Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/28/12

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 11/28/12:

(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 #14 DC
02. American Vampire #33 Vertigo
03. Aquaman #14 DC
04. Arrow #1 DC
05. Batman: The Dark Knight #14 DC
06. Bedlam #2 Image
07. Flash #14 DC
08. Justice League Dark #14 DC
09. Phantom Lady #4 of 4 DC
10. Planetoid #4 Image
11. Red Lanterns #14 DC
12. Superman #14 DC
13. Talon #2 DC
14. Thief of Thieves #10 Image*

*Our copies finally came in this week.


Graphic Novels
The Sixth Gun: Book 4 - A Town Called Penance Oni Press
(The Sixth Gun #18-23)


Reading List:

All New X-Men #2 Marvel
Batman Incorporated #5 DC
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #4 of 6 DC
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #4 of 4 DC
FF #1 Marvel
The Fury of the Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #14 DC
Lookouts #3 Cryptozoic / Penny Arcade
Thor: God of Thunder #2 Marvel
Uncanny Avengers #2 Marvel
X-Men Legacy #2 Marvel


Oh boy another big week of books. Let's dive in. On the bottom of the stack for me this week: Aquaman, All Star Western, Justice League Dark and Thief of Thieves. All of these books are great titles that you should have on your pull list. If you don't have them then you are definitely missing out.
Aquaman this week is the prelude issue to Throne of Atlantis which is crossing over with Justice League in the coming months. I'm curious to see what Geoff Johns has in store for us with this story.
Justice League Dark just came off a intense story arc involving the search for the Books of Magic so where do we go from here? If the track record on this book is any example we are going to see some interesting stuff.
Jonah Hex is making his mark in the history books of the "New 52" with All Star Western. Every month this book delivers a good dose of guns, bullets, violence, booze and sex. The first trade is out so I highly recommend picking it up and catching up with the adventures of Jonah Hex.
Thief of Thieves was delayed for us, but I always enjoy reading this book because each issue has a twist that just keeps pulling you deeper and deeper into the story and characters.
What about the rest of my stack this week? Well Superman continues the H'el on Earth story that s far is coming about at a really slow pace, Hopefully this issue changes that pacing.
I'm giving the digital first Arrow book a try, because I have heard such good things about the show.
The craziness that is Bedlam is back and I'm going to dive into it with issue two and see if it keeps my interest.
Batman and the Scarecrow battle it out in The Dark Knight, and despite the long drawn out story in this title I keep it on my pull list, because I love David Finch's art and Gregg Hurwitz has brought some intense stuff to the title with the story telling so  it is still a title I want to read every month.
Planetoid is back after a few months off and I can't wait to see where this Ken Garing creation goes.
The end of Phantom Lady and Doll Man is upon us. I'm excited to see how this book ends, and I do hope Phantom Lady and Doll Man come back for more stories in the future.
Flash Vs. Grood continues this week, so all of you monkey lovers need to be picking up this issue.
American Vampire finishes the Black List story arc this week, and I'm really looking forward to it. Not super excited about the break Scott Snyder is taking from the book, but he is getting over whelmed in the amount of books he is writing. Sometimes a break is a good thing. We will have to see when he comes back if the break was worth it.
Another Scott Snyder project Talon is out this week and it has the staying power to stay as an ongoing for a while. I'm good with that.
Rise of the Third Army continues in Red Lanterns this week. I'm kinda ready for the Third Army to have risen already, but I will press on.
My reading list this week almost equal my pull list. Marvel NOW! dominates this list, and I will say that I am looking forward to Thor this week. Jason Aaron did a good job with number one and I'm want to see where this  God Butcher story arc goes. As for the returning X-Men Legacy I'm most likely going to be done with it after this issue. As for All New X-Men and Uncanny Avengers these two titles are the make or break for the Marvel NOW! titles. If they don't pan out then the rest of the line will fall way short of expectations. I wasn't overly impressed with either so these second issues are going to have to be amazing to keep my reading interest. FF will most likely just be a issue one read. I wasn't impressed with it from the Marvel NOW! Point One book and I'm not really a big Mike Allred fan. I will give number one a read though. Lookouts is back and it has been a fun ride so far so I'm going to stick with it for now.
Remember Before Watchmen? If you didn't you'll get a double reminder this week. Which is you are curious the reading order is Silk Spectre then Ozymandias, but you might want to read the Crimson Avenger back up from the Moloch One Shot in between them, because it is part four of that story.
Firestorm has been a good read since the creative shift and I look forward to enjoying this title on my reading list. As for Batman Incorporated I don't know if I can keep this title on my reading list because I am not impressed with it at all. It doesn't fir with the "New 52" and I feel that Grant Morrison's writing hasn't been as strong since the rejiggering. Only time will tell.
Last, but not least the forth trade for the awesome series Sixth Gun is out this week and you should really check this series out, because it is a great read.
I rushed through this week's pull list, and so you should rush over to your local comic shop or over to or Comics Conspiracy's Digital Store to get your books. See you next week.

