Pull List for the Week of 11/12/14

This is my Pull List for 11/12/14... sorta.

    Okay, so nothing too cool is happening this week for my usual pulls... soooo... here's some stuff I'm gonna pick up instead. Maybe I'll add some of them to my pull. Or not.

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Doctor Who: The 12th Doctor #2

    The 12th doctor is back in the second issue of his own series. I picked up the firt-st issue from gamestop through their rewards program mostly because I liked their variant. Though it arrived torn... I really enjoyed the comic. everything except for the art. It left something to be desired.

Doctor Graffiti

   

    in thiss issue we continue our journey through a terriformed, ice planet, biodome. Alas, Paulie Shore will not make an appearance. A lone survivor will, however. The Doctor and Clara will run accross the last surviving member of a powerful species. Will they be friend or foe. we'll find out in Doctor Who #2.

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Rot & Ruin #3

    I haven't read any of this series, but it looks like a good story with great art... and my pull is &%*$&# empty this week so let's give it a shot.

Pigtails are sooo LAST apocaolypse

    In this issue we meet up with the gang as they find a new home... maybe. They are taken into farmer johns community, but they must earn their keep. Find out what horrors await in Rot & Ruin #3.

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Spider-Verse #1

    Spider-Verse has it's own comic now. Which is great. I love multiverse stories. all the different art styles and reimaginings. I love it.

Spider-Verse Spider-Verse does whatever a...Spider...Verse, Yeah!!

    This is three... three... three stories in ONE! I looked at the preview for this and it wasn't too helpful. From what I could gleen this book takes us into a manga universe, a steampunk universe, and a... horror... kinda... thing. I don't know, so let's be surprised and see who Morlun will gobble up next in Spider-Verse #1!

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Also available this week:

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The Beautiful War #1

Deep State #1

Drifter #1

Copperhead #3

Suicide Squad #4

Captain America #1

Superior Iron Man #1

Hawkeye Vs. Deadpool #2

The Infamous Milo Manara Spider-Woman Variant

I'd like to talk for a minute about the Milo Manara variant cover for Spider-woman.
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Spider-woooow...

     If you keep up with comic book news as I occasionally do, you have seen this image. Milo Manara drew this as a variant cover for the upcoming premier issue of the new Spider-Woman series. While many fans loved this cover for obvious reasons (be honest) other readers and non-readers saw some problems with this being on shelves. 

     With sexism being hot topic right now (rightfully so) this cover saw a lot of controversy from it's announcement. This cover was in the ether for a while, then it was cancelled, and now we see fans wanting to bring it back to shelves. Every hot button issue has been hit for this illustration, free speech, pollution of youth, rape culture, sexism, the list goes on. Manara himself has been reported by "Bleeding Cool" as saying essentially "it's not my fault women are hot". I am paraphrasing, of course.

     On the one hand I see how this image is potentially objectifying. On the other hand I love this cover. It's pretty, it's sexy, it's something I'd want in my collection. The fact is Milo Manara is Milo Manara. He's gonna draw the female for in a way that guys want to see it. Is his stuff a little overtly sexual? Yes, but marvel knew that so why even consider him if that's not the direction you want to go. 

     Bottom line, I'm for it 100%. I love and respect all the women in my life and I believe women should have all the rights, respect, and dignity men receive. That being said... have you seen how men are portrayed in comics. I'm never gonna be a brooding, dark, emotional, stoic, romantic, mystery man... We read comics to escape reality and see more interesting and, at times, more pleasurable portrayals of the world. I want to love this cover and covers like it without feeling like an evil despicable person.

Pull list for 11/5/14

okay, this is my first post in about a month... let's see if I remember how to computer.

Pull List for the Week of 11/5/14
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     Let's start with issue 2 of Gotham Academy. I have been waiting a month for another entry to this new IP from the DCU centering around 2 girls attending the creepy Gotham Academy.

This looks like a safe place for a young girl to be.

     In this latest issue we get a bit of back story on olive and she joins the Order of the Bat.  What's that? We'll find out in Gotham Academy #2

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Next let's take on The Amazing Spider-Man #9

     It all starts here. The Siderverse. Holy crap, I have been waiting for this for a while. I love multiverse stories so seeing every Spidey ever take on a multi-dimensional Spidey hunter is my jam.

