Every month we spend an evening scouring the pages of the latest issue of Previews and pick the ten titles we are looking forward to the most. This month it's the December issue of Previews which includes comics scheduled to ship in February 2009.
BATMAN #686 / DETECTIVE COMICS #853
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Art: Andy Kubert & Scott Williams
DC $3.99
Rob N: Since attaining mainstream success on the back of his Sandman series, Neil Gaiman’s comic book work has been sporadic in terms of output, taking second place to his more lucrative novels and screenplays. Following Grant Morrison’s Batman RIP storyline, DC seems to be opting for a prolonged ‘wake’ before it decides where to go with the series, post Bruce Wayne. Gaiman’s two-part story spans the Batman and Detecive Comics titles and, if the title is anything to go by, it suggests a nostalgic retrospective over the character’s career to date, possibly in the same vein as Alan Moore’s similarly titled Superman story that bridged the gap between pre-Crisis and post-Crisis incarnations. The fact that Gaiman is actually writing a mainstream title like this (as a writer he traditionally shied away from such projects) comes as quite a surprise, so hopefully he’s doing it because he feels he has something valid to contribute to the Batman legend at this point in time.
THE GREAT UNKNOWN #1
Writer & Art: Duncan Rouleau
Image $3.50
Stewart R: February it would seem is Man of Action month at Image and that gives me the opportunity to pick up this exciting title from the mind and hands of Duncan Rouleau. Rouleau impressed with the pencil and pen recently, churning out a great run on DC's Metal Men miniseries and he’s responsible for one of my favourite graphic novels in the shape of The Nightmarist. The Great Unknown is a sci-fi psychodrama which may refine his storytelling further. This first issue in a five-part series introduces us to Adam Feld, a genius-cum-slacker who discovers that his thoughts are being stolen straight from his mind and sets out to unmask the culprit and identify their motives. With technology shaping our day-to-day lives in the 21st century and piracy and intellectual property rights often being newsworthy topics, this may be my 'highbrow' read for the month, and Rouleau's artistic style is always a delight.
BAD DOG #1
Story: Joe Kelly
Art: Diego Greco
Image $3.99
Stewart R: Disillusioned with society and mankind? Blighted by a deep sense of self-loathing? Plagued by a heavy bout of bourbon-breath and a dull shaggy coat? If any of these apply to you then you may well find comfort in this next Man Of Action title. Joe Kelly teams up with Diego Greco to bring us the tale of two bounty hunters: one werewolf with no great love for the common man and an ex-minister lost in a sea of babes and booze. We're promised some seriously bad behaviour coupled with a heavy dose of hilarity which I believe may just help alleviate those February winter blues. I get the feeling that this could be one alcohol-fuelled, violence-riddled read that I'll be happy to part with the cash for.
AGENTS OF ATLAS #1
Writer: Jeff Parker
Art: Carlo Pagulayan & Bento Jew
Marvel $3.99
Matt C: I didn’t catch on to the first series of Agents Of Atlas when it initially debuted, but after hearing the buzz I got up to date swiftly and it turned out to be a wise decision. Taking a selection of characters from the 1950s (when Marvel Comics was known as Atlas Comics) and throwing them into current continuity worked surprisingly well, and the mini rightly achieved cult status amongst those in the know. Is now the perfect moment for the team to get their own ongoing? Time will tell obviously, and while I’m not thrilled by its Dark Reign tie-in status, I’m looking forward to it all the same.
THE MIGHTY #1
Writer: Peter Tomasi & Keith Champagne
Art: Peter Snejberg
DC $2.99
Matt T: A hero with a dark secret? Check. A detective asking questions that could get him into serious trouble? Check. A bloody great murder mystery that will make Columbo look like a complete plum? Check. I'm a sucker for anything that delves into the darker side of heroics, and with the world's only superhero, Alpha One, involved in a shady killing this will definitely be on my pull list.
SOUL KISS #1
Story: Steven T. Seagle
Art: Marco Cinello
Image $3.50
Matt C: I’ve followed some of Seagle’s work in the past and most recently was quite taken with his Vertigo series American Virgin (until it lost its way and was canned). Quite possibly the storyline for this new mini might not have grabbed me if it wasn’t for the examples of Cinello’s art in Previews. Looks pretty tasty and is more than enough to bend me towards a purchase.
