Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/31/12

For all of the curious ghouls out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 10/31/12:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. Action Comics Annual #1 DC
02. American Vampire #32 Vertigo
03. Aquaman #13 DC
04. Batgirl Annual #1 DC
05. Ghosts #1 Vertigo
06. Happy! #2 of 4 Image
07. Justice League Dark Annual #1 DC
08. Phantom Lady #3 of 4 DC
09. Swamp Thing Annual #1 DC


Graphic Novels
Superman: Earth One Vol. 2 DC (Original Graphic Novel)

Reading List:

Bedlam #1 Image
Masters of the Universe: The Origin of Skeletor #1 DC
Winter Soldier #12 Marvel

Today is not only New Comic Book Day, and a fifth week of books, but it is Halloween! So, hopefully you take the kiddies out for some treats tonight, but before you go get bags full of kiddie crack make sure you sneak away during the day and get some bags full of comics for yourself. I know I'm going to do this. And for those of you who are curious, my son Brody is going as Elmo this year. Or as he likes to call him, "Melmo."
There are five books on the bottom of my stack this week that I can't wait to read, but I will, and they are: Phantom Lady and Doll Man, American Vampire, Aquaman, Justice League Dark, and Swamp Thing. I know, I know, I love reading Geoff Johns, Scott Snyder, Jeff Lemire, and Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti, but that is because they are crafting some very interesting stories that keep me excited to read them every month.
With Phantom Lady and Doll Man Palmiotti and Gray give me a fun book about some minor DC characters that not only entertains, but makes me appreciate the variety of characters in the DC Universe.
As for Aquaman, Johns has just made him cool, and I find myself enjoying the book more and more with every issue. Johns's run on this title is going to definitely be a must read for anyone who likes Aquaman.
American Vampire is still going strong with Snyder's brilliant take on vampires Americana style. "The Black List" is a great story arc with numerous twists and turns that keep you guessing with every issue. If you haven't sunk your hard earned cash into American Vampire you should.
The Books of Magic are revealed in Justice League Dark Annual #1 this week; need I say more? Yes, Justice league Dark is a fantastic book that if you haven't been reading you should be, because the mystical side of the DC Universe is filled with interesting characters that can give Superman a run for his money.
Last, but not least, we have the Swamp Thing Annual #1, which Snyder is using to build up the Rotworld story even more. What can I say about Swamp Thing that I haven't said before? I'm just hooked. The Red and Green Vs. the Rot is a great concept that has paid off so far in both Swamp Thing and Animal Man. Get caught up to Rotworld if you haven't yet.
What is Halloween without some horror stories? Just boring if you ask me. Ghosts #1 from Vertigo is a collection of tales to terrorize that I am going to pick up, because I enjoyed the shit out of the House of Mystery Halloween Specials that came out a few years ago, and this title seems to  be the thing to fill that gap.
Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo's Bedlam #1 also came out today (which we have the Phantom Variant for), and even though it didn't make it to my pull list it does have potential to become a book I read month to month. So, I'm going to give it a read this week. We can only wait and see where it will end up.
Action Comics and Batgirl have Annuals this week and I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to both of them. Batgirl has been a solid book for the past year, and I'm always a sucker for a hot female ginger in a bat suit; gets me every time. As for Action Comics Annual #1 I'm super excited to read it, because it isn't written by Grant Morrison. Come on issue #16 and Andy Diggle.
The Grant Morrison title I am looking forward to this week is Happy! #2. The first book was good and interesting enough to continue reading. But of course having art by Darick Robertson doesn't hurt either. Go get Happy! if you haven't already.
The only Marvel book this week for me is Winter Soldier #12. Wolverine is on the cover so, my first thought is that they are just throwing him on this title to boost sales. Then I remember that it is still being written by Ed Brubaker, and I'm curious to see how Wolverine ties into the story. Brubaker's Captain America run ended earlier in the month and now all that is left is to see how he ends things with Bucky. So far so good.
I've talked on, and on about a handful of titles this week, but the big purchase for you should be Superman: Earth One Volume 2. This original graphic novel by J. Michael Straczynski with art from Shane Davis is a must read for any comic book fan out there. I'm really excited to read this book, because it is interesting to see a different take on the Man of Steel, and since the success of the first volume I'm even more curious to see more from this version of Superman.
Now it is time to get off your ass and get down to your local comic book shop for your bag of comics. If you download your books, just continue to sit there in your Halloween costume, and go support us by buying your book through the Comics Conspiracy's Digital Store. After that have a fun and safe time trick or treating tonight. Happy Halloween!

