Brave New Worlds started on a dare in Willow Grove Pennsylvania April\'s Fool\'s Day 1989. It was originally named the \"Comic Book Store\" until the shop moved to Jenkintown.
Brave New Worlds has been serving the greater Philadelphia area\'s comic book and toy needs for over 20 Years.
You can visit Brave New Worlds in one of 2 locations:
Willow Grove - 433 West Moreland Road Willow Grove, Pa. (215.657.8838)
Hours - Sunday 11-6, Monday-Friday 11-9, Saturday 11-7
Philadelphia - 55 N. 2nd Street Philadelphia, Pa. (215.925.6525)
Hours - Sunday 11-6, Monday-Saturday 11-8
Archive for February, 2011
On Sale February 9 SPOTLIGHT
Check out below for a little more about the “day the music died.”
Acts of Vengeance Omnibus
Marvel has been collecting a lot of classic stories, tales that were begging to appear in collected form. Prose that has long been out-of-print and relegated to hidden depths of back issue bins. What better story for the collected form, nay, the over-size collected omnibus than Marvel’s Acts of Vengeance from the 1990s. Collects over 32 single issues including Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Amazing Spider-Man and a lone issue of Cloak & Dagger (worth the price of the book alone).
Batman and Robin #20
Peter Tomasi (w) Patrick Gleason, Mark Irwin (a)
New story! Great time to jump on the bandwagon that is Batman and Robin. Part one of three in “Dark Knight, White Knight.” Bruce Wayne is back and Gotham is in trouble (as usual). Dick and Damian are on the case as we may ben encountering the oddest Bat-villain of all time – the White Knight. But he wants only happiness for Gotham, of course it’s his version of heaven, but heaven nonetheless.
Cinderella Fables are Forever #1 (of 6)
Chris Roberson (w) Shawn McManus (a)
Following up their awesome first stand-alone Cinderella tale, From Fabletown With Love, Roberson and McManus are back with our favorite Fable that is a spy, Cinderella. This one has murder, ghosts and nemesis as Cinderella must find out who is knocking off mystics from the Farm. Problem it is, it may be the one person who ever really almost defeated her. But they are dead! Cue dun-dun-dun music.
Cover Girls of the DCU Poison Ivy Statue
Adam Hughes (design) Jack Mathews (sculptor)
Next in the popular line of DCU Cover Girls statues it’s Poison Ivy, based on a design by
Adam Hughes. A great companion to the previously-released Harley Quinn statue. Thisis hand-painted, cast in porcelain and measures about 9.75 x 4.25 x 4.25. Comes with a nifty certificate of authenticity. Brave New Worlds also has previous releases in stock, including Power Girl, Black Canary, Wonder Woman and Catwoman.
DC Heroes Wave 16 Bane AF Set
The next in DC’s popular build-a-figure set, wave 16 of their Mattel action figures includes Azrael-Batman, Creeper, Classic Robin (with vintage and modern noggin’s), Jonah Hex, Mercury, Riddler, Black Deco Batman, Deathstroke andthe clown prince – the Joker!
Dr. Horrible Captain Hammer Logo T-Shirt
Now you to can look just like everyone’s favorite (clueless) hero from Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog, Captain Hammer. This is the actual t-shirt Nathan Fillon wears (well not the actual t-shirt). But once you don this t-shirt you of course will become awesome and encouraged to break out in song wherever you are, at anytime.Remember, “everyone’s a hero in their own way.” Sizes range from medium to double-x.
Flash #9
Geoff Johns (w) Francis Manapul (a)
After a two-issue villain spotlight, Barry Allen’s new story continues as Flashpoint begins here. It’s the debut of the newest fast dude to emerge orrun out of the Speedforce, Hot Pursuit, and he is charged with just one mission, no breaking the speed limit – of the speedforce. Guess who he has in his sights first? Did you guess? C’mon, this is an easy one. Now you are just frustrating me.
