What's next & what did you think? Graphic Novels & Trades - 2009

[bonemachine]

Got:

Hellblaizer: The Laughing Magician- Very good although the ending's confusing and it's dealt with in 2 pages. If anybody can explain it better twould be appreciated.

The Umbrella Academy: Apocalapse Suite- Even though I dislike Way's music, I'm really excited to read this.

Uncanny X-Men: Night Screams- 80'S Chris Claremont aka When he was supposed to be good.

[optimus187prime]

Got:


The Umbrella Academy: Apocalapse Suite- Even though I dislike Way's music, I'm really excited to read this.


Same for me, except dislike is being nice.

[optimus187prime]

Just finished New Avengers Secret Invasion Vol. 1, it was pretty rad to finally get that backstory lacking in the main story. I totally get why everyone said these were the better stories. It was still very enjoyable even though I read Secret Invasion first.

[thenextchampion]

Just finished Heroes Vol.2.....Why I read this, I have no idea.

[mrmister]

Just finished Green Lantern: Secret Origins which was great.
About to start Action Comics Legion HC and then my Starman Omnibus.

[casually-drowned]

I am currently reading Brownsville, a graphic novel about the jewish mafia in 1930's Brooklyn. I am not too far into it, but so far it seems decent. I picked the HC up at a used bookstore for pretty cheap.

[gungadin]

Just finished Heroes Vol.2.....Why I read this, I have no idea.

I bought volume one and enjoyed it. I saw Volume 2 at Borders the other day, seriously considered it for a minute or so, and then walked away.

No remorse.

[humanenigma]

Just finished the Steve Niles Omnibus from IDW. It's got Aleister Arcane, Wake the Dead, Secret Skull, and The Lurkers trades all in one thick volume. It was nothing ground breaking but I enjoyed it. Simple, fun horror stories.

[georgexjr]

I'm in the middle of the Punisher Ominbus but and I'm taking a break..in this break I've got dynamo 5 vol2, Hellboy library 1, and end league vol 1.

My January in-stock order looks like this..

Hellboy library 2
Thor Simonson visionary 1
daredevil yellow
hulk Peter David visionary vol 6
ff john byrne visionary 0
new avengers hc delux 3
powers hc vol 2
criminal vol 4

[georgexjr]

i'm not what you would call a "DC guy"

i have the gothem central hc and a bunch of vertigo books.

can i read starman and not get confused with 60 years of history. i love tony harris art but know absolutely nothing about dc.

[cadgers]

can i read starman and not get confused with 60 years of history. i love tony harris art but know absolutely nothing about dc.

Yes. I'm loving it right now and I'm definitely not a DC guy.

[paulsharkey]

I am currently reading Brownsville, a graphic novel about the jewish mafia in 1930's Brooklyn. I am not too far into it, but so far it seems decent. I picked the HC up at a used bookstore for pretty cheap.

Will you let me know what it's like when you finish it, it's been sitting on my Amazon wish list for a while now but I've never heard from anyone who's read it.

[timmywood-]

Just finished Ex Machina: Power Down. It was good, not my favorite arc but still good.

[hcolyn]

Almost done with Ex Machina Vol.1, then moving on to Northlanders Vol.1. Loooving Ex Machina :)

[cormano]

For some stupid reason, I started two giant trades within a few days of each other. Scud The Disposable Assassin: The Whole Shebang and Cerebus Vol. 1 are both pretty good so far. I have some problems with the storytelling/flow of Scud, but I'm about four or five issues in and it's already improving. I'm only on the second issue of Cerebus, so I haven't formed much of an opinion yet, but I'm planning to read the whole series this year, so hopefully I'll like it…

[cenquist]

I have Scud the disposable assassin in my stack and have had it for like 6 months. I just keep pushing it to the bottom....

[casually-drowned]

Will you let me know what it's like when you finish it, it's been sitting on my Amazon wish list for a while now but I've never heard from anyone who's read it.

Sure thing. I should be done later on today.

[esophagus]

Just picked up the first deluxe edition of Y: The Last Man. I bought the first trade, but thinking about how much I would have to invest to catch up scared me off. I'm back now that catching up isn't an option.

Also picked up the hardcover of Omega: The Unknown.

[timmywood-]

Just picked up the first deluxe edition of Y: The Last Man. I bought the first trade, but thinking about how much I would have to invest to catch up scared me off. I'm back now that catching up isn't an option.

Also picked up the hardcover of Omega: The Unknown.

I really enjoyed Omega: The Unknown about halfway through I kind of realized it wouldn't be the series I thought it was but It still was enjoyable none the less. The art is super fantastic!

[miyamotofreak]

Got volume 8 of Walking Dead and read it. Whoa. Not too many left. Wow. I was always surprised at how long the prison arc was going and I like how it ended. Everything changed.

Also picked up the first trade of Preacher which I had previously read at the library (unfortunately the library only had volumes 1-3). Better than I remember and Ennis really planned it out. Amazing.

[cenquist]

Got volume 8 of Walking Dead and read it. Whoa. Not too many left. Wow. I was always surprised at how long the prison arc was going and I like how it ended. Everything changed.

Also picked up the first trade of Preacher which I had previously read at the library (unfortunately the library only had volumes 1-3). Better than I remember and Ennis really planned it out. Amazing.

I read the first bit of Preacher at the library as well, and now I am waiting for the HCs to come out.

[miyamotofreak]

I read the first bit of Preacher at the library as well, and now I am waiting for the HCs to come out.
I was going to do the same but I don't think I can handle the wait. Maybe I can sell my trades as the HCs release.

[zombox]

Its been out a month or two now, but I just picked it up.

This is a crime story, plain and simple. It features super villains as the stars, but it is a story about the rise and fall of made man. The structure reminds me of Astro City - except with a villainous focus. The Joker of this story combines Alan Moore's, from Death in the Family, and the recent movie's Joker. The art is very unique and well suited to this kind of story - the characters seem real and carry themselves with proper weight throughout. I highly recommend this work, though fair warning must provide that there are some fairly graphic scenes and very dark inferences throughout. It may make some of you with more delicate sensibilities uncomfortable.

[thenextchampion]

For some stupid reason, I started two giant trades within a few days of each other. Scud The Disposable Assassin: The Whole Shebang and Cerebus Vol. 1 are both pretty good so far. I have some problems with the storytelling/flow of Scud, but I'm about four or five issues in and it's already improving. I'm only on the second issue of Cerebus, so I haven't formed much of an opinion yet, but I'm planning to read the whole series this year, so hopefully I'll like it…

If your reading Cerebus it should be in a 'Super Size Me' type of documentary. Cause with that much money being spent (at least $300 if your getting all of them on amazon) and well over 300 issues to read....it could take you more then a year to finish.

I might be getting Grant Morrison's 'Seaguy' in a couple of days....Is that worth getting?

[miyamotofreak]

If your reading Cerebus it should be in a 'Super Size Me' type of documentary. Cause with that much money being spent (at least $300 if your getting all of them on amazon) and well over 300 issues to read....it could take you more then a year to finish.

I might be getting Grant Morrison's 'Seaguy' in a couple of days....Is that worth getting?
It's actually exactly 300 issues. Do the trades have the letters and editorials? I'm intrigued by the series if by nothing other than by how epic it is and how crazy Sims' beliefs become.

[thenextchampion]

It's actually exactly 300 issues. Do the trades have the letters and editorials? I'm intrigued by the series if by nothing other than by how epic it is and how crazy Sims' beliefs become.

I dont know about the extra's in these trades. Truth be told I'm only on the 2nd trade so I cant say what happens through out the series. But it is regarded as a classic even with some very controversial view points in this series.

It's about $1 an issue if you think about it when you collect all the trades....So I dont know if it's worth the value but it sounds good to me.

[winthewonderboy]

I read the first bit of Preacher at the library as well, and now I am waiting for the HCs to come out.

There HCs coming out? Are they like the Y the Last Man HC or The Sandman Absolute?

[conorkilpatrick]

There HCs coming out? Are they like the Y the Last Man HC or The Sandman Absolute?

They are hardcovers like Y, not Absolute Editions.

[winthewonderboy]

My girlfriend just got me Azzarello's Joker HC, The Invisibles:Say You Want a Revolution(I'm more then a little ashamed to say i haven't read Invisibles) and Love the way you love: Side A for X-Mas. Yeah, shes pretty much the greatest thing ever!!!

[winthewonderboy]

They are hardcovers like Y, not Absolute Editions.

Thanks conor. do you know if they're coming out soon?

[conorkilpatrick]

Thanks conor. do you know if they're coming out soon?

Amazon has it at early June, which means probably late May in comic stores.

Assuming it doesn't get pushed back.

[winthewonderboy]

Amazon has it at early June, which means probably late May in comic stores.

Assuming it doesn't get pushed back.

Thanks a lot man.

[gabeja]

They are hardcovers like Y, not Absolute Editions.

Bah, just when I have my Y, Preacher and Ex machina trades up to date, new shiny hard cover editions come out. I sure do hope that all three of those series' get absoluted. Then I would sell my trades, and buy those. Maybe when the movies for each of them come out;)

[gabeja]

OH, I'm also excited to read Garth Ennis' Hitman, now that DC is putting out some new trades.

[mikegraham6]

OH, I'm also excited to read Garth Ennis' Hitman, now that DC is putting out some new trades.
BAH!! i just bought all the old trades from someone second hand!!! Anyone know if the old collection contain the complete run up until the trades end or do they leave out some (kind of like the Gotham Central trades)? I hope not, i might just be able to finish the collection now...

[paulsharkey]

BAH!! i just bought all the old trades from someone second hand!!! Anyone know if the old collection contain the complete run up until the trades end or do they leave out some (kind of like the Gotham Central trades)? I hope not, i might just be able to finish the collection now...

I don't think they collected the whole run. I'm pretty sure the last 20 or so issues never got collected,

[paulsharkey]

If your reading Cerebus it should be in a 'Super Size Me' type of documentary. Cause with that much money being spent (at least $300 if your getting all of them on amazon) and well over 300 issues to read....it could take you more then a year to finish.

The Cerebus books don't have the letters in them but you can pick up two books that collect most of the letters, truth be told I'd give the letters a miss but the cerebus story it's self is fantastic. Not quite finished it yet but so far (on book 11) it's been fantastic. I think SIm might have got a bad rap over what might or might not be his views on women. I personaly think he was brave for opening up a debate on a subject that is considered taboo even if I don't agree with some of his statments.

I might be getting Grant Morrison's 'Seaguy' in a couple of days....Is that worth getting?

Seaguy is an over looked gem of a book and well worth getting.

[mikegraham6]

Joker by Azzarello
Its been out a month or two now, but I just picked it up.

This is a crime story, plain and simple. It features super villains as the stars, but it is a story about the rise and fall of made man. The structure reminds me of Astro City - except with a villainous focus. The Joker of this story combines Alan Moore's, from Death in the Family, and the recent movie's Joker. The art is very unique and well suited to this kind of story - the characters seem real and carry themselves with proper weight throughout. I highly recommend this work, though fair warning must provide that there are some fairly graphic scenes and very dark inferences throughout. It may make some of you with more delicate sensibilities uncomfortable.
you know what? i really didn't like this book. It didn't feel like the Joker. I felt like this would have been a really good mobster book, but with the joker, it just lacked the anarchy, choas and all around craziness im used to reading. also the art bother me on the pages not inked by Bermejo. I love his art ever since i first saw it in Lex Luthor: Man of Steel, but if he's not inking it (or maybe colouring/painting it), it just looks weird.

I just finished reading the old iFanboy book of the month, Sentences: the Life of MF Grimm and it was absolutely fantastic. that man has led one interesting life.

[neb]

I read in CSN this past week that V for Vendetta is getting the Absolute treatment. That will be very, very boss.

[cormano]

If your reading Cerebus it should be in a 'Super Size Me' type of documentary. Cause with that much money being spent (at least $300 if your getting all of them on amazon) and well over 300 issues to read....it could take you more then a year to finish.


There are 16 volumes of the trades, they're $21 each. So that's $336. I read 16 Marvel Essentials and 4 Image Archives last year, so I figure finishing it shouldn't be a problem.

The letters aren't in these collections, but there are two separate trades with Sim's responses to the letters. Apparently, he wasn't allowed to reprint the actual letters.