Put up your claw hands and say CHEESE!!

     This is the first part of the spiderverse arc that will not only change the Amazing Spider-man universe forever, but the marvel universe as well, spawning new ongoing series like Spider-woman (bring back the Manara cover!!!). In this arc a "Spider Totem" hunter is out to kill and consume every spider character in every universe ever. Will the Spideys be able to stop this nefarious plot... probably, but I'll read it anyway! I'm so excited for this series!!!

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     I also picked up Multiversity: The Just

     I don't know a lot about the Multiversity series, but this collab between Grant Morrison and Ben Oliver looks incredible.

Papa_paparazzi!

     This story follow the heroes of Earth 16 or Earth-Me. In this corner of the Multiverse Morrison, Oliver, and Brown give us some wonderful re-imaginings of our favorite heroes and villains. On this earth our heroes have wiped out all super-villainy and have become spoiled celebutantes. They are in for a big suprise what an inter-dimensional evil breaks into their world looking for trouble.

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     Also, this week, I picked up Chilling Adventures of Sabrina! I was a bit late picking this one up, but at least I didn't wait til I was 6 issues late like I did with Afterlife with Archie...

proportions may be a little off on her head here...

     This is the first of an on going series featuring Sabrina... yup, the teenage witch. So Sabrina was born in a family of sorcerers, a secret she doesn't discover until her 16th birthday. Now she must choose between the dark word of sorcery and her mortal boyfriend. At the same time a foe by the name of Madame Satan emerges to make her decision harder, as if being a teenage girl isn't hard enough.

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Also out this week:

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THE GHOST FLEET #1

MEN OF WRATH #2

THE WOODS #7

THE HUMANS #1

MADAME FRANKENSTEIN #7

GRIMM FAIRY TALES PRESENTS CINDERELLA #1

SPIDER-VERSE TEAM-UP #1

DEADPOOL'S ART OF WAR #2

SPREAD #4

TOOTH & CLAW #1

 HAPPY FRIDAY!

Batman Armory and 1/6th Scale Batman Figure By Hot Toys

   I don't buy a lot of toys. This is mostly due to the fact that all the super-cool adult toys I want are super expensive. For example, Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys are now allowing you to pre-order a 1/6th scale Batman figure with a full armory not dissimilar to their 1/6th 1966 Batman figure... in fact it's the same thing, just with all the nifty faces and gadgets of the Chris Nolan movies.

  

I am Batman and you can too.

   So, for the low low price $624.99 you can own not only Batman in all his interchangeable chin glory, but Alfred and Bruce Wayne as well. There are cheaper versions available, but who wouldn't want a 1/6th scale Christian Bale watching over them as they slept?  I mean just look at the disturbingly realistic skin texture...

I contain a 1/6th scale model of Christian Bale's SOUL

   For the NERDS who are interested I will also point out the figures of Wayne and Pennyworth have 30 points of articulation and come with the costumes seen above. The Armory itself has functioning lights and storage for all of Batman's Bat-gear. The suit also has storage for all of Batman's equipment.

   

   The box includes:

The 1/6th scale Batman Armory Collectible features:

• Authentically detailed 1/6th scale Batman Armory in The Dark Knight
• Approximately 37 cm tall
• Movable armory doors
• Movable armory shelves
• Light-up function on armory ceiling with remote control

The 1/6th scale Batman Collectible Figure features:

• One (1) Batman head with patented Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS) and four (4) interchangeable lower part of faces capturing his classic facial expressions
• One (1) complex Batman body featuring fabric material covered with armor

Costume:

• One (1) Batsuit collar
• One (1) black cape
• One (1) pair of black boots 

Six (6) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including:

• One (1) pair of fists
• One (1) pair of relaxed palms
• One (1) left open palm
• One (1) right palm for holding batarang

Weapons:

• One (1) surudoi saw
• One (1) nunchuck
• One (1) cutter
• Two (2) smoke bombs
• Three (3) sticky-bomb guns
• Three (3) grappling guns
• Three (3) Batarangs for attaching to utility belt
• Four (4) mini mines
• Six (6) ninja spikes
• Eight (8) Batarangs

