What I Got and Why 24/09/10

Valhallahan

Well hush my mouth! It turns out that far from being a slow week, I returned from Orbital with rather a stack (via a very sweaty gig at the 100 Club from which I'm still recovering). Sadly said magnificently stocked outlet didn't have what I said I'd pick up for Action Ash leading to a text I hope no one sees out of context: "I couldn't get Morning Glories for you today Ash". Anyway brothers and sisters, on to the books...

CBGB OMFUG #2 & 3 - As I said before, I wasn't blown away by the first issue of this anthology series based on the theme of the eponymous New York club, but I'm interested/pretentious enough to persevere in the hopes of something magical happening. Watch this space. Also of note, one of the stories written by Anna Matronic of Scissor Sisters fame.

Vertigo Verite: Hell Eternal - I seem physically incapable of leaving Orbital without rooting through the Vertigo back issues, and today was no different. This is a one off written by Jamie Delano, the original Hellblazer writer, and drawn by Sean Phillips, industry superstar and 2badguys love object. Hell Eternal is printed under the same "Verite" banner as Girl and I loved the hell out of that, so I figured I'd give this a try. I've no fucking clue what it's about.

The Walking Dead #77 - I really rate this book. If you haven't done so already, you should read the first trade. Just do it. Even if it's just so you can tell your friends you prefer the original when the TV series starts next month. You won't regret it!

The Bulletproof Coffin #4 - I spoke about this the other day, so I'll just say that at a glance this issue seems to be living up to expectations. Top Hole!

DV8: Gods and Monsters #6 - I'm in it for the duration now, and hopefully "In this issue, Something Happens!" Another great cover from Fiona Staples as well, her covers have been the highlight of the series for me.

Streets of Gotham #16 - This one's fallen into my "on probation" list, I think because the last few issues haven't gripped me that much. It's still a good book, don't get me wrong; I love the extended world of Batman's allies and rogues, and this series definitely delivers, but I might just have read too much of it now.

Invincible Vol 13: Growing Pains - As Ash was saying the other week, this is superhero comics at it's finest and all in one (mostly) self-contained series. In this volume we have action galore as Invincible is run ragged and the stage is set for the upcoming Viltrumite War! My only problem with is now I have to wait six months for the next trade or start buying single issues to see what happens next. Damn you Kirkman, 2 fine books in one week.

What I dropped and Why

Secret Avengers #5 - It's not that this is bad comics, I just don't find myself needing to pick up the new issue. The first story arc of this blockbuster, big-screen superheroics series was good n'all, but I just lost interest. It could be a product of my dwindling interest in the Marvel Universe, or just that having read as many Marvel superhero comics as I have, I just feel I've seen it all before. Either way, adios Secret Avengers I won't see you in the funny pages.

*I also shaved all my hair off this week, but you're probably not interested in that.

What I got and Why 15/8/2010

Valhallahan
The Weird World of Jack Staff #3 - I've always been curious about Jack Staff. I really dug Paul Grist's Kane, but only with the recent relaunch have I entered the Weird World of Jack Staff. I’m awfully glad I did!

The Walking Dead #76 - Consistently brilliant, it'd take a lot to make me drop this title. In fact nothing short of the (joke) ending to #75.

Scarlet #1 - I thought I’d try this out, because although I'm sick to death of Bendis' Marvel Universe work now, I used to be a big fan. Here’s hoping he's still got some of the old magic in this creator-owned series.

Daytripper #9 - The penultimate chapter of this excellent Mini, and it looks like they're starting to bring it all together. I heartily recommend this series.

Shadowland: Blood on the Streets #1 - I got this because we were going to do it for Swap Shop until Ash hit me with a surprise turkey instead (stay tuned!). It's not bad, but it’s not great either, I was left thinking "The Shroud is actually kinda cool" and "Dear god, why do they still write Silver Sable stories".

CBGB OMFUG #1 - Part one of Boom! Studios anthology series about the legendary New York Punk venue. I like comics I like Punk, it’s not rocket science.

Origins of the Marvel Universe - I went on about the one page origins in that siege freebie a little while back, and this is a whole comic of them. 1 page of 'who they is and what they does' for most of Marvel's major characters. Well worth the price of admission. The Ghost Rider page by Mark Texiera is particularly cool looking, I'd like it on my wall. An excellent buy for a Marvel Newbie.

Jonah Hex #58 - Because it’s Jonah Hex.

DareDevil Black and White - Basically this is the same format as Marvel's Magazines they put out over the last year or so; short black and white stories by interesting creators and a prose story at the end. Looked good to me.

Invincible Volume 12: Still Standing - I really Love Invincible; it's one of the few current series I pick up solely in Trades, it sucks to wait so long between instalments, but like a trip to your mum's house, I'm guaranteed a good long ride for my money each time. This is what superhero comics should be.

Love and Rockets - I really dig L+R, and these trades are a great way to experience it, comprehensive, inexpensive and nice to look at on the shelf. This volume reprints couple of Minis by Jaime, including Women's wrestling drama "Woah Nellie!" and Penny Century.

Vertigo: Winters Edge #1 - A late '90s vertigo anthology; basically a short from each of the main books they were printing at the time, with a House of Secrets framing strip. Highlight at first glance is the Paul Pope Hellblazer story. The book does seem to contain a bunch of nonsense about fauns too though, so be warned.

What I Got and Why 22/07/10

Valhallahan
Atlas #3 - The third-to-last issue of Atlas, which is being cancelled at #5 because readers are dumb and Marvel would rather publish 17 different fucking Deadpool series' a month than something good. Adios Atlas, apparently you weren’t "random" enough, people would rather read about a shitty red ninja making dated pop culture references. Marvel and I are no longer BFFs.

Batman Streets Of Gotham #14 - To my mind, the best of the core Batman titles at the moment, using Batman sparingly to great effect, each storyline focussing on a different denizen of New York's ugly sister. This series is essentially a continuation of Paul Dini's superlative run on Detective Comics
prior to the whole Batman RIP fiasco. Very happy to see that although Man Hunter has finished, we're still getting back up stories.

Prince of Power #3 - Loving this series. It's not great value for money, but it made me laugh aloud on a rush hour train to Kings Cross. I looked like a right twat.

Hellblazer #269 - I’m really enjoying Hellblazer at the moment. This story is kicking the shit out of John, and with any good Hellblazer story, John's loss is the reader's Gain.

Walking Dead #75 - TWD twice in one month? Don't mind if I damn well do! The full-colour back up strip is a doozy that pays off something from #7!

I was hoping to get CBGB #1 but I couldn't see it.