[jon_samuelson]

I made an order the other day that's largely a gathering of things I have in issues, but want for posterity.

1) Astounding Wolf-man Vol. 1: I tried this initially, but gave up on it. Now that I was forced to get that issue with Invincible, I'm interested again. Plus I'm a sucker for werewolves.

2) Crawlspace XXXombies Vol. 1: Sounds almost offensive enough to make me cringe. Almost.

3) Invincible Ultimate Collection Vol. 1: Best new superhero of this generation. I've wanted it for posterity for quite awhile.

4) Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War Vol. 1 & 2: Now THIS is what all writers of "event" comics should aspire to.

[gabeja]

I got the ultiment invincible HC for xmas. Can't wait to start it!

[bonemachine]

Finished loads a trades today:

V For Vendetta- My friend and my I disagree on this. He thinks the movie's better then the movie. Says the books pretencious (sic) in places. Personally I think the book's better. The poltics are simplified in the movie and the themes of the book are explore more in its source material. When Evey is abandoned the book starts to lag a bit though but from the minute Evey is "kidnapped" the book kicks into high gear and from then on it's in its element.
And The David Lloyd art is fantastic!

The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite- A bit underwhelming. Gabriel Bá's art is fantastic and so is Dave Stewarts colours but I felt the story was a bit lacking. The actual plot is interesting (a split-up family of super-heroes fight against an evil ochestra that will play a song to end the world) but I just felt that there was more that could have been written. This series would have greatly benifited from at least an extra issue to flesh out the characters. I felt Way had more to write about these characters but didn't have enough room in a six issue arc to say it. That said there is another mini series coming out now so maybe Way is expanding more on the characters in that.

The Walking Dead Vol 4- I thought the last trade wasn't as ridiculously fucking awesome as the first two but this definitely regained that momentum. There isn't much to say about this except it's ludicrously good. And after the lovelyness that was Tony Moore's art I found Charlie Adlarad's a bit jarring but by this volume he seems to have adjusted and now his art is great.

Dodge's Bullets Vol 1- Picked up this little graphic novel in the bargain bin by Jay Faerber and after hearing good things about Dynamo Five and Noble Causes I picked it up. It has a number 1 on the spine but I'm not sure if there are anymore volumes. This was an amusing noir graphic novel. Nothing groundbreaking but it was a solid read. Anybody heard of this?

[thenextchampion]

There are 16 volumes of the trades, they're $21 each. So that's $336. I read 16 Marvel Essentials and 4 Image Archives last year, so I figure finishing it shouldn't be a problem.

The letters aren't in these collections, but there are two separate trades with Sim's responses to the letters. Apparently, he wasn't allowed to reprint the actual letters.

Wow, I never heard of someone reprinting letters (Whether good or hate mail) and put them in for him to respond....Either he is a very nice man to do that or there are some doozy's of hate mail he needed to respond to.

[drakedangerz]

Just picked up the first Preacher trade from the local library. Watched the video podcast a while ago and felt like checking it out. Still reading it, but I already Dillon's older work to what he is doing now. Wolverine Origins was just ugly has hell, I hated that artwork. Here though, his people all look different and it just looks so refreshing.

Also picked up the Green Arrow: Quiver trade by Kevin Smith. Funny stuff

[humanenigma]

Finished several trades in the past couple of days:

Athena Voltaire vol.1: The Collected Webcomics - a fun adventure story, but the narrative is kind of clunky because it was originally a webcomic (each page was one day of story).
Can't wait to read vol.2 which was published in print first so the story flow should be better.

Battle Pope vol.3: the funniest volume in the series by far - the others were ho-hum to me

Freak Angles vol.1: I'm a sucker for Warren Ellis, so I thought it was good. Seemed slow (probably, again, because it was a webcomic) but full of ideas.


Next: Astonishing X-Men vol.2 HC, Battle Pope vol.4, Doktor Sleepless vol.1, & more!

[gabeja]

Just picked up the first Preacher trade from the local library. Watched the video podcast a while ago and felt like checking it out. Still reading it, but I already Dillon's older work to what he is doing now. Wolverine Origins was just ugly has hell, I hated that artwork. Here though, his people all look different and it just looks so refreshing.

Also picked up the Green Arrow: Quiver trade by Kevin Smith. Funny stuff

If you are not hooked by the end of the first trade, you will be after ten pages of the second.

[hawaiianpunch]

Over the holidays I picked up a couple books to read while doing the family dinner thing. Those books were:

- Doctor Thirteen by Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang

- The Spirit Book One by Darwyn Cooke

Both books were really good reads and cheered me up a lot more than my family did.

I also got a whole bunch of books from my new addiction: www.cheapasstrades.com

I got:

- Lone Wolf & Cub 2100 Vols. 1-3
- Daredevil - Father HC
- Spiderman - Tangled Web Vols. 1-4
- Bullet Points TPB
- Secret Invasion - Infiltration TPB
- American Born Chinese
- The Surrogates TPB

Whew. That's a lot of books.

[gobo]

Surburban Glamour, Punk Rock and Trailer Parks and Strangers in Paradise Pocket Book 1 all arrived today, just read through SG. LOVE it, not as much as Phonogram but still great.

McKelvie's are is so unbelievably amazing.

[optimus187prime]

I just borrowed and finished Astounding Wolf Man Vol. 1, it was pretty great. I think I will buy it if they put out some hardcovers like the Invincible Ultimate editions. I really enjoyed the little twists and turns the story took, the way it was laid out made the shock more severe. The art was clean and relaxing which made all of the gore stand out even more. Even though I didnt have any prior experience with these characters the deaths were still impactful.

[gabeja]

Can someone explain to be the deal with strangers in paradise trades? Which one's are which and which ones should I get. The real skinny ones they had on ifanboy looked nice, but what do they collect, and which addition were they. Whats the paper quality on all of them?

[gabeja]

Wow, I feel like such a schnook double posting, but I just finished the first invincible HC, and felt obligated to post. THis book blew me away. THe thing is that normaly, I would favor trades as opposed to an HC, but for this I was really glad I recieved this. I really think that if I had just got the first trade, I might not have picked up the second, because it really didn't have me hooked by the end of the first arc. But by the end, boy was it great. Possibly the thing that impressed me the most was the way Kirkman was able to lightheartedly poke fun at the justice league in a way that was both hilarious, and also didn't feel like an all out attack, like par say, Ennis' the Pro.

What a great book.

[miyamotofreak]

Wow, I feel like such a schnook double posting, but I just finished the first invincible HC, and felt obligated to post. THis book blew me away. THe thing is that normaly, I would favor trades as opposed to an HC, but for this I was really glad I recieved this. I really think that if I had just got the first trade, I might not have picked up the second, because it really didn't have me hooked by the end of the first arc. But by the end, boy was it great. Possibly the thing that impressed me the most was the way Kirkman was able to lightheartedly poke fun at the justice league in a way that was both hilarious, and also didn't feel like an all out attack, like par say, Ennis' the Pro.

What a great book.
Yeah I bought the first two trades a while back and I was very disappointed by the first, both story and art. The story picked up with issue #7 (the OMG moment) and the artwork became awesome with #8 (Ottley!). Unfortunately I'm still on #8 since Invincible V. 3 seems to be out of print. I'll probably grab it at my first comic-con.

[gobo]

It looks like there are normal skinny TPBs of Strangers in Paradise that are pretty and likely on good stock.

The Pocket Book I got was undersized and is on normal paperback book paper, it's a little weird to read, kind of a throwback to the old paperback collections of like Peanuts and things.

[mikegraham6]

I just finished Matt Wagner's Mage: The Hero Discovered. It was okay, you can really tell it's an earlier work. It read REALLY fast for a 15 issue hardcover. The twist at the end didn't do much for me, mainly because i feel that devise has been used to much in comics over the past 10 years (of course this was published before all those). the art and action was top notch though, even if the writing felt a bit ham-fisted at times. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next HC

Next up is either the newest Walking Dead trade (if i manage to pick it up today) or Judd Winnick's Pedro and Me (that's right acomicbookgirl, i finally managed to pick this one up!)

[cam-]

I just finished Matt Wagner's Mage: The Hero Discovered. It was okay, you can really tell it's an earlier work. It read REALLY fast for a 15 issue hardcover. The twist at the end didn't do much for me, mainly because i feel that devise has been used to much in comics over the past 10 years (of course this was published before all those). the art and action was top notch though, even if the writing felt a bit ham-fisted at times. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next HC

Next up is either the newest Walking Dead trade (if i manage to pick it up today) or Judd Winnick's Pedro and Me (that's right acomicbookgirl, i finally managed to pick this one up!)

Mage is one of those books for me, one of the ones that introduced me to comics and absolutely hooked me. I'll never forget the enormous fold out of the Dragon. So, so awesome.

It's been years since I've read it however, it's in storage somewhere. The Hero Defined doesn't stick in my memory the same way, perhaps because it was so long between series, or maybe I'd just consumed that many more books by that time.

Pedro and Me is excellent. A great book for people who have never read comics and have preconceptions of what they are, and what they can do. It shows that words and pictures can tell some pretty compelling stories very well.

[mikegraham6]

Mage is one of those books for me, one of the ones that introduced me to comics and absolutely hooked me. I'll never forget the enormous fold out of the Dragon. So, so awesome.

It's been years since I've read it however, it's in storage somewhere. The Hero Defined doesn't stick in my memory the same way, perhaps because it was so long between series, or maybe I'd just consumed that many more books by that time.

Pedro and Me is excellent. A great book for people who have never read comics and have preconceptions of what they are, and what they can do. It shows that words and pictures can tell some pretty compelling stories very well.
the dragon page was indeed awesome!!!

[drakedangerz]

Just finished Preacher vol. 1, it was a blast. Going to track down the rest at local library, will most likely buy the whole run afterward if it stays this good, but I hear it gets better!!

Also finally finished Morrison's Seven Soldiers story. It was...interesting. I was lost at first, but towards the middle I got hooked. It deserves a second read, but it was interesting to see how each mini series had such a distinct vibe and voice.

Next up is re-reading all my trades!! Starting with Ex Machina

[cam-]

the dragon page was indeed awesome!!!

I know eh? I was searching online for a scan of it to post so people could see it's awesomeness, but no luck. :mad:

[jeffgna]

I also got a whole bunch of books from my new addiction: www.cheapasstrades.com

Thanks for the mention. ;)

Recently finished Spider-Man: India and volumes 2 and 3 of the Waid/Ringo FF TPBs.

Currently reading Essential Spider-Man Volume 3 and The Legend of Zelda Volume 1.

On deck, Essential Spider-Man Volume 4, The Legend of Zelda Volume 2, and I'll probably give Essential Nova another try. Oh, and I need to get back to Essential Silver Surfer Volume 1 (it's around here somewheres...).

I'm also looking to spend some quality time with the Marvel Chronicle.

Those Strangers in Paradise pocket trades are great buys for the asking price. Great series too.

Jeff

[drakedangerz]

So I went to get new comics for the week and stopped by this store next to the shop called Half-Priced Books. As the name implies, books are half-priced, sometimes less. Usually nothing too fancy, but every once and a while I get something that I specifically am looking for...this was one of those days!!

Had a shipment of brand new trades!

Black Adam: The Dark Ages

The Flash: Blood Will Run

All Star Superman Vol. 1 (Have been meaning to buy for ages!!)

Was also going to pick up Superman:Last Son and Death of the New Gods, but decided against it. Anyone have any comments about those?

[jon_samuelson]

I'd love to hear about that Black Adam book. I love the character, but didn't pick up that series.

[drakedangerz]

I'd love to hear about that Black Adam book. I love the character, but didn't pick up that series.

The first issue has him eating one of his servants to survive in the Himalayas. Yeah...I think I'm going to like it :-) I'll let you know how the rest turns out

[optimus187prime]

So I went to get new comics for the week and stopped by this store next to the shop called Half-Priced Books. As the name implies, books are half-priced, sometimes less. Usually nothing too fancy, but every once and a while I get something that I specifically am looking for...this was one of those days!!

Had a shipment of brand new trades!

Black Adam: The Dark Ages

The Flash: Blood Will Run

All Star Superman Vol. 1 (Have been meaning to buy for ages!!)

