal Man #2

  • Written by Jeff Lemire
  • Art & Cover by Travel Foreman

Maxine’s new abilities continue to terrify Ellen and Buddy Baker, and things take a turn for the worse as Buddy begins a startling transformation of his own that will lead him on a journey into the heart of The Red. Meanwhile, The Hunters Three arrive on Earth and set their sights on the Baker family. The Hunt is on as DC’s most surprising new series continues to take ANIMAL MAN in shocking new directions.

So, I heard this was major excellent. Can't say much more than I said for issue #1. Reviews and the panel/page here and there I've seen on the internet make me feel like it's something to be really excited about.

Status: Buying It.

The Huntress #1

  • Written by Paul Levitz
  • Art by Marcus To & John Dell
  • Cover by Guillem March

Look out! By the end of this hot new miniseries, the Huntress will have the largest price on her head in DC Universe history.

What will the Huntress do that warrants such a death mark? And who puts it there? The jaw-dropping events will be revealed as the Huntress heads home to Italy and embarks on a mission that defines her life. Don't miss out, because this story will tie in to upcoming events in BIRDS OF PREY!

More or less my only encounter with Huntress is from the Detective Comics backups with The Question (from the Batwoman run). It was enough to make me interested in the character, but there's no way I can fit a might-be-good-or-not mini into my budget.

Status: Of Interest.

The Last of the Greats #1

  • Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov
  • Art & Cover by Brent Peeples
  • Variant Cover by Phil Hester

“THE DEAL,” Part One

There were seven, possessing the power of gods, and representing all that could be right with the world. But now... he is the Last. As humanity stands on the brink of annihilation, he is our only hope. And he hates us for what we've done. From the Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated writer of ECHOES, Tumor and Elk’s Run comes a dynamic new take on how far mankind will stoop to survive.

This sounds like it could be a good series, but I'm unlikely to find out. DC's evil plan has worked one me so far, and I have very little funds for extra books, especially what look to be ongoing series.

Status: Of Interest.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice #1

  • Written by Gregg Hurwitz
  • Art & Cover by Szymon Kudranski

In this exciting new miniseries from novelist Gregg Hurwitz (You're Next) and rising star artist Szymon Kudranksi (Spawn), the painful and dark past of one of Batman's most devious foes is examined. How did young Oswald Cobblepot go from being the apple of his mother's eye to the leader of underworld gangs and adversary of The Caped Crusader? Find out in PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE!

This could be excellent if done well. I, unfortunately, have no idea which it will be as I'm unfamiliar with Gregg Hurwitz's work, but it sneaks into the “possible” category solely because it's only five issues long.

Status: In Consideration.

Roger Langridge's Snarked #1

  • Writing, Art & Cover by Roger Langridge
  • Variant Cover by Chris Samnee.

Journey with Langridge as he pulls the carpet out from under such Lewis Carroll classics as "The Walrus and The Carpenter", "Through the Looking Glass", and "The Hunting of the Snark", creating an all-new world of humorous grandeur. Join Princess Scarlett as she and her baby brother Rusty outwit the villainous royal advisors and team up with the infamous Walrus and Carpenter to set sail in search of their father, the Red King, who has been lost at sea for six months. It’s a rip-roaring industry event you won’t want to miss, featuring connecting covers by Langridge and a special 1:10 Thor: The Mighty Avenger homage variant, by fan-favorite Chris Samnee!

I got the $1 #0 issue, and it looked pretty good. But, I'm not sure how much the kids are into it, and it's not so good that I'd get it just for myself. I may try to fit it in if they're keen, though.

Status: In Consideration.

The Strange Talent of Luther Strode #1

  • Written by Justin Jordan
  • Art & Cover by Tradd Moore

Luther Strode is just your average nerd until he sends away for a bodybuilding course from an old comic book, one that works a whole lot better than he ever imagined. His newfound strength and strange talents make school a lot easier, but they’ve also caused some very, very bad people to take a very, very keen interest in him. Things will never be the same for Luther Strode…if he survives.

Okay, this is an awesome premise. I mean, dude gives one of those old bodybuilding ads a shot and it works? Great. Add to that a six-issue run, and I just might let it slip in … if the awesome premise is accompanied by awesome execution.

Status: In Consideration.

Swamp Thing #2

  • Written by Scott Snyder
  • Art & Cover by Yanick Paquette

Alec Holland thought he knew the history of the Swamp Thing – but he was wrong. The creature’s roots run deeper than he knows, and the Parliament of Trees intends to make him understand the responsibility he wants so desperately to avoid! With this issue, the mythology of the Swamp Thing branches out in ways you never saw coming – don’t miss it!

Missed this when it came out, too. Seriously slack on getting my list in to the shop. But, second printings come out this week as well as second issues, so I'll be getting a double-shot of what looks like an excellent series. Yay!

Status: Buying It.

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