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Bedlam #1 Phantom Variant!

The first installment of the Phantom Variant is for Bedlam #1 by Nick Spencer with art from Riley Rossmo. This book is geared to be another hit from Spencer that you would be a fool to not pick up.
At Comics Conspiracy we have the privilege of being able to bring you the Phantom Variant for this title. You can purchase this exclusive variant while supplies last at Comics Conspiracy.biz for $14.99.

Sold Out

If you are lucky enough to live near us you can stop in and pick up your Phantom Variant for a special in shop price. And last but not least, if you want to check this book out digitally please visit our Comixology Storefront and pick it up there.

The Phantom Variant Is Here!


As some of you already know there was a huge uproar among retailers when the Walking Dead Ghost variant was only offered to a few select stores. It was an obvious "who-you-know-behind-closed-doors-deal" to get these variants. Well those stores can have their Ghost variant, because we at Comics Conspiracy are going to be one of a handful of shops across the nation to get and sell the exclusive Phantom Variant. This variant was created with no secrecy or shady practices. Everyone know what shops are getting these variants, and since we are a part of this Phantom Variant Group of retailers we will be able to bring you exclusive covers to some of the hottest books on the market today! Order yours here, or stop by the store for an in house special deal on this exclusive variant. Don’t miss out on these books, cause once they’re gone, they’re gone for good!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Guardians of the Galaxy Binding

I've gotten a run of the 90's Guardians of the Galaxy together for binding. Thank you Portland, OR comics shops for the last few issues I needed. Now the fun task of figuring out where to break up the issues into reasonable volume sizes. I've gone back and researched the chronological order these books should be in with annuals and minis that tie into the series, and from what I've gathered I've put the books in a good order. I'm still doing spot research to see if there was anything I missed, but for the most part this is what I'm taking to Herring & Robinson to get bound. Below are the two break downs for how I'm going to collect the issues. I partial to the Binding (B) breakdown.


Binding (A):
Volume 1 (29 issues total)

Guardians of the Galaxy #1-24 (24)
Korvac Quest (04)
Fantastic Four Annual #24
The Mighty Thor Annual #16
Sivler Surfer Annual #4
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1

Guardians of the Galaxy #25 (01)

Volume 2 (22 issues total)

Guardians of the Galaxy #26 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #2 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy #27-39 (13)
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #3 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy #40-43 (09)

Volume 3 (25 issues total)

Guardians of the Galaxy #44-50 (07)
Galactic Guardians #1-4 (04)
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #4 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy #51-62 (12)
New Warriors #68 (01)




Binding (B):
Volume 1 (28 issues total)

Guardians of the Galaxy #1-24 (24)
Korvac Quest (04)
Fantastic Four Annual #24
The Mighty Thor Annual #16
Sivler Surfer Annual #4
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #1


Volume 2 (23 issues total)

Guardians of the Galaxy #25 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy #26 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #2 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy #27-39 (13)
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #3 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy #40-43 (09)

Volume 3 (25 issues total)

Guardians of the Galaxy #44-50 (07)
Galactic Guardians #1-4 (04)
Guardians of the Galaxy Annual #4 (01)
Guardians of the Galaxy #51-62 (12)
New Warriors #68 (01)

If you have a Binding Breakdown preference, any suggestions on issues to include, other comments or think I missed something let me know, because I want to make sure I put together a solid multi-volume binding.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/24/12

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 10/24/12:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. All Star Western #13 DC
02. Batman Incorporated #4 DC
03. Batman: The Dark Knight #13 DC
04. Fables #122 Vertigo
05. Flash #13 DC
07. Justice League Dark #13 DC
08. National Comics: Madame X One-Shot DC
09. Red Lanterns #13 DC
10. Superman #13 DC
11. Talon #1 DC
12. Unwritten #42 Vertigo

Reading List:

Amazing Spider-Man #696 Marvel
Captain America #19 Marvel
The Fury of the Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #13 DC