Was also going to pick up Superman:Last Son and Death of the New Gods, but decided against it. Anyone have any comments about those?

I would recommend picking up Last Son, I personally do not like Superman as a character, but I thought that book was excellent.

[winthewonderboy]

Just got Seaguy at my LCS yesterday. can't wait to read it:)

[jasonb35]

I just finished the first 3 hardcovers of Brand New Day and no pun intended I am amazed at how good Spiderman is again. I'm not as ga ga as the Ifanboys over Marcos Martin but the stories are just plain fun. I can't wait for the next trade to come out.

I also just got done with the first volume of Y: The Last Man and I'm totally hooked. I've never been more horrified, depressed and exhilarated all at the same time.

[optimus187prime]

I just finished the first Ultimates Hardcover (read it before) and damn it is still mind blowing. It is amazing how much I love Captain America after reading this. I am so glad Millar is going back to these characters, he just gives you so much action at a break neck pace without sacrificing us getting to know these people. Is there anything needed to be said about Hitch's art, yeah I thought so.

Also read, Ghost Rider Hell Bent and Heaven Bound, by Jason Aaron, and wow this is the GR I wanted. I have given GR more chances than any other character, and it constantly let me down. Even the GR stories by my man Garth just didnt feel right. I will definitely keep getting the trades of GR written by Aaron. Roland Boshi provides some beautiful Romita Jr. esque art.

[gabeja]

Just got Seaguy at my LCS yesterday. can't wait to read it:)
Sea Guy is a simply fantastic book untill the end.

[neb]

Sea Guy is a simply fantastic book untill the end.

What's the elevator pitch for Seaguy? I've heard a lot of people talk about how fantastic it is, but I don't know anything about it.

[hawaiianpunch]

Thanks for the mention. ;)

Recently finished Spider-Man: India and volumes 2 and 3 of the Waid/Ringo FF TPBs.

Currently reading Essential Spider-Man Volume 3 and The Legend of Zelda Volume 1.

On deck, Essential Spider-Man Volume 4, The Legend of Zelda Volume 2, and I'll probably give Essential Nova another try. Oh, and I need to get back to Essential Silver Surfer Volume 1 (it's around here somewheres...).

I'm also looking to spend some quality time with the Marvel Chronicle.

Those Strangers in Paradise pocket trades are great buys for the asking price. Great series too.

Jeff

Of course. Not a problem bro.

I just picked up and read Kingdom Come, which I had never read before. It was an unfortunate time when I was out of comics for awhile. But, reading it now, I could not help but see parallels with our world today. The idea of humanity needing symbols of hope to guide them through the dark times really struck a chord with me. And the concept of the Spectre as Virgil to the preacher's Dante was very well done. Do I even have to mention the beauty of Alex Ross' art in this book?

Now I want to find Marvels to compare the two.

I'm also halfway through Bullet Points from JMS and Tommy Lee Edwards. So good! I love me some "what if..." stories and this one is right up there with the best of them.

After that, I think it's the Ghost Omnibus from Dark Horse. I wanna dig into Lone Wolf 2100, but number two hasn't arrived yet. D'oh!

[optimus187prime]

I just bought Fables 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 1001 Nights of Snowfall off of ebay for about $6.50 a book. :D

[optimus187prime]

I just re-read Ultimates 2 and I think it was better the second time. This is what a event book supposed to feel like. An epic battle with everyone pulling together, the stakes are high, characterization is spot on. What more could you ask for? Some of the best splash pages every put to page? Well it has those too, as well as the best fold out in any comic I have ever seen. That man Hitch, he is already a legend in my book.

As a side note, I just read that the Walking Dead Omnibus Vol 2 is coming out next Wed and I am uber excited.

[cam-]

I'm currently reading Shooting War

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Shooting%20War%20Weidenfeld%20&%20Nicolson%20cover.jpg

Which is interesting in a DMZ kindof way, though I am having a hard time with the constant references to "President McCain" what probably seemed topical when it was initially released comes off a little hokey after the fact, especially considering the prediction was wrong. Still, I can't complain, it was one of those Christmas presents that made me say "Wow, someone does know me!" (Not like the IKEA laundry basket I got one year, I'm like....really? A laundry basket for Christmas? Who would want that? Anyways, I digress)

Later on I'm thinking I'm gonna pick up the essential Silver Surfer Vol 1, I've always wanted to read those crazy old Surfer vs Mephisto books.

[joncrites]

Just finished Essential X-Men Vol. 5.
I thought this volume had more ups and downs than some of the previous ones; I think it is the lack of a larger story/threat such as the Brood or Shi'ar. Also, the New Mutants were around at this time (maybe even at the end of the previous volume) and I feel like the continuity between the books was so tight that I am missing something by not getting those issues.
Looking at the following volumes, they do begin including other issues (such as Thor and X-Factor) for the various crossovers from this time, so maybe it won't be as much of an issue.

[jasonb35]

Okay, I'm now through the second trade of Y-The Last Man and the only thing I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around is this whole concept the the Daughters of the Amazon. If all the men on the planet have been wiped out why would anyone think that this group needed to exist. I would have thought they would have been the people who caused the virus and once they succeeded they be kind of done. Don't get me wrong, I really like what I'm reading but that is the aspect my brain gets stuck on as I read. The other thing is does Hero get fleshed out as a character more soon because I'm not sure how the flip comes that she's totally in love with a guy and two months later she hates all men. Will all you way smarter comic readers help a guy out?

[cammyknoxville]

Just got The Boys: Definitive Edition in the mail today, and dear lord; it's sooo pretty!

[optimus187prime]

Just got The Boys: Definitive Edition in the mail today, and dear lord; it's sooo pretty!

Oh man I want that soooo bad, but I have the trades and it is uber expensive considering it contains only two of the three tpb's out. How are the extras? is it the size of an absolute or a marvel omni?

[optimus187prime]

Okay, I'm now through the second trade of Y-The Last Man and the only thing I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around is this whole concept the the Daughters of the Amazon. If all the men on the planet have been wiped out why would anyone think that this group needed to exist. I would have thought they would have been the people who caused the virus and once they succeeded they be kind of done. Don't get me wrong, I really like what I'm reading but that is the aspect my brain gets stuck on as I read. The other thing is does Hero get fleshed out as a character more soon because I'm not sure how the flip comes that she's totally in love with a guy and two months later she hates all men. Will all you way smarter comic readers help a guy out?

I would say the reason the daughters of the amazon still exist is because there are still women who cling to the male conventions. Society being male dominated for the most part, the amazons just want to reject everything males stood for. Hero does get more fleshed out.

[gabeja]

I just got the first seven issues of denny o'neals and neal adams' green lantern, green arrow for eight bucks. Did I get a good deal or should I have bought the trade?

Edit: I now see that only issues 5 and 6 are the originals and the rest are reproductions put out by DC in the early ninties i think...

[georgexjr]

I would say the reason the daughters of the amazon still exist is because there are still women who cling to the male conventions. Society being male dominated for the most part, the amazons just want to reject everything males stood for. Hero does get more fleshed out.

bro, its got all 3 trades in it...issues 1-22.

[georgexjr]

im wrong. im an asshole. wow...what a rip off.

[cammyknoxville]

Oh man I want that soooo bad, but I have the trades and it is uber expensive considering it contains only two of the three tpb's out. How are the extras? is it the size of an absolute or a marvel omni?

It's the size of a DC Absolute, and the extras are pretty cool; you got a comic that was for the CBLDF, and tons of sketches and early concept designs for the characters. Also, the introduction letter from the first volume by Simon Pegg. That was all I remember from the first scan through. I plan on sitting down tomorrow to read through the entire thing.

[thenextchampion]

Well in the course of a couple of weeks I'm getting 6 GN's. I know the praise for one book, just curious on what you guys think of the others:

Crecy (I believe Josh got this and said it was pretty good, but it's been so long I actually dont remember. But anything written by Warren Ellis with a setting from the 1300's somehow reeks awesome)

Death in the Family (This crazy classic with Jason Todd 'dying' at the hands of the Joker. I've read this before from a friend and the fact that the Ayatollah Khomeini is in this is nothing short of fucking bizarre. Even Frank Miller, the offical insane bastard of the comic industry never went that far to show someone that evil in a comic)

The Forensic Files of Batman: The World's Greatest Detective (I dont know if this is a prose book or a regular GN. Either way the premise sounds interesting to me; I love it that a book focuses on all the gadgets Batman uses)

Punisher: Born (It's shameful to admit, cause I praise the Punisher MAX stories like it's the greatest comic series ever written....But I actually never got around to reading this. I've heard nothing but great things about it and the podcast the guys did for Punisher sealed the deal I needed to pick this up)

Scott Pilgrim vol. 1 (Alright you guys, just like with Jason Aaron I'm willing to give this a shot. Maybe it's only because I want to see how badly in the future Michael Cera will ruin the adaptation version of the character....But I need to join the crowd on this and see if it's any good)

Seaguy (You guys already said it's a great little book. But I've also heard it's one of the craziest shit Morrison has ever done. If anyone has been confused by RIP; apparently it makes RIP more readable)

So if anyone can recommend these six I am getting I would definitely appreciate it.

[conorkilpatrick]

Crecy (I believe Josh got this and said it was pretty good, but it's been so long I actually dont remember. But anything written by Warren Ellis with a setting from the 1300's somehow reeks awesome)

It was the Pick of the Week when it came out.

Review (http://www.ifanboy.com/content/potw/07_26_2007_-_Cr__233_cy)
Podcast (http://www.ifanboy.com/podcasts/audio/07_26_2007_-_Cr__233_cy)

[paulsharkey]

So I've been paking up my books for a move that is on the horizon and I figured out that over 50% of the trades and GN that I've bought over the last 3 years have been recommended by the Ifanbase and I have to say that I havn't enjoyed reading comics so much in years. Thanks guys & gals. Although it has left me with a stack of unread stuff that is bordering on 50 books, not to mention the dozens of normal books (you know the ones with no pictures) and many many more I still want to get....

So I've decided to try and beat the stack before it falls over and kills someone.

First up:

The Country Nurse (Essex County, Vol. 3). Like the last book I found this a rewarding if upsetting read. The best part of it (and all of it was brilliant) was the bleak land scapes that I think reflected the feelings of the caraters. This was the type of ending I needed if not the one I wanted from this book and I'll be geting what ever else Lemire does next.

The ACME Novelty Library 17. The best comic ever published, If you have never read any of the Acme books you are missing out on a master class of Art and Story... Watchmen is not the best comic (the best superhero book, sure) of all time... this gem of a book is.

New X-men Vol:1 hardcover. Grant Morrison + Frank Quietly, yes I'll have that. I remember reading the first three issues of this long long ago in a world of floppy comics and long box's and not thinking much of it... to my shame I was enjoying the x-men when Scott Lobdel was at the helm. All I could think when I was reading this was "what in the name of god was wrong with me back then"... This is some great stuff and it was, as all superhero stuff should be, FUN.

Next up more X-Men, more Acme and some JLA robots

[optimus187prime]

Punisher: Born (It's shameful to admit, cause I praise the Punisher MAX stories like it's the greatest comic series ever written....But I actually never got around to reading this. I've heard nothing but great things about it and the podcast the guys did for Punisher sealed the deal I needed to pick this up)

Scott Pilgrim vol. 1 (Alright you guys, just like with Jason Aaron I'm willing to give this a shot. Maybe it's only because I want to see how badly in the future Michael Cera will ruin the adaptation version of the character....But I need to join the crowd on this and see if it's any good)


Great choices there. Both of those are in my favorite comics ever list, that happily keeps growing.