Flash Dastardly Death of the Rogues HC
Geoff Johns (w) Francis Manapul (a)
It’s the first brand-new non-return Barry Allen story in decades! (How’s that for aselling point). Barry Allen has not been around for awhile so of course now that he is back he is accused of MURDER! Dude, he works fast. Then again, they don’t call him The Flash for anything. Collects The Flash #1-6 and The Flash Secret Files 2010.
Incredible Hulks #622
Greg Pak (w) Paul Pelletier (a)
Have you checked out the Hulk lately? Well, there is a lot of crazy stuff going on, like multiple multi-colored Hulks and She-Hulks. This one is the “shocking” climax of God Smash. Scotty would not be happy as the Hulk attempts to break the fundamental law of (God) physics.
Shadowland Premiere HC
Andy Diggle (w) Billy Tan (a)
This is it, the end of Matt Murdoch’s story as Daredevil. Murdoch takes his obsession as Hell’s Kitchen protector to a new level as he uses his positions as the new head of the Hand to brutally watchguard it’s citizens. Some of Marvel’s local heroes are taking exception with a bunch of Hand ninjas running around the five boroughs so they decide to step up (as heroes are apt to do). The rest is history, and this story.
Ultimate Avengers vs New Ultimates #1 (of 6)
Mark Millar (w) Leinel Yu (a)
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #153
Brian Michael Bendis (w) Sara Pichelli, David Lafuente (a)
The Death of Spider-Man begins here. Ultimate Spider-Man 153 features a prologue tale as the first issue of Avengers vs Avengers starts the story for real.
Wolverine #1000
Various writers and artists
In the same vein as Deadpool #1000 and Wolverine #900, a collection of the bub who is the best at what he does is here. Tales include his inner devil being released in The Last Ride of the Devils while we also catch a tale from the Mojoverse and WWII.
Wolverine #5.1
Jason Aaron (w)
In case you did not get enough of your Wolverine fix, prepare yourself for a new jumping on point in the Wolverine story. Logan’s new girlfriend (when did this happen?) decides to invite his mutant and hero pals to a surprise party. Something tells me Wolverine is not big on surprises, but good for him finding a new lady after all these years. Guess he is finally over Mariko. Anyway, of course this being a surprise party with X-Men and Avengers, something ominous is about to happen. Like I said, great jumping on point. For current readers of Wolverine, this one will set up Wolverine’s story for the rest of 2011.
February 3, 1959 a plane carrying musicians Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the BigBopper crashed in a snowy field. All three perished. The impact on the music iducstry was huge, it would be like a plane going down today with Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake and Kings of Leon. Click here for more.
And Lou Diamond Phillips channeling his Valens and La Bamba
New This Week: 2.9.11
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner (don’t forget guys) let’s check out the comics coming out Wednesday Feb 9th 2011…
friday. 1st friday.
Some of you may know that it’s First Friday. Some of you could care less cause there’s new Magic cards out today. If you are the latter you’re a magician.
What I Liked This Week
DC Universe Online Legends #1
Marv Wolfman, Tony Bedard (w) Howard Porter, Adriana Melo, Livesay and Norman Lee (a)
I was hoping this would be a fun one. Just like the online MMO, the set up seems too good to be true. Luthor finally realizes his goal of taking out Superman, and pretty much every other hero along the way, but he had to enlist the assistance of Brainiac in order to do so. Of course, Brainiac has other plans (natch).
I know DC has reset its Universe more than one time, but you would think Luthor would remember one of these days that he is Charlie Brown to Brainiac’s Lucy. “Come here Lex Luthor, kick the football,” Brainiac would say. Luthor of course, never remembering that he is always Brainiac’s pawn would come on over, start running, gain speed and just when his foot is about to connect with that football – Luthor is on his back. Like none of us saw that coming. Of course, if we did we would not have this really cool concept for a game and now a biweekly comic book.