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, November 26, 2012

Bedlam #2 Phantom Variant!

The fifth installment of the Phantom Variant is for Bedlam #2 by Nick Spencer with art from Riley Rossmo. The first issue of this title was an interesting read that honestly makes you crave a bit more. So, don't delay and get your Phantom Variant copy ordered from Comics Conspiracy.

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.

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.

Captain America #1 and Indestructible Hulk #1 Phantom Variants!!

The forth installment of the exclusive Phantom Variant is again two books Captain America #1 & Indestructible Hulk #1.


The first Phantom Variant this week is Captain America #1, which is getting the Marvel NOW! treatment with a renumbering and a new creative team. Rick Remender takes over writing with John Romita Jr. on art in this now seventh volume of Captain America. 

The second Phantom Variant this week is Indestructible Hulk #1, which is getting the Marvel NOW! treatment with a renumbering and a new creative team. Mark Waid takes over writing the big green guy with Leinil Yu on art. Hulk an Agent of Shield? You'll have to see for yourself.












At Comics Conspiracy we have the privilege of being able to bring you these Phantom Variants. You can purchase this exclusive variant while supplies last at Comics Conspiracy.biz for $14.99.
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.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

From my family to yours I hope that this Thanksgiving is filled with laughter, great food, friends and family. Remember that even the smallest thing is something to be thankful for. And if you brave the Black Friday madness be safe out there, because people be rioting for those ridiculous deals.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/21/12

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 11/21/12:

(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. Batwoman #14 DC
02. Bleeding Cool #1
03. Catwoman #14 DC
04. DC Universe Presents: Black Lightning and Blue Devil #14 DC
05. Fables #123 Vertigo
06. A Game of Thrones #11 Dynamite
07. Green Lantern: New Guardians #14 DC
08. Harbinger #6 Valiant
09. Justice League #14 DC
10. Legion of Super-Heroes #14 DC
11. Red Hood and the Outlaws #14 DC
12. Star Wars: Agent of the Empire - Hard Targets #2 of 5 Dark Horse
13. Sword of Sorcery #2 DC
14. Unwritten #43 Vertigo
15. X-O Manowar #7 Valiant

Graphic Novels
Walking Dead: Vol. 17 - Something To Fear (TPB - collects #97-102) Image

Reading List:

Amazing Spider-Man #698 Marvel
Captain America #1 Marvel
Clone #1 Image
Daredevil #20 Marvel
Indestructible Hulk #1 Marvel
Iron Man #2 Marvel
Judge Dredd #1 IDW
Supergirl #14 DC