[cenquist]

Well in the course of a couple of weeks I'm getting 6 GN's. I know the praise for one book, just curious on what you guys think of the others:

Crecy (I believe Josh got this and said it was pretty good, but it's been so long I actually dont remember. But anything written by Warren Ellis with a setting from the 1300's somehow reeks awesome)

Death in the Family (This crazy classic with Jason Todd 'dying' at the hands of the Joker. I've read this before from a friend and the fact that the Ayatollah Khomeini is in this is nothing short of fucking bizarre. Even Frank Miller, the offical insane bastard of the comic industry never went that far to show someone that evil in a comic)

The Forensic Files of Batman: The World's Greatest Detective (I dont know if this is a prose book or a regular GN. Either way the premise sounds interesting to me; I love it that a book focuses on all the gadgets Batman uses)

Punisher: Born (It's shameful to admit, cause I praise the Punisher MAX stories like it's the greatest comic series ever written....But I actually never got around to reading this. I've heard nothing but great things about it and the podcast the guys did for Punisher sealed the deal I needed to pick this up)

Scott Pilgrim vol. 1 (Alright you guys, just like with Jason Aaron I'm willing to give this a shot. Maybe it's only because I want to see how badly in the future Michael Cera will ruin the adaptation version of the character....But I need to join the crowd on this and see if it's any good)

Seaguy (You guys already said it's a great little book. But I've also heard it's one of the craziest shit Morrison has ever done. If anyone has been confused by RIP; apparently it makes RIP more readable)

So if anyone can recommend these six I am getting I would definitely appreciate it.


I have Crecy, Death in the Family and Scott Pilgrim on my to buy list. And I read Born in issues and can say it was good, not great but solid.

[georgexjr]

are there fables hardcovers coming out?

[optimus187prime]

are there fables hardcovers coming out?

None announced, that I know of. Seems like they are just doing HCs of some completed series right now.

[cammyknoxville]

are there fables hardcovers coming out?

According to Willingham's message board, a type of Deluxe Edition (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) will happen for Fables in the future. Not any time soon, but they are on the horizon.

[thenextchampion]

It was the Pick of the Week when it came out.

Review (http://www.ifanboy.com/content/potw/07_26_2007_-_Cr__233_cy)
Podcast (http://www.ifanboy.com/podcasts/audio/07_26_2007_-_Cr__233_cy)

Oh ok it was your recommendation not josh's. Sorry about that. But that is a great review and hopefully I can get it off from my work.

Quick question though; was this released as an issue or a original graphic novel? Cause I'm not sure if I can order it off a book store, or is it only sold in LCS's. Just curious.

[optimus187prime]

Just want to rant here for a second:

I am not a huge fan of these new DC hardcovers (Y, Ex Machina, Preacher) I just dont feel like they are that big of an upgrade from tpb's. I am a huge HC proponent, but to get my money on another purchase there needs to be something more. The Absolutes are great in that you get a larger size and a slipcase, but I was much more excited for the Y HC's before I saw them. Also on the Marvel side, you dont get the huge format but at least the quanity they fit into one book is astounding. I already owned all of MK Punisher but I just purchased the Omni due to it having the complete series in one volume. The Y HC's are only two trades worth of reading. I can totally understand for the person who is just now picking up the story to be intrested in the HC's but DC should also think about the people who love these stories enough to double dip on a deluxe beautiful book.

/end rant :)

[gabeja]

I presume that they will eventually absolute Y and Preacher.

[optimus187prime]

I presume that they will eventually absolute Y and Preacher.

We can only hope........

[gabeja]

Well, how many absolutes are they putting out a year? If the preacher and y movies ever come out, they will be absoluted

[cenquist]

I sold my issues of Y so I could buy the HCs but I am not sure if I would update to absolutes if they were announced after I already got the HCs. Not that I wouldn't love it, but I just can't afford everything in the oversized HC forms of absolute/omnibus.

[optimus187prime]

I sold my issues of Y so I could buy the HCs but I am not sure if I would update to absolutes if they were announced after I already got the HCs. Not that I wouldn't love it, but I just can't afford everything in the oversized HC forms of absolute/omnibus.

That is what I was tempted to do for Y, Ex Machina, most of Preacher (I have some tpb's signed by both Garth and Steve), but I am just disappointed in those HCs. I think I might just hold out and hope for Absolutes. I can totally see where you are coming from, going from issues to HCs but I dont think it is worth it to go from tpbs to these HCs.

[miyamotofreak]

I think the Y HCs are pretty much only for new readers. It's cheaper than buying individual trades I believe on Amazon.

[gabeja]

I am a firm believer that a multitude of trades look cooler on a shelf than a few HCs. That being said, I am collecting both The Walking Dead and Invincible in HC format. Also, I am not a fan of the transmetropolitan and especially the hellblazer trades, so if those ever came out in HC I would buy em

[cammyknoxville]

I too plan on selling all my TPB's when all Y and Ex Machina Deluxe editions come out (and eventually when Fables follows suit as well).

However, I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of extras in the back.

[conorkilpatrick]

Quick question though; was this released as an issue or a original graphic novel? Cause I'm not sure if I can order it off a book store, or is it only sold in LCS's. Just curious.

It's a deluxe sized single issue that they called an original graphic novel.

[conorkilpatrick]

I presume that they will eventually absolute Y and Preacher.

As much as I'd like them to, I don't presume that.

[cenquist]

As much as I'd like them to, I don't presume that.

My assumption that is they do it won't be for another 5 years at least for Y which like said before could have to do with the movie if done at all. But Preacher finished in what 99 or 00 and is just getting the HC treatment now. They could have just absoluted it now instead of the deluxe HC.

[conorkilpatrick]

But Preacher finished in what 99 or 00 and is just getting the HC treatment now. They could have just absoluted it now instead of the deluxe HC.

Which is why I don't think it's going to happen.

[crippler]

One of my Christmas presents this year was the first three books of Bone in a fancy little slipcase. Realy nice design and presentation. Of course, like anyone else who's been around comics for a while, I've always heard so much about this series. I had never read it, however. I read book 1 last night and I would say the results are bemusement and a touch of consternation. The cartooning was fantastic. The story was... just plain weird.

Anyone care to enlighten me?

[cenquist]

I have the one volume edition and enjoy the book with its humour, fantasy adventure and good characters.

[gabeja]

One of my Christmas presents this year was the first three books of Bone in a fancy little slipcase. Realy nice design and presentation. Of course, like anyone else who's been around comics for a while, I've always heard so much about this series. I had never read it, however. I read book 1 last night and I would say the results are bemusement and a touch of consternation. The cartooning was fantastic. The story was... just plain weird.

Anyone care to enlighten me?

The book is just plain fun, and the story is similar to lord of the rings in it's way. Also, about the absolutes, V for Vendetta has not been absoluted until now, so I certainly am hopeful for Preacher. Also, how was the killing joke first released; in what format?

[optimus187prime]

The book is just plain fun, and the story is similar to lord of the rings in it's way. Also, about the absolutes, V for Vendetta has not been absoluted until now, so I certainly am hopeful for Preacher. Also, how was the killing joke first released; in what format?

I am hopeful as well, like I said I was ready to sell off my Preacher, Y, and Ex Machina trades but after seeing them, I will just hope for a better option.

[miyamotofreak]

Made a trip to Half-Price Books and used a 15% coupon and went nuts.
Got:
Powers: Who Killed Retro Girl Definitive- $10
Powers: Rolepay- $7
Powers: Little Deaths- $10
Pedro and Me- $5
Essential Captain America- $7
New X-Men Vol. 1 E is for Extinction- $6
Fell: Feral City- $7.50
Understanding Comics- $10
Checkmate: A King's Game- $5
After 15% off and tax, it came to about $60

So far, I had already read Understanding Comics and it's awesome. Just read Checkmate and it's really good. Checked wikipedia for future trades and noticed a new writer near the end and some missing issues not in the trades. Can anybody explain?
I also had already read Powers Vol. 1 before and really enjoyed it. Reading it now again and liking it less. Probably better fresh. Also the art for New X-Men on the trade cover looks kinda bad. I liked Quitely on Superman though.

[crippler]

I have the one volume edition and enjoy the book with its humour, fantasy adventure and good characters.

Hmm..
Is this the same way that I'm supposed to appreciate manga? ;-)

Humans having sex with cartoon characters disturbs me more then a little bit.

[miyamotofreak]

Bone is great. There's no sex. I assume you were a little off-put by the first time Fone Bone sees Thorn?

[crippler]

It's off-camera, but the scene where they get into the bath together was what did it for me. It was... disconcerting. I was worried about what I'd find further into the series.

Still, loved the art. Fantastic stuff. I'll weigh back in after I read books 2 and 3.

[miyamotofreak]

It's off-camera, but the scene where they get into the bath together was what did it for me. It was... disconcerting. I was worried about what I'd find further into the series.

Still, loved the art. Fantastic stuff. I'll weigh back in after I read books 2 and 3.
Well, as far as I remember, there's nothing as "disconcerting" as that scene in the rest of the series. I wasn't put off by it (I enjoy the books innocence) but I can see how it may seem to others. Fone Bone and Thorn's relationship at no point hits the "manga" level. Also are you reading the original B&W or is it in color?

[paper]

cough prude cough

[crippler]

@miyamoto - Coloured version. It's really gorgeous.

@paper - I like my people/cartoon sex the old fasion way - with lots of tentacles.


Read on only if you want to know the boring background.

Maybe I should explain the whole backstory that goes with this... hmm.. k, here goes. In short, I told my wife that I had always wanted to read this after seeing it at Costco one weekend (super cheap btw). Amazingly, she recognized it because she's a teacher and they sell it through those little book-buying flyers that they give to kids each month.

So, she orders it in and the librarian at her school (she teaches grade 3) seeing it, says "Oh! I hope you didn't order that in for someone in your class, it contains explicitly sexual material." So, after receiving it as a xmas present, I hear that story and immediately say, "Um, she's a crazy old lady, there's no sex in this." Then I read the first book and... oh oh. My imagination ran wild with .. er, no scratch that... my imagination dreaded what was going to happen in book 2. So, does that make sense?

End of boring background story.


I guess in the end I was worried that I had asked someone to buy me 'something by Nabokov' with the promise to lend it to them when I was done. In keeping more with my original question, is there any deeper message to the series, or is it just face-value fun?

[gabeja]

Yeah, the bones don't have genitals. Theres a hilarious moment towards the end, where Smiley is bathing, and is very embarresed because fone sees him without his vest on.

[miyamotofreak]

I'm shaking my head in disgust of the librarian. Not only is she wrong (there is no explicit sexual material in there) but I never met a librarian who'd even suggest censoring a kid like that. What I loved about books as a kid (prose, as I didn't really get into comics until rather recent) were that they were never dumbed down for their audience like film and television are most of the time. If I had people telling me what I should and shouldn't read then I probably wouldn't even read anymore.

[cadgers]

I just finished the Gotham Central HC which was fantastic. I can't believe I have not read the series till now. Only downside is waiting for this second hardcover. Anyone know a word on it's release.

[miyamotofreak]

I just finished the Gotham Central HC which was fantastic. I can't believe I have not read the series till now. Only downside is waiting for this second hardcover. Anyone know a word on it's release.
I'm curious, did you like the first arc? Did you find the second better? I read the first trade (not HC) and was not impressed. And I'm a fan of Brubaker (Criminal) and Rucka (Q&C).

[doc-samson]

Christmas Money Trade-stravaganza!
Whoohoo!
I'll preface the list I just ordered by saying that rarely read monthlies anymore, I probably only spend about 30 a month on em. And I'm also a huge procrastinator when it comes to catching up on trades. BUT that means I get to read series in HUGE chunks when I finally do it!
Anyway, here's what's coming soon for me:

Walking Dead HC's 2-4
Scalped 2-4
Y The Last Man 8-10 (unspoiled I might add!)

[optimus187prime]

I just finished the Gotham Central HC which was fantastic. I can't believe I have not read the series till now. Only downside is waiting for this second hardcover. Anyone know a word on it's release.

I didnt want to start reading it because I havent even seen anything about volume 2. Im worried I will like it and have to wait forever for it. DC needs to get its shit together, there is no reason we should have to wait so long between books on series that have been finished for a long time.

[cadgers]

I didnt want to start reading it because I havent even seen anything about volume 2. Im worried I will like it and have to wait forever for it. DC needs to get its shit together, there is no reason we should have to wait so long between books on series that have been finished for a long time.

I feel yea. I really did not want to buy the Starman Omnibus till I saw the second one was solicited for the same fear of them never releasing anymore of em.

[gabeja]

I feel that way about the new delux jla book.......

[optimus187prime]

I feel yea. I really did not want to buy the Starman Omnibus till I saw the second one was solicited for the same fear of them never releasing anymore of em.

Got that one too and I am waiting on reading it until volume 2 is closer to release.

