Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: G.I. JOE #1, STARLIGHT #5, GHOSTBUSTERS #20 Plus THE ADVENTURES OF A 4TH GRADE SPACE CAPTAIN at FORCES OF GEEK

What better reason to bring back the Triple Shot of comics at FOG! than a new G.I. Joe book?

Season 4 of IDW’s run is written by Karen Traviss and has Scarlett as the head of the team. We also check in on Starlight by Millar and Parlov over at Image and try to trap them ghosts in the final issue of Ghostbusters from IDW.

Back all of that up with an all ages The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain from ComiXology Submit!

Ahhh….refreshing…

G.I. JOE Season 4 #1
WRITER: Karen Traviss
ARTIST: Steve Kurth
Publication Date: September 24, 2014
Price: $3.99
Publisher: IDW Publishing
UPC: 82771400693300111
Buy it Here 


IDW continues the Joe legacy with it’s fourth season of books.

Building off of the history and world building established in previous seasons is the latest from sci-fi author Karen Traviss. This new book jumps forward 5 years from G.I. Joe: Season 3 and the events in the spyfi thriller spinoff book G.I. Joe: The Cobra Files from Mike Costa.

I’m happy to report that this is a new take on the Joes, but also one that’s as thick as Dutch chocolate cake and the characters are all true to form. Fans of Hama’s military jargon will be satisfied, but also real world politics enter the dialogue and situations presented herein.

Recommended if you are enjoying Nathan Edmondson’s work on The Activity, or more recently in Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Echoes.

That should do it for the author comparisons, except to say that this is very different from the relatively lighthearted Yo-Joeing going on in Chuck Dixon or Fred Van Lente runs on the book.

Traviss is taking this very seriously, and as a long suffering Joe fan, I couldn’t be happier. Notable changes to the vibe are Scarlett taking a lead role and trying to save the team from disbanding and a course change for Cobra and the surviving Crimson Twin, Tomax.

I am eagerly awaiting the next volume of G.I. Joe with a cool new logo and very talented new female writer at the helm.

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

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CHARLIE GILLESPIE TALKS 'THE MANY' ON THE COSMIC TREADMILL AT FORCES OF GEEK

This week at ComiXology, fans of 2000AD books will get a special treat, a full graphic novel, The Many, from cover artist Charlie Gillespie.

This future world with superpowers, vampire lore and gore ranks right up there withTransmetropolitan or Black Mask’s Ballistic. Both the art and story are rich and colorful.

Charlie Gillespie joins us today for a run on the Cosmic Treadmill!

FOG!: Thanks for joining us today for your ComiXology Graphic Novel The Many! Fans may have seen your work with. 2000AD and Judge Dredd, but can you tell us some of the video games you have worked on as well? 

Charlie Gillespie: Cheers, thanks for hosting me! Off the top of my head, Micro Maniacs, Mike Tyson Boxing, BC, Paperwings, Burn Zombie Burn, Legends of the Guardians, Lara Croft Guardians of the Light (iPhone/iPad),Call Of Duty Black Ops Zombies (iPhone/iPad), Wipeout (from the TV show), and there was work on a few others along the way.

What are some other comics work you have done? Is this your first venture with both writing and drawing a comic?

Yeah this is my first big adventure into writing and drawing a comic book, I’ve dabbled with doing both before but nothing that was this complex and hopefully interesting. The other stuff I’ve worked on have been The Judge Dredd Megazine, 2000AD, Shit the Dog, Wasted, Sancho, covers and illustrations for various sci-fi/fantasy mags and Magic Cards and that sort of thing.

[READ MORE at FORCES OF GEEK]

TRIPLE SHOT WITH A DIGITAL CHASER: G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #200, STAR SLAMMERS #1, ROCKY & BULLWINKLE #1 PLUS DEPARTMENT O #1 - FORCES OF GEEK

Yo Joe! 

With Larry Hama delivering us the milestone issue of G.I. Joe #200 this week, we also have an 80’s Marvel graphic novel reprint in the form of issues with Walt Simonson’s Star Slammers #1 (remastered).

Mighty Mark Evanier & Roger Langridge team up just like their title characters inRocky & Bullwinkle #1.

Over in ComiXology Submit land, wash this down with a spooky British team in Department O #1.  

G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #200
WRITER: Larry Hama
ART: SL Gallant
Publication Date: March 26, 2014
Price: $5.99
Publisher: IDW Publishing
UPC: 82771400148820011
Buy it HERE

“Yo, Joe!” - That’s what you’ll hear like the shot heard round the world tomorrow at 11 or noon when the shops open up in your town.

In fact, here in nearby Somerville, Tim Finn of Hub Comics is giving away 200 copies of this six dollar book for free today! All coming from a love for the ninjas, soldiers, tanks, reptilian villains and military banter sensei Larry Hama has given us since the first comic series (there have been many since) in the G.I. Joe franchise!