Accessories:

• One (1) set of wire
• One (1) antidote injector
• One (1) drill
• One (1) set of drill bits
• One (1) big hook
• Two (2) holders for Batarangs attachable to utility belt
• Three (3) utility belts
• Three (3) gun holders
• Three (3) holders attachable to utility belt
• Four (4) hooks
• Five (5) sets of grappling gun clips
• Fourteen (14) mini canisters
• Fifteen (15) pouches
• Twenty seven (27) rounds of ammo
• Armory stand with the movie logo

The 1/6th scale Bruce Wayne Collectible Figure features:

• Newly painted head sculpt with authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight
•  Movie-accurate facial features with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
•  Approximately 30 cm tall
•  Body with over 30 points of articulations

 Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable palms including: 

• One (1) pair of fists 
• One (1) pair of relaxed palms 
• One (1) pair of holding palms
• One (1) right palm for holding batarang
• Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted 

Costume:

• One (1) light blue shirt
• One (1) dark red tie
• One (1) black pinstripe vest
• One (1) black pinstripe blazer
• One (1) pair of black pinstripe pants
• One (1) pair of black shoes

Accessories:

• Figure stand with Bruce Wayne nameplate and the movie logo

The 1/6th scale Alfred Pennyworth Collectible Figure features:

• Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Sir Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth in The Dark Knight
• Movie-accurate facial features with detailed wrinkles and skin texture
• Approximately 30 cm tall
• Body with over 30 points of articulations

Seven (7) pieces of interchangeable palms including: 

• One (1) pair of fists 
• One (1) pair of relaxed palms 
• One (1) pair of holding palms
• One (1) right palm for holding batarang
• Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted 

Costume:

• One (1) white shirt
• One (1) red tie
• One (1) black vest
• One (1) black blazer
• One (1) black coat
• One (1) pair of black pants
• One (1) pair of black shoes

Accessories:

• Figure stand with Alfred Pennyworth nameplate and the movie logo 

So, if you are a giant Batman super nerd with money to burn your collection would not be complete without this figure. Go pre-order it right here. 

Back Issue Flash Back - Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #128

Hey guys, in the segment I read an issue from my collection and review it. today I'm talking about Batman Legends of the Dark Knight issue 128.

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My Personal Issue

      This is part 2 of a 5-part team-up of Batman and The Green Arrow. In this book Batman discovers that Wayne Enterprises and Queen Industries are making and distributing a highly toxic defoliant to the East Asian Country of Dhabar. Their Client, Minister Skave, has put a price on Oliver Queen's head for reasons undoubtedly attached to the young future telling prophet prince whom he looks after. At the same time Vivky Vale, writing an article about the prince, interviews Skave at his home.

   These are easily my two favorite characters. I have loved Green Arrow and Batman since I was a kid so this pairing is just wonderful. Both Queen and Wayne are written perfectly with Dennis O'neil at the helm. These personalities paired with the art direction of Sergio Cariello with Matt Ryan and Rick Taylor doing the ink and color respectively gave these characters a flawless quality. The art style feels like a brilliant meld of classic and modern. I could gush all day about the gorgeous art in this book, but that's not all that works for it. The layout is also great. About the first 2/3rds of the book are about Batman and Arrow. The other third introduces us to Skave and Vicky Vale's part in the series. I suggest everyone have this series, Legends of the Dark Knight 127, 128,129, 130, and 131, in their collection. The Arrow + The Bat = a great time to be had by all!:)

Nightwing: The Series

   Nightwing: The Series is a fan-made 5 part mini-series that follows Dick Grayson as he goes on a solo crime fighting career as Nightwing. Check out the first episode below to see some familiar faces.
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  Synopsis from the creators: “Nightwing: The Series follows the story of Batman’s former sidekick, Dick Grayson aka Robin. After a falling out with his mentor, Dick abandons Gotham and everyone in it. Emerging in the City of Bludhaven years later, Dick takes on the guise of “Nightwing” easily defeating the petty criminals who infest it. But he soon realizes he may have bitten off more than he can chew when a mysterious and dangerous assassin only known as ‘Deathstroke, begins targeting Bludhaven citizens. Can he defend his new home and the lives of it’s inhabitants from the most dangerous foe he’s ever faced!? Only time will tell in this epic 5 part mini-series!”