[cadgers]

I feel that way about the new delux jla book.......

Another one I forgot about. The second volume (http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Justice-League-America-Graphic/dp/140122265X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231732144&sr=8-1) is at least solicited on Amazon for early June meaning if were lucky we will get it in late May at our LCS. Now that I think of it DC really need to get there ass in gear on releasing these $30 deluxe HC's more frequently.

[slappy-san]

@miyamoto - Coloured version. It's really gorgeous.

@paper - I like my people/cartoon sex the old fasion way - with lots of tentacles.


Read on only if you want to know the boring background.

Maybe I should explain the whole backstory that goes with this... hmm.. k, here goes. In short, I told my wife that I had always wanted to read this after seeing it at Costco one weekend (super cheap btw). Amazingly, she recognized it because she's a teacher and they sell it through those little book-buying flyers that they give to kids each month.

So, she orders it in and the librarian at her school (she teaches grade 3) seeing it, says "Oh! I hope you didn't order that in for someone in your class, it contains explicitly sexual material." So, after receiving it as a xmas present, I hear that story and immediately say, "Um, she's a crazy old lady, there's no sex in this." Then I read the first book and... oh oh. My imagination ran wild with .. er, no scratch that... my imagination dreaded what was going to happen in book 2. So, does that make sense?

End of boring background story.


I guess in the end I was worried that I had asked someone to buy me 'something by Nabokov' with the promise to lend it to them when I was done. In keeping more with my original question, is there any deeper message to the series, or is it just face-value fun?

I hope your wife tells that librarian to stop spreading lies.

[neb]

I just finished reading Kill Your Boyfriend and Aqua Leung, which were Christmas gifts.

I loved Kill Your Boyfriend. To say that a story like that is Grant Morrison's pedigree is a bit of an understatement. It was fantastic.

Aqua Leung started out slowly, but finished really strong. The art style grew on me as the story unfolded. It's a really nice fantasy story, and I'm interested to read any subsequent volumes (if they ever come).

[gabeja]

Just bought the first Queen and country difinitive trade.

[thenextchampion]

I got all the books I ordered from my work a couple of days ago.

Crecy: Wow, what a wonderful historical book this was. If anyone doesnt know, this is basically a narration on the history of 'The Battle of Crecy'. Which was apart of 'The Hundred Years War' with the British fighting the French. I loved every page of this book because although I dabble in a lot of history and more specifically wars....I knew nothing of this battle going on. It was a great learning experience and Ellis is right: So much of this battle would help modern warfare. The art was also very good and nicely detailed; but it would get over the top at points. My only problem with this, and it's a nitpick, is that I wish this was in color. The pencils are amazing, but I think this would look even better in color. This is definitely a must buy.

Death in the Family: I've read this before a long time ago, but it's been so long I forgot about it. After reading it again I think it was a very interesting read to say the least. Let's get this out of the way; I was born a year after Jason Todd died so I never really knew about the guy. When they brought him back it wasnt so much of a big deal to me. It sounded bullshit that they brought him back, but I wasnt totally up in arms about the whole deal. But if you read this story arc, it really isnt that big of a deal. Fuck, the death is almost forgotten within our minds if it isnt Batman mentioning it every other sentence. It's also tough to critique the writing and art cause....well this is a whole other generation and it's tough to compare it to anything else. Now a days people would say this style of writing is lame and too dramatic and with the art being printing on bad paper (now I see why people dont want less expensive paper now a days) it's tough to grade the art. But overall I enjoyed the story; but having the Ayalltola in this is really fucked up.

Note: That 'Batman Forensics' book I also bought is actually a prose book. So I'll critique on the prose thread.

Seaguy: I'm a guy who understands RIP. I'm a guy who has so far gotten the gist of Final Crisis. I'm a Morrison apologist. I love him as a writer and I think what he's been doing over the last year or two is nothing but brilliant. But this......what the fuck is this all about? This is confusing from page one, and nothing is explained here. The world is fucked up and all sorts of crazy. Even for a superhero book it's crazy! It feels like I'm actually in the middle of an arc and I missed a couple of trades before this. But what I got at the end of this, and Morrison wants to do more of Seaguy and I hope he does, is that this is just a taste of this universe. There is clearly more then meets the eye with the characters and this 'Eye' organization. Hopefully if he does another trade, a lot of confusing questions will be answered. Till then.....I dont know....

So I would definitely recommend Crecy, give Death of a Family a go, and if you have a very very open mind try Seaguy.

Tomorrow, here comes Scott Pilgrim! (starts playing punk music to get psyched)

[neb]

Over Christmas, I found the three Marvel Team-Up trades in perfect condition at a used book store. I just finished the first one and it was fantastic. Scott Kolins is a brilliant artist, and I'm really stoked to have some trades with his art. Simply awesome.

[thenextchampion]

Scott Pilgrim vol.1: Precious Little Life
-------------------------

Let me first off state that I was not anticipating this title. Or in a better phrase, this series wasnt on my top 20 list of 'must reads'. For some reason, even with all the hype and praise over this series, I didnt account for this title. But once you go on a comic site and every time you see 20 responses when Scott Pilgrim is mentioned then you know your missing out on something. But I have been wrong about before. I was avoiding Jason Aaron like the plague but now I love anything he writes. I also was shying away from Fear Agent; but now with the recent hiatus claims by Remender for the title I want to buy all of the trades. So I thought 'I could be wrong about this, and I could want to get every volume availible of this title'.

Well let me get the good out of the way first. I love the romantic and 'every day' feel of this story by O'Malley. It seems like he is referencing a lot of his past experiences and he definitely knows how to write a 20-something male. Ron could describe it better but books like Local avokes the same type of writing. Pilgrim and his friends are likeable and it has a 'Kevin Smith' type of vibe going with the interactions. Another thing I like is the faux magna art. I cant explain why I love this style of art but I do; it fits the tone well for the book and it never gets too over the top (til the end at least). Overall the heart is there, and so is the humor.

But then we get into the last 20 odd pages.......and I totally wanted my money back. Now I knew the premise of this series before buying this, Pilgrim has to 'fight' the love of his life's ex-boyfriends to date her. I didnt realise how over the top these last pages were gonna get, and I was pissed off on how over the top it was. Here is a likeable, yet crazy type of young adult and suddenly he is fighting a flying Indian 'Street Fighter' style. Then his band joins in as they fight back the Indian guys flying female demons....OKAY ENOUGH! Am I even reading the same book here!?

No where did I read in this that shows Pilgrim is an experience fighter. The art makes the world cartoonish but now we're at a point where it's too cartoonish for this fight. It feels like I'm in another dimension and all the characters suddenly can fight like it's DragonBall Z. This sudden change in tone completely took me away from this. I usually zone out when reading comics when I get into a good story. Well here I am zoned out enjoying a nice plot of a guy trying to get the girl of his dreams....and then suddenly I stop reading cause the idea of a flying ex-boyfriend with female demons take me out of the experience.

I dont know how the rest of this series read, maybe it's like this for every volume. Maybe it's realistic for the most part and then at the end it gets even more hyper and over the top. But to me, this was a waste of money. It's like O'Malley is trying to cram in two different styles of story in this when either one will do. I would've love to see the realistic approach he took threw out most of this book and opted not to have this over the top fighting at the end. How he can making fighting 7 ex-boyfriends more realistic; but I would've went and bought more of this series if he could do it.

So sorry to say to all of those who loved this book......This was a complete was of time to read. Oh and I'll save it for the film thread for this series but.....I got a bone to pick to Edgar Wright and Michael Cera if they think this can be filmable.

[cadgers]

I just got the first two volumes of Animal Man and I am a couple of issue's in and am finding it decent. I was told the first trade is not too spectacular though.

I also bought the first Queen and Country: Definitive Edition which I'm loving but the changing of artist after every arc is starting to throw me off.

[miyamotofreak]

I just want to say for the record, that I don't think there is a user on any message board ever that I disagreed with as much as thenextchampion (on pretty much everything). It's to the point where if nextchampion likes something I'll avoid it, and if he hates I'll check it out.

On the other hand, me and Conor's taste in pretty much everything is identical.

[optimus187prime]

@TNC - I disagree, I love SP and when it switched to goofy video game battles it was even better.

@Cadgers - I also had trouble adjusting to the various artists, but the story was so compelling it didnt slow me down for long.

[timmywood-]

Just finished the second PLAIN janes book Janes in Love and it was good. I didn't enjoy the story as much as the first one but still worth the read.

@tnc if you don't like scott pilgrim that's fine but I felt that the fight doesn't come out of nowhere. The entire thing seems like he is in a video game (the pee meter, the captions) the whole thing is very different post modern even and when I try to explain it to others I can't. The fights are the icing on the cake. Again if you didn't like it then you should probably avoid the rest of the series because it keeps with that tone.

[thenextchampion]

Just finished the second PLAIN janes book Janes in Love and it was good. I didn't enjoy the story as much as the first one but still worth the read.

@tnc if you don't like scott pilgrim that's fine but I felt that the fight doesn't come out of nowhere. The entire thing seems like he is in a video game (the pee meter, the captions) the whole thing is very different post modern even and when I try to explain it to others I can't. The fights are the icing on the cake. Again if you didn't like it then you should probably avoid the rest of the series because it keeps with that tone.

Well again I know it's a comic and I know this wasnt the most realistic thing in the world. But the conversations felt real, and other then a few over the top moments in the art; it felt like reading a Kevin Smith or a Diablo Cody like script (Juno). But I tell you that when the fight came on, it totally felt forced and again it felt like I was reading a different book.

I'm probably not going to get the rest if it's like this. But again I'm not saying this was the worst thing ever or even that I hate it that much. I loved about maybe.....95% of this volume until we get into the fight.


I just want to say for the record, that I don't think there is a user on any message board ever that I disagreed with as much as thenextchampion (on pretty much everything). It's to the point where if nextchampion likes something I'll avoid it, and if he hates I'll check it out.

On the other hand, me and Conor's taste in pretty much everything is identical.

That's why I'm here for you miyamotofreak....heh heh.....What a minute, no it's not!

[meanoldpig]

I just finished the 8th Invincible trade and I am still in love with this series. I feel so late to the game. Rex Splode is my new favorite Invincible character.

[optimus187prime]

I just finished Fables Vol 3, and I am hooked now. Is this the book everyone says kicks it up a notch and starts the snowball rolling downhill? If not then wow I cant imagine it getting much better. I thought the 3 issue arc 'Storybook love' was amazing, it was nice to finally see Bigby in wolf form. Also Goldie, jeez, thats all I can say. Also the one shot that kicked off this volume about Jack in the civil war period was about as good as one shots get. I am so glad I gave this book a chance and read on because the first to volumes were just okay for me.

[optimus187prime]

Just finished New Avengers Secret Invasion Vol. 1, it was pretty rad to finally get that backstory lacking in the main story. I totally get why everyone said these were the better stories. It was still very enjoyable even though I read Secret Invasion first.

Okay Vol. 2 is also read, and it was even better than the first. I cant believe how much New Avengers is making me appreciate SI. Seeing what the Skrulls went through with Reed clones and how they dealt with House of M, AMAZING. I am kinda blown away. Oh and I want more of the Hood, even time he is on page I get excited. Anyone have a clue on when and in which title he will make his next appearance?

[optimus187prime]

Guess I have been reading a good bit, but I just finished Umbrella Academy Apocalypse Suite Edition. I am amazed by this story, it wrapped me up so quickly and before I knew it I was picking favorites and being swept up in this wild world. The inventive powers and back stories felt unique enough to be fresh without being so complex that I was confused. Of course the Ba art is amazing those splash title pages just blew me away every time. I found Ba and Way's signatures in the first page that was a nice bonus that I didnt realize was included.

[timmywood-]

Currently reading the first trade of Conan from Kurt Busiek's Dark Horse run. I have been in the mood for something like this lately which is odd as I am usually not into the sword and sandals type epic stories.

Also I am going to reread the first trade of Fear Agent I read it sometime ago and although I love the art wasn't into it. I have always wanted to get it another try as it should be a book i love based on the concept. I ordered the other trades and am going to give it all a fair short. I like Remender and Moores other work there really should be no reason why I shouldn't like this.