My heart fluttered in anticipation of reading the book and suddenly I was 12 years old again! 

This double-sized issue has a climactic standoff between our arrogant and whiney Cobra Commander and top notch Joes, including original Joe Coulton (played by Bruce Willis in G.I. Joe: Retaliation. 

There is one page, near the end of the book that is fan service to us loyal RAH fans. Joe Headquarters The Pit is given a reboot and boy howdy is it cool.

IDW even reenlisted the letters page, ‘Postbox: The Pit’, where a young Clay N. Ferno was first published way back in 1991 (Issue #110, Saw-Viper)! You best believe it, I wrote in a gushing Postbox letter immediately. If I’m in the Joe letter page twice in my life, I’m dropping my microphone and walking away!

Happy Anniversary to Larry, Herb Trimpe, and new artist SL Gallant (and of course all of the great RAH artists, too many to mention here)! Dinner Wednesday: frozen pizza, grape soda, and little chocolate covered donuts! 

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

TRIPLE SHOT WITH A DIGITAL CHASER: MONSTER & MADMAN #1, JUDGE DREDD #17, STRAY BULLETS: KILLERS #1 PLUS D4VE #1 at FORCES OF GEEK

With so much comics news in other media yesterday, its time to slow down, belly up to the shelves at your local comic shop today or relax in your bed with your tablet for the latest edition of Triple Shot here at Forces Of Geek!

Steve Niles returns steer the ship of our nightmares with Monster & Madman #1, The Dark Judges appear in Judge Dredd #17 and Lapham returns with Stray Bullets: Killers #1. Monkeybrain treated everyone to D4VE #1 the robot this week over in ComiXology!

MONSTER & MADMAN #1 (of 3)
WRITER: Steve Niles
ART: Damien Worm
Publication Date: March 11, 2014
Price: $3.99
Publisher: IDW Publishing
UPC: 82771400608700111
Buy it HERE


Here’s a matchup that can only come from the mind of Steve Niles (30 Days of Night). Monster & Madman is a limited series focusing on Frankenstein’s monster and Jack the Ripper! 

Issue #1 largely is set upon an olde wooden ship. Frank has been through a lot since master passed and his wife left him (or was dropped in a vat of acid—whichever your prefer!).

The monster is seeking to escape, as he realizes he is difficult to kill. Joining the Norwegian sailing vessel is his best bet. 

While aboard he is tricked by the captain, a master he is forces to obey. 

A good, meaty story here in the first issue of the mini-series, focusing on Frankenstein character development in this particular world. 

So much happens in a short number of pages, it is staggering the way Niles can craft a story. The monster is familiar in name, but this Frankenstein has a personality all of his own.

Spooky art by Damian Worm gives a Dave McKean Arkham Asylum painted/collage look. Great lettering too, assuming by Worm as well (no letters credit listed). 

Fans of Universal Horror, Steve Niles and his Frankenstein work with legend Bernie Wrightson should pick this up!

[READ MORE at FORCES OF GEEK]

Triple Shot Digital: 'WORLD WAR MOB' #1, 'VALHALLA CINDERMANE' #1 and 'THE SOLDIER' #1

Now that someone has an iPad, that someone (OK, its me!) is reading comics whenever, wherever and however he can! This Triple Shot takes us to more than one battlefield with Vito Delsante’s World War Mob and also to the Anglo-Zulu War in Guido Vrolix’ The Soldier. Don’t worry, we have aliens and huge axes wielded by a strong female hero in Valhalla Cindermane.

All of these books are submitted to the ComiXology platform via the creator-owned ComiXology Submit program, where independent creators can be discovered alongside the virtual shelves with mainstream books!

WORLD WAR MOB #1
Writer: Vito Delsante
Artist: Giancarlo Caracuzzo
Price: $1.99
Imprint: New Paradigm Studios
Page Count: 22
Digital Release Date: January 29, 2014
Age Rating: 17+ Only
BUY IT HERE
TWITTER: @incogvito

Issue #1 of Vito Delsante’s World War Mob hits the ComiXology store today. A quick review of the book in the platform’s new browser-friendly HTML 5 Beta reminds us what a great story we have here.

For fans of Band of Brothers and Goodfellas, this World War II story brings us from the collection rounds of gangsters on the Lower East Side to the front lines to the Battle of the Ardennes.

Capt. Vinny DiGreco is offered a secret mission while on leave in Sicily.

The circle of life as it where, even the Army owes Lucky Luciano a favor, so Vinny accepts a top secret mission, that will have affects on the outcome of the war!

Vito shared that no one in comics has touched on wiseguys joining the draft before, and we hope the concept catches on. Issue #1 is off to a great start, full of action, Nazi punching and also street level crime stuff happening in New York. 