Top Comic Book Picks for 10/1/2014 [SPOILERS]

I'm back again this week with more of my top picks and suggestions for the week of Oct. 3rd, 2014.   

What I have read and loved this week:

   Edge of the spider-verse #4 is about a spider-man who is very different from the spider-man we know and love. Patton Parnel is abused by his uncle Ted who took him in after his parents died. He tortures small animals and insects already so when he gains his powers evil reigns. He feels a hunger for flesh, he begins to mutate into a spider and kills several animals, his uncle ted, and attempts to kill his love interest Sarah Jane before getting interrupted by Morlun who proceeds to rip Patton's arm off. The story ends and climaxes in a very tales of the crypt kind of way with baby spiders bursting out of a bite mark Patton had given Sarah Jane... subtle...

Mutating Spider Creatures Smell Just Like Roasted Chicken

   The latest installment of this story was beautiful. I love cheesy horror stories like Tales of the Crypt and Creepshow and all that stuff so seeing one of my favorite childhood characters get a b-movie makeover made me smile. I'd love to see what happens in this universe with all these radioactive spider-babies running around busting out of peoples faces. Go pick this brilliant book up for a good fun time.

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   Gotham Academy #1 introduces us to Olive Silverlock, Maps Mizoguchi, and Gotham Academy. In this, their first adventure, Olive, in her second year at the academy, is instructed by headmaster Hammer to show Maps the ropes and get her adjusted to life at a boarding school. Maps, in her first year, is excited to spend time with both Olive and her own brother who also attends the school (and formerly dated Olive). Issue 1 introduces us to some other characters, Colton Rivera the troublemaker, Pomeline Fritch the bully, all the usual school archetypes. However, this school is in Gotham City and that means things are not always what they seem. There are rumors floating through the student body of a specter haunting North Hall. Olive seems deeply troubled by some tragedy that appears to have something to do with Batman. And someone or something is lurking in between the walls of Gotham Academy

Olive (left) and Maps (right) run to class
in skirts that give me a headache if I stare too long at them. :(

   I don't read a lot of comics geared toward kids. I like my comics either bloody and spooky or superhero oriented. This one, however caught my eye from the first time I heard about it and this week it was finally released. The spooky ancient feel of the academy is right up my alley. The art style by Kerschl, Geyser, and McCaig was just beautiful with it's simplistic design choices accentuated by really well placed shading and line work, and this optical illusion-like transparency they give to things like Olive's skirt is just so pretty to look at without distracting you. I will be reading this every week.period. Go get it... read it... now, dammit!
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   Thor #1 brings us into a whole new world of Thor. After a battle on the moon alongside the Avengers, Thor  is sapped of his ability to wield Mjolnir by Nick Fury who has been given the powers of The Watcher. With naught but a whisper he fell our God of Thunder who must now deal with being rendered powerless. At the same time Frost Giants have attacked a base in The Norwegian Sea in search of our heroes hammer by the orders of Malekith. Our hero, wielding an ax, bursts into the underwater base to defeat Malekith. In a shocking turn of events Malekith wins and slays our God... The hammer is left sitting alone on the moon waiting for someone worthy to wield it. It finds exactly that.

Lady Thor, Oh NO!!

   A female Thor... that's new. I don't really think it's anything to make a big deal out of yet. I mean, I don't know anything about her back story, her character, her personality. I really need to read a couple more issues to make a decision about this character. That being said, Thor looked like a bad ass with that ax and I hate to see him die. this is Thor, I mean, THOR guys, I think his apparent death is a way bigger deal than a woman picking up the hammer. I'll definitely read at lest the first couple issues of this Thor to see how it develops (which is saying something since I usually don't really like Thor all that much).
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These ALSO came out this week and you should read them as well:

Bucky Barnes: Winter Soldier #1
Captain America #25
Figment #5 (of 5)
Guardians 3000 #1
Legendary Star-Lord #4
Men of Wrath #1 (of 5)
Action Comics #35
Grayson #3
Green Arrow #35
Green Lantern / New Gods: Godhead #1
Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Two Annual #1
Lobo #1