Life is like a rollercoaster, you end up vomiting at least once. My weekly article is like the dramamine that you take before you enter the amusement park. Yeah, it makes you a little sleepy, but you are way less likely to vomit after a couple pills. Welcome to Top of the Stack.
1872 #4 (Marvel)
Gerry Duggan (W) Nicole Virella (A)
The end of yet another Secret Wars series and there seems to be a common theme among them. They either end with a whimper or leave me feeling cheated because I won’t get any more. In most cases the series’ will continue in some iteration, but this is one that I’m afraid will end here. I am really disappointed about that, but I still have hope.
Astonishing Ant-Man #1 (Marvel)
Nick Spencer (W) Ramon Rosanas (A)
Hey! Look who’s back with a brand new hat. Okay, not literally, but it sounded nice when I rhymed it in my head and, well, I thought you’d appreciate that. Looks like Lang may be back to basics with this one. What you think that the whole “he’s a villain again” thing is just a marketting ploy? Psh, when does that eve happen?
Batman and Robin Eternal #3 (DC)
Tim Seeley (W) Paul Pelletier (A)
So, this series has officially stolen my heart. The last issue was absolutely phenomenal and I really can’t wait to see where it goes from here. I really dig the whole analyzation of the Batman and Robin dynamic that they seem to be focusing on with this first arc. Hopefully that is a recurring theme
Uncanny Inhumans #1 (Marvel)
Charles Soule (W) Steve McNiven (A)
Finally! I mean holy crap. Issue zero came out, what, eight years ago? Seriously though, I wonder if any of that first issue pertains to this new post Secret Wars series at all. I mean that was in a different universe or something, right? WHO KNOWS? Marvel, Marvel knows.
Auteur: Sister Bambi #5 of 5 (Oni Press)
Rick Spears (W) James Callahan (A)
Okay, I am not ashamed of this decision. I know I usually put this series closer to the top of the list, but dammit, this comic speaks to my heart of hearts. It knows me, took me to my favorite loitering spot, and tried to hit on me. I politely showed I wasn’t interested in that kind of relationship and it still took me to get Taco Bell. What a gentleman.
S.H.I.E.L.D. #11 (Marvel)
Mark Waid (W) Howard Chaykin (A)
I am a little concerned about the future of this comic. From what I’ve seen, this is the penultimate issue. Does that mean it actually is? I can’t be certain, but I know Mark Waid is a busy man. I truly hope this isn’t the end for this series. I really enjoy it.
Weirdworld #5 (Marvel)
Jason Aaron (W) Mike Del Mundo (A)
Remember when I said that some of these series’ are going to get revived post-Secret War? Well, this is one of them. As I think I’ve said before, Sam Humphries will be taking over. Seeing as my pull list is getting hefty, I may not stick around. Sorry guys.
Astro City #28 (Vertigo)
Kurt Busiek (W) Gary Chaloner (A)
What do you do when you have an issue all about an Australian superhero? You call in a guest artist who is totally full-blown Aussie. I think they call that synergy.
Karnak #1 (Marvel)
Warren Ellis (W) Gerardo Zaffino (A)
I am so fucking syked for this series. I have been chomping at the bit since they announced that Warren Ellis and Gerardo Zaffino would be working on this series and I can’t wait to read it. I mean this is one of the coolest characters in the Marvel Universe, let alone the Inhumans. Be warned, this is gonna get intense.
Wolf #4 (Image)
Ales Kot (W) Matt Taylor (A)
This book keeps getting weirder and weirder. Not in a convoluted, artsy way, (I’m looking directly at you Ales), but in a “okay, what the hell is a vampire doing hanging out with a cthulian?” kinda way. This series manages to balance Kot’s humor and dramatic storytelling in a way that no other comic I’ve read from him has. That along with Matt Taylor’s enchanting artwork, sprawling in every direction makes this one you gots ta read.
Tokyo Ghost #2 (Image)
Rick Remender (W) Sean Murphy (A)
It was totally as good as I was expecting it to be. That is the highest compliment I can give anything. Seriously, what the hell. This comic has no right being this good. Stop being so fucking talented. You make me want to stop doing things.
The Fade Out #10 (Image)
Ed Brubaker (W) Sean Phillips (A)
This series is so goddamned good they should just call it “read this goddamned good book, you fucking idiot.” Okay, maybe that last bit was a little too aggressive. Either way, it’s convincing. I usually follow orders when they come to me as comic book titles.
There you go. My heart and soul on a platter for you to judge and critique. I don’t do this for everyone you know. Wait, maybe that’s exactly what I do. I need to go re-evaluate some things. Stay Smart.
