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 Free Comic Book Day, Joss Whedon teasing Avengers 2, Our Jupiter’s Legacy Review, and of course 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 5/1/13.
DARK HORSE:
Mister X: Eviction #1
Writer: Dean Motter
Penciller: Dean Motter
Inker: Hamid Bahrami
Colorist: Hamid Bahrami
Cover Artist: Dean Motter
Recommended by Joey Braccino
Dark Horse says: “Dean Motter and his groundbreaking creation are back in a new series perfect for first-time readers and longtime fans! Radiant City’s government has been overtaken in a coup, and only the mysterious Mister. X can stop its new masters from using authoritarian psychetecture to remake the minds of every citizen!”
Joey Braccino says: “I absolutely adored the Mister X: Hard Candy one-shot that Dark Horse put out last month. After that all-too-short introduction to Dean Motter’s hard-boiled deco-punk world, I eagerly anticipated the release of a brand-new mini from the creator himself. And that day has arrived. Pick this book up!!!”
DC:
Animal Man #20
Story by Jeff Lemire
Art by John Paul Leon & Timothy Green II
Cover by Jae Lee
Recommended by Stephanie Cooke
DC Comics says: “The battle against the Rot has left Buddy’s family in ruins, and now they must withstand another force trying to subvert him: his own celebrity!”
Stephanie Cooke says: “The last couple of issues of Animal Man have been absolutely heart-breaking. I’m very interested to see where Lemire is going to take this story since it appears to be going to an ever darker place than it’s ever been.”
The Movement #1
Story by Gail Simone
Art by Freddie E Williams III
Cover by Amanda Conner & Cliff Chiang
Recommended by Steve Seigh, Bob Reyer, Tali Adina and Bobby Shortle
DC Comics says: “We are faceless. We are limitless. We see all. And we do not forgive. Who defends the powerless against the GREEDY and the CORRUPT? Who protects the homeless and poverty-stricken from those who would PREY upon them in the DARK OF NIGHT? When those who are sworn to protect us abuse their power, when toxic government calls down super-human lackeys to force order upon the populace…finally, there is a force, a citizen’s army, to push order BACK. Let those who abuse the system know this as well: We have our OWN super humans now. They are not afraid of your badges or Leagues. And they will not be SILENCED. We are your neighbors. We are your co-workers. And we are your children.”
Bob says: “Gail Simone writing a super-hero book with a political bent–SOLD!! Well, to me at least, as I’ll be shocked if this sells except to Ms. Simone’s fans, of which I am one.The interesting thing of it is, the above description from DC reads like the mission statement for a Golden Age/New Deal crusader such as The Shadow, Green Hornet or…Superman!!”
Steve Seigh says: “This week appears to finally be a “light” week in comic book releases, and let me tell you something, my wallet is looking forward to that. This week I find myself really looking forward to Gail Simone, Freddie E. Williams, and Amanda Connor’s “The Movement” from DC Comics. This excitement is due mostly in part to the fact that I have literally no idea what to expect from this series. I haven’t a clue what the art looks like or even where the story will take us. It will be a complete “blind buy” for me, but given the star power attached to the series, I’m finding myself overwhelmed with curiosity. Other series I’m looking forward to include Hawkeye #10, Superior Spider-Man #10, and Thanos Rising #2.”
Tali Adina says: “I’m looking forward to reading The Movement #1 by Gail Simone as I’m curious as to the impact of what these new characters will have in the DC Universe. Also I’m looking forward to Batwing #20 finally get to see what this new Batwing will do.”
Bobby Shortle says: “I’ve realized in the last year that I’m a sucker for misfit teams of heroes. Then you add to that my love for Gail Simone and you have a recipe for greatness. This feels like DC taking a big chance and I hope it pays off in spades.
Swamp Thing #20
Written by Charles Soule
Art by Kano
Cover by Andy Brase
Recommended by Sean Lamont and Adam Shaw
DC Comics says: “It’s Swamp Thing vs. Superman for the fate of Metropolis—and why are all of Swamp Thing’s worst nightmares coming true? Plus: Who is the mysterious Capucine?”
Sean Lamont says: “With weeks to stew on what Soule and Kano offered with their first outing on the moss-covered champion of the Green, I find that I am actually rather jazzed to see the direction they are taking this title as it starts down its new path. Introspective as well as large in scope, it’s a surprise character that still has me intrigued to see where he goes.”
Adam Shaw says: “I enjoyed the new creative team’s first issue last month and the tone that they set for the book. It will be interesting to see if things stay the same or if they get changed up this issue. We also get should be getting Superman this issue. Looking forward to see how Soule handles the character.”
