Hello everyone and welcome to Talking Comics Presents. I was humbled even more this week by the reaction to the column’s new format, and by how quickly you have all taken to sending in your picks. We have a very special treat for you guys this week, one of our awesome readers Joey Martinez has created a spectacular piece of art that he wants YOU to color. The best of the entries will win a little something from your friends right here at Talking Comics. Look for that at the close of the article!
Remember , I want your input, what books are you excited for? Have you found any great fan art this week? Whats your favorite cover, panel or bit of writing (easy on the spoilers)? Do you have a video testimonial, audio blurb or art of your own you’d like to share? Send these things to bobby@talkingcomicbooks.com and the best of them will be included here from now on!
We had a big week with our mega sized Talking Comics Podcast where we went over a gaggle of comic book news, a history lesson on Sensational She-Hulk by Mr. Bob Reyer, the Iron Man 3 trailer and a ton of great reviews from our contributors. Well, enough with the who, where, what, why and how, I give to you Talking Comics Presents for the books releasing on 3/13/13.
Batman #18, Batman and Robin #18, Batgirl #18
Written by Scott Snyder, Ray Fawkes, and Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Andy Kubert, Daniel Sampere and Pat Gleason
Recommended by Steve Seigh, Tali Adina, Adam Shaw and Sean Lamont
DC says: “(Batman #18) Welcome guest-artist Andy Kubert! In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, Batman is in danger of losing his humanity! And in the backup story, fan-favorite character Harper Row returns—but will she be able to pull Batman back from the brink?”
“(Batgirl #18) The second of two issues by guest writer Ray Fawkes! Batgirl must face the man who sold her out to The Joker during “DEATH OF THE FAMILY”…her own brother, James Gordon, Jr. Can Barbara help him, or will this conflict be the final nail in her family’s coffin?”
“(Batman and Robin #18) You dare not miss this issue! It’s the BATMAN AND ROBIN story of the year!”
Steve Seigh says: “This week I’ve got to give it up to the Bat-Books. Batman #18, Batgirl #18 and Batman and Robin #18 are all at the very top of my MUST READ list for this week. I’m pretty much still coming to grips with the tragic events that happened in Batman, Incorporated #8 and I’m super anxious about the fallout that is to follow. I’m also super amped for Change #4 (as I have yet to read the series and as of Wednesday it will be all wrapped up and ready to read in its entirety). and Age of Ultron #2 has my attention as well seeing as I absolutely loved the first issue and cannot wait to read the next. It’s going to be a mighty good week of comic book reading for everyone. Weeeee!!!!”
Tali Adina says: “The book I’m excited for is actually a set of three: the Bat books. I want to see how the death of Robin affects the family especially his father Bruce Wayne. I wonder what this tragedy will do his psyche.”
Adam Shaw says: “After the tragic events in Batman Inc #8, Batman & Robin is going to be a different book from here on out. I’m interested to see how Tomasi has Bruce and the rest of the Bat family interact in the aftermath of both “Death of the Family” and Batman Inc #8. Oh, and Tim Drake (my favorite Pre-New 52 Robin) is featured this issue! Yay!”
Sean Lamont says: “Book of the week would hands-down be Batman and Robin #18. Picking through the rubble after these major plot points is where my favorite parts of storytelling dwell, so this issue should have twice the potency when combined with the level of pathos that Tomasi has been able to bring for the majority of his run.”
Uncanny X-Men #3
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Chris Bachalo
Recommended by Joey Braccino and Travis McCollum
Marvel says: “Everything has changed for Magneto in the last few weeks. Can he prove he is still the Master of Magnetism? Cyclops and the rest of his crew take the revolution on the road gathering up more new mutants.”
Joey Braccino says: “I’m totally digging Uncanny X-Men from Bendis and Bachalo right now.”
Travis McCollum says: “Things seemed to be going well for Cyclops team, that is until the Uncanny Avengers decided to show up. How will this confrontation between the two team go? Needless to say it’s not going to be pretty.
Wolverine #1
Written by Paul Cornell
Art by Alan Davis
Recommended by Bobby Shortle
Marvel says: “IT’S HUNTING SEASON! The best there is at what he does gets an all-new on-going! Pay attention very closely: there’s a mystery here that even Wolverine hasn’t sniffed out yet. When Wolverine finds himself the bargaining chip in a hostage situation, he must make a decision to save a little boy that will follow him forever…literally! How can a berserker fight what he can’t see? And how far will he go to assert his humanity in the face of the Unknown?”
Bobby Shortle says: “Marvel NOW! has allowed me to get in on the ground floor of a whole new X-Men universe, and I’m hoping for a similar thing to happen with Wolverine #1. I was a fan of Paul Cornell’s New 52 work, and I am intrigued to see how he goes from writing more obscure characters to one of the biggest characters in the entire Marvel Universe. Top that off with what looks like beautiful pencils from Alan Davis and colors from one of the best in the business and I’m all kinds of in.
