By Bobby Shortle
Hello everyone and welcome to Talking Comics Presents! Every week we here at Talking Comics will endeavor to give you a personal view of the book we are most excited for, and why!
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!
Don’t forget to check out our podcast on how to Mend the Man of Steel, Bob Reyer’s take on Miss Fury in his Tales from the Archives, our Valiant recap, and of course all of the reviews from our amazing contributors.
Well, enough with the who, where, what, why and how, I give to you Talking Comics Presents for the books releasing on 4/3/13.
Thanos Rising #1
Story by Jason Aaron
Art by Simone Bianchi
Recommended by Steve Seigh and Bobby Shortle
Marvel says: “What comes after “Marvel NOW!”? Whatever it is, it starts HERE. The vile face left movie audiences in shock after last summer’s Marvel Studios’ “The Avengers” movie, but who is this eerily disturbing villain? Thanos rises as the unrivaled rogue of wretchedness in this gripping tale of tragedy, deceit and destiny. Where did this demi-god of death and destruction come from and…more importantly what does he want? The answers come from the incredible creative team of Jason Aaron (Wolverine, X-Men Origins) and Simone Bianchi (Wolverine, Astonishing X-Men) as they take you on journey that will not only change the course of one boy’s life……but will soon change the very nature of the Marvel Universe.”
Bobby Shortle says: “The cosmic side of the Marvel Universe is running at full steam right now and so I’m very excited to see its biggest villain take a step into the limelight. Thanos: Rising would be on my list no matter what, but the fact that it comes from the mind of Jason Aaron makes it a must pull. I haven’t read much with the character, but I’m looking forward to the interstellar trip that Marvel has in store for me.
Steve Seigh says: “I swear, it gets more and more difficult each and every week to narrow down the titles that I’m the most excited about. I suppose that among the many great titles that are being released that I’m looking forward to Thanos Rising #1 the most. Believe it or not, I’ve never actually read a comic featuring the character of Thanos … ever. Yeah, I’ll let that sink in for a moment. Okay, so I’m a big fan of Jason Aaron’s writing. He’s made me laugh my ass off while reading Wolverine and the X-Men, and his run on Thor: God of Thunder is always one of my most anticipated books every month. I can’t wait to see his presentation of this legendary character and finally learn what Thanos is all about. I’m also quite interested in seeing what the new creative team behind Swamp Thing has to offer after the close of such a satisfying run penned by Scott Snyder. It’s going to be another great week for comics! Are you ready?”
Indestructible Hulk #6
Story by Mark Waid
Art by Walter Simonson
Colors by Andres Mossa
Letters by Chris Eliopoulos
Recommended by Bobby Shortle
Marvel Says: “Walt Simonson draws the Hulk AND Thor! Banner takes his lab team to Jotunheim! Hulk vs. Frost GiantsGuest-starring Thor!”
Bobby Shortle says: “Mark Waid’s Daredevil has a permanent place in my favorite books list, but Indestructible Hulk has never quite broken above the “I like it” level of platitudes. A lot of that comes from a nagging feeling that the art of Leinil Yu, while gorgeous, doesn’t have the personality for the kind of prose Mark Waid is writing. That all changes this week as comic legend Walt Simonson steps in to not only draw The Hulk, but Thor as well. If that isn’t enough to sell you just look at that cover, it’s pure comic book awesomeness.
Winter Soldier #17
Story by Jason Latour
Art by Nic Klein
Recommended by Joey Braccino
Marvel says: “Writer Jason Latour (Loose Ends, Wolverine) and artist Nic Klein (Dancer, Viking, Doc Savage) begin the third explosive chapter of THE WINTER SOLDIER’S newest deadly mission. S.H.I.E.L.D. is crippled, the world is on it’s knees and the only thing that stands in the way of THE ELECTRIC GHOST’S devastating master plan is Bucky Barnes! But how can Bucky act when the cost of winning this battle may just be the loss of his own future?”
Joey Braccino says: “Jason Latour & Nic Klein continue the cloak-and-dagger escapades of our eponymous hero with Winter Soldier #17. Since taking over Bucky-duties from the incomparable Ed Brubaker, writer Jason Latour has managed to maintain the espionage-tinged suspense-thriller storylines that Winter Soldier is known for while still bringing a fresh, distinct voice to the mix. After last issue’s emotional flashback sequences, Latour might just return to those sci-fi elements that he hinted back in issue #15. I’m excited to see where this goes!”
All-New X-Men #10
Story by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Stuart Immonen & Wade von Grawbadger
Recommended by Joey Braccino
Marvel says: “The Uncanny X-Men come to the Jean Grey School to recruit. Who will join Cyclops and his revolutionary crew? The answer will shock you! Mystique and Sabretooth continue to hatch their master plan and it doesn’t bode well for the All-New X-Men.”
