Brave New Worlds

What?! New comics on my birthday?! Ok! Sounds like a plan! Also do the Bernie.

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Click here to read previous strips of The Comicverse.

Ever walk into Brave New Worlds, walk along the Great Wall of Comics and say to yourself something like “man that cover of Zen Intergalactic Ninja, while foil as all get out, sucks. I could totally make a better one!”? Here’s your chance.

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If you were to take a quick glance at the list of comics hitting the shelf tomorrow you may assume (if you know me) I’d be all about the Dean Koontz Frankenstein comic…well I’m not*. Let’s see what I am lookin’ forward to…

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Action Comics #898

Paul Cornell (w) Pete Woods (a)

The rematch you have been waiting for – Larfleeze versus Lex Luthor, round two. It’s a funny story really, Larfleeze is sort of miffed ever since Luthor went on his obsessive quest to take what Larfleeze has, the orange ring. Turns out Larfleeze likes to have stuff as well, and next on his list is a starring role in Action Comics. Only two issues remain before the milestone 900th.

Astonishing X-Men #36

Daniel Way (w) Jason Pearson (a)

GREAT JUMPING ON POINT! It’s a new creative team and it’s all about the monsters in this first issue of the new arc, Monster Island that is. However, what happens when the monsters don’t stay on Monster Island, Well of course major hijinks ensue. The classic Kirby monsters are back as our band of little mutants once again have to save the world – sounds like a certain Vampire Slayer I know.

Batman Arkham Asylum Series 1 Action Figures

Aw yeah it’s time for some classic new Bat figures as Batman, the Joker, Harley Quinn and the Scarecrow populate this new release.

Detective Comics #874

Scott Snyder (w) Francesco Francavilla (a)

NEW ARC! I like how this one was solicited – “there are some cases that come screaming back at you … like phone calls in the night …” This one spotlights Commissioner Gordon, who has had many a sleepless night on one of the many that got away, but this is just not any other case – this is the “Peter Pan Killer.” Snyder pens his second story for Detective and is joined this time by Francavilla.

Doctor Who Dalek Sculpted Wall Clock

This looks awesome. It’s a Dalek, but it’s also a clock. Leave it to the Dr. Who people to get out a really cool looking item. As always, this is imported from the UK, so don’t hold off, otherwise the Daleks will most likely destroy all the remaining ones, and the human race as well – it’s what they do.

Fantastic Four #588

Jonathan Hickman (w) Steve Epting (a)

It’s a month of mourning in the final issue of Fantastic Four as next month sees the premiere of FF. But first we need to see how the death of one of their members impacts their family, and the entire super-hero community. And what is to become of the Fantatic Four now that they are only three. Don’t miss out on the final piece to the “Three” story arc.

Freakangels TP Volume 5

Warren Ellis (w) Paul Duffield (a)

Ellis’ online web comic’s fourth episode is collected in this fifth volume. If you are new the Freakangels, now is the perfect time to catch up – it’s a your typical post-apocalyptic  tale with a new twist – expect nothing less from the mind of Ellis (our February Creator of the Month).

Iron Man 2.0 #1

Nick Spencer (w) Barry Kitson (a)

It only seems like Spencer is writing for everyone as he makes his Marvel debut this week continuing the story of Tony Stark’s best pal – James Rhodey and his alter ego, War Machine. But there’s a catch (isn’t there always) as Rhodey’s armor gets an upgrade to go along with his new mission. The beginning starts here, in a three-issue arc introducing this all-new monthly title.

Justice League Rise and Fall HC

J.T. Krull (w) Diogenes Neves, Mike Mayhew, Fabrizio Fiorentino (a)

What happens when a super hero kills? Well, they of course become the bad guys. And we all knew that Oliver Queen always had the potential to take matters into his own hand. But when he took out Prometheus, the League has to bring him to justice. This is that story. But wait, there’s more as our old pal, Speedy, Red Arrow or Arsenal (you choose the name) must also deal with the death of his daughter and loss of both arms – that’s just messed up.

New Mutants #22/X-Men Legacy #245

Mike Carey (w) Clay Mann, Steve Kurth (a)

READ X-MEN LEGACY #245 OUT THIS WEEK FIRST. Age of X starts here, for reals this time. The first one-shot was an introduction to the world. Now we get to see how the last remaining mutants on the planet live in this world.  While our buddies try to protect themselves from those looking to eliminate them, there is a plot revealed by one of their own. As if the deck was not already stacked against them. Maybe Gambit (or whatever his new name is) can do something about that.

Star Wars 4PC 10oz Glass Set

A long time ago, George Lucas made a killing on his deal with Fox to distribute his little film called Star War, merchandising – this is the latest result.