Image:
Morning Glories Vol.4: Truants
Story by Nick Spencer
Art by Joe Eisma
Cover by Rodin Esquejo
Recommended by MMorse
Image Comics says: “Still reeling from the climactic events of “P.E.” the Glories find themselves lost in time and space, confronted by a new group of students who might be even more dangerous than the faculty themselves– the truants! Questions are answered and new mysteries emerge as Season One comes to a shocking end!”
MMorse says: “I’m most looking forward to Morning Glories Vol. 4, which will be released this week. Morning Glories is a boon to LOST fans like myself – chock full of flashbacks, intriguingly veiled mythology, and flawed, well-written characters, it manages to feel influenced by that show without feeling derivative of it. I discovered Morning Glories thanks to the first two trades having been a featured pick at my local comic shop, and I’ve been impatiently waiting for Vol. 4 to drop for some time now.”
Ten Grand #1
Story by J. Michael Straczynski
Art by Ben Templesmith
Cover by Ben Templesmith
Recommended by Melissa Megan and Bobby Shortle
Image Comics says: “Joe Fitzgerald was a mob enforcer until the day he met Laura, who convinced him to leave that world behind. Before quitting, Joe agreed to one last job, little realizing that the man he’d been sent to kill was deeply involved in demonlogy. He survived Joe’s attempt and came after him, fatally wounding Joe and killing Laura. As he lay dying, an angelic force (who may or may not be what she appears) pointed out that where she is going, he can’t follow, and where he is going, he wouldn’t want her to follow. But if he will agree to work for them as a different kind of enforcer, they will bring him to life and keep on bringing him to life every time he is killed in a righteous cause. The reward: for those five minutes of death, he will be with Laura again. Would you endure an eternity of pain and death, dying over and over, to be with the woman you love for just five minutes each time you died? Most people might say no. But Joe Fitzgerald isn’t most people.
A bold new era begins with the long-anticipated return of Joe’s Comics, the imprint that brought you MIDNIGHT NATION and RISING STARS. All-new stories from J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI (Babylon 5, Jeremiah, Thor, Amazing Spider-Man, Superman: Earth One) return in 2013 with an action packed line up featuring everything from superhero action to supernatural thrillers. Watch this space as a new wave of exciting, challenging and experimental stories begins!”
Melissa Megan: “Most looking forward to Ten Grand #1, the new series from artist Ben Templesmith and writer J. Michael Straczynski. With a theme based on life, death, sacrifice and love, Ten Grand promises to at least be complex and at best be gorgeous and intense.”
Bobby Shortle says: “I’m new convert to the church of Ben Templesmith , but after spying an early copy of Ten Grand I am in for this series. Vertigo’s Hellblazer is now dead and this book will scartch a much needed itch for those in classic Constantine withdrawls. “
Marvel:
All New X-Men #11
Story by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Stuart Immonen & Wade von Grawbadger
Cover by Stuart Immonen
Recommended by Stephanie Cooke
Marvel Comics says: “One of the ALL-NEW X-MEN leaves to join Cyclops and his crew! Jean Grey pushes her power to the limit, shaking her and the rest of the X-Men to the core.”
Stephanie Cooke says: “I’m really digging this series, even if there are bits and pieces of it that irk me. I love the X-Men, especially the original crew, so it’s nice to see them returned, even if they are youthful little shits.”
Hawkeye #10
Story by Matt Fraction
Art by Francesco Francavilla
Cover by Francesco Francavilla & Paolo Rivera
Recommended by Joey Braccino, Bob Reyer and Bobby Shortle
Marvel Comics says: “The most acclaimed new book of the year continues! Who pulled the trigger? Where have you seen him before? Have you seen him before? Maybe. But not like this. It’s murder, mayhem, and greasepaint make-up for the money, kids — and that”
Joey Braccino says: “Oh boy. After last issue’s devastating cliffhanger, how could you NOT pick this book up? And if you haven’t been reading this book, bro, what’s up with that, bro?”
Bob Reyer says: “With the shocking conclusion to last issue still rattling around in my mind, this will probably be the first comic book that I read from this week’s pile! (Excepting of course, Dynamite’s Miss Fury #2–say, what’s the emoticon for “Not in a million years!”?) I’m also intrigued to see Francesco Francavilla, who has been doing such great covers of late, take a turn on the interiors of this title.”
Bobby Shortle says: “Although I’m sad to see Aja walk away for a while, I couldn’t be more excited that Francesco Francavilla will be taking over art duties! His work in Black Beetle is stellar and his covers have been downright breathtaking. Add to that the scorching hot Matt Fraction and you’ve got the first book I’ll read this Wednesday.