Joey Braccino says: “After last issue’s final page, how could I not pick this book up? “To me, my X-Men.” ‘Nuff Said!!!”
Batwing #19
Story by Fabian Nicieza
Art by Fabrizio Fiorentino
Recommended by Tali Adina
DC says: “Batwing quits—and what new member of the Batman family is ready to take his place?”
Tali Adina says: “This is the last issue where David is Batwing, I’m looking forward to finding out why he quits and who’s ready to take his place.”
World’s Finest #11
Writer: Paul Levitz
Artist: Kevin Maguire
Recommended by Bob Reyer
DC says: “Mr. Terrific and Power Girl reunited? But if Michael Holt is still on Earth 2, who is kissing Karen Starr?”
Bob Reyer says: “Month after month, World’s Finest has been a joy to read, and a book that deserves a wider audience. Mayhaps those who scarfed up so many copies of the WF #10 “Damian tie-in” that it has gone to a second printing will have actually read it, and perhaps stick around for this issue?”
Dial H #11
Story by China Mieville
Art by Alberto Ponticelli & Dan Green
Cover by Brian Bolland
Recommended by Sean Lamont
DC says: “What? The? Flash?”
Sean Lamont says: “Most anticipated of the week for myself would be Dial H #11. It’s such a quirky title on its own, and now that it is bringing Justice League level characters into its bizarre little fold, I am quite excited to see how it plays out in this isolated corner of the DCU. Just a fun book that makes me smile at least once a month with its insanity.”
Fairest #14
Story by Bill Willingham
Art by Barry Kitson
Cover by Adam Hughes
Recommended by Stephanie Cooke and Mara Whiteside
Vertigo says: “Dating is hard for everyone in this standalone tale—but it’s especially tricky if you’re a gorgeous tree nymph from Fabletown. Princess Alder tells her tales of woe to Reynard the fox in a special issue written by FABLES writer/creator Bill Willingham and featuring the art of superstar Barry Kitson (The Amazing Spider-Man).”
Stephanie Cooke says: “I swear that this is a completely unbiased excitement for this issue. This middle issue is being drawn by the wonderful Barry Kitson and focuses on characters that you haven’t really seen in the Fables world for a while and I’m super excited to check it out. Plus the cover by Adam Hughes… holy hell, it’s incredible and makes the book worth owning just for that (if for no other reason!).”
Mara Whiteside says: “After an emotional journey with Rapunzel, Fairest is giving us a break with a stand-alone issue written by Bill Willingham about dating. Princess Alder, a tree nymph, relays to Reynard the fox her dating history in this month’s issue!”
Harbinger Wars #1
Writer: Joshua Dysart & Duane Swierczynski
Penciler: Clayton Henry
Recommended by Adam Shaw
Valiant says: “Do you know where the children are?” HARBINGER WARS, Valiant’s first family crossover event, begins here! A decades-old secret is about to put BLOODSHOT and HARBINGER on an inescapable collision course – and, soon, the most powerful forces in the Valiant Universe will be drawn into a battle without sides, without rules, and without mercy. Two dozen undisciplined, untested and untrained superhuman children have just escaped from a top-secret research facility and into the world. When Bloodshot, Toyo Harada and Peter Stanchek join the chase, will the Valiant Universe be ready for its first all-out superhuman showdown?”
Adam Shaw says: “This is Valiant’s first big crossover event. It’s been building up for a while now, so I’m hoping the payoff will be worth it. Valiant has also said that prior knowledge of Bloodshot and Harbinger are not needed to enjoy this mini-series, so it’s a good place for new readers to check it out.”
Last of Us: American Dreams #1
Writer: Faith Erin Hicks, Neil Druckmann
Artist: Faith Erin Hicks
Colorist: Christina Strain
Recommended by Stephanie Cooke
Dark Horse says: “The comics-exclusive prequel to the new game from Naughty Dog! Creative director Neil Druckmann teams with breakout comics star Faith Erin Hicks to present the story of thirteen-year-old Ellie’s life in a violent, postpandemic world. A newcomer at a military boarding school, Ellie is reluctant to toe the line, which earns her new enemies—and her first glimpse of the world outside.”
Stephanie Cooke says: “Ok, so normally I hate reading comics that tie into a movie or video game, but I’m making an exception for this one. The Last Of Us comes out on June 14 and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this game for AGES and checking out a little bit more of what’s to come from Naughty Dog this summer seems like the right thing to do.”
Uber #0
Story by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Canaan White
Recommended by Bobby Shortle
Avatar Press says: “Kieron Gillen unveils his epic new monthly series, launching with a special double-sized issue! 1945. Germany is in ruins. The war in the west can only be days away from ending. Threats of “wunderwaffen” to be unleashed by the dying Reich have become laughable. There are no miracle weapons here. It’s over. It has to be over.