X-Men Curse of the Mutants Premiere HC

Victor Gischler (w) Paco Medina (a)

Embracing the vampire craze, it’s time to see what happens when they go up against mutants. Should be a fun time, although I don’t see daylight walks in the park. Unless of course the vampires have this crazy cool medallion rendering them impervious to the burning effects of the sun and thus allowing them to roam amongst everyone all the time. But what are the odds of that happening?

Well new comics day is Wednesday and it’s also my brother’s birthday (and 1 week away from mine)…Let’s check out the new comics for the last week of February 2011!

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Amazing Spider-Man #654.1

Dan Slott (w) Humberto Ramos (a)

Another of the Marvel point one issues, I am not certain how great of a jumping on point for new readers this issue is as Spider-Man does not even appear in this issue. Peter Parker does, but if you blink you very well miss him. No, this issue was all about Venom and his new relationship with a symbiote. I say a symbiote because it looks as if Uncle Sam has figured out a way to utilize good ol’Venom. Guess who the first test subject is?

That’s right, last time we saw our old buddy Flash Thompson he was in a wheel chair, victim of an IED overseas fighting in the army. However, now the Venom suit has given him a new lease on life. And along with that lease, new delusions of grandeur. You remember how it goes for Flash – he’s always dreamed of teaming up Spider-Man.

The book begins with Flash playing the part of James Bond, infiltrating a party and doing the mambo with some little honey as he approaches his target. Of course after this first successful mission, the ante gets upped and that is where this issue really gets interesting.

And just in case you were worried that our buddy Venom has been neutered – “Now ya done it! Now I’m gonna — Now we’re gonna tear ya limb from limb.” And that’s not even the best moment.

One thing is for certain, you know this partnership with the alien will not last forever, and I can not wait to see what happens when it falls apart.

Slott is at his usual best, as if Ramos. Forgive me as I need to leave to worship at ther altar of what is the new Spider-Man.

Justice of League of America #54

James Robinson (w) Brett Booth (a)

Let me start with saying I have not been the biggest fan of James Robinson’s run on JLA. I’m just not one of his disciples. Granted, I still need to read his Starman saga (which everyone raves about). Now that I got that out of the way, let me say how much fun this issue was.

Eclipso is an old -school JLA villain. Of course, this is an entirely new JLA without Superman, Wonder Woman and Bruce Wayne. And this is a new Eclipso who just live a certain brand of toasters has a plan. And boy this plan looks pretty spectacular.

I am not sure how long this story is going to run, but the first setup issue has me hooked. Plus, Brett Booth’s art is awesome. I don’t know why he has not done a regular mainstream title before now.

Plus, it’s always nice when we get a timeout from the heroes and see how the other lives, and thinks. I can’t wait for the next issue to ship.

Click here to read previous strips of The Comicverse.

Amazing Spider-Man 654.1

Dan Slott (w) Paulo Siqueira (a)

Venom a hero! What the heck is going on in the name of Excelsior and why is he showing up Peter Parker in that department? The next edition of the Marvel Point One issues, a terrific jumping on point if you have yet to listen to me and pick up Slott’s Big Time arc (the first four issues of which are available in collected form already). So, what are you waiting for? You need to get back on the horse, or spider – so to speak. You can thank me later.

Batman #707

Tony Daniel (w/a)

This is the one you have all been waiting for, the introduction of a brand-new super heroine – the exotic Peacock from the Far East! I kid you not. And oh yeah, Batman discovers that Gotham City’s founders had some secrets Yo. Isn’t it always the case. Why can’t we just leave the past buried? I guess it does become an issue when the Peacock is on the case – like how I tied that one back?

Booster Gold #41

Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis (w) Chris Batista, Rich Perrotta (a)

I personally love these crazy time stream ones. Turns out Booster Gold is going to face a new threat from another time AGAIN, but get this, it is for the first time. Just when you thought it could not get any better than the Peacock, DC turns around and gives us a mind trip. You are welcome.

Boys #51

Garth Ennis (w) Russ Braun (a)

It’s an oh-oh moment as Butcher finds out what has been going for Hughie. Also, it’s a road trip for Butcher and Terror to our nation’s capitol and CIA director Susan Rayner. Good times. Some laughs are had, memories rekindled and CONCLUSION are sprung, including the aforementioned Hughie. Remember, this one is not for the kiddies.

Captain America by Jack Kirby Omnibus HC

Stan Lee, Roy Thomas (w) Jack Kirby, Jim Steranko, Gil Kane, John Romita and more (a)

Aw yeah, another week and another awesome Marvel omnibus release, just in time to celebrate President’s Day! This one takes us all the way back to the beginning as America gets ready to enter WWII, one Steve Rogers is about to take some serum, and the rest is as they say, history. And yeah, there is a lot of Jack Kirby stuff in this one. Collects Tales of Suspense 59-99, Captain America 100-113 and Not Brand Echh 3.