Another New Comic Book Day is here, and it is a light week since there are five Wednesdays this month, but that doesn't mean there aren't some great books you should be getting your hands on. I'm especially looking forward to National Comics: Madame X, Justice League Dark, Talon, and All Star Western.
National Comics has been a great title to check out, because it gives you a "New Rejiggered 52" one-shot story on a non-main stream character from the DC Universe. Kid Eternity was the first then the Looker (an Outsider for those who don't know), followed by Rose & Thorn and now we are seeing Madame X. These one-shots have been worth checking out and I suggest if you want to branch out to something new or just want to check out a obscure character then National Comics is a book you should be getting.
The other title I'm eager to check out in my top four this week is Talon. Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV write this spin-off title from the Court of Owls and Night of Owls stories that have made Batman awesome to read this past year. It doesn't hurt that this book is also drawn by the amazing Guillem March, but I wish they would keep him on books that have more women in them. Talon had a solid zero issue last month, and I can't wait to see where we go with this character.
The last two on my top four are solid books that have been great reads for the past year, and they don't seem to show any signs of stopping in this regard. All Star Western and Justice League Dark are great books that if these haven't found their way onto your pull list every month they should.
Now I think it is time for my pull list rundown. I'm getting a fair dose of characters this week.
Batman makes his presence known with Batman Incorporated and The Dark Knight. I've liked The Dark Knight over the past year and it has been a good read for the most part. Not to mention that David Finch's artwork is amazing on the book. As for Grant Morrison's Batman Incorporated it feels anything but. Before the "New Rejiggered 52" Morrison was making Batman interesting and a good title to read. He then took Batman in a direction that seemed only natural and a good move for the Batman Universe of title; make Batman a corporation. This was a huge deal, and then Flashpoint happened. The Batman Universe titles kept going with the feeling of being incorporated, but the actual flagship title for this has fallen off and become another piece of Morrison herky-jerky writing. If this issue doesn't hold my interest I'm going to be dropping it down to my reading list. Sorry, Ryan, but your idol has lost his touch; especially on Action Comics. Moving on.
To a book that reads so fast I sometimes have to slow down and really take my time to enjoy the story and the art; The Flash. Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato make a great team on this book and even though it took me some time to really get into this title I am definitely sold on The Flash. Manapul has made The Flash his own and I can't wait to see where this speedster gets to with each issue.
My dose of Vertigo this week is a shot of Unwritten which has been a good read over the past few years and a shot of Fables, which hopefully with the start of a new story arc will take us somewhere. Fables hasn't had the punch it had a few years ago, and I hope Bill Willingham gets something going with this book again, because this world of characters is to great to just give the reader sup-par stories.
Scott Lobdell and Kenneth Rocafort are going to try and breath some life into the lagging Superman book this week with the prelude to "H'el on Earth" story arc. Hopefully these two can take Superman where he needs to go in this "Newish 52" we are entering. Fingers are crossed for this book.
Can't forget to get my rage on with the Red Lanterns title this week. More Rise of the Third army stuff takes place, and I'm hoping the cross over does something for this title because the last twelve issues have taken way to long to tell a story. We will have to see.
As for my reading list, I'm sticking with Amazing Spider-Man until it turns into Superior Spider-Man. Dan Slott says there are huge things that are going to happen to Peter Parker and Spider-Man, but I've been "Slotted Out" with Amazing Spider-Man for some time, and I think I'm just giving it until issue #700 to say I got to a good jumping off point.
Ed Brubaker's Captain America comes to an end this week and I might just have to play TAPS while I'm reading it, because I cannot continue with Captain America, even though Rick Reminder is writing, because the new Captain America book is going to be drawn by John Romita Jr. and I cannot stand his artwork. So, this is really the "Death of Captain America" for me, and others. A moment of silence please.
Finally there is a book that made onto my radar again; The Fury of the Firestorm: The Nuclear Man had an interesting zero issue, which rejiggered the character a little bit, but from what I read it was a rejigger for the better. So, maybe this book will eventually make it onto my pull list, but for now I'm going to give it a read.
Now that you are done reading this post it is time to get down to your Local Comic Book Store or click on over to our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront to get your digital fix of books. Thank you for reading, but seriously now you really need go get your comics!


Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Random Comic Pick - Episode 80

My random Marvel comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 80 is the 2005 Jonah Hex (Vol. 3) series written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti with interior art by various artists.
This volume ran for 70 issues, and I have been curious to read through it ever since I got hooked on the "New 52's"All-Star Western. So, I decided to pick up the first trade from Powell's Books while I was in Portland, OR last month, and I when I got back I found a copy of the second trade at another local shop. When I read them I blew through both trades in a day. Great, great stuff, and I'm really excited to get through the rest of this series. Sad part though is that DC has put many of these trades out of print so you might have a tough time finding them. And in DC's trade department's infinite stupidity they didn't number the trades as they came out. So, I've included a list with the title and volume number for each of the trades collecting this Jonah Hex series:

Jonah Hex (Vol. 01) - Face Full of Violence
Jonah Hex (Vol. 02) - Guns of Vengeance
Jonah Hex (Vol. 03) - Origins
Jonah Hex (Vol. 04) - Only the Good Die Young
Jonah Hex (Vol. 05) - Luck Runs Out
Jonah Hex (Vol. 06) - Bullets Don't Lie
Jonah Hex (Vol. 07) - Lead Poisoning
Jonah Hex (Vol. 08) - The Six Gun War
Jonah Hex (Vol. 09) - Counting Corpses
Jonah Hex (Vol. 10) - Tall Tales
Jonah Hex (Vol. 11) - Bury Me In Hell

Even if you don't like westerns I think you'll really enjoy the world of Jonah Hex that Palmiotti and Gray have wonderfully crafted. I'm hooked after just two trades, and I'm not one for westerns, but this series makes me enjoy the Americana of the Wild West even more. Filled with violence, grit, darkness, evil, revenge, fairness, fear, death, gun fights, explosions, hangings, great art work, and the spirit of intense and amazing writing this run on Jonah Hex is well worth reading. Now I have the fun task of tracking down the rest of the trades. Wish me luck.

Remember you can download digital comics at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/17/12

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 10/17/12:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #5 of 5 Vertigo
02. Batwoman #13 DC
03. Catwoman #13 DC
04. DC Universe Presents: Black Lightning and Blue Devil #13 DC
05. Green Lantern: New Guardians #13 DC
06. Harbinger #5 Valiant
07. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #3 DC
08. Justice League #13 DC
09. Legion of Super-Heroes #13 DC
10. Red Hood and the Outlaws #13 DC
11. Star Wars: Agent of the Empire - Hard Targets #1 of 5 Dark Horse
12. Sword of Sorcery #1 DC
13. X-O Manowar #6 Valiant

Reading List:

Before Watchmen: Minute Men #4 of 6 DC
Daredevil #19 Marvel
Lookouts #2 Cryptozoic / Penny Arcade
Marvel NOW! Point One Marvel