It’s not. There’s been stories which have mixed enhanced humans and World War 2 before. There’s never been one like this. See super beings in a whole new light as Gillen presents an epic new series that not only rewrites history, it redefines the genre.”
Bobby Shortle says: “I know nothing about Uber, except for the fact that Kieron Gillen, (Journey into Mystery, Iron Man and Young Avengers) is writing it and it involves super Nazis. But guess what? That’s more than enough for me. I’ve been trying to take flyers on more indie books and this will definitely be one of them.
Bedlam #6
Story by: Nick Spencer
Art By: Riley Rossmo
Recommended by Joey Braccino and Melissa Megan
Image Comics says: “Confession.”
Joey Braccino says: Nick Spencer & Riley Rossmo have been spinning some insanity over in Bedlam. Check it!
Melissa Megan says: “I’m most excited for Bedlam because I’m always excited for Bedlam. Is Madder Red returning??”
Masks #5
Writer: Chris Roberson
Artist: Dennis Calero
Dynamite says: “The Justice Party tightens its grip on the Empire State, and the vigilantes and heroes are preparing to go on the offensive. The Shadow and the others have gathered enough evidence to prove that the public officials who have established the new fascist police state are merely the pawns of more sinister forces who lurk unseen. No one has heard from the Spider since he left for Albany to investigate the new governor, and he is feared dead, captured, or worse. And while Green Hornet, Black Terror, Miss Fury, and others join the Shadow in preparing to attack the hidden masters of the Justice Party, two fugitives take to the streets as Zorro and the Black Bat.”
Bob Reyer says: “As a huge fan of the various Newspaper Strip/Pulp/Radio heroes gathered here, I was pre-disposed to love this book, but it has been even better than I could have hoped. each issue brings us new players and deepened mysteries, and I will be saddened when this “Pulp Era Avengers” comes to a close!”
Miss Fury #1
Writer: Rob Williams
Artist: Jackson Herbert
Dynamite says: “THE PULP HEROINE RETURNS! When Miss Fury foils a wartime plot by Nazi secret agents, she is catapulted through time… or so it seems. Is she really careening from past to future and back, or has she lost her mind? And if her sanity remains intact, can one lone heroine possibly hope to end World War II by herself, a conflict still waged into the year 2013? As witness to generations of bloodshed and violence, Miss Fury has lots of righteous rage… and anger is her fearsome power!”
Bob Reyer says: “I’m both excited and scared about this one, due to the “present day” aspects of this. Far too many characters brought forward to our day don’t arrive “intact” in terms of tone and content, so I am worried…and not alone. Quoting comics historian (and TC guest!) Trina Robbins: “I do not have high hopes for a Miss Fury remake. All remakes of comics heroines so far — especially by independents — have been awful — the heroine’s bustline has increased while her costume has shrunk alarmingly.
These are my fears exactly; the last thing the comics world needs is another “lad’s mag” hyper-sexualized pin-up super-heroine with anger issues, particularly when it’s spun off from such an important character by one of comic’s unsung pioneers, Tarpe Mills.”
Stephanie Cooke says: “I know little to nothing about this series and yet for some reason, I find myself excited to check it out. Maybe it’ll be good, maybe it won’t, but I’m curious to expand my horizons outside of Image, DC, Marvel and Dark Horse a little bit more.”
Community Picks:
Thanos Rising #1
John D. says: “Thanos Rising #1 will be my first time ever reading the character so that is my most anticipated book this week. Plus I just started reading Jason Aaron’s work on Wolverine and the X-Men and been highly enjoying it so having him in charge of writing Thanos has me even more interested.”
Joseph T. says: “The Marvel cosmic universe has completely sucked me in! Two great issues of Nova already intertwined with 2 awesome issues of Guardians of the Galaxy! Thanos is the final piece to finish a spectacular revived place in the Marvel Universe.”
Adam E. says: Jason Aarons Thanos Rising #1. I’m loving the cosmic stuff Marvel is putting out right now. And of course it’s Jason Aaron.. nuff said.
All New X-Men #10
Luke H. says: “After reading the last issue I found that I had a giant smile on my face. This has become one of my favorite books from marvel now!”
Indestructible Hulk # 6
Luke H. says: “I love Mark Waid. His work on Daredevil, The Rocketeer, and Green Hornet are all amazing. This book follows these other books. But it all comes down to one thing for me Hulk + Thor = AWESOME!”
Fan Art:
Luke H. sent in this fun piece of Cyclops art.
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 Green Hornet, the new Fables game, and Superior Spider-Man!