DC Universe finally lets the bad guys win, sort of. Issue one shows us the beginning of the end, but then splits into two stories – one in the past as Luthor retraces his steps as to how and when he got played and in the now where he attempts to recruit any remaining metas – good or bad – to help in the resistance against Brainiac before he wipes out the planet, like he is wiping away crumbs from his chin. That’s just how inconsequential all of this is to him – he is after all just a machine.
Just wait until you get to the end of the issue and see who answered the call for the new resistance of Earth.
The Invincible Iron Man #500.1
Matt Fraction (w) Salvador Larroca (a)
The first of the Marvel point one’s, or the “jumping” on point for new readers, Iron Man 500.1 is a treat. First, it is brought to us by the actual Eisner-award winning duo that has delivered sensational stories of ol’Shell head since the book’s reboot when the first movie was released back in 2009. Many of the point one’s will see different artists than those working on the regular titles.
Second, IT IS BROUGHT TO US BY THE REGULAR IRON MAN TEAM, and it is truly amazing. Fraction takes what could be a really dull and meandering premise and once again delivers big in a very poignant way. The is a great jumping on point for brand-new readers, and that includes comic newbies, super hero newbies or even new to Iron Man. Everything you ever needed to know about Iron Man and Tony Stark is in this issue. And it is done in such a way that regular readers to the book won’t even realize that is what they are reading.
Fraction is becoming Marvel’s everyman (obviously challenging Brian Michael Bendis for the crown) as he seems to be writing almost every title they have – in actuality he is writing Uncanny X-Men, Thor and the upcoming Fear Itself in addition to Iron Man). And his craft and storytelling never seem to suffer for it.
Plus, I love, LOVE, Larocca’s page layouts with this issue, very simply done, a perfect complement to the story itself. If you don’t read Iron Man, or even if you do, make sure you read this one.
Honorable Mention Goes out to Thor For Asgard #6 and Amazing Spider-Man #653. First Thor, Robert Rodi and Simone Bianchi do a phenomenal job on this six-part Marvel Knights mini-series, meaning this tale is really not part of the ongoing Marvel continuity. Thor is experiencing something of a renaissance with its upcoming movie as Marvel seems to have greenlit every idea about the God of Thunder in anticipation of throngs of movie goers rushing comic stores after seeing the film this summer (here’s hoping). What is awaiting them is some swell stuff, including the aforementioned title. When last we saw Thor, he was dying and says “Do not fear. I what it is that I must do …” and boy does he, as this one was a terrific story from start to finish. The final issue wraps the story up nicely while planting a few new seeds for a possible follow up story (again). This was a strong job. And Bianchi’s pencils which seem better suited for splash pages and covers than storytelling fit in perfectly with the Asgardian theme.
And once again I need to give high honors to Dan Slott’s Spider-Man “Big Time” arc. Wow, this has been consistently good and fun storytelling, the like of which this book has not seen since the heyday of a certain JMS. The first arc was just collected in hardcover this week, and if you have yet to jump back on board with Spider-Man, now is the perfect time to do so. A fun time is on every page.
And I would be neglect if I did not mention this other title once again this week, Gabriel Ba’s and Fabio Moon’s Vertigo mini-series Daytripper was collected as a trade paperback this week. It’s an amazing story about life that is extremely well written and drawn. It’s as if the Brazilian twins were born to be in the medium. Also, it will be the topic of the next Willow Grove book discussion on Saturday, February 26 @ 7 p.m. If you have yet to come out to the book club, now is a perfect time with a perfect book to discuss. Hope to see you there!
My Pick
Daredevil Guardian Devil
Kevin Smith (w) Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti (a)
Daredevil Guardian Devil was the first eight issues of the Marvel Knights Daredevil launch as well as Kevin Smith’s first foray into mainstream comic book writing. I think both were a huge success as Smith was able to soften his hyperkinetic awareness of his character’s self-involved worlds and tell a really heartfelt story about the Man Without Fear with some surprising twists and turns.