Another New Comic Book Day, is upon us which means another wonderful installment of Conspirator Brock's Pull List. The bottom of the pile for me consists of the last issue of American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares, the first installment of Green Lantern: New Guardians tied to the Rise of the Third Army, a Catwoman prologue to Death of the Family, and a Justice League without Jim Lee. All of these titles have been great reads, and every time they arrive in the shop I get excited to get to them. But I have learned to be patient and save the best for last.
Stacked on top of these great titles there are numerous books that are well worth picking up. Valiant has two books out this week: Harbinger and X-O Manowar. I can't praise Valiant enough for the superb job they have done revitalizing their corner of the comic universe. Every month I get sucked further into the Valiant characters and stories, and I think they have the staying power to last for some time. I also get to enjoy Archer & Armstrong this week, because we were shorted our copies last week. So, three Valiant books in one week. Good times.
Batwoman is still holding on to a spot on my pull list. I wasn't to impressed with the later half of the first twelve issues, but this Wonder Woman cross over story has renewed my interest. Hopefully, Batwoman can keep this up, because it is on the chopping block if it can't.
Another title that I want to enjoy every month, but has been very mediocre is Legion of Super-Heroes. Paul Levitz was the man when it came to writing about the Legion, but as of late the title has just seemed to fall short creatively. I don't know how much longer I can keep getting this title. It may have to get moved to the reading list for me to at least find some solace, because I can't abandon the Legion completely.
An original member of Batman and the Outsiders makes an appearance in DC Universe Presents this week; Black Lightning. And I can't forget to mention that Blue Devil is joining Black Lightning for this arc. This title should be amazing (especially if you compare it to the Kid Flash issue), and I can't wait to see who Black Lighting is in this "New 52". But I will keep saying this; bring the Outsiders back already!
A Dark Horse title snuck onto my pull list at the last minute; Star Wars: Agent of the Empire - Hard Targets. John Ostrander gives us another look into the adventures of Agent Cross. I liked the first mini series, so I'm going to give this one a chance. Despite changing writers after issue one He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has been an interesting and entertaining title. I'm sucked back to my childhood reading this book, and it is a good thing because the actual cartoons are so bad I can't revisit those. Let's see where this mini series takes us, and if it is good hopefully we will see more.
Sword of Sorcery number one is out this week and I was intrigued enough with the zero issue to keep going with it. Only time will tell. I just hope there isn't anymore gang rape scenes in the title.
As for the books on my reading list this week I hope Minutemen gets better. Daredevil has been readable, but I'm not sure if I will stick with it after issue 23. This is when Daredevil is officially apart of the gimmick Marvel NOW!. Hopefully, Mark Waid can keep my reading interest after issue 23. We will see or won't see in Daredevil's case.
I know I picked up the Marvel NOW! Point One issue, but I needed to get a glimpse of the direction some of these books are taking. I can only imagine how fun another Point One One-Shot will be.
Lookouts #2 is finally out after being delayed. I was entertained enough with issue one that I will give number two a read.
Well, I think it is time for you to get over to your local Comic Book Store and get your books. Or you can just click over to the Comics Conspiracy Comixology Store to get you download on, and support us.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Reply to a Reader's Comment...

A visitor to the blog posted a comment on my pull list from 10/10/12, and I wanted to reply to it as a post versus just a long ass comment reply. Here is the original comment:

dunno y u even keep tryin to read marvel books ur alredy to rdy to hate em and u only just read em so u can complane about em. ur clearly too invested into dc's ecosystem cus u buy every book they put out or at least 90% of them. ur like a ps3 fanboy that says, ya i guess ill try out halo and then tries and is like well thats vborings its just a space guy shooting lazer beams and im not gonna go buy an xbox when ive got my ps3... u dont need to hate on the other guys just to make urself feel better just let marvel do marvel stuff and read all the dc stuff... some of us who like all comics can read both and not be a fanboy and like it all equally cuz COMICS R GOOD AND FUN. u cant go thru life being a negative person but u should focus on positive stuff like maervel makes lots of funny books and most of dc books are very serious. if u dont like funny books thats fine but dont poop on it all for every person. if u go back and only read marvel big event stuff for the last cpl yrs it seems pretty crappy and boring but theres still lotta good book there with lots of good artist and writing even if u dont like some of them. u cant see jerome opena on a dc book lol (but it would be cool i would see him on justice league or batman drool). dc on the other hand makes some boring books of their best hero like superman if ur a big superman guy u look at new 52 and say they arent making dc comics better all this is marketing stuff y would i read this crap? and u have reason to be piss off, everybody has lot of differnt taste so theres comics for all! but u brocke u go poo poo marvel suck and read a event or one book a year and go ya that sucks im done. what u say to a marvel fan who reads NO dc and says ok im gonna read a dc book i read this superman issue or some night of the owls event which i think is boring and says i give up on dc they only put out boring book? its frustrating i bet for u rite?

thank u for readin hello from deutschland. love christoph

My reply is as follows:

