Talking Comics Presents: November 7
By David Short
Welcome back, everyone! Let me start by saying that our thoughts go out to all of you impacted by Sandy, and we can only hope that things are starting to show signs of improvement. In route to getting back to normal, Talking Comics is going to tell you what to look for to help escape reality this week.
The Defenders #12, Marvel
Defenders, I chose you!
Yet another of Marvel’s books is coming to an end. Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson have given as great, albeit short, run on The Defenders. However, all good things must come to an end. Other than small spots in other hero’s adventures, this has been our go to book for the more obscure, less mainstream characters in Marvel’s universe. Dr. Strange has been featured heavily, and you can rarely go wrong with him. Fraction says that “…all your questions will be answered. Everybody dies. Everything ends!” Take that for what you will, and join us in sending this fantastic book off in style.
47 Ronin #1 (of 5), Dark Horse
Recommended by: Alexander Añé
This is a Japanese legend brought to the pages of comics for the first time. Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai bring us the tale of the 47 samurai that set out to avenge their master. Sakai’s artwork is known for its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you. This book is beautiful! The miniseries is also being guided by Kazuo Koike, a major authority in manga. This particular tale is considered by those steeped in Japanese culture to be essential to know if you are at all interested in its tales.
World’s Finest #6, DC
Recommended by Bob Reyer
Our crew has, generally, given World’s Finest high praise. It’s usually in the “Books of the Week” discussion, and always receives a positive exclamation when called out during the weekly list. This particular story, however, is one that you don’t want to miss. Huntress meets the son of the Bat for the first time. Damian is a huge draw for me to any book, but Damian with female characters can be some of the best comic moments you have ever read (i.e. his encounters with Stephanie Brown). Of course where there is a Robin, the big guy usually isn’t too far behind!
Rotworld Part 2, DC
Brought to you by: Me
To save you the time of reading two separate entries, Swamp Thing #14 and Animal Man #14 make up the Rotworld story. Both books have been standouts in the new line up, and both writers are starting to get the recognition they deserve. Snyder and Lemire have created a trying and depressing situation for the champions of Earth’s elemental forces, and Paquette and Pugh have been able to bring it to life in all it’s disgusting, terrifying, gory detail.
X-Factor #246, Marvel
Recommended by Bob Reyer
Coming off the smashing success that was the Doop issue of Wolverine and the X-Men, we get another behind the scenes look at how our heroes are able to do what they do. Peter David gives us a look at Pip the Troll and how he keeps the members of X-Factor hitting on all cylinders. Bob speaks about his book regularly, and I can’t say that I have had a bad experience with a book that has recommended yet!
Deadpool #1, Marvel
Recommended by your friendly, neighborhood me!
I am not a big Deadpool guy. He can be too in your face, too shoot ‘em up, too, well, everything. But from what Gerry Duggan has said, this book seems to be right up my alley. Throw one of my favorite comedians, Brian Posehn, into the mix, and you can just take my money. The Merc with a Mouth’s Marvel NOW! re-launch begins with a zombie outbreak—zombie presidents, mind you. The first issue promises an appearance from FDR, and Abe Lincoln and Richard Nixon are featured on future covers.
Iron Man #1, Marvel
Recommended by Steve Seigh
Wasn’t long ago that we said goodbye to Matt Fraction’s Invincible Iron Man here on Presents, but now we’re welcoming Kieron Gillen and Greg Land’s take on Tony with open arms. How are they going to come out of the gate? With a bang, it would seem! Extremis has become available to the highest bidder, and Tony is doing everything he can to stop it from getting out. Of course, this means that he’s going to need some new toys to do so. Gillen looks to move the focus to Tony’s new build-on-the-go way of manufacturing Iron Man armor and weapons, as showcase the gadgets that Tony’s brilliance can conjure. Having success with a sliver tongued character in Journey Into Mystery, Gillen is primed to take this book to great heights.
Wonder Woman Archives Volume 7, DC
Recommended by Bob Reyer
I could tell you about this, but I’m not…I’m going to let the words of Mr. Reyer inform you:
“This is the book I’m most looking forward to, as Volume 6 came out over two years ago! This book moves us further into the post-WWII era, and I believe that it includes one of the original stories that Trina Robbins and Kurt Busiek used as a springboard for their “Legend of Wonder Woman” mini-series.”
OH! Also, please go congratulate the super, awesome Melissa Megan on becoming a new, nerdturing mother! Little Max is adorable, and we’re so pleased for the Megan family.
Written up while listening to a mix of Hoobastank, Florence + The Machine, and Steve Martin and the Sleepy Canyon Rangers!
