In a week littered with #2’s, we thought we’d take a minute and focus on the books that WERE NOT second issues!
And as you probably heard, we had a ton of other books that we loved this week. So to make sure you caught them all, here’s the best of the bunch that didn’t get a full review on the podcast this week. For those of you keeping track, these were all briefly mentioned in Episode 30 of our show.
Oh, yeah, there are probably some spoilers in here, so you’ve been warned.
Idolized #4 (Aspen) written by David Schwartz, art by Pasquale Qualano
Our favorite up and coming superhero, Joule, pulls out a win and becomes the Superhero Idol, allowing her to join The Protectors – Earth’s top team of heroes. Schwartz does a great job introducing the new team in a way that doesn’t feel forced or clinical. He also adds a new level of emotion to our Superheroine with each issue, and leaves us hanging as to her fate and that of her new team.
Once again, Idolized has beautiful art and story telling. But you say you haven’t read this book before? No Problem. New readers can pick up this issue with ease and jump right in.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #5 of 6 (DC Comics) Written by Keith Giffen, art by Pop Mhan and Phillip Tan
This has been the sleeper hit of the year from DC. While the artists have not stayed consistent, the quality of the art has. Add in an incredibly creative take on how to reintroduce these iconic characters, and you’ve got one of the best titles from DC that doesn’t have a Bat in it.
This issue has Adam and Teela duking it out, Skeletor going a bit crazy and breaking the neck of the Sorceress, and Adam becoming He-Man as he gets the Power Sword during his fight with Battle-Cat! Sound awesome? It is, but we’d recommend reading the first 4 issues if at all possible for the best possible experience.
Fanboys vs Zombies #9 (BOOM! Studios) written by Shane Houghton and Sam Humphries with art by Jerry Gaylord
If you’ve listened to many of our podcasts, you know this is one of our favorite books on the market, and issue 9 continues to prove why. This is the first issue with Shane Houghton and the last issue with Sam Humphries at the helm.
In this issue, the Wrecking Crew has to escape the city before a nuke gets dropped on it. There’s a ton of fun fanboy references in here as always, with this month having a highlight on nerdy vehicles from the past.
This is one book we won’t spoil the ending, but a couple blasts from the past show up to save the day at the end. Go pick this book up right now and find out who it is!
And thank you, Sam, for bringing us such a great book. We wish you the best on your new gig, Uncanny X-Force! Cheers!
Daredevil #21 (Marvel) written by Mark Waid, art by Chris Samnee
This is the conclusion to what we have called “Murdock Gone Wild” story arc, where ol’ DD had been set up to make it appear he was a menace to himself and possibly those around him. Even if you don’t like a great story and mind blowing art (because this book has both!), then maybe you’ll be interested in picking it up for the 1st appearance/cameo of Superior Spider-Man! His appearance doesn’t spoil anything for his new series, but it gives you a glimpse into what type of a guy he is!
Captain Marvel #8 (Marvel) written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Christopher Sebela, art by Dexter Soy
Giant mech-monsters, strong female characters, solid writing and some of the best art in the industry all in one book! This is end of a two part story arc, and while we normally don’t like to jump into a book mid-stream, the writing here is so good that you shouldn’t have a problem if you haven’t been reading it.
Derek has been raving about this book since the first issue came out, and we all have to agree with him that it’s a full blown hit. And after our conversation on this week’s podcast about Carol Danvers’ potential future, don’t you think you should know more about her?
Astonishing X-Men #57 (Marvel) Written by Marjorie Liu, art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta and Felix Ruiz
It’s a holiday story that isn’t sickeningly sweet. In fact, there are tender moments but they are all done so well. Liu has one of the best talents in the industry for giving unrealistic characters a sense of humanity and realism.
In this issue, we start to see more of the personal side of Warbird, and what she struggles with. This issue isn’t packed with action yet, but now’s a great time to get on board with this title as this is the start of a new story arc.
We’ve found ourselves falling in love with this odd-ball pairing of X-Men the more we read it. Walta’s art is top notch, and Liu is simply amazing in her story telling ability. This is a must have for the true Team book lover.
Saga #8 (Image) written by Brian K. Vaughn and art by Fiona Staples
There’s not a lot more that can be said about this book that hasn’t been said already. There is a reason this book has been the Belle of the Ball since the first issue hit the stands. Vaughn’s fantasy/epic/love story/space opera is addictive, and Staples’ art will have you shittin’ kittens it’s so damn good.
This issue shows you a little of how Alana and Marko met, and they leave you with a cliff hanger on the last page of the newest danger to them and their baby, Hazel. We won’t spoil this one for you this month, but you’d better get caught up soon.
Robyn Hood #4 of 5 (Zenescope) written by Pat Shand, art by Larry Watts
Derek in particular has been hooked by this story, and we’ve got to agree with him that it’s one of the most interesting modern day takes on an old fable.
This issue shows the progression of things both on Earth as well as in the realm of Myst. The majority of the story takes place in Myst, with Robyn being singled out in King John’s contest, being taken prisoner, and being brought before the public for execution.
Shand has concocted a wonderfully adult and delightful tale, and while the artists have changed on each issue, they’ve all been solid in both their skills and story telling ability. While there is nothing overtly sexual or violent, due to some of the subject matter, we wouldn’t recommend this one for the kiddies. But if you’re not a youngling, you need to go buy this book.
Judge Dredd #2 (IDW) written by Duane Swierczynski, art by Nelson Daniel and Brendan McCarthy
This issue establishes the villain of the series, or at least this story arc, as well as the Psi Division of the Judges. Violent, futuristic, action packed and intelligent, this issue has pretty much everything you could want for a fun comic book.
Add in an extra 6 page story at the end of the book, and this was a clear winner in a heavy week of comics.
That pretty much does it for this week’s Last Call. We’ll be back again to help fill in some of the gaps when we have big weeks like this, or even when we just have one book that we really wanted to talk about but couldn’t fit into the podcast.
So on behalf of all of us here at Drunk On Comics, keep reading those comic books, and we’ll be back to talk to you about them again soon. Cheers!