Christoph,

I like getting feedback from readers and listeners of the podcast so, first off I want to say Thank You for leaving a comment. All of them help me in some fashion. I will admit it was a bit difficult to read your comment, but I understand that there is a language barrier, and when that gets mixed with internet shorthand it can make for some interesting reading, but I got through it and here is what I have to say in response.
I know I have strong opinions about Marvel as a publishing house, and they are very negative at times, but I think what people forget is that I want to read about Marvel characters. I grew up reading X-Men, Spider-man, and Avengers so I have a close connection with these characters, which makes me want to read about them. Lately, that has been difficult because the stories haven't grabbed my attention and held it. Marvel seems to be using gimmicks and promotional ideas to drive story rather than taking the time to actually create some good solid books. Now DC is guilty of doing these things, but they seem to be more focused on making quality books than pumping out a gimmick a month. I have to say it; DC is driven more by story where as Marvel is driven more by money making schemes (#tomanyvariants is one example).
As Ryan Higgins puts it, "I have recently broken up with Marvel and so the wound is still fresh." This is true. When I got back into comics five years ago I was all about Marvel. I picked up almost every title, and was absorbing so much from Marvel that I would have considered myself a Marvel guy. Something happened with Marvel. The stories weren't hitting the quality mark for me, and I found myself looking for better reads. DC was where I found them. So, after a few years I became a DC guy, and Marvel became the ex-publisher that I used to like.
I know you compared my dislike of Marvel and love of DC to a PS3 guy hating on the XBox just because it is the different console, but being a PS3 guy, and not a fan of the XBox it wasn't about the systems.  I never had a commitment to the games that were on the XBox, and to be honest I could never get used to the controller on and XBox. It never fit in my hands right.
Marvel has some great talent: Jonathan Hickman, Rick Remender, and Matt Fraction to name a few, and I've read some of these guys in single issue format, but I couldn't stick with the titles, because something turned me off of each book. With Hickman it was the summary page at the end of the Fantastic Four issues. I was really enjoying the stories and wanted to see that page drawn out, but they never were. I have gone back and read the early Hickman Fantastic Four stuff in trade, and I will say that I got through those issues with the summary final page, and the book is good. I am looking forward to reading more, but in trade not single issue.
With Remender I felt he took to long to finish the The Dark Angel Saga. I know a lot of people disagree with me on this, but I just wasn't hooked after six chapters. It also might have had something to do with Remender bringing Deathlok into Uncanny X-Force in the previous story arc, which I didn't even bother picking up, because I cannot read anything with Deathlok in it. That character just does absolutely nothing for me. I even stopped reading Jason Aaron's Weapon X run because of Deathlok.
As for Fraction's work what killed it with me was the grovel porn in Iron Man. Doctor Octopus is dying and he has to get Tony on his knees begging. I would have been okay with just that, but Doctor Octopus watches a video of it over and over at the end of the issue, and that was what killed it for me completely. It was a good thing to because right after that issue we entered the Fear Itself cross overs and I stayed away fro all of that.
I even jumped off Ed Brubaker's Captain America when it felt like it was repeating a story I read in a mini that came out a year earlier (Steve Rogers: Super Soldier to be exact). This surprised me, because I love Ed Brubaker's work overall, but even he is leaving Marvel for greener creator owned pastures.
I want to like Marvel again. I really do. But their track record lately doesn't give me much hope of that happening.
I think a lot of why I think so negatively about Marvel is the fact that they have the potential to put out some great stories about characters I like, but the House of Ideas seems to be running out of steam, and if I think positive about this I will just be disappointed like I was a few years ago. So, I stay jaded because I want to be pleasantly surprised.
Also, Marvel drew their line at $3.99 ($7.98 if it is a title that double ships) with a low page count and a digital code that is lost on me. I'm not made of money, so I have to be pickier about the books I actually buy month to month. I get more bang for my buck right now at DC than I would if I was picking up Marvel titles.
And as for the people that read Superman or Batman and aren't impressed or say it is boring all I can say, with confidence, is that when it comes to Superman they are not wrong, and with Batman they are completely wrong. But we all have different tastes, and you are going to read what you are going to read.
I will read the Marvel Now! titles that come out in the next handful of months (except for Captain America and Nova), and I hope one can impress me enough to actually buy a Marvel book in single issue format again, but that would take a real miracle.
Thank you again Christoph for your comment. Keep reading your funny books, and being a fan of all comics, because you are right; the world needs more "Comic Book" readers than fan boys with an axe to grind.

Sincerely,

Conspirator Brock

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/10/12

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 10/10/12:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. Ame-Comi Girls #1 featuring Wonder Woman DC
02. Archer & Armstrong #3 Valiant*
03. Batgirl #13 DC
04. Batman #13 DC
05. Batman and Robin #13 DC
06. Batman: Arkham Unhinged #7 DC
07. Bloodshot #4 Valiant
08. Creator-Owned Heroes #5 Image
09. Demon Knights #13 DC
10. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E #13 DC
11. Green Lantern Corps #13 DC
12. Legion Lost #13 DC
13. The Phantom Stranger #1 DC
14. Suicide Squad #13 DC
15. Team 7 #1 DC

*We were shorted our copies. Damn you Diamond!