[gabeja]

Just finished the 3rd DMZ trade, and I must say I am blown away. This was my favorite by far, and I loved the first two. It is hard to believe that I am only three trades in, it feels like so much has changed, and I am so emersed in this world. The sweeping arc of this story is what got me the most. WIll it be possible for me to catch up in issues any time soon?

I also read the first scalped trade, which I did enjoy, but it has yet to blow me away.

[miyamotofreak]

Just finished the 3rd DMZ trade, and I must say I am blown away. This was my favorite by far, and I loved the first two. It is hard to believe that I am only three trades in, it feels like so much has changed, and I am so emersed in this world. The sweeping arc of this story is what got me the most. WIll it be possible for me to catch up in issues any time soon?

I also read the first scalped trade, which I did enjoy, but it has yet to blow me away.
Eh, you got two trades of DMZ ready to read with another in a week or two.

[cenquist]

The Marvel Omnibus collection is getting bigger in 09, what are you excited for?

Ed Brubaker's Iron Fist Omnibus
Wolverine Omnibus
Secret Wars II Omnibus
Alan Moore's Captain Britian Omnibus
Ed Brubaker's Daredevil Omnibus
Mark Millar's Ultimates Omnibus
X-Men Omnibus

I will probably be getting the Ultimates and the two Brubaker ones.

[cenquist]

On the DC side what Absolute Edition are you anticipating?

V for Vendetta
Promethea
Superman: For Tommorow

[neb]

Where is this info coming from? Hopefully, none of it is true because I can afford none of it! :)

[cadgers]

Ed Brubaker's Iron Fist Omnibus
Alan Moore's Captain Britian Omnibus
Ed Brubaker's Daredevil Omnibus
Mark Millar's Ultimates Omnibus

I want those four a lot. Let's hope there all $75 like the Cap omnibus.

I want a Absolute All Star Supes so bad but I will take V for Vendetta. Any word on ifs its the black or white or the iffy coloring the trades have had for years now?

[cadgers]

Where is this info coming from? Hopefully, none of it is true because I can afford none of it! :)

Marvel solicits and amazon have most of the omnibus. And the Absolute V for Vendetta been on amazon for at least a year.

[gabeja]

This is the year of oversized alan moore. I have been waiting for the captain britain stuff for years now, and it will be beautiful. Also, I hear that Moore is coming out of his batcave to write an essay for the absolute V. Also, promethea will be great.

[neb]

Ed Brubaker's Iron Fist Omnibus


It seems odd to me that this would be in omnibus format. Isn't this more just a glorified HC? I mean, there's only 17 issues in the whole thing. That's definitely not worth $75

Ed Brubaker's Daredevil Omnibus

It's weird that Marvel would release this before they finished Bendis' run. There's a 22 issue gap between the Bendis Omni and this one. This seems to be announced way ahead of time.

[gabeja]

Are there plans for a second Bendis omnibus???

[cenquist]

It seems odd to me that this would be in omnibus format. Isn't this more just a glorified HC? I mean, there's only 17 issues in the whole thing. That's definitely not worth $75


Iron Fist Vol. 5 #1-16, Annual #1, Orson Randall and the Green Mists of Death,
Origin of Danny Rand, Civil War: Choosing Sides



It's weird that Marvel would release this before they finished Bendis' run. There's a 22 issue gap between the Bendis Omni and this one. This seems to be announced way ahead of time

No idea why either

[cadgers]

I assume it's that much cause everything is going up in price. Still $75 is not even cheaper then the MSRP off the 3 hardcovers that it basically collects.

[optimus187prime]

Definitely going to get the Bru DD omni.

[neb]

Are there plans for a second Bendis omnibus???

There should be. Besides a brief five or six issue story, all the other stories were Bendis and Maleev up to when Bru took over. That's a whole lot of story.

[neb]

Iron Fist Vol. 5 #1-16, Annual #1, Orson Randall and the Green Mists of Death,
Origin of Danny Rand, Civil War: Choosing Sides


Thanks for the clarification, but looking at this list, it's still going to be one hella thin Omni, especially for the price.

[gabeja]

Is the period between the DD omnibi collected in trade?

[cadgers]

Is the period between the DD omnibi collected in trade?

Volumes 10 to 13 lead right into Brubaker's run.

[neb]

Volumes 10 to 13 lead right into Brubaker's run.

I wonder if that would justify an Omnibus though? Maybe they'll put all of those into a nice HC and call it a companion or something.

[paulsharkey]

On the DC side what Absolute Edition are you anticipating?

V for Vendetta
Promethea
Superman: For Tommorow

I am so excited for Promethea that I asked my girl friend to preorder it for me as a birthday gift... my birthday is tuesday and the book is out in september, that's how much I want that book.

Also just read walking dead book 8..... holy shit!

[bonemachine]

Walking Dead Vol. 5- With out spoiling anything all I'll say is that The Govener isone of the most psychotic sadistic characters I've ever read! Plus the cliffhanger has me gagging for Vol. 6!

Deadenders: Stealing The Sun- Was in a second-hand book shop and pick this up for €3 just because I Ed Brubaker wrote it. Very good. The art was merely ok and seeing the Phillip Bond covers makes me wish he'd done the whole thing. Plus I'm a sucker for mod/post-apocaliptic stories. I'd definitely pick up the next trade but unfortunately Vertigo only reprinted the first 4 issues.

Captain America Vol. 1- I haven't heard a bad word about Brubaker's Cap run so I picked this up with high expectations and for the most part it met them. The ending to the first arc wasn't the grand climax I hoped for but it was still good. Loved the Jack Monroe issue too! And the Michael Lark flashback art was gorgeous!

Y: The Last man Vol:2-4- I think it's safe to say that after 4 volumes I'm utterly in love with this book. Vaughan's dialogue is razer-sharp and had me laughing put loud numerous times and arc after arc he comes up with refreshing ways to explore the aftermath of the plague ( The travelling theatre company being a highlight).
In the 4th volume Yorick is fleshed out beyond a wise cracking smartarse and I expect that Vaughan will do the same to Mann and 355.

[dierect-current]

I'm currently reading the hard back copy of Local. I missed this when it came out in issues and I was meaning to pick up the trade but never got around to it. Seeing the H/BK just made me want it. Looks really nice and that's even before you open the book. Awsome story and art. Must get Demo.

[hank41]

working on Ex Machina vol. 2

forgot how good this book was. i won't make that mistake again

[cormano]

I'm about two thirds done with Cerebus Vol. 2: High Society. It's much better than the first volume, which I also enjoyed. I'm anxious and nervous to finish this and dive into the 60 issue epic of Church and State.

[thenextchampion]

I'm about two thirds done with Cerebus Vol. 2: High Society. It's much better than the first volume, which I also enjoyed. I'm anxious and nervous to finish this and dive into the 60 issue epic of Church and State.

*gives him some food and water*

If you have a wife and/or kids....I'd say goodbye to them. This is gonna be a long couple of months.....and yes I ment to say MONTHS. :)

[mikegraham6]

I just started reading Kid Eternity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_Eternity#Kid_Eternity_at_DC_Comics)by Grant Morrison and so far (the first issue) i have absolutely no idea what's going on....

[gabeja]

I just finished Fortune and Glory. Wow. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thin is the perfect comic for me. The fact that I live in LA both ampliphied the pleasure of the expirience, cause i knew some of the things he was talking about, and made me want to keel over a vomit. Hilarious all the way through and the perfect balence of tongue and cheek humor, and harsh realism. The art is not only perfect for the book, but great in general. It wouldn't be worth it for all the delays it would cause, but I would love to see Bendis draw again. (powers 50 was it? *sigh*) Every creative desicion he made with this book was perfect. Except of course for the lack of a sequal.


So.. What is Total Sell out like? Similar to Fortune and Glory?

[paulsharkey]

*gives him some food and water*

If you have a wife and/or kids....I'd say goodbye to them. This is gonna be a long couple of months.....and yes I ment to say MONTHS. :)

He's right you know, but it is so good you won't mind.

By the way TFAW have Cerebus books for half price, I think I might finally finish reading the whole thing.

Got two Acme books and breakdowns for my birthday. I got two copies of breakdowns... my mates so get me.

[cormano]

I just realized the other day that there are a few issues left out of the phonebook style Cerebus collections. They're in a smaller trade called Cerebus Zero. Is that out of print? I can't seem to find it new, I've seen it used for pretty reasonable prices so it's not a big deal, just seems strange.

[neb]

I just finished the fourth hardcover of The Walking Dead. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I just want to say that Robert Kirkman is a horrible fucking person. And I love him for it.

That is all.

[optimus187prime]

I just finished the fourth hardcover of The Walking Dead. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I just want to say that Robert Kirkman is a horrible fucking person. And I love him for it.

That is all.

Got the omni #2 and I really want to read it but I have other books to finish

[neb]

Got the omni #2 and I really want to read it but I have other books to finish

There's one image in the book that will never leave your head. Ever. It's sooo good, but so goddamned depressing. He truly hates these characters.

[miyamotofreak]

There's one image in the book that will never leave your head. Ever. It's sooo good, but so goddamned depressing. He truly hates these characters.
Seriously. After I finished the book I was like, holy shit who is still alive?
And the image. Man.
I'm going to get the next trade (#9) and move to issues.
EDIT: How the hell can anyone read this in omni's?

[paulsharkey]

I just realized the other day that there are a few issues left out of the phonebook style Cerebus collections. They're in a smaller trade called Cerebus Zero. Is that out of print? I can't seem to find it new, I've seen it used for pretty reasonable prices so it's not a big deal, just seems strange.

It's been out of print for years but it's not too important to the over all story. Although if you need it all then don't forget the issue of spawn with Cerebus in it. It's written by Sim and reads really well.

[cadgers]

I just bought and read the first trade of Preacher. I cant believe it took me this long to read it. Such a fantastic read and Cassidy is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite characters in comics.

[miyamotofreak]

I just bought and read the first trade of Preacher. I cant believe it took me this long to read it. Such a fantastic read and Cassidy is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite characters in comics.
If you thought that was fantastic Until the End of the World is going to blow your fucking mind.

[gabeja]

I just bought and read the first trade of Preacher. I cant believe it took me this long to read it. Such a fantastic read and Cassidy is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite characters in comics.

Wait till volume 7 rolls around...

Also, I just bought the second proof trade and saw that there was an ifanboy quote on the back. Neat!

[miyamotofreak]

Wait till volume 7 rolls around...

Also, I just bought the second proof trade and saw that there was an ifanboy quote on the back. Neat!
How big is iFanboy now? Compared to say CBR, Wizard, and Newsarama? iFanboy got me into comics when the video podcast came out (I noticed it on Rev3) and since then iFanboy has columnists and everything.

[cormano]

It's been out of print for years but it's not too important to the over all story. Although if you need it all then don't forget the issue of spawn with Cerebus in it. It's written by Sim and reads really well.

I have that as well as the issue of Ninja Turtles, which Sim didn't write, but drew Cerebus in. I set this goal to read all 300 issues this year, so I'm going to need to get a hold of Cerebus Zero one way or another.

[cam-]

Well, Cerebus:Zero has 51 in it, so yeah to get all 300 you'd have to track it down.

Also, YES to the Spawn issue, great comic book, back before "Meta" was so wrote.

[optimus187prime]

Just finished Fables Vol 4 March of the wooden soldiers last night. Wow this book took the series up a notch. I was blown away by the massive battle and how attached to some characters I have become. Have to say that the 2 page splash where Bigby returned was so kick ass. Even though the wooden soldiers are the bad guys I still enjoyed them and love how they spoke to each other about us meats. Just hope this quality continues through the next seven volumes.

[cammyknoxville]

Picked-up Scott Pilgrim vol. 5 yesterday, and handed off my The Umbrella Academy Vol. 1 absolute edition to my Illustration teacher because he's been meaning to read it, and I though what better way than to get it oversized?

He's a big comic geek, but we have issues when it comes to Grant Morrison. :p

[hank41]

working my way through Ex Machina vol. 2 right now.

i forgot how great this book is.

unique as well

[sugarsickness]

Working my way through the English translated NOCTURNAL CONSPIRACIES by French comic creator David B. It is a collection of his dreams illustrated into comics. Very trippy.