Giancarlo’s art is great as well, he colors himself in watercolor washes. His line work reminiscent of great Sgt. Rock work by Joe Kubert. The realist illustration really helps set the tone and time setting. 

World War Mob takes comics back to classic storytelling, combining rather than mashing up genres to give the reader a one of a kind experience. This world can be built on in many different directions, and our hero in the first issue is one we can root for both as patriotic Americans and fans of organized crime stories. 

[READ MORE at FORCES OF GEEK]

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: G.I. JOE: #12, SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN #7, INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #17 plus KAMI #1

Happy New Year!  We hope you get to make your regularly scheduled trip to the comic store this week and when you do, take into consideration this Triple Shot! 

G.I. Joe gets a new writer that explores the origins of different Cobra Commanders past and present, the new Beetle’s origin starts at a birthday party years ago in The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, and Hulk gets mad when people start invading his space in Indestructible Hulk #17.

Kami is a nice quick chaser over at ComiXology.

G.I. JOE #12
WRITER: Paul Allor
ART: Alex Cal, Steve Kurth
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: IDW Publishing
UPC: 82771400431101211
Buy it HERE

It is no surprise to anyone that I am a fanatical G.I. Joe fan, I literally wear it on my sleeve in the form of an Arashikage tattoo.

Larry Hama’s Marvel run (continuing to date over at IDW) is what got me into comics, and the reboot of the franchise at IDW has impressed and compelled me to write about the multiple IDW series from the get go.

That was because names like Chuck Dixon, Hama, Christos Gage, Mike Costa and Fred Van Lente were carrying on the legacy.


Sure, the main series has had its low points but in general, overall I have been happy.

To my surprise, a guest on my podcast, a relative unknown writer in the scheme of things, Paul Allor was tapped to take over for Fred Van Lente on Season 3 after his departure. Allor cut his teeth in Comics Experience (online classes led by former Joe Editor Andy Schmidt) and quickly got pro work on several TMNT titles.

Allor is picking up on a Gage and Costa concept from G.I. Joe: Cobra in which the Cobra organization has been around for centuries. Like an anonymous Pope, one Commander is replaced by the next, hiding his identity.

This book tells the story of at least two Commanders, not including the present day as C.C. hires a Press Agent to tell the story behind Cobra.

Taking over for one of comics hottest writers, Fred Van Lente can not be easy, and I am delighted to say Paul Allor pulls it off! I can’t wait for the next issue, and more ghosts of Cobra Commanders past!

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: HARLEY QUINN #1, G.I. JOE: COBRA FILES #9, ILLEGITIMATES #1 plus DIARY OF NIGHT #1

Today, on a very special holiday edition of Triple Shot, we help Harley Quinnmove into her new place, mourn the loss of one of our favorite G.I. Joe titles, introduce the family to The Illegitimates plus read a different kind of vampire diary at ComiXology with Diary of Night #1.



  

HARLEY QUINN #1
WRITTEN BY: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti
ART: Chad Hardin
Publication Date: December 18, 2013
Price: $2.99
Publisher: DC Comics
UPC: 76194131887500111
Buy it HERE

Since Death of the Family, the Joker has been missing, presumed dead.  And Harley herself kicked off the New 52 by starring in Suicide Squad.

Last month, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti gave Dr. Quinzel her own book in the form of an anthology introduction, Harley Quinn #0 with too many guest artists to even fit on the cover.

This month, the story takes off as we recommend Conner & Palmiotti’s new Harley Quinn #1 with series artist Chad Hardin. Harley rides a Harley into her new apartment in Coney Island left to her by an Arkham patient. 

The series is off to a great start, and plenty of action and storytelling in this debut issue.

A Danzig lookalike Big Tony helps get her acquainted to the neighborhood just as she finds out she’ll still have some responsibilities in the building as landlord, mostly financial concerns. She applies to become a doctor in residence at a nursing home with some dangerous patients, and on the next page she is pwning a roller derby team tryout!

Fun stuff to watch Harley start over in the New 52, and also to explore her therapeutic side as she rekindles her practice.

But also this is fun because she hits people with a big wooden mallet.

Excited to see where this goes!

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: UNITY #2, G.I. JOE #11, BRAIN BOY #0 plus CODE MONKEY SAVE WORLD #2 at FORCES OF GEEK

Christmas comes a little early this year with some amazing comics this week!

In fact, paring this list down to four was hard for the first time in a while.

The Valiant Universe crossover continues in Unity #2, our friend Fred Van Lente takes two spots with his last G.I. Joe #11 and an early adventure in Brain Boy #0.

On ComiXology, Code Monkey get pants and more in his origin, Code Monkey Save World #2. 

UNITY #2
WRITER: Matt Kindt
ARTIST: Doug Braithwaite
Publication Date: December 11, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: Valiant Comics
UPC: 85899200312300211
Buy it HERE

The struggle against X-O Manowar continues this week in the Valiant crossover Unity #2.