Graphic Novels
Blue Estate: Vol. 3 Image
(collects #9-12)

Reading List:

Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #2 of 4 Captain America #18 Marvel
Uncanny Avengers #1 Marvel


Another week and more comics. Will this insanity ever end? Better question is do you want it to? Anyway, you are here for my pull list and my words on the books I'm reading this week. Well I can say that I am really excited for Death of the Family, Rise of the Third Army, and Rotworld, which all of these events have books out this week that are taking up residence at the bottom of my stack of books. Batman, Batgirl, Green Lantern Corps, Suicide Squad and Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E are these books, and I am hooked. These titles have made me a believer in great comics month after month.
Overall, the second week of the month is a big one for me, and even with losing Resurrection Man I am gaining Team 7 and The Phantom Stranger. These two books grabbed we with the zero issues, and I'm curious to see if they manage to stick around. I know the Wildstorm characters have had a lot of difficulty blending into the "New 52" so maybe Team 7 can be the book that helps add another strong Wildstorm title to this "Newish 52".
Creator-Owned Heroes is back again and I'm really enjoying each installment of this book. A mini magazine with great interviews and two independent comics how can you beat that.
If you have played or not played Batman: Arkham City you should still check out Batman: Arkham Unhinged. This digital first title has been a great run of stories centered around this video game. I for one cannot wait for the first hardcover installment of this book due out in January. It will look nice on the shelf with my Batman: Arkham City hardcover.
At Comics Conspiracy we have this toy line Ame-Comi that are anime versions of DC females. Ame-Comi Girls is a book based on these toys that looks to be interesting. From Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray with art by Amanda Conner I am exited to see what this book has in store for readers. I will admit I am not a big Manga fan, but this westernized version may get me into more Manga. We will just have to wait and see.
If you haven't check out Blue Estate yet you are missing out on a fucking awesome title filled with sex, drugs, guns, crime, murder, and Hollywood Glam. I gave this book a try based on the bad ass cover art from Viktor Kalvachev and I was not disappointed. So, I would highly recommend picking up this title. If you have ever seen Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang you'll definitely love this book.
And the big title this week for some people is Uncanny Avengers #1. With 20 variants (#tomanyvariants) this book is going to sell well with issue one, but will fall off quickly with issue two. The few retailers I've talked with have already cut their order down drastically on the number twos and even threes. They know this gimmick on re-numbering and aren't falling for it.
I personally have no real interest in this title by Rick Remender with art from John Cassaday. I like these creators, but I'm not going to jump on the Marvel Now! band wagon, because it isn't based on making the Marvel universe better it is just about making money and flooding the market with more books rather than quality titles. I know a lot of people have called me a hater for my views on Marvel in the past few years, but based on Marvel's track record, publishing standards and gimmicks I'm just disappointed with the House of Ideas; they don't have any good ones.
I will read Uncanny Avengers #1 and if it doesn't hold my interest it is gone from the reading list. If it does hold my interest I'll keep reading, but I won't buy the title. I drew the line and I'm sticking to it.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Random Comic Pick - Episode 78

My random Marvel comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 77 is The Phantom Stranger #0 written by Dan Didio with art from Brent Anderson. At first, I was very skeptical of this book, because it had been written by Dan Didio, and his track record with the "New 52" hasn't been so hot; with the cancellation of OMAC and the horrid Challengers of the Unknown story arc in DC Comics Presents. Not to mention the fact that he wrote those shitty issues at the end of the last volume of the Outsiders, which I blame heavily for its cancellation. But I will admit I was pleasantly surprised with The Phantom Stranger. This issue zero was a great introduction to the character and his origins in the "New 52". Basically, The Phantom Stranger is Judas who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This betrayal is his sin, and the council of wizard's punishment for Judas is that he must wander the Earth as a stranger with a cloak and a necklace made of thirty pieces of silver. In that explanation I used more religious information than the actual book did. I appreciated the fact that Didio didn't go all bible story on us, and just kept the core idea of what we needed to know about the character, which impressed me greatly. If you are at all interested in the "New 52" and where they are taking things this year I think this book is a definite read, and with The Phantom Stranger #1 coming out Wednesday (10/10/12) I highly recommend picking up this zero issue to see if you should start getting this ttle added to you pull or reading list.