Thanos Rising #2
Story by Jason Aaron
Art by Simone Bianchi
Colors by Ive Svorcina
Cover by Simone Bianchi & Ed McGuinness
Recommended by Stephanie Cooke
Marvel Comics says: “THE RISE OF MARVEL’S GREATEST EVIL CONTINUES BY TWO OF THE MOST ACCLAIMED CREATORS IN COMICS!! Continuing the jaw-dropping origin of the mad Titan who will soon change the face of the Galaxy! Death follows young Thanos as his inner darkness grows.”
Stephanie Cooke says: “I wasn’t in love with the first issue, but I am interested to see where they’re planning on going with this. Thanos Rising #2 will be the issue to decide whether or not I carry on with this or just wait until trade or whether I should even bother at all.”
X-Factor #255
Story by Peter David
Art by Leonard Kirk & Jay Leisten
Colors by Matt Milla
Letters by Cory Petit
Cover by David Yardin
Recommended by Bob Reyer
Marvel Comics says: “HELL ON EARTH WAR’ comes to its senses-shattering conclusion! • One Hell Lord stands victorious as the Earth is consumed in fire and brimstone. • The few remaining members of X-Factor make one last ditch effort to save the world from its grim future. Not all will survive the final battle. • And the last person you would expect winds up sitting on the throne of Hell…”
Bob Reyer says: “Not that I’m anything but psyched to see how the end-game plays itself out, but I’m even more excited to see the beginnings of the NEXT arc!”
Community Picks:
Indestructible Hulk # 7
Luke H. says: “I can’t wait to see some more classic Walt Simonson Thor artwork!”
All New X-Men # 11
Luke H. says: “This one is always on my list, Bendis is doing an amazing job.”
“COMIC SHOP” BY ANDREW NIGGLES
In the style of “Thrift Shop” by Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis
To the listener who produces a produced version of this we will be bestowing a special gift, and if more than one of you do then we will choose the best. Happy Hunting!
Refrain:
Downloading your podcast
Only got 20 dollars in my pocket
I, I, I’m hunting, lookin’ for that comic
Your show’s effing awesome.
Walk into the house like what up, Marvel’s on top!
Nah I’m just pumped about some stuff from the ‘mic shop
Ultron came back and finally had a big win
The heroes like “Damn, that’s a mean robot, Pym!”
Spiderman’s now a creep, still a hero but he’s mean
Dissing everyone, ‘cept his tutor girl, on her he’s keen
Dropped from the ‘vengers team, Peter won’t leave him be
Really had my doubts how Slott could pull off this feat
Octaviusssssssss
But now I’m on his side of the fence!
New Avengers, I’m watching it
Crazy cross dimension science bits
Zappin Cap’s memories while
Another Earth is poppin in
But Illuminati stoppin ‘em
While Magneto plays both sides against Cyclops
And that’s not uncanny, it’s betrayal, bitch
Imma take your crew’s reviews, Imma take your crew’s reviews
No, for real, I’m asking you, can I write for Talking Comics?
All your astute praise on one single comic run
Tried Fantastic Four and now I love Hickman
You said to try out Saga, I had to try out Saga
I bought the first trade and… now I’m feeling nada
Shamans, Spiders, TV men, kid ghosts
The story has no limits and no reference frame
Hell no!
Imma change my pull list, ask’em not to pull those
The SagaHeads will be like
“Aw, but its so good though!”
Refrain x 2
What you know about making decent comics, DC?
What you know about trying to entertain me?
I’m trying, I’m trying, I want to like all your stories
But one man’s efforts maintains your fading glory
Thank your Batman writer for all of his valiant efforts
‘cause right now your other books hurt
I’m at wit’s end, your 90’s market data is so static
Imma Imma just going to give you a suggestion
Superman, Wonder woman, Green Lantern (not Aquaman)
You have those legends but you’re wasting them, just rock those motherf%#kers
Take out the grim and empty shocks from those motherf%#kers
Try to smile and even mock in those motherf%#kers
You be like “Oh! JLA, that’s hella tight”
I’m like “Yo, that’s 50 covers for one issue…”
Limited Edition, let’s do some simple addition
50 covers for one issue that’s just speculator niche shiiit
I call that DC getting desperate
I call that some profiteering bullshit
That gritty style’s hella dope but seeing
The same thing in all the books in your line is a hella don’t
Orson Scott Card and killing Stewart even you said nope
Trying to sell books through cheap stunts, but you hella won’t.
Man you hella won’t
Little Girl in the bridge:
DC…
“WTF”?
Yea…
Refrain x1
Steve highlights DC’s woes
Steph celebrates Fables
There’s nothing Bob don’t know
Bobby runs a damn fine show
Steve highlights DC’s woes
Steph celebrates Fables
There’s nothing Bob don’t know
Bobby runs a damn fine show
Refrain x1
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 Free Comic Book Day and talked with Jamal Igle and Jeremy Whitley.