Toyo Harada’s first wave of infiltrators, a team of Harbingers was largely unsuccessful, and Ninjak got himself captured by the Visigoth and is now trapped in the Vine ship in Romania.

Does none of that make sense to you?

Don’t worry, with only two issues in, you can start from the beginning and get a sense of story.

Valiant, by design, is making their second wave of comics great jumping on points for new readers, and are attracting more with consistent five-star reviews for this Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT) written crossover limited series.

In issue #2, Livewire, Eternal Warrior and Harada infiltrate the ship and tap into the virtual controls, in attempt to rescue Ninjak and save the planet from Aric’s invasion. 

The virtual reality fight scenes drawn by Doug Braithwaite ramp the action up to eleven, making for a true page turner.

I’m telling you, drop event comics from the big two and hop on Unity. Valiant is doing it right.

Explosive action with real consequences to characters you’ve just met makes for the best kind of comics.

Not sure quite yet? Wait for the reasonably priced trade in a few months.

[READ MORE at FORCES OF GEEK]

ADS:

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: BATMAN #25, BATGIRL #25, VALIANT: UNITY #1 plus VALIANT 8-BIT ADVENTURE: UNITY #1

Alright, its time again for Triple Shot Plus and we’re sticking with a theme this week!

There were so many comics to sort through, but in the end Batbooks and Unitycaught our eye.  Zero Year continues in Batman #25 and Batgirl #25 and Harada assembles his best to defeat X-O Manowar in Valiant’s Unity #1 with a prequel of sorts only on ComiXology, Valiant 8-Bit Adventure: Unity! written by Ben McCool!

BATMAN #25
WRITER: Scott Snyder
ART: Greg Capullo
Publication Date: November 13, 2013
Price: $4.99
Publisher: DC Comics
UPC: 76194130640702511
Buy it HERE

We’ve been excited to see these pages hit the shelves since NYCC this year and of course the debut of The New 52 Gotham City Police Department Blimp.

There is even a history to the dirigibles, Bruce Wayne donated them to G.C.P.D. during the blackout! 

Riddler’s blacked out the city and all hell is breaking loose.

$4.99 is the price of admission for this thrill ride (last issue was $6.99, curiouser and curiouser) but worth every giant penny once again as Snyder and Capullo create an award winning modern origin for The Batman.

On the surface we are treated to a new PT Cruiser-like Batmobile (Mach I) that has a special ability never seen before, a tease that Jim Gordon was there the night Thomas and Martha Wayne were murdered, as well as the return of 1939 villain Doctor Death. There’s also Lucius Fox, proto-Poison Ivy and to be determined desert military action in Nigeria. Perhaps the 2004 version of Doctor Death from Batgirl is responsible for the Central African conflict. Stay tuned for more!

If you aren’t reading New 52 Batman, get to it. There’s no excuse at this point. Start with Court of Owls and work your way up. Seriously. Or start at issue #21 and see the origin of Batman like no one has ever imagined!

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

ADS:

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: AMAZING X-MEN #1, G.I. JOE COBRA FILES #8, DAREDEVIL DARK NIGHTS #6 plus WHAT WOULD DRACULA DO #1 at FORCES OF GEEK

Who’s that “Bamf”-ing around?

Looks like Nighcrawler in a brand new X-Title, Amazing X-Men #1!

The Las Vegas casino compound is compromised by Firefly in G.I. Joe Cobra Files #8 before as the series winds down, and Jimmy Palmiotti returns to Daredevil and Misty Knight in Daredevil: Dark Nights #6.

Comixology Submit answers the age-old WWDD? question in What Would Dracula Do #1? 

AMAZING X-MEN #1
WRITER: Jason Aaron
ART: Ed McGuinness
Publication Date: November 6, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: Marvel Comics
UPC: 75960607957500111
Buy it HERE


I’m not gonna complain (erhm…again) about the number of X-Titles on the stand or come up with some fake number like “Including Wolverine and The X-Men that makes 3, 000,000 titles now”.

No sir, I won’t do it. Especially because the world rejoices this week with the return of Nightcrawler, who is in fact dead in the Marvel NOW! 616. 

I won’t complain because a combination of Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness makes my brain go crazy about the potential awesomeness. As you can tell, this review is going places!  

Nightcrawler leaves Heaven and is headed for the Jean Grey School, just as Firestar is having a rough first day getting acclimated as guest teacher!

I’m confused by a couple of things, like why are Logan and Storm flirting it up, which Angel is which and why Warbird and Northstar are in the best supporting actor positions but I am resolutely not complaining! 

Looks like I’ll need to be picking up this one while McGuinness is on art because his Classic X-Men look really heats up the place…like brimstone!

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: VENOM #42, MARVEL NOW WHAT?! #1, SAMURAI JACK #1 plus STRANGER #1 at FORCES OF GEEK

Two of our favorite Spider-Titles bite the web this week, and somehow Peter Parker isn’t around to brood about it!