Detective Comics Classics

Various (w/a)

Previously only available in the Detective Comics Action Figure Box Set, we get some old school Batman tales from back in the day from Detective Comics 377, 384-385 and Batman Family 1. The Riddler, Batgirl and Robin all appear, as does some Gil Kane artwork.

DMZ TP Volume 9

Brian Wood (w) Riccardo Burchielli (a)

Our very own Brian swears by this title. The ongoing tale continues after the crazy events of Hearts and Minds, our good buddy Matty finds himself a prisoner in a remote and desolate section of the city – why don’t abductors put their prizes in the city’s square with the hot dog vendor? Just trying to think outside the box. Maybe Lincoln and Frankenstein can join him (you are welcome Brian). Anyway, all this alone time can only mean an epiphany is forth coming for our boy and probably not the same kind that Darth Vader had right before he decided to toss the Emperor over the side in the Death Star. But what do I know?

Fables #102

Bill Willingham (w) Mark Buckingham, Steve Leiahola (a)

Another great jumping on point this week, and Vertigo did not even need a special point one issue to do it. Well, Willingham is talented. Anyway, this issue kicks off a five-episode arc called “Super Group.” Turns out Pinocchio has decided to hero up, tights and all. This being Fables, it is probably nothing you are expecting.

Garth Ennis’ Jennifer Blood #1

Garth Ennis (w) Adriano Batista (a)

Possibly taking it cues from the awesome Geena Davis-Samuel L. Jackson vehicle, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Jennifer Blood is a suburban soccer mom by day, and you guessed it, super model (whoops, wrong notes) a ruthless vigilante by night. I wonder what would happened if she reversed the times she did those jobs? Look out grocery store bagger. You are going to bag that produce the right way. I digress. Since it’s coming from the twisted mind of Ennis this should be an interesting read to say the least.

Green Lantern #62

Geoff Johns (w) Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy (a)

This one is going to lead into the War of the Green Lanterns (nifty title eh?) as Sinestro and Hal Jordan need to make a sacrifice in the SHOCKING conclusion to “New Guardians.” There of course is betrayal and the Stay Puft Marshallow Man (who of course I can not back up in this story). One thing is certain, the drums are starting to beat more loudly as war is approaching. And not the silly Sinestro Corp War or that even more funny Blackest Night.

Hawkeye Blind Spot #1 (of 4)

Jim McCann (w) David Lopez (a)

Just when you think you have seen the last of Clint Barton in a monthly book (New Avengers, Hawkeye & Mockingbird, Widow Maker), the Marvel Powers That Be give us yet another new mini-series. Hawkeye takes stock in his life after all the events of the previously mentioned titles. Think he will be ordering some Chinese food and listening to 80’s power ballads while it all unfolds?

Justice League of America #54

James Robinson (w) Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund (a)

You know lately I have been saying to myself, “self, you know what we need a new Eclipso story.” And voila Justice League this week delivers in the beginning of the “The Rise of Eclipso” with new artist Brett Booth (love his style). Turns out the road to darkness is not paved with good intentions, but rather the members of the Justice League of America. Isn’t that always the way?

Morning Glories Volume 1 For a Better Future TP

Nick Spencer (w) Joe Eisma (a)

Collecting the first six out-of-print issues, the Morning Glory Academy is on the nation’s most prestigious prep schools, even more so than that joint on Gossip Girl. But alas, something is lurking behind the doors that is all not hugs and puppies. New students arrive, but they never leave, sort of like transferring into Temple University.

Silver Surfer #1 (of 5)

Greg Pak (w) Stephen Segovia (a)

The FF’s silver pal is back on the streets of New York City, but he ain’t on now Crocodile Dundee walkabout. Nope, instead he is actually feared, FEARED by many. I wonder what gives? Maybe they have not gotten over his being a herald of the world eater. Turns out this mini-series has to do with the High Evolutionary. Maybe he is going to turn old Norrin into the Red Surfer? Just thinking outside the box a little bit.

Superman Batman Torment TP

Alan Burnett (w) Dustin Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs (a)

This one is a favorite of mine. The story is swell, with a little seduction and Apokolips thrown in for good measure as Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs are supplying the pictures – and some mighty fine pictures at that. Superman goes missing and Batman must team up with some forbidden love to track him down. But only adding to the fun is Darkseid, Killer Croc and Scarecrow (‘natch).

Hope you didn’t spend all your monies on your special Valentine type person the other day ’cause there’s comics n such coming out this week (also Valentine’s Day DOES NOT cause comics to be a day late)

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