Brave New Worlds

Save the date as the lords of Asgard descend on Brave New Worlds Willow Grove for our next book discussion on Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. as we discuss the literary and heroic merits of Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee’s critically-acclaimed eight-issue run of Thor: The Mighty Avenger. Hit the jump for more information.

Just in time for the release of the feature film Thor on May 6, Brave New Worlds Willow Grove’s next book discussion will focus on the Asgardian God of Thunder himself in Thor: The Mighty Avenger volumes one and two.

It’s been a thousand years and Thor returns to Earth in Oklahoma. However, he is not the Thor the Marvel Universe has come to know or even expect.

The nice thing about Langridge’s take on Thor is that is does not get bogged down in regular Marvel continuity. In fact, it is not a part of Marvel’s continuity, rather just another take on Thor that may be easier to digest for casual or non-fans. It is actually a terrific introduction into the character and some of the obstacles he may encounter in the film as he literally falls from grace.

Langridge changes up the relationship with Jane Foster a bit, modernizing it and offering a new and fresh approach for readers. Meanwhile, Samnee’s storytelling in pictures is simplistic and perfect for what the book is about.

And do not worry too much about Marvel continuity. While readers don’t need a who’s who to the Marvel Universe, we do find that Thor is part of a much bigger world when reading the abbreviated run.

Part of the problem for this title on its run was finding its audience. Marvel might not have effectively been able to locate and nurture that audience for what is really a well done book.

If you want a Thor book free of continuity that’s just fun, great art and dynamic character work, give this a look. Comic Book Resources

See you on the 30^th!

You may remember last year when we were left high and dry without a show for a First Friday and the Philadelphia Cartoonist Society stepped in and threw together a show for us…well we liked the formula and we are teaming up again!

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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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Brave New Worlds Willow Grove will host it’s next Book Discussion on Saturday, February 26 @ 7 p.m. This month’s selection will be the critically-lauded Vertigo mini-series, Daytripper, collected and available in one collection (on sale now at Brave new Worlds!).

Daytripper is truly a unique and refreshing look at the journey that is all of our lives, as Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon take a look at one specific existence, that of writer Bras de Oliva Domingos. Each chapter is a different page of his life.

Daytripper tracks Domingos life, loves, death and the possibilities in between. It is one of the top books of 2010 and is a must read for any fan of the genre, and even for those who are new to comics.

Ba’s creative partner on the Umbrella Academy, My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way called Daytripper “beautifully written and utterly gorgeous. Daytripper completely blew me away.”

Don’t worry, you didn’t miss it last month…the took off because of the holidays. CBS! Philly is back with a vengeance! Hit the jump for details.

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Brave New Worlds Willow Grove will host it’s next book discussion on Saturday, January 29 @ 7 p.m. This month’s selection will be Smith’s mainstream comic book debut, Daredevil Guardian Devil.

Smith takes a fresh approach with a character that has been around the block a bit, as Daredevil needs to protect an infant that might either be the Messiah, the Antichrist or Buddy Christ (kidding on the last one).

If you have yet to come out to one of our discussion groups, now is a great time to start. We have a great bunch of people that come out and we always have some food, and excellent conversation.

On Friday, January 28 @ 12 a.m. (technically Saturday morning), Brave New Worlds Willow Grove will be holding a prerelease event for the next Magic set, Mirrodin Besieged. For just $30, you will receive six (6) packs to build your deck, plus a foil promo card (listed below, while supplies last). Prizes will be determined on the number of participants.

If you are not a regular Red Bull user and wish to wait to play at a normal time, Brave New Worlds Willow Grove will host a prerelease event on Sunday, January 30 at Noon. $30 for six packs plus a promotional foil card (listed below, supplies last). Prizes again will be determined on the number of participants.

And on Super Bowl Sunday, February 6 at Noon, Brave New Worlds Willow Grove will host the launch party. Thirty dollars, six packs and an all-different foil promotional card (listed below, while supplies last) will be released. Prizes again will be determined on the number of participants.

This time, competitors will be assigned factions for the prerelease event and will be given the promotional card based on the faction assigned – either Hero of Bladehold or Glissa, the Traitor.

The following week’s promo will be Thopter Assembly.

2011’s First Friday Season gets kicked off with South Philly’s own South Fellini Studio’s first group show here at Brave New Worlds Old City! Come check out the art and meet the artists this friday night. Hit the jump for more details…

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The Autumn Society is teaming up with us for their FIRST EVER CHARITY ART SHOW! This one will be one not to be missed and it’s just around the corner.

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Willow Grove may have already discussed this Eisner, Harvey and Ignatz award winner but we are gonna do it Old City style toward the end of the month. Because it is so long we are also giving you and extra week…

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