Also about to bust open Astro City: Life in the Big City and the first A Distant Soil trade by Colleen Doran. Got them from the library. Read Astro City Dark Age a while ago and loved it, so really excited for Life in the Big City.

[gabeja]

About half way through the first Stangers in Paradise pocket book, which I think contains like the first three trades. First of all, talk about bang for your buck, this thing is huge. The paper quality may not be the best, but hell, I'm fine with it. I am so far loving this series in every way shape and form.

[iamso77]

I just finished Transmetropolitan and I'm a recent Warren Eliis fan. I thought it had its moments but overall it didn't grab me.

So I wanted to start on Invisibles next but I heard mixed things about it. I read the first GN of Animal Man and plan to get the rest of the GN. I loved WE3 but thats the only thing I read from Morrison.

So my question is if I like Animal Man, will I like Invisibles?

Thanks

[cadgers]

If you enjoyed Animal Man your should at least give the Invisibles a try. It gets pretty wonky though.

[iamso77]

Thanks, I like some wonky :)

[cormano]

I picked up the first 8 issues of Punisher War Zone from the 50¢ bin recently. So I read them in issues, but they're collected in this trade (http://www.amazon.com/Punisher-War-Zone-1-TPB/dp/tags-on-product/0785109234). It is John Romita Jr.'s full run. In addition to JR Jr. on the art, it's written by Chuck Dixon. It's also the third Punisher ongoing series from 1991, so it really could have gone either way. It was pretty good, though. The first six issues have Frank using a fake identity to get in with a mob family and help them take out their competition before turning on them. That story was great. Issues seven and eight were kind of meh, but I definitely got my $4 worth out of the whole deal.

[gabeja]

I just finished Transmetropolitan and I'm a recent Warren Eliis fan. I thought it had its moments but overall it didn't grab me.

So I wanted to start on Invisibles next but I heard mixed things about it. I read the first GN of Animal Man and plan to get the rest of the GN. I loved WE3 but thats the only thing I read from Morrison.

So my question is if I like Animal Man, will I like Invisibles?

Thanks

wait, did you read all 10 tansmet trades??? If you are saying you only read the first trade, definatly give the second one a try. Also, with Animal Man, READ PAST THE FIRST TRADE. It is somewhat of a long haul, but it is soooooo worth it. Don't get me wrong, the first trade isn't bad par say, it's just not as great as I was told the series was. But, by the last trade, whew, was it amazing. If you have read We3, I would think that the next morrison step would be either JLA, or All Star Superman. Both are simply fantastic.

[neb]

Last month, I picked up the second HC for Astonishing X-Men, and over the last two days, I re-read the first HC and this one. Without a doubt, this is the best X-Men story I've ever read, and probably, one of the top 5 stories that have ever graced my eyes. So, so excellent.

How that series continues without Joss Whedon is completely lost on me...

[optimus187prime]

Last month, I picked up the second HC for Astonishing X-Men, and over the last two days, I re-read the first HC and this one. Without a doubt, this is the best X-Men story I've ever read, and probably, one of the top 5 stories that have ever graced my eyes. So, so excellent.

How that series continues without Joss Whedon is completely lost on me...

I like Ellis' work so I am hoping that if you dont compare and just take it as another X Men story it is good. I havent read any Astonishing without Whedon but my fingers are crossed.

[neb]

I like Ellis' work so I am hoping that if you dont compare and just take it as another X Men story it is good. I havent read any Astonishing without Whedon but my fingers are crossed.

I guess the book is fairly popular because it still sells, but when Conor was stating on the show that Astonishing was dead to him, I can completely see why.

[enfuego]

I have been thinking about picking up two Marvel Premiere HCs -- 1985 and Captain America: Truth. Any opinions on either?

Also, I recently read through Whiteout, Whiteout: Melt and Black Hole. I don't understand the hype surrounding the Whiteout books and I thought Black Hole outright sucked.

[optimus187prime]

I have been thinking about picking up two Marvel Premiere HCs -- 1985 and Captain America: Truth. Any opinions on either?

Also, I recently read through Whiteout, Whiteout: Melt and Black Hole. I don't understand the hype surrounding the Whiteout books and I thought Black Hole outright sucked.

I havent read 1985 yet but I did order it. I am becoming a Millar fanboy he has been hitting all the right notes for me.

Truth I loved. It gave some reality to the super soldier serum, showing how it wasnt as easy as it seemed in the Cap books. I thought the art was a little sketchy for my taste but it wasnt bad. I recommend it if you are a big Cap fan as it shows the dark side and collateral damage of making a superhero.

[jasonb35]

I've read the Queen & Country Def. Ed. Vol I. Loved it but I was thrown off in the last story by the art and how suddenly Tara Chace looks like a playboy centerfold.

Read the first four Ex Machina trades in the last couple of weeks and am totally hooked. I will have to go online and track down the rest. Maybe I'm slow, but I never see the twists and turns coming.

As for Whiteout, I love that book. The story is solid and the portrayal of life in isolated arctic conditions is fascinating. The look at what type of people live in those conditions is great.

[miyamotofreak]

I want to read Whiteout but the Definitive's are just a tad pricey (14 books for a reduced size B&W that's barely over 100 pages?). I'll pick them up eventually since I love Oni (and their trade quality).

[gabeja]

I think my goal for this year is to catch up to issues with DMZ. If need be, i might even get a torrent for one issue, two max.

[neb]

I just finished reading through Crisis on Infinite Earths. It was good, even though it had those sort of eye rolling dialogue moments. It was a dense read, and a good primer for all the other Crisises. It actually made Infinite Crisis make a heck of a lot more sense.

If any people thought Grant Morrison's FC had a lot of random characters in it, they haven't read this book.

Definitely a solid DC story.

[gabeja]

Can someone suggest what I should do if I want to read Alias??? I think the old trades are still available, but in may theyre coming out with big fancy trades much like the one's for Grant Morrisons x men. But I don't know how much those trades will contain or how redily they will be available. ANy suggestions????

[cadgers]

I think my goal for this year is to catch up to issues with DMZ. If need be, i might even get a torrent for one issue, two max.

Stick to trades. Unless something crazy good happens at the end of this arc I'm gonna switch to reading it in trades. This series just isn't grabbing me like it did a year ago.





Can someone suggest what I should do if I want to read Alias??? I think the old trades are still available, but in may theyre coming out with big fancy trades much like the one's for Grant Morrisons x men. But I don't know how much those trades will contain or how redily they will be available. ANy suggestions????

I really want to read this series as well. The Ultimate Collection #1 trade will collect the first two trades and will most likely retail for $35. I also believe Bendis said on the wordballon podcast that the trade would feature some sort of extra's.

[neb]

If you can find it, the Omnibus is totally worth it. If you look in the right places, there's still people out there that sell it for $75. I got mine brand new for that price last year.

[elwood]

Well, I can’t say this was recent, but I read two comics a few weeks ago.

Dropped by the library and finally read The Watchmen. Aside from the fact that their copy was vandalized (many junk related to Capt. Manhattan’s nekkid-ness), it was quality. It was really depressing at certain points (Rorschach’s chapter in particular), but it’s really deep and definitely deserves the status it has. I’m rather unsure how the book is gonna transfer to a film.

I also read Street Angel by Brian Maruca Jim Rugg. I don’t know, I certainly enjoyed it, but I’m glad that I borrowed as opposed to actually paying for it. It’s about a homeless 13 year old girl named Jesee with martial arts and skateboarding skills who serves as her city’s protector. Due to the character concept, and the fact that over the course we deal with ninjas (lots of them), pirates, Aztec lucha gods, aged Blaxploitation heroes, mad super villains, Satanic cults and Jesus Christ himself you’d think it’d just be an over-the-top, silly romp, which it is at certain points.

There’s lot of funny, action-packed moments through out the book (on one page Jesse is surrounded by ninjas, you turn the page and their all dead, with a little caption informing you that Jesse killed them in the time it took for you to turn the page), and this is when the book is at it’s best, when it’s not taking itself too seriously. But then Jesse’s homeless situation is treated with dead seriousness at some points. We see her trying to hide her homelessness from her friends, scrounging for something to eat, which feels jarring when a few pages ago I was watching ninjas playing basketball. It seems to change tone back and forth rather quickly, like the writer couldn’t decide if he was going to explore the idea of a young homeless superhero or just have fun with genre clichés.

It was a pretty good book, but not one I plan on coming back to.


As for stuff I’m gonna be reading:
Fable Vol. 1
Leave it to Chance Vol. 1 by James Robinson
The Spirit Vol. 1 by Darwyn Cooke (I’ll be getting this one today).

Opinions?

[cadgers]

Just finished Pluto Vol. 1 by Naoki Urasawa and it really blew me away. I'm not a big manga guy but this was some 'sci-fi noir murder mystery' goodness. I recommend it highly for anyone a fan of those genres.

[jasonb35]

I've got the first Stranger's in Paradise pocketbook from my library. I've read the first few chapters. I have to say I'm baffled as to what all the fuss about this book is. The two woman in this book are psychotic and pathetic stereotypes. The men are just as pathetic and just as big a of stereotypes. If I keep reading does it get better. Someone explain this to me please.

[decepticon]

Most recent reads of the last couple weeks:

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 5 (by Brian Lee O'Malley)
Awesome, as always. O'Malley yet again leaves me craving more, and completely shocked and satisfied with the conclusion of the fifth volume to this wonderful series. It's a great era for comics, but even with all theother A+ quality books out there, I would have to say Scott Pilgrim is my favorite thing to come out of this decade in the world of comics.

The Apocalipstix (by Ray Fawkes)
Bought after toying around with checking this book out for a few months, and I closed the book looking forward to the next volume, but at the same time, not being in love with the series like I was hoping to be. It's good, don't get me wrong, and it is a unique, and refreshing sort of concept, but I can't help but think the execution (mainly the writing) could've been a bit tighter, for lack of a better word. I will be on board for the next volume, but I was somewhat disappointed. Also, semed to be a super quick read for the $14 I paid at my LCS for it, so keep that in mind if $$ is a big issue for you.

The Walking Dead Vol. 9 (by Robert Kirkman)
Probably the best ongoing monthly(ish) book out there for my money. Every time a new trade comes out, I simply can't wait to get home and read it. Often times I even push it ahead of my weekly floppies from that week (usually I read the weekly books, then trades from that week as I get around to them). Every issue of this book is absolutely heart-wrenching, and the lives of these people in this world becomes more and more horrifying every issue. This series would be in my top 10 of all time, and it's a great book for people not really into comics, I never hesitate to recommend this to anyone who I think will even remotely be into the subject matter.

Next on my list:
Scars (by Warren Ellis)
Transhuman (by Jonathan Hickman)

Also, really looking forward to picking up The Roberts trade this week when I get to my LCS for my books.

[gabeja]

I've got the first Stranger's in Paradise pocketbook from my library. I've read the first few chapters. I have to say I'm baffled as to what all the fuss about this book is. The two woman in this book are psychotic and pathetic stereotypes. The men are just as pathetic and just as big a of stereotypes. If I keep reading does it get better. Someone explain this to me please.

KEEP READING!!!!! I picked up the same book as you, and was rather confused during the first three issues. Granted, I really enjoyed them, but by the forth (the first of the second trade, the first three are in the pocket book) it totally changes tone. I becomes quite a touching and simply fantastic series.

[gabeja]

If you can find it, the Omnibus is totally worth it. If you look in the right places, there's still people out there that sell it for $75. I got mine brand new for that price last year.

where are some places where i might be able to find the omnibus?

[optimus187prime]

Okay I gotta make a decision on books for Valentines day. Thought I would get the ifanbases input.

Nova HC or Young Avengers HC $18ish

and

Nextwave vol 1 or Daredevil yellow $12ish

[neb]

where are some places where i might be able to find the omnibus?

I found mine on a comic book price guide website that allowed users to sell their wares. Some comic shops that are online that still have them in stock will sell them for cover price. I'd check at cons too.

Who knows? Maybe at some point Marvel will reissue it. They did it with the Spidey and Xmen Omnibi.

[neb]

Okay I gotta make a decision on books for Valentines day. Thought I would get the ifanbases input.

Nova HC or Young Avengers HC $18ish

and

Nextwave vol 1 or Daredevil yellow $12ish

Hmm...both Nova and YA are so ridiculously awesome, but I gotta give the nudge to YA. That book is so good it almost hurts to read it.