Welcome back to another installment of my pull list. It is Thanksgiving week, and hopefully you can get your butt down to your local shop or on the internet to download get your books.
It is a medium week for me overall, except for the Marvel NOW! titles. Weren't these supposed to be released on a one number one per week for twenty two weeks schedule? I guess not.
I'm getting ahead of myself. The books I'm looking forward to this week are: X-O Manowar, Green Lantern: New Guardians, Catwoman and Justice League. A Valiant book sneaks into the top four this week and I can honestly say that it is long over due. X-O Manowar is a fantastic book by Robert Venditti with art by Lee Garbett. Valiant has made their mark in the comics industry this past year bringing readers strong titles about old characters that for a long time seemed to be lost to the history of comics from the 90's that came and failed. Valiant has brought these characters back to life, and I find myself looking forward to not only X-O Manowar every month, but the other titles as well: Harbinger, Archer & Armstrong, Bloodshot and most recently Shadowman. If you haven't jumped on the Valiant books you need to.
Catwoman seems to make it on the top of my list not because of Death of the Family, even though that helps, but because I'm really enjoying the direction the book is taking with the character. And yes, I do buy two copies of this title; one for me and one for my Catwoman loving girlfriend Calli.
As usual a Green Lantern book has to be represented on my top four. New Guardians has been okay, but I found that the first year the story dragged on a bit to long for me. With the Rise of the Third Army story arc starting, and Kyle learning to control the different color rings my interest has been renewed in this title.
And last, but not least there is Justice League. Even though Jim Lee is off the book, Geoff Johns and Tony Daniel have kept the greatness that this title has had going. I'm always curious to see what happens in this book, and I'm glad DC kept an artist on that has a similar style to Lee's. Can't wait.
For the most part all of the titles on my pull list this week are good reads that I enjoy month in and month out. One exception is DC Universe Presents. The current story arc with Black Lightning and Blue Devil is good, but I could be off of this book with the next arc depending on creative team and characters featured. If you remember Challengers of the Unknown by Dan Didio or the Kid Flash story you know what I am referring to. I like the overall concept of DC Universe Presents and I hope the books sticks a round for awhile to give us a glimpse into other characters in this "Ne w 52". Maybe a story about the Outsiders or Geo-Force on his own. Just a suggestion.
Vertigo has two titles on my pull list this week: Unwritten and Fables. Unwritten is interesting, and I've been reading the single issues since the beginning that I was for awhile just picking it up, because I always did, but it isn't half bad. I think when I go back and read it again in bigger chunks I'll like it even more, but it is an interesting title. As for Fables I am enjoying it, but I miss the epic stories that used to grace the pages of this book. The last few story arcs haven't been the best, but I'm hopeful that Fables will turn around and hit me with some awesomeness. Bring Back Boy Blue!
Batwoman has hung on to being on my pull list, and I'm happy it has. The Wonder Woman cross-over has really given this book a good footing, and I hope this trend continues.
Legion of Super-Heroes is still on my pull list, and I can't seem to bring myself to cut it. Maybe it is a small guilty pleasure of mine every month. Got to have some Legion, and definitely not the X-Men version after reading X-Men: Legacy #1 last week. Legion: Lost is good, but this main Legion title doesn't have the same feel as the older volumes. Only time will tell with this one.
Star Wars: Agent of the Empire - Hard Targets is a fun read that lets me see the world that is Star Wars. I'm like Agent Jahan Cross, and John Ostrander knows his stuff when it comes to Star Wars. Hopefully Star Wars can stay at Dark Horse, because if the Star Wars comics go over to the dark side that is Marvel I will shed a tear.
Sword of Sorcery hasn't lost my interest, and has been engaging enough to keep it on my pull list. It was cool to see The character make an appearance in Justice League Dark in the last issue and the Annual. So much more to see from this book. I'm just going to give it time.
Red Hood and the Outlaws has started to have Starfire wear more clothing, which sucks, but the book is fun, and it is going to start crossing into the Death of the Family story arc in Batman so you gotta read it just for that alone.
I mentioned that Harbinger was solid earlier, and if you didn't get the message about the Valiant books, you need to just go out and read them already.
My read list is full of Marvel NOW! titles. Iron Man #2 will hopefully redeem my interest. Captain America #1 will probably be a fine comic by Rick Remender, but with John Romita Jr. art it will never be great. Amazing Spider-Man #698 is out and Dan Slott has told people that this "is" the issue you need to read and retailers didn't order enough. Retailers didn't order enough because they don't want to sit on issues right before the end of a run. Of course Slott says that it all has to do with the story. I'll have more to say about this later. I'm curious about the direction Mark Waid is taking Hulk with Indestructible Hulk so maybe this one will interest me like Thor last week. Supergirl crosses over with H'El on Earth so I'm reading it. There is a new Judge Dredd comic out from IDW that I was going to check out, and Clone from Image looks to be interesting. We can only wait and see. Remember too that the latest Walking Dead graphic novel is out today, which I will most likely blow through in an hour, and give the Bleeding Cool Magazine a try. Who knows it could be something that replaces Wizard Magazine. Anyway, get to your shop or over to our digital storefront, and get your books. Don't forget though that you still have to get Cranberry Sauce. Happy Thanksgiving!

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.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Random Hardcover Picks - Episode 82

We did Random Hardcover Picks on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 82. One was a super hero title and the other a non-super hero title. Here are my picks:

For non-super hero I went with the Vertigo book American Vampire written by Scott Snyder with art by Rafael Albuquerque. I have read this title from the beginning and at first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but that changed quickly. This Vertigo title has been an amazing read since the beginning, and it has even had a few mini series that have explored more of the world of the American Vampire. Snyder has created a memorable world with American Vampire and Albuquerque  has brought that world to life. This book is definitely worth picking up, and I have been putting off getting the hard covers myself, but I had Ryan order them for me this week. Can't wait to put them in my library.




