Hello there, I heard someone say that you liked comic books, so I went out of my way to make thirty-seven entries in this here saga, just for you! It’s a good time to like comics. I really think that we are in a renaissance, with creator owned content on the rise, and major companies putting everything on the line to bring fresh ideas to the table. Speaking of renaissance, welcome to the antithesis, Top of The Stack!
Auteur: Sister Bambi #2 of 5 (Oni Press)
Rick Spears (W) James Callahan (A)
Okay, I’ll admit that this comic is like a guilty pleasure. Filled with gratuitous nudity, and a serious overdose of violence, this comic isn’t Citizen Kane. That being said, it is very fun, and a violently harsh commentary on the state of modern American cinema. Gotta love it.
Age of Ultron vs. Marvel Zombies #1 (Marvel)
James Robinson (W) Steve Pugh (A)
I am a little on the fence about this comic. I have heard a lot of things that make me very curious about this little crossover, if you can even call it that. It’s about a group of survivors that live beyond the wall, The Shield, that keeps the rest of Battleworld safe from hoards of the undead, a battalion of Ultrons and the Annihilation wave. Chaos on every side, and the constant battle of survival. What’s not to love?
Material #2 (Image)
Ales Kot (W) Will Tempest (A)
Very on the fence about this series. I really want to like it, but sometimes Ales is a little too much for me. Very dark and very Allen Ginsburg-y. We’ll see if I can hold on for a few more issues.
Ufology #3 of 6 (BOOM!)
James Tynion IV (W) Matt Fox (A)
This series has unbridled potential. It really does, strong and swift. I am just afraid it is riding the edge of Tynion territory. That meaning, I hope he isn’t writing himself into a genre. This is very similar to some of his other works. He manages to evolve it though, and that’s what matters.
Frankenstein Underground #4 of 5 (Dark Horse)
Mike Mignola (W) Ben Stenbeck (A)
I really love this new take on the classic story. Very little in terms of cohesion between the two, but this could almost be taken as a spiritual sequel to the Mary Shelley book. Riddled with Mignola-isms and dark mysterious characters and motives.
The Punisher #19 (Marvel)
Nathan Edmondson (W) Mitch Gerads (A)
Edmondson brings us into the last days with two series this week. With this series, I expect to see a fight against the dying light. A final explosion, no peace, just fury. If they conclude it the way we see in Secret Wars #1, it should be humorous as well.
Black Widow #19 (Marvel)
Nathan Edmondson (W) Phil Noto (A)
With this series, I imagine a Black Widow coming to terms with her world ending. Finding peace, but having to fight still. It’s all she knows, and all she’s ever known. There is tranquility with the end coming for Natasha.
Uncanny Avengers #5 (Marvel)
Rick Remender (W) Daniel Acuña (W)
This series has been getting progressively better with every issue. With a lot of people getting upset about Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch’s backgrounds getting altered, I can only stare with amazment at the calculated and intelligent manner with which they have done so. It truly isn’t any wonder why Remender has become one of my favorite writers.
S.H.I.E.L.D #7 (Marvel)
Mark Waid (W) Greg Smallwood (A)
God this series is a kick right in the pants. Okay, maybe not with that phrasing, but this series is really fun. A clever way to utilize Marvel’s ultimate fan, Coulson, to the most of his abilities. Seriously, this guy is an encyclopedia of hero knowledge. He has thought of everything and cataloged it in his mind to use whenever, from the most obscure character to the ones you know and love, but in a way you never quite imagined . Wait, not Coulson, Waid. Mark Waid does that.
Where Monsters Dwell #2 of 5 (Marvel)
Garth Ennis (W) Russell Braun (A)
This series is fantastic. I was expecting good things from this series, but the first issue really made me laugh my ass off. I mean we get the perfect match of Han Solo style lady swooning, quick talking, quicker acting and the insanity of Battleworld. Does anyone hear dinosaurs?
Rasputin #6 (Image)
Alex Grecian (W) Riley Rossmo (A)
If this story is supposed to be a long pitch for a movie, then I’ll see it. A fantastic, color-filled look at Russia’s premier myth. Inviting you to embrace this new telling of this mans trek from child to fully grown bearded magician.
Daredevil #16 (Marvel)
Mark Waid (W) Chris Samnee (A)
I couldn’t be more sad that this story is ending….again. Okay, so I know that this is the second time around, but this time it has all but been confirmed that at least Samnee won’t be returning, which means half of this marvelous comic is moving on. That’s incredibly sad for me. Well, for comics in general, but you know, especially me.
The Fade Out #7 (Image)
Ed Brubaker (W) Sean Phillips (A)
Sweet mother of Christ, I love this comic. I mean I say that a lot. I know, I say a lot of things a lot. Seriously though, this comic always leaves me fulfilled. Both the intellectual side (however miniscule) and the grimy gossip loving side (however shady). Truly a masterclass in comic form. I suggest anyone who likes a good crime novel or really anything crime related read this. One of the best in recent years.
Well, folks. It’s time again for me to depart. This time I am off to the land of booze, haunted houses, and voodoo. Yes, Pittsburgh. Which means I won’t be producing a Top of The Stack next week, but I shall return, hopefully. Either way, stay smart you fine fellows and fellettes.