SECRET WARRIORS #1
Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & Jonathan Hickman
Art: Stefano Caselli
Marvel $3.99
Matt T: If the writing duo alone isn't worth a 'what the??' then at least the one title featuring the breakout characters from Secret Invasion and the ever-brilliant Nick Fury should stand this book out. Hickman being involved makes me happy, Bendis the opposite, but hopefully he's there in name and little else. I've got high hopes for this book featuring some interesting characters who were only fleetingly investigated in SI.
HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1
Writer: Warren Ellis & Steve Pugh
Art: Steve Pugh
Radical Comics $2.99
Matt C: Don’t get too excited - although you can see Warren Ellis’ name up there in the credits this is actually only based on a story by the great man, with Pugh adapting it into script form and taking on artistic chores too. Can’t say I’m massively familiar with his work but I’m prepared to give it a shot as Radical have been putting out some interesting product and the premise of the book is enticing enough.
DEAD IRONS #1
Writer: James Kuhoric
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander
Dynamite Entertainment $3.99
Matt C: I’m not going to say I was super excited by this book, but Andy H was, and while he’s getting swamped with the day-to-day running of Paradox as the Yuletide season approaches (quick plug: they do mail order to any destination!) I said I’d write a few words in his stead. Following further investigation, and checking out some preview art, I’ve been swayed a great deal, and the premise of supernatural monsters (vampire, werewolf etc) running around the Wild West is kind of funky. This may very well appear on my pull-list after all. Nice one, Andy!
THE ZOMBIES THAT ATE THE WORLD #1
Writer: Jerry Frissen
Art: Guy Davis
Devil's Due Publishing $3.50
Matt T: The title alone should be enough to get the horror fan's interested, especially as it's well-respected French publisher Humanoids being the force behind -this should also be a sign of quality, as previous form shows there are some cracking comics to be had from the home of Batroc the Leaper. The distant future where zombies have been wandering around and mankind is in poor shape sounds like good fun to me, especially as it's listed as a 'black comedy'.
BATMAN #686 / DETECTIVE COMICS #853Writer: Neil Gaiman
Art: Andy Kubert & Scott Williams
DC $3.99
Rob N: Since attaining mainstream success on the back of his Sandman series, Neil Gaiman’s comic book work has been sporadic in terms of output, taking second place to his more lucrative novels and screenplays. Following Grant Morrison’s Batman RIP storyline, DC seems to be opting for a prolonged ‘wake’ before it decides where to go with the series, post Bruce Wayne. Gaiman’s two-part story spans the Batman and Detecive Comics titles and, if the title is anything to go by, it suggests a nostalgic retrospective over the character’s career to date, possibly in the same vein as Alan Moore’s similarly titled Superman story that bridged the gap between pre-Crisis and post-Crisis incarnations. The fact that Gaiman is actually writing a mainstream title like this (as a writer he traditionally shied away from such projects) comes as quite a surprise, so hopefully he’s doing it because he feels he has something valid to contribute to the Batman legend at this point in time.
THE GREAT UNKNOWN #1
Writer & Art: Duncan Rouleau
Image $3.50
Stewart R: February it would seem is Man of Action month at Image and that gives me the opportunity to pick up this exciting title from the mind and hands of Duncan Rouleau. Rouleau impressed with the pencil and pen recently, churning out a great run on DC's Metal Men miniseries and he’s responsible for one of my favourite graphic novels in the shape of The Nightmarist. The Great Unknown is a sci-fi psychodrama which may refine his storytelling further. This first issue in a five-part series introduces us to Adam Feld, a genius-cum-slacker who discovers that his thoughts are being stolen straight from his mind and sets out to unmask the culprit and identify their motives. With technology shaping our day-to-day lives in the 21st century and piracy and intellectual property rights often being newsworthy topics, this may be my 'highbrow' read for the month, and Rouleau's artistic style is always a delight.
BAD DOG #1Story: Joe Kelly
Art: Diego Greco
Image $3.99
Stewart R: Disillusioned with society and mankind? Blighted by a deep sense of self-loathing? Plagued by a heavy bout of bourbon-breath and a dull shaggy coat? If any of these apply to you then you may well find comfort in this next Man Of Action title. Joe Kelly teams up with Diego Greco to bring us the tale of two bounty hunters: one werewolf with no great love for the common man and an ex-minister lost in a sea of babes and booze. We're promised some seriously bad behaviour coupled with a heavy dose of hilarity which I believe may just help alleviate those February winter blues. I get the feeling that this could be one alcohol-fuelled, violence-riddled read that I'll be happy to part with the cash for.