Cullen Bunn wraps up his 28 issue run on Venom in Venom #42 the same week Miles Morales’ Ultimate Comics Spider-Man book is cancelled after 2 volumes and 13 years from Bendis’ brain.  Luckily, Marvel pokes fun at itself this week with a new version of What The-?! in the form of Marvel NOW What?! #1.

Jim Zub of Skullkickers writes the return of Cartoon Network’s Samurai Jack #1and over in ComiXology we see the start of a zombie invasion in Stranger #1. 

VENOM #42
WRITER: Cullen Bunn
ART: Jorge Coelho
Publication Date: October 23, 2013
Price: $2.99
Publisher: Marvel Comics
UPC: 75960607565204211
Buy it HERE

There aren’t many series I’ve got in my collection that I’ve grown with since the first issue, have made it past the first year of publication and are subsequently cancelled before reaching a major milestone (50, 75, or 100 issues). 

I started with Venom when it was announced that Rick Remender was on the book, and I was there when Flash Thompson lost his legs in ASM #574. 

I liked Agent Venom as a character, Flash needing redemption and resolution with his home life. The symbiote had a new quality as well, being able to be controlled and molded into a super-soldier suit providing legs and power to the handicapped Flash.

When Bunn took over (first co-writing scripts with Remender), I almost dropped the book because I thought I was buying this to read Rick Remender stories. That wasn’t true, I genuinely liked Venom and Flash, could relate to the problems in his life and the geographical cure he seeks by moving to Philadelphia.

In Philly, his enemies tracked him down, and was as at risk and endangered as ever. 

In the last issue, his new symbiote sidekick is given a name, Mania. This neighbor’s daughter is now not only able to use the powers of Venom but has been cursed with a mark of Mephisto.

There’s plenty of action in this one, with a horde of demons and battle with Crossbones. 

Too bad to see this one go away, but Bunn teases that he’s “not quite done with symbiotes” in the letter column. Hopefully a Venom & Mania team-up book helmed by Mr. Bunn is in the works for Season 2 of Marvel NOW!

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #19, S.H.O.O.T. FIRST #1, BATMAN AND TWO-FACE #24 plus CODE MONKEY SAVE WORLD

Parker gets fired in Superior Spider-Man (surprise, surprise), a team of atheists are charged with facing the occult in S.H.O.O.T. First #1 from Dark Horse, and the New 52 Origin of Two-Face has just begun in the Batman and… series.

Hang out with your boss Skullcrusher on Chiron Beta Prime with Greg Pak and JoCo with Code Monkey Save World, only available on ComiXology.

SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #19
WRITER: Dan Slott
ART: Ryan Stegman
Publication Date: October 16, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: Marvel Comics
UPC: 75960607912401911
Buy it HERE

Slott really jacks up the action and resolves more than one hanging plotline, referencing his Amazing Spider-Man run and looking forward to2099 in the latest issue of Superior Spider-Man.  Things are looking like they are coming to a head as Octavius finds himself unemployed and Horizon Labs takes to the sea. Spoiler warning for those that want to catch up in trade, as this issue resolved some major beats!

Michael O’Mara, Spider-Man of 2099 is in the present day as a result of Tiberius Stone mucking about in the Marvel timeline — a common theme this year that we’re hoping will continue as past and future versions of heroes mix with the current day.

Horizon Labs is rigged to explode and all future time will diminish if our Superior Spidey fails to solve an equation—an equation only Peter Parker knows how to formulate! Otto fudges it, saves the day but not Horizon, which is imploded and destroyed.

In the end here are the major points: Parker’s fired from Horizon, O’Mara is now stuck in 2013, Horizon is not allowed to re-open and someone very close to Spider-Man is now on the case of a connection between Superior Spidey and Doc Ock. Can the end be near? Where’s Peter? Gone forever?

The amazing and spectacular team of Ryan Stegman and the masterful Doctor Who time bending make this issue a BIG TIME deal. How long are we with Superior? I have a feeling the payoff and the buildup will continue to impress as Slott keeps us guessing and wanting more.

[READ MORE at FORCES OF GEEK]

Costumes

80sTees.com, Inc.

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #1, TRIPLE HELIX #1, MARA #6 Plus TEMPLATE #1 - FORCES OF GEEK

Let’s pretend that we’re dead with another amazing Halloween issue, this time set in a place as dark as Riverdale with Afterlife with Archie #1, John Byrne expands on his Trio comic book Byrne-verse with a new superhero team in Triple Helix #1 and Brian Wood and Ming Doyle wrap up Mara in issue #6.

Over at ComiXology Submit, Template #1 uses the screen in effective ways to tell a futuristic scifi tale! 

AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #1
WRITER: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
ART: Francesco Francavilla
Publication Date: October 9, 2013
Price: $2.99
Publisher: Archie Comics
UPC: 76281606624200131
Buy it HERE

Archie Comics, as a publisher is one of the most surprisingly progressive and forward thinking in the industry.

From the gay marriage of service man Kevin Keller to the diverging timeline tale of Archie The Married Life, the Riverdale kids are mature characters not being put to waste by cheeseburger gags (though, when done right are as charming as when you read these at the barber shop or salon as a kid). 

Zombies have been popular for about 5 minutes or so I guess, so why not make a new ongoing Archie series with a horror bent?

This is more Dark Shadows the movie remake than The Walking Dead, but finally Sabrina and Salem exist in a book where spellbinding seems plausible, the dark corners of the night are gloomy, and the night of the Halloween Dance gives everyone an excuse to be dressed in costumes.

Did we mention that powerhouse Triple Shot favorite Francesco Francavilla was spotted in a cemetery near the burger joint spotting blacks? The artwork here is incredible, and people will be talking about this book all winter!

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK!]

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: STAR TREK #25, ULTIMATE COMICS: SPIDER-MAN #27, POWERPUFF GIRLS #1 plus THE JOURNALS OF ROHAUSER #1 at FORCES OF GEEK

The Klingons pick up from where Star Trek: Into Darkness left off, Miles is back in the mask in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man, and the girls take on Mojo Jojo as The Powerpuff Girls return to comics.

On the ComiXology store, vigilante investigator The Journals of Rohauser #1 awaits you.

STAR TREK #25
WRITER: Mike Johnson 
ART: Erfan Fajar
Publication Date: September 25, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: IDW Comics
UPC: 82771400278202511
Buy it HERE

One thing we didn’t get enough of in Star Trek: Into Darkness was Klingons! Sure, they showed up with Bat’leth and we got a cool fight scene, but that wasn’t enough.

On Khitomer the Kilingon are setting up base when Romulans attack. Kirk and new crew mates are caught in the middle of this age old conflict before heading out on to the Enterprise’s five year mission.

Mike Johnson writes with the aid of Roberto Orci to continue the new Star Trek universe beyond the screen. Fajar’s art style fits, drawing accurate portrayals of the new cast and some very mean looking Klingons. 

Of note, two characters make their way onto the Enterprise bridge in this issue, Sulu’s sister Yuki and another formidable female, Carol Marcus from the second movie. We hope to see both of these ladies on the screen and in the pages of Star Trek in the days to come. Technician Yuki Sulu wears a read tunic, we pray for her safe survival in this, The Khitomer Conflict, part 1 of 4.

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

Cosmic Treadmill: A Look At JUPITER'S LEGACY Part 1 (Issues 1-3) at FORCES OF GEEK

The Authority’s Mark Millar and Frank Quitely have teamed up again to dissect the superhero genre as well as the American family and economy in Jupiter’s Legacy.

Issue #3 of the ten issue series drops on Wednesday, September 25 from Image Comics.

This edition of Cosmic Treadmill takes a look at the first act of Millar’s unusually lengthy mini-series that dips into the Golden Age of comics at the same time it looks at the present and how comic heroes might act under present conditions.

Back in April, I presented this review of issue one.

I wasn’t that thrilled with what the first issue of Jupiter’s Legacy had to offer, in fact I had some harsh criticisms about the introduction of Chloe and her drug overdose at the end of the issue. After reading some interviews with Mr. Millar and reading the next two issues, I still stand by what I said about this being a tough introduction to the storyline, but found more to enjoy from the story after reading issues #2 and #3. 

Before delving into the plot points and sophisticated deconstruction of the genre we’re shown in the book, let’s note the artwork. We all know Frank Quitely beautifully renders clothing and costumes in a realistic way, and in an expansion of his talents, Jupiter’s Legacy gives us a wide-screen view of some sophisticated scenery and fight scenes with effortless detail, complex backgrounds and even a bit of gore.

Pacing throughout the books, with Millar’s trademark huge beat cliffhangers at the end of issues #2 and #3 are spectacularly drawn pinups making you crave the next panels to move the story along.
  
Long haired anti-hero and son of Utopian Brandon Sampson looks eerily similar the artist as a young man, almost as much as his Dick Grayson likeness.

Great to see the artist in his work, all complimented by colorist, letterer and book designer Peter Doherty (2000 AD) on these pages for a soft tangible feel to the world, coupled with naturalistic tones on for the backgrounds.

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

Triple Shot With A Digital Chaser: NUMBER ONES!!! LEX LUTHOR, ZERO, BUZZKILL Plus THE CALAMITOUS BLACK DEVILS at FORCES OF GEEK

We end our nearly weeklong stint of boycotting the money grab lenticular cover to keep an eye on the Lex-Ticular Lex Luthor Comics #1 at Action, and check in on two awesome creator owned books from Image and Dark Horse.