Star Wars #3
Art by Carlos D’Anda
Recommended by Mara Whiteside
Dark Horse says: “Princess Leia formed a secret squadron of stealth X-wings to help expose a spy within the Rebel ranks. But taking command puts her at odds with Luke Skywalker at a time they need solidarity more than ever—especially when the spy has alerted the Empire to Han Solo’s latest venture! Dream team: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, and cover artist Alex Ross! Perfect starting point for new readers! Fan-favorite Star Wars classic-era characters!”
Mara Whiteside says: “With all the rumors circulating about the new movie, it’s hard for me to think about anything else. Luckily, Wood’s Star Wars run is the perfect way to get me through this tough time.“
Ghost #4
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Art by Phil Noto
Recommended by Bob Reyer
Dark Horse says: The champagne is poured and the chandeliers are hung for Chicago Mayor Bobby Chamber’s annual Black and White Ball-but Ghost, Vaughn, and Tommy are crashing the party, determined to stop the imposter before he claims another life and tears open a rift between two worlds!
Bob Reyer says: I can’t wait to see how Kelly Sue DeConnick pays off this mini-series, and what ties (if any; Ms. DeC is a sly one!) to the “Original” Ghost she’ll bring to bear!
The High Ways #3
Written by John Byrne
Art by John Byrne
Recommended by Bob Reyer
IDW says: Mysteries begin to unfold as our crew learns there are plots within plots and betrayals within betrayals. And just what IS the relationship between Cagney and Megan?
Bob Reyer says: “Just when I thought I had this mystery figured out, John Byrne pulled the rug out from under me! I confess to not having a clue as to where this one is headed, but I’m along for the ride!”
The Fearless Defenders #2
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Will Sliney
Marvel says: “DANI MOONSTAR joins the Defenders! • Valkyrie and Misty prepare to take on the Doom Maidens. • Plus: A closer look at our sadistic new villain!”
Bob Reyer says: “I feel that second issues are vital in letting you “take the temperature” of a series; once you’re past the introductions, you see how the greater story will begin to unfold,and how the characters start to “find” each other, etc.. The first issue was a great deal of fun, and I’m hoping for more of the same.”
Moon Girl TP
Red 5 Comics says: “In the pulp New York of the 1950s, Moon Girl looks to a life beyond her role as champion of justice and social revolution. However, she is forced back in to action when fanatics, inspired by her adventures, begin enforcing their own brand of justice. It’s “Mad Men meets The Dark Knight” in this beautifully hand-painted novel. Moon Girl created by Gardner Fox and Sheldon Moldoff.”
Melissa Megan says: “I’m very excited for Moon Girl this week. This was a largely under the radar series from 2012 and it’s now collected in TP! Awesome retelling of a 40’s era super heroine with the incredible art work of Rahzzah. Absolutely beautiful, gritty book that I feel is a must have for any self respecting comic book fan.”
Community Picks:
Uncanny X-Men #3 Luke H. says: “This run has been fantastic! I love the introduction of these new mutants. It really reminds me of the old X-Men, going back to its roots in a way”
Christian S. says: “Loving the direction this book is going with Cyclops.”
Fantastic Four #5
Luke H. says: “Thanks to Bob, Steve, and one of my good friends Max, I am now addicted to both Fantastic Four and FF. I’m interested in finding some answers about what’s going on with Reed, and how much Sue really knows.”
Thor God of Thunder #6
Luke H. says: “Three Thors! What’s not to love! This book has been awesome, and the God Butcher is a very interesting character. Can’t wait for some more KRAK-A-BOOM!”
Frank K. says: “The book I can’t wait for is Thor: God of Thunder it’s the best book at Marvel and maybe the best book coming out next to Saga. I can’t explain how amazing this book is and I hope you guys are reading it. This has redefined Thor for me and It’s something that every comic book reader should check out.”
Christian S. says: “This has been such a great book, gives me goosebumps.”
Avengers Assemble #13
Luke H. says: I’ve just got 3 words Kelly Sue Deconnick. Any thing she writes I immediately get interested in. She brings a great sense of humor to this book, and she brings so much to the development of the characters. And Krokidil is nasty!!
High Ways #3
Christian S. says: “This has been a great sci fi with a twist.”
Age of Ultron #2
Christian S. says: “Wow, the first issue was crazy and I cannot wait to see what happens here. I feel that this is a new golden age for comics, the stories are amazing, the art is jaw dropping, the colors are fantastic, and the smell of comics is still the same. Wonderful time to have gotten back into comics.”
Fan Art:
Luke H. sent in this great drawing of Daredevil by artist Reilly Brown
Contest:
DC Comics has come under a lot of fire in the past few weeks for their hiring of noted homophobe Orson Scott Card to pen a Superman story. In reaction Joey Martinez has created a spectacular piece of art that he wants YOU to color. Take the picture, color it, and post to us on twitter, Facebook or email, with the hashtag #DefeatOrsonScottCard w/ Gay Darkseid. We may just have a nice little prize for the winner!
Well that’s all for this week’s Talking Comics Presents, don’t forget to send your picks and submissions to bobby@talkingcomicbooks.com, and check out the Talking Comics Podcast. On this week’s show we discussed comic book spoilers and our favorite books of the week.