As for you second options, I'd go with Nextwave because its wacky awesomeness. DD: Yellow is also very, very solid. It's my favorite color book, so you can't go wrong there either.

[optimus187prime]

Thanks for the input Neb, any other opinions?

[gabeja]

What would be the best way to get some trades really cheap? How do those sci fi book clubs work?

[optimus187prime]

What would be the best way to get some trades really cheap? How do those sci fi book clubs work?

Comic Lots on ebay, used book stores, con bargin bins.

[gabeja]

Also, the alias ultimate trades, how many would there be to collect the whole series? Two?

[iamso77]

wait, did you read all 10 tansmet trades??? If you are saying you only read the first trade, definatly give the second one a try. Also, with Animal Man, READ PAST THE FIRST TRADE. It is somewhat of a long haul, but it is soooooo worth it. Don't get me wrong, the first trade isn't bad par say, it's just not as great as I was told the series was. But, by the last trade, whew, was it amazing. If you have read We3, I would think that the next morrison step would be either JLA, or All Star Superman. Both are simply fantastic.


I just finished Animal Man and I agree that was SO worth it. I'll go after the Invisibles next and then All Star Superman.

I did read all of the transmet trades and I did enjoy it in parts. It just didn't feel satisfied when I finished reading it. But I did watch a documentary on Hunter S. Thompson after reading the trades.

[iamso77]

Comic Lots on ebay, used book stores, con bargin bins.

I completely agree, I found a runaways hardcover for 3 bucks at a thrift store and most of my GNs are from the Comic Cons at half off. And sometimes talk to the owner of a small comic shop, he will probably give discount if you buy alot of GNs at one time with cash.

[optimus187prime]

I completely agree, I found a runaways hardcover for 3 bucks at a thrift store and most of my GNs are from the Comic Cons at half off. And sometimes talk to the owner of a small comic shop, he will probably give discount if you buy alot of GNs at one time with cash.

Its funny thats the advice I give but I buy almost exclusivily from instocktrades.

[neb]

Also, the alias ultimate trades, how many would there be to collect the whole series? Two?

Depends on how many issues they put in each one. There's 29 total issues in the series, so...

[elwood]

Depends on how many issues they put in each one. There's 29 total issues in the series, so...

My guess would be two volumes. According to Amazon, the first Alias Ultimate Volume has issues 1-15. So two volumes sounds right to me.

[miyamotofreak]

Just read Sidescrollers. It was pretty meh. It felt corny, bland, a bit meanspirited at times, and just not very good. I'd rather just reread Scott Pilgrim.

[neb]

I just got done reading through Millar and Morrison's Aztek comic from the late nineties. It was pretty rad. Definitely of the time, and you can see peaks of Morrison and Millar's wackiness. I really enjoyed it.

[paulsharkey]

I just got done reading through Millar and Morrison's Aztek comic from the late nineties. It was pretty rad. Definitely of the time, and you can see peaks of Morrison and Millar's wackiness. I really enjoyed it.

Very dated but lots of madness in those books. When I read it I originally thought the art was a bit rubbish but as I got through the book I found myself likeing it more and more. What was up with the piper guy in the first issue was he the piper from Flash cause he had a daughter and isn't the piper gay.

[neb]

Very dated but lots of madness in those books. When I read it I originally thought the art was a bit rubbish but as I got through the book I found myself likeing it more and more. What was up with the piper guy in the first issue was he the piper from Flash cause he had a daughter and isn't the piper gay.

It's a different one. At this point in time, the Flash's Piper was reformed and helping him defeat villains.

[enfuego]

Anyone pick up the new Saga of the Swamp Thing HC? I read through it yesterday, mere hours after buying it. The story was very good. I imagine that back in 1984/1985 that Moore's Swamp Thing run was considered mind blowing. In general, I found the production quality of the book itself to be lacking. The HC was $24.99 and had cheap newspaper like interior pages. The book was also not oversized like the recent Y: The Last Man Deluxe Edition hardcover.

/thumbs up for the storytelling
/thumbs down for the production quality of this edition

[drakedangerz]

Anyone pick up the new Saga of the Swamp Thing HC? I read through it yesterday, mere hours after buying it. The story was very good. I imagine that back in 1984/1985 that Moore's Swamp Thing run was considered mind blowing. In general, I found the production quality of the book itself to be lacking. The HC was $24.99 and had cheap newspaper like interior pages. The book was also not oversized like the recent Y: The Last Man Deluxe Edition hardcover.

/thumbs up for the storytelling
/thumbs down for the production quality of this edition

Yeah, I didn't hear good things about the production of the collection. Also, doesn't have any extras right? I got the paperbacks a while back and I am enjoying them.

[drakedangerz]

I just finished rereading Seven Soldiers by G-Mo and it is so freaking rewarding!! I loved the series, particularly the Frankenstein and Mister Miracle portions. Least favorite would be The Guardian and Bulleteer portions. Still, a great read if you dig G-Mo's work. He really flexes his ability to tell stories in a variety of ways.

[gabeja]

I just finished rereading Seven Soldiers by G-Mo and it is so freaking rewarding!! I loved the series, particularly the Frankenstein and Mister Miracle portions. Least favorite would be The Guardian and Bulleteer portions. Still, a great read if you dig G-Mo's work. He really flexes his ability to tell stories in a variety of ways.

I really need to pick this up

[drakedangerz]

I really need to pick this up


Seriously man, I think you would dig it. I found all 4 volumes at a half priced book store. I didn't even hesitate to drop the money to get it all. If you're going to a con this season, might even be able to get all the original issues for cheap too

[naveenm]

The Umbrella Academy: Apocalapse Suite- Even though I dislike Way's music, I'm really excited to read this.

The name sorta caught me. I wasn't even sure what it was about, but that alone piqued my interest.

Then I read it. Amazing. Way seems to write like a veteran of comics. He's able to pack a lot of story into just a few panels, sometimes even just one.

What I'm reading now:

Casanova, Book One. So far, so good, but it's not in the same league as UA. Matt Fraction loves tech, huh?

Oh, and Gabriel Ba drew both books. I love his art -- it works for this kinda stuff, though I don't know how I'd feel if he wrote a traditional superhero book...though I don't really read superhero books anymore.

[optimus187prime]

Just read 1985, and Millar did it again. The guy just always gets me to set a book down and say "this is why I read comics, this feeling". The art is gorgeous I love how the inking and coloring changes from the real world to the Marvel U. Just a wonderful book five out of five material.

[elwood]

-Leave It To Chance Vol. 1: Shaman's Rain by James Robinson and Paul Smith
Robinson describes this in the preface as Nancy Drew meets Kolchak the Night Stalker, and I can see that. It's a simple, fun adventure story suitable for a younger audience (too few of these around).

It follows Chance Falconer, the daughter of her city's guardian against the paranormal. She wants little more then to follow in her father's footsteps, but her father forbids it due to the death of his wife on a case. But when he has to pass on a case involving a missing shaman due to business outside of town, Chance decides to solve the case herself. It's a fun book with a resourceful & adventurous young hero. It's a Tin Tin adventure or a Nancy Drew style mystery story, except with dragons, magic, and such. Very PG and wholesome.

It's nothing too deep and the art, while mostly solid in a cartoony sort of way, has some rough spots (though they pop up less and less as it goes), but it's still a very enjoyable series that I'd recommend to a younger kid looking to get into comics, and it's obvious that Robinson loves this story (he flat out says in the preface that he considers it a great accomplishment then his Starman run, he clearly has a lot of affection for the series).


-Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham and Lan Medina
Yeah, I'm late to the game. Still, I have to say I really enjoyed this one and will definitely continue with it. I won't go into as much detail as Leave It To Chance.

It's a great concept though; the characters of fairytales having been driven from their homes by an evil force and having to band together as a community in our world to survive. Most of the princesses have devorced their handsome princes, and the more monsterous characters hide their appearences with charms. The Big Bad Wolf has reformed as serves as a detective, and the first trade deals with him solving the supposed murder of Rose Red.

The characters are interesting, the art is solid, and while it didn't knock me out of the park, I'm definitely interested in continuing to follow this series.


First book of Darwyn Cooke's Spirit is next for me.

[optimus187prime]

-Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham and Lan Medina
Yeah, I'm late to the game. Still, I have to say I really enjoyed this one and will definitely continue with it. I won't go into as much detail as Leave It To Chance.

It's a great concept though; the characters of fairytales having been driven from their homes by an evil force and having to band together as a community in our world to survive. Most of the princesses have devorced their handsome princes, and the more monsterous characters hide their appearences with charms. The Big Bad Wolf has reformed as serves as a detective, and the first trade deals with him solving the supposed murder of Rose Red.

The characters are interesting, the art is solid, and while it didn't knock me out of the park, I'm definitely interested in continuing to follow this series.


First book of Darwyn Cooke's Spirit is next for me.
I was late to the game on this too. I am now on vol 6 it is an excellent series.

[cadgers]

Speaking of late to the game. I just read volumes 1 & 2 of The Walking Dead. Was a fantastic read and I just ordered volume 3 off Amazon.

A question for readers of the book. Does it maintain the same consistency threw the whole story up until now or does Kirkman go on and mix it up(for better or worse)?

[kndoubleu]

Don't get attached to anyone. Anything goes in that world.

[optimus187prime]

Speaking of late to the game. I just read volumes 1 & 2 of The Walking Dead. Was a fantastic read and I just ordered volume 3 off Amazon.

A question for readers of the book. Does it maintain the same consistency threw the whole story up until now or does Kirkman go on and mix it up(for better or worse)?It gets better IMO.

[gabeja]

You would think walking dead would get old, wouldn't you. Trust me, it does not.

[jasonb35]

I'm getting depressed because I've whipped through all the Queen and Country trades and loved them more than I've loved a series of books in quite some time. I've even ran to the library to get the two novels. What do I do now that there is no Rucka goodness left? Is there anything else in this vein that is worth reading. I already read all of Checkmate as well. I need more espionage people. Help me out.

[optimus187prime]

I'm getting depressed because I've whipped through all the Queen and Country trades and loved them more than I've loved a series of books in quite some time. I've even ran to the library to get the two novels. What do I do now that there is no Rucka goodness left? Is there anything else in this vein that is worth reading. I already read all of Checkmate as well. I need more espionage people. Help me out.

Gotham Central.

[jasonb35]

Gotham Central.

Thanks. I'll have to look around and see if I can track those down.

[optimus187prime]

Thanks. I'll have to look around and see if I can track those down.

New hardcovers are being made. The first one is already out. It isnt spy stuff but it is quality Rucka.

[naveenm]

I recommend Transmetropolitan for anyone who hasn't read it. At least, the first two volumes (and I'm definitely picking up more).

I'm not familiar with any of Ellis's other work...any recommends?

[optimus187prime]

I recommend Transmetropolitan for anyone who hasn't read it. At least, the first two volumes (and I'm definitely picking up more).

I'm not familiar with any of Ellis's other work...any recommends?

Planetary is awesome if he ever gets that last issue out. It has been so long that I sold the Absolute. The Authority was great. I really enjoyed his short runs on both Iron Man and Thunderbolts. Oh and Fell is pretty dope.

[gobo]

Planetary and Desolation Jones are both great

[drakedangerz]

Finally getting around to reading Vol. 2 and 3 of G-Mo's Animal Man. Also, Avengers Disassembled just arrived yesterday.

[optimus187prime]

Also, Avengers Disassembled just arrived yesterday.

Think I might be in the minority that actually enjoyed that book.

[optimus187prime]

Planetary and Desolation Jones are both great

Isnt Desolation an abandoned ongoing though?

[gobo]

Yeah there hasn't been anything new in ages but what's out stands well on its own.

[drakedangerz]

Think I might be in the minority that actually enjoyed that book.

It cost me $3 with shipping, so I took a chance.

[gabeja]

I recommend Transmetropolitan for anyone who hasn't read it. At least, the first two volumes (and I'm definitely picking up more).

I'm not familiar with any of Ellis's other work...any recommends?

Definatly Planetary and Authority. Also, I really like a marvel book he did fairly recently called New Universal. I think theres at least one trade out, definatly pick that up. I also like Desolation Jones a lot.