AGENTS OF ATLAS #1
Writer: Jeff Parker
Art: Carlo Pagulayan & Bento Jew
Marvel $3.99
Matt C: I didn’t catch on to the first series of Agents Of Atlas when it initially debuted, but after hearing the buzz I got up to date swiftly and it turned out to be a wise decision. Taking a selection of characters from the 1950s (when Marvel Comics was known as Atlas Comics) and throwing them into current continuity worked surprisingly well, and the mini rightly achieved cult status amongst those in the know. Is now the perfect moment for the team to get their own ongoing? Time will tell obviously, and while I’m not thrilled by its Dark Reign tie-in status, I’m looking forward to it all the same.
THE MIGHTY #1Writer: Peter Tomasi & Keith Champagne
Art: Peter Snejberg
DC $2.99
Matt T: A hero with a dark secret? Check. A detective asking questions that could get him into serious trouble? Check. A bloody great murder mystery that will make Columbo look like a complete plum? Check. I'm a sucker for anything that delves into the darker side of heroics, and with the world's only superhero, Alpha One, involved in a shady killing this will definitely be on my pull list.
SOUL KISS #1
Story: Steven T. Seagle
Art: Marco Cinello
Image $3.50
Matt C: I’ve followed some of Seagle’s work in the past and most recently was quite taken with his Vertigo series American Virgin (until it lost its way and was canned). Quite possibly the storyline for this new mini might not have grabbed me if it wasn’t for the examples of Cinello’s art in Previews. Looks pretty tasty and is more than enough to bend me towards a purchase.
SECRET WARRIORS #1 Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & Jonathan Hickman
Art: Stefano Caselli
Marvel $3.99
Matt T: If the writing duo alone isn't worth a 'what the??' then at least the one title featuring the breakout characters from Secret Invasion and the ever-brilliant Nick Fury should stand this book out. Hickman being involved makes me happy, Bendis the opposite, but hopefully he's there in name and little else. I've got high hopes for this book featuring some interesting characters who were only fleetingly investigated in SI.
HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #1
Writer: Warren Ellis & Steve Pugh
Art: Steve Pugh
Radical Comics $2.99
Matt C: Don’t get too excited - although you can see Warren Ellis’ name up there in the credits this is actually only based on a story by the great man, with Pugh adapting it into script form and taking on artistic chores too. Can’t say I’m massively familiar with his work but I’m prepared to give it a shot as Radical have been putting out some interesting product and the premise of the book is enticing enough.
DEAD IRONS #1Writer: James Kuhoric
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander
Dynamite Entertainment $3.99
Matt C: I’m not going to say I was super excited by this book, but Andy H was, and while he’s getting swamped with the day-to-day running of Paradox as the Yuletide season approaches (quick plug: they do mail order to any destination!) I said I’d write a few words in his stead. Following further investigation, and checking out some preview art, I’ve been swayed a great deal, and the premise of supernatural monsters (vampire, werewolf etc) running around the Wild West is kind of funky. This may very well appear on my pull-list after all. Nice one, Andy!
THE ZOMBIES THAT ATE THE WORLD #1
Writer: Jerry Frissen
Art: Guy Davis
Devil's Due Publishing $3.50
Matt T: The title alone should be enough to get the horror fan's interested, especially as it's well-respected French publisher Humanoids being the force behind -this should also be a sign of quality, as previous form shows there are some cracking comics to be had from the home of Batroc the Leaper. The distant future where zombies have been wandering around and mankind is in poor shape sounds like good fun to me, especially as it's listed as a 'black comedy'.
3 comments:
I told myself I wouldn't pick up any of the new titles coming out of Secret Invasion but Secret Warriors definitely has my interest. Granted, that's mainly because of Hickman but aside from their blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance in Secret Invasion, the stories with Fury's new team in Mighty Avengers were actually pretty good. Consider me cautiously optimistic. Plus the Hickman data-spread at the bottom of the link below makes me think he's really on board and a driving force for the series.
http://comics.ign.com/articles/932/932907p1.html
All signs point to Hickman being the brains behind this book - let's hope that turns out to be the case. I can't see Bendis being involved too heavily considering the number of other titles he's "writing".
let's hope not. Dark Reign was utter shite because all the characters sound the same. Since when does Swordsman (a German who's always been a bit upper class) call people 'whack jobs'???
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