Zero #1 is a buzzworthy future super-spyfi action tale and Buzzkill #1 showcases a hero that appropriately loads up on booze to get powers.   Knock back The Calamitous Black Devils over at ComiXology Submit to avoid the DTs.

LEX LUTHOR COMICS #1 (ACTION COMICS #23.3)
WRITER: Charles Soule 
ART: Raymond Bermudez
Publication Date: September 18, 2013
Price: $2.99
Publisher: DC Comics
UPC: 76194131809723321
Buy it HERE

We were a bit disappointed with what Bizarro #1 had to offer us for Superman bad guys but decided to go back to the well this Villain’s Month for the Lex Luthor in a title you associate him with, Action Comics.

Heck, things ain’t been the same for old Supes since Morrison’s departure on the title, and lots of people have been given a shot at writing him. Charles Soule (27, Swamp Thing, upcoming Superman/Wonder Woman) is a rising star, and what better challenge than to take on Superman’s greatest foil, Lex Luthor?


This story focuses on Lex’s ability to ruin someone’s day, in a conniving way that exonerates him from blame, because the super genius plays his life like a game of chess, five moves ahead of everyone else. We see him get released from prison, get the reverse Nicholson-Joker face surgery to fix his scarred face, he ruins a small business, launches a space mission and suits up in his famous War Armor suit. All seemingly before lunch. The whole time, he’s trying to trap Superman, somehow but Clark’s alter-ego is no where to be found.

Soule gets to the heart of the smartest man in the New 52, in much the same way Abnett & Lanning did inAdventures of Superman #4. There’s not a moment or synapse wasted in Lex’s waking moments. He’s thinking about destroying the alien. He may well do it, too. Looks like this is a continuation of the Bizarro #1 story. Another iteration of a cloned Bizarro takes bullets from the War Armor.

Great art harkening to the clean look established by Rags Morales here from Raymond Bermudez as well.

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

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Cosmic Treadmill: 'KNUCKLEHEADS' (comic review) - at Forces Of Geek!

Bill & Ted. Jay & Silent Bob. Han & Chewie. Monkeybrain & ComiXology.

True friendships are golden through and through. Trevor K. Trevinski and Lance Powers are roommates who do normal roommate things like watch Cake Boss marathons on Netflix, play video games and eat pizza.

The difference from most of us is, aliens have bestowed a crystal fist to Trevor, allowing him the power cosmic to cheat on GTA: 5 and maybe even fight some bad guys.

The latest digital comic series from Monkeybrain has been released on ComiXology and we’ve taken a look on this Cosmic Treadmill.

KNUCKLEHEADS #1—#3
Writer: Brian Winkeler
Artist: Robert Wilson IV
Colors: Jordan Boyd
Letters: Thomas Maurer
Imprint: Monkeybrain
Pages per issue: 17
Issue #3 Digital Release Date: August 28, 2013
Age Rating: 15+ Only
BUY IT HERE

We’re finally here, when the digital comic can get its due.

We’ve been reviewing ComiXology Submit titles and when appropriate also digital titles from the Big Two. With so many people reading on their devices these days (including the PC or laptop computer, with ComiXology in a browser) the market has changed from fearing the digital format in the post-iPad world in only a couple of years. ComiXology itself, along with Amazon has encouraged and allowed creators to submit works to the platform. 

Smart, forward thinking imprints like Chris Roberson and Allison Baker’s Monkeybrain Comics as well as Mark Waid’s Thrillbent have also provided a home and for these great digital comics from known and unknown creators, forging the way in the digital space for an almost Image Comics-esque revolution.

[READ MORE at FORCES OF GEEK]

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Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: ETERNAL WARRIOR #1, AVENGERS ARENA #15, PROPHET #39 plus MYSTERYMAN #1

Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: ETERNAL WARRIOR #1, AVENGERS ARENA #15, PROPHET #39 plus MYSTERYMAN #1

Valiant picks up Greg Pak (Planet Hulk, Superman/Batman) to write the timeless tales of Eternal Warrior #1, Dennis Hopeless keeps the tournament troupe tolerable in Avengers Arena #15 and take a future walk with Prophet #39 from Image.

Like your heroes old school like Doc Savage or The Spirit?Mysteryman #1 awaits you at ComiXology Submit!

ETERNAL WARRIOR #1
WRITER: Greg Pak 
ART:  Trevor Hairsine
Publication Date: September 11, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: Valiant Comics
UPC: 85899200311600111
Buy it HERE

This tale spans the millennia from ancient Mesopotamia to present day as one of Valiant’s most recognizable characters gets launched in a new title with a new number one.

Gilad has been appearing in Archer & Armstrong and most recently in X-O Manowar, so he hasn’t been missing, just the title has.

Fans of Pak’s work on Planet Hulk will revel in the ancient scenes of elephants being ridden into battle, strong conflict within a family structure and page after page of Hairsine’s masterful axe-swinging Conan the Barbarian battle scenes, complete with blood smears across the faces of the warriors. 