For my super hero pick I went with Infinite Crisis by Geoff Johns with art by: Phil Jimenez, Jerry Ordway, George Pérez, and Ivan Reis. I actually need to go back and read this book again, because it has been some time since I read it. It is a great book that I recommend to people all the time. When Ryan had Geoff Johns at the shop for a signing I hadn't yet read the book, but I bought the hardcover anyway for Johns to sign. He actually sketched a head shot of Batman inside, and for a writer to do that I thought that was pretty cool. Needless to say I read Infinite Crisis, and after getting more exposure to DC and Johns's writing I can say with certainty that Infinite Crisis was the tipping point for me when it came to reading the big two. So, yes I would say pick up Infinite Crisis; it is a great book that you won't be disappointed about picking up


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.

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/14/12

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 11/14/12:

(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 #2 featuring Batgirl DC
02. Archer & Armstrong #4 Valiant
03. Batgirl #14 DC
04. Batman #14 DC
05. Batman and Robin #14 DC
06. Batman: Arkham Unhinged #8 DC
07. Bloodshot #5 Valiant
08. Demon Knights #14 DC
09. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E #14 DC
10. Green Lantern Corps #14 DC
11. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #4 DC
12. Legion Lost #14 DC
13. Peter Panzerfaust #7 Image
14. The Phantom Stranger #2 DC
15. Saga #7 Image
16. Suicide Squad #14 DC
17. Team 7 #2 DC


Graphic Novels
Scalped: Vol. 9 - Trail's End Vertigo
(collects #56-60)


Reading List:

All New X-Men #1 Marvel
Amazing Spider-Man #697 Marvel
Batman: Arkham City - End Game #1 DC
Fantastic Four #1 Marvel
Great Pacific #1 Image
Thor: God of Thunder #1 Marvel
X-Men Legacy #1 Marvel


It has been a long time since I have had over twenty titles between my pull list and my reading list, but what can one expect from the second week, especially if that week comes right before Thanksgiving. Lots of reading ahead of me this week...a lot.
I am however really excited to get three Death of the Family titles this week: Suicide Squad, Batgirl and Batman are at the bottom of my pile waiting for me to experience more of the Joker's come back. Brings a smile to my face. In addition to Death of the Family I'm looking forward to the Green Lantern Corps next installment of the Rise of the Third Army, more Rotworld with Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E, and finally after a few months off Saga continues. I can't wait, but first I have to get through a stack of books.
One of the fun titles I've been enjoying despite creator change after issue one is He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. This book brings back memories of playing with my He-Man action figures as a kid. Curious to see how this plays out considering we are over half way through and He-Man has yet to appear.
Team 7 had a solid start in my book with the issue zero, but the first issue didn't grab my attention all that much. Hopefully this issue will revive some of that interest, because I would like to keep reading about these characters. If it doesn't it may fall to my reading list or off my radar completely. Finger are crossed for this title.
If you aren't reading Batman: Arkham Unhinged (either digitally or in print) you are missing out on some great stories centered around the awesome video game universe that has been set up in Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. Good stuff I really suggest it for anyone who likes Batman.
Ame-Comi Girls #2 is out this week and I must say I was surprised that I have like this title so far considering I'm not a huge manga fan. This book is a fun title that I will most likely enjoy for some time. Can't wait for the Harley Quinn issue though.
The Ravagers and Superboy make an appearance in Legion Lost this week and despite that I'm looking forward to this book. Of the two Legion books out this title haa been far more enjoyable.
Looks like we are going to find out more about Pandora in this week's issue of The Phantom Stranger. I've been really surprised that I have liked this book as much as I have, but Dan Didio has done a good job of making this title a quality read.
If you haven't been keeping up with Batman and Robin you should. Peter Tomasi has been doing a great job on this title, and it is nice to get another view of the Batman Universe.
The same greatness in a title applies to Demon Knights. This book is fantastic, and you should be reading it for yourself.
Valiant Comics has two titles on my pull list this week: Bloodshot and Archer & Armstrong. As I have said before Valiant has been putting out solid titles that are well worth picking up.
Peter Panzerfaust is back this week and I am curious to see where the next story takes this group of boys during the horrors of World War II.
My reading list is larger this week, because I'm going to be reading the Marvel NOW! titles as they come out to see if they are worth a continued read. This week there are is Thor, Fantastic four and two X-titles. What happened to the one number one a week for 22 weeks schedule that Marvel said they were going to use to roll out the Marvel NOW! titles? Guess they gave that up.
I'm also going to give the Great Pacific, and the beast book that is Batman: Arkham City - End Game a try this week.
It is time for you to go and face the same music I had to face this week; lots O' books. SO, get down to your local shop or click over to our Comixology Storefront to get your stack this week.