Remember you can download digital comics at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for10/3/12

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 10/3/12:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Dark Horse books because you cannot buy them through our site.)


01. Action Comics #13 DC
02. Animal Man #13 DC
03. Batwing #13 DC
04. Detective Comics #13 DC
05. Earth 2 #5 DC
06. Fairest #8 Vertigo
07. Green Lantern #13 DC
08. Legends of the Dark Knight #1 DC
09. Smallville: Season 11 #6 DC
10. Swamp Thing #13 DC
11. Thief of Thieves #9 Image
12. Worlds' Finest #5 DC


Reading List:
Amazing Spider-Man #695 Marvel
Avengers Vs X-Men #12 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Rorschach #2 of 4 DC


The zero issues are over and I am excited to get into year two of this "Newish 52". The first week is an intense one. The bottom of my reading stack includes: Green Lantern, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, and Thief of Thieves. These books have been amazing, and I am really curious to see what happens as we dive into "Rotworld" in Animal Man with the Red Kingdom and in Swamp Thing with the Green Kingdom. This week also marks the "Rise of the Third Army" in Green Lantern, and with Hal and Sinestro MIA it is up to the new lantern Simon Baz to take up the light. Who is he and what will his role in the Green Lantern and DC Universes be? We will just have wait and see. If you haven't been following Earth 2 and Worlds' Finest your missing out on some good multiverse books that explore the characters of a parallel Earth. I'm really enjoying these two titles, and as long as Superboy Prime never shoes his face in them or in the "New 52" Earth I'll be a happy fan. There is a new Batman title to add to the pull list this week. Legends of the Dark Knight looks interesting, but I will say that there are way to many Bat titles, and if this title doesn't catch my interest it will be cut from my pull list very quickly. As for the rest of my pull list they are good books that I have been enjoying, and don't see dropping anytime soon. As for the titles on my reading list I am finding that I'm indifferent most weeks to the books. Amazing Spider-Man has been stale since Dan Slott took over writing duties. I wish the title still had the feel it did after the horror of "One More Day". Those were some fun and enjoyable books. Slott has been over hyping the issues leading up to #700 (the final issue before the Marvel Now renumbering), and it hasn't paid off at all. AvX is finally coming to a close, and I hope they kill Scott Summers, because if they don't then this predictable and piss poor event book will not even live up to whatever low standard they have at Marvel in the creative and editorial departments. AvX was yet another huge disappointment in the event category for Marvel, and I don't have high hopes for future events. Especially with the Marvel NOW renumbering. The Before Watchmen titles have been okay, but nothing really cool has taken place. The whole branding of Before Watchmen still mars the books. I find myself thinking that if they had just been titled by the character they would have been much better books. Now that you have wasted some time I think it is time for you to make a trip down to your local shop or click on over to our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront to get your poison for the week.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.
You can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop or giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Random Comic Pick - Episode 77

My random Marvel comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 77 is Cable Volume 2 by Duane Swierczynski with art from Ariel Olivetti. The series came out in 2008 and ran for 25 issues before cancellation, and it was a great series. I still need to find the Deadpool variant cover of issue 13. Damn you Ryan for not pulling it for me while I was on Vacation. Anyway, this volume of Cable was really fun, action packed and it showed readers not only the ass kicking Cable we have all known and loved, but also the softer side of a man who finds out he can be a father figure. Cable is time jumping with new born Hope and trying to stay one step ahead of Bishop who wants nothing else, but to kill her so that his future never happens. Swierczynski does an amazing job with this book making it fast paced, he crams so many years of story into only 25 issues, and it works. Hope grows up throughout the book, and you are constantly reminded that she is Mutant Kind's only salvation. I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a good read on Cable. It does tie in with many of the X-Books that came out around the same time, but this was when i actually enjoyed the stories Marvel was putting out so if you want check those out too.

Remember you can download digital comics at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.