All seems to be going right over at Valiant right now with a variety of books existing in the same congruent universe.

Pak now joins Van Lente and Venditti, Asmus, and Dysart to construct a Valiant Universe that literally stretches over space and time and fits together very nicely. At Marvel, they might call these guys Architects.

At Valiant, I’d call these creators Mayan Architects, baffling future generations with beautiful work artwork set up for games of human sacrifice and a lot of blood spilled on the battlefield.

Has Gilad turned his back on fighting after centuries of battle? Pick up issue #1 to find out.  

[READ MORE at FORCES OF GEEK]

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Triple Shot With a Digital Chaser: THE JOKER #1, BIZARRO #1, ALL-NEW X-MEN #16 plus THE SIRE #1

Looming over cites such as Boston, New York and San Francisco is similar to the pain that is being brought down upon Metropolis, Gotham and Central City.

Yes, college kids are on a tear of rampant destruction similar to Villain’s Month at DC whereby the bad guys take over your favorite books, coffee shops and bars like they own the joint.

Taking a cue from Marvel, the DC Comics Point One issues of Batman and Superman are now property of The Joker #1 and Bizarro #1. Over at ComiXology Submit, The Sire #1 is trapped by his costume!

THE JOKER #1 (BATMAN #23.1)
WRITER: Andy Kubert
ART: Andy Clarke
Publication Date: September 4, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: DC Comics
UPC: 76194131806623121
Buy it HERE

We heard stories of DC messing up the print run of the lenticular (3D) covers for this, but the company made up for it in a way by releasing a plain paper cover as well, and if you are reading digitally, no skin off your face!

Speaking of faces, this Joker is conspicuously full-skinned, and ready to laugh all the way home!

Set a few years in the past, Andy Kubert flashes back to a young boy who’s sadistic Aunt Eunice takes bleach and scrub brush to the young Joker’s face as she beats the boy and barely feeds him.

He does grow up with a sense of humor though! A very sick one.

Joker adopts a baby gorilla and decides like many parents to right the wrongs of his own rearing. This comic takes a turn for the really bizarre and melds ideas of golden age cartooning and animals acting like people and dressed in clothes to a modern day deconstruction of the American family. Via the Joker and his pet!

Andy Clarke (2000AD, Detective Comics) has a fine line Brian-Bolland style suitable for the Clown Prince of Crime, tying in character designs from The Killing Joke and The Man Who Laughs.

Great stuff! And quite possibly the only Joker story in recent times where Batman is no where to be found!

[READ MORE AT FORCES OF GEEK]

EARTH PRIME TIME: “DRONES” WITH CHRIS LEWIS

 

Some great stuff comes my way via ComiXology Submit: a section on the site where creator-owned projects and independent creators get to strut their stuff with guided-view technology and sit right next to the big boys on the app! A recent gem I discovered was Drones, a comic about remote bomb pilots in Las Vegas bombing Afghanistan in the war on terror. Writer Chris Lewis was gracious enough to join us today to point some attention to his Kickstarter to get a trade printed with the conclusion of this action-packed and fun book!

DIGBOSTON: Thanks for joining us today to talk about your Kickstarter for Drones. What can you tell new readers about the series?
CHRIS LEWIS: Thanks for having me, Clay! Drones is a self-published, five-issue miniseries about the so-called War on Terror, Las Vegas style. It’s a satirical look at these crazy things we hear about in the news, with a special emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicles (AKA drones), the pilots who operate them, and the people (and goats) caught in the crosshairs.

Your first issue draws people in with a cool concept, plenty of action, gambling, and even sex. Are you trying to give people a heart attack?
This is just another example of reality being far stranger than fiction. With Drones I’ve tried to ride my imagination into the weirdest wild blue yonder, but I’m nowhere close to matching the pure insanity we’re consuming on a daily basis.

Just another day at work. Drones, Bruno Oliveira art

How much research did you do on drone pilots?
Quite a bit, actually. I’ve always been into politics, espionage, technology, etc., and I just started gobbling up news reports about drones after the events of September 11th. There’s an amazing book called Wired For War, and after I read it I started realizing that there was a very interesting psychological aspect to these drone pilots who are flying missions over war zones half a world away, sometimes firing missiles, but mostly just watching.

There’s a term that gets thrown about when describing how these drone pilots feel while they’re at work: The God’s Eye View.

The whole thing started to get uncomfortable when I realized that this technology mirrored how I was consuming media.

War via video feed. War as entertainment.

And guess what? A lot of drone pilots live and work at a base outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. They have access to the biggest stage in the world in Afghanistan, and they are literally a short drive away from the entertainment mecca that is the Strip. These two things should make you question your sanity.

[READ MORE AT DIGBOSTON.COM]