I feel as if this is Smith’s best comic effort and although many enjoy his Green Arrow run, I am not one of them. That run seems to talky while his second Marvel effort – Spider-Man/Black Cat The Evil That Men Do just does not hit the same notes as his Daredevil debut.
One of the other revelations on this book is Joe Quesada’s amazing pencils. This was years before his okay efforts on Amazing Spider-Man’s One More Day and One Moment in Time. One of my friends recently said that he thought Quesada should have just kept drawing instead of taking over the reigns of Marvel, and I agreed immediately with him, especially after looking at his work on this story.
It’s hard to believe this story is 10 years old. And it has a lot going on. There is a baby that could be the next savior which Daredevil is enlisted to protect. We get cameo appearances by many of Marvel’s mightiest heroes, plus a couple of former lovers return to Matt Murdoch’s life including the Black Widow. And then there is also a surprise foe, who’s story in this book saw many hardcore fans outraged and crying foul.
Don’t discount Smith’s ability to make an easy and smooth transition from screenwriting to comics, that made it look like he was doing comics all his life. In fact, it’s not until the end of page 5 that we actually get real character dialogue instead of inner monologues, but it’s those inner thoughts that set up the story for us, and what a doozy of a tale Smith has in store for all of us.
What makes it all the more great is that the dialogue is coming from none other than our hero, who’s introduction in book is pretty sweet. It’s funny that we first see Murdoch, in church and in the confessional. If anyone is going to write something heavy with Roman Catholic overtones, Smith is the guy (especially after his film Dogma).
I feel that Smith gets a ton of credit for his way with words, but never enough for his ability to tell a story. Just look at the triumph that is his Clerks II. Granted, to me, this is his best effort at the helm of a comic. He may attain this awesomeness again on a mainstream title, but his efforts that followed paled in comparison with this one.
How’s this for not giving anything away but telling you why you should be reading this book, even if it’s over 10 years old?
Check out previous “My Pick” selections below.
Danger Girl
Thor by J. Michael Straczynski TP Volume 1
Random Retro Comic Review
Wonder Man #13
Gerry Jones (w) Jeff Johnson, Dan Panosian (a)
I never did read this issue when it originally premiered and I am sort of kicking myself now because the opening splash page is an good-old fashioned super-hero donneybrook at Four Freedoms Plaza with Wonder Man exclaiming “No! No one’s insane … but you Mutants!!”
How can this Infinity War crossover not be awesome with the cover and splash page teases?
Actually as crossovers go, this one is pretty tight. Jones does a terrific job of moving the Infinity War story forward in this issue while also giving Wonder Man a solo mission tied to the war, while we also see a couple of “B” and “C” stories about other characters in Simon’s life.
Since this issue was produced in the early 1990s, Marvel was at it’s height of including Wolverine in every book (he must truly be a Skrull!) and this issue of Wonder Man was no exception. Logan antagonizes and almost skewers the main character of the book.
Turns out Wonder Man is having some power issues, and of course it’s at the best time, right smack dab in the middle of another Thanos War. Meanwhile Logan is doing what he does best, couple of tough-guy qoutes, smoking a cigar, unleashing the claws and saying “bub” a lot.
This issue feels like a prelude to Secret Invasion as there are crazy duplicates of the heroes out there. Duplicate Reed leads the heroes to Four Freedoms Plaza only to try and eliminate them, while duplicate Iron Man is the reason for the splash page in the first place.
With the mutant hysteria in full gear (when is it not) Wonder Man takes off with Thor (Thunderstrike) and Hercules to track down a couple of missing Avengers. But he meets face-to-face with his duplicate who seems to have taken costume tips from Malice.
As far as an early 1990s random Marvel comic goes, this one is actually a lot of fun. Jones wrote an engaging issue while Johnson looked like he was having fun including everyone and the kitchen sink on several pages. The opening splash is just a lot of fun.
Until next time …
Check out previous Random Retro Comic Reviews below.
Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #40
Invincible Iron Man Volume 3 #37