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, November 13, 2012

Fantastic Four #1 and Great Pacific #1 Phantom Variants!!

The third installment of the exclusive Phantom Variant is two books Fantastic Four #1 & Great Pacific #1.

The first Phantom Variant this week is Fantastic Four #1, which is getting the Marvel NOW! treatment with a renumbering and a new creative team. Matt Fraction takes over writing and Mark Bagley takes over penciling duties to bring readers the fourth volume of the Fantastic Four. I think a lot of people are curious as to where this title is going to go especially after such a great run from Jonathan Hickman.


The second Phantom Variant this week is Great Pacific #1, an Image book written by Joe Harris with art from Martin Morazzo. This book is about one man's journey to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and make a difference in the world, but he is going to do it his way. I'm curious to see what this book is all about, because Image has had some hits in the past few years, and I like reading stories that aren't always about super heroes.








At Comics Conspiracy we have the privilege of being able to bring you these Phantom Variants. You can purchase this exclusive variant while supplies last at Comics Conspiracy.biz for $14.99.
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.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Got To Get IL, ID, OR, CA And Of Course The Regualr One Too

Justice League of America #1 by Geoff Johns with art from David Finch is going to be released with 52 variant covers. One for each state, and also one for Puerto Rico and one for Washington D.C. Now as of late variant covers have come under fire because they inflate numbers on books, have ridiculous incentives or they are exclusive to some close door retailers club. And as soon as it was announced that DC was going to have Justice League of America ship with 52 variants the internet blew up with people calling this a huge gimmick and something that could destroy the comic book market.
First off it is a gimmick, but it is a gimmick that works not only with the title of the book "Justice League of America", but also with the current theme behind DC's comics, "The New 52." So, why wouldn't you include the fifty states, D.C. and Puerto Rico to fit in with these two things? DC has a solid marketing plan with this, but people still screamed that it was too much and it was going to inflate the numbers and destroy the comic book stores.
You don't have to worry about your local comic book store going out of business from the variants on this issue. Stores don't have to order a certain number of the regular cover to be able to order the state variants. Each state variant has its own line order number and can be ordered in any quantity. For example, a comic book store in Boise, ID can order all ID covers and none of the regular cover if they want. A shop in Small Town, MN can order a couple of each state variant, on top of however many regular covers they want. So, retailers are free to order as they please to fit their shop tastes.
And it seems like there will be a way for shops to order sets of the state variants, and they don't have to hit a certain number to be able to order the sets either. Variant collectors can rest easy knowing they don't have to shell out money for 150 regular copies and then the cost of the 1:150 variant. They just need to let their local shop know what they want so it can be pre-ordered.
This is the best way to do a lot of variants on one book. Give retailers the ability to choose how many, if any at all, and give the customers the chance to say hey I want this cover and that one, which the retailer can actually obtain easily with out breaking the bank.
I need to track down a map of the US and start making a pre-order form for our shop. I know I'm going to be getting the Illinois, Indiana, Oregon and California variants, which ones are you getting?

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/7/12

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 11/7/12:

(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 #14 DC
02. Animal Man #14 DC
03. Batwing #14 DC
04. Creator-Owned Heroes #6 Image
05. Detective Comics #14 DC
06. Earth 2 #6 DC
07. Fairest #9 Vertigo
08. Green Lantern #14 DC
09. Legends of the Dark Knight #2 DC
10. Shadowman #1 Valiant
11. Smallville: Season 11 #7 DC
12. Super Dinosaur #15 Image
13. Swamp Thing #14 DC
14. Worlds' Finest #6 DC


Reading List:
Before Watchmen: Moloch #1 of 2 DC
Deadpool #1 Marvel
Iron Man #1 Marvel
The Manhattan Projects #7 Image


Now that you have cast your vote (or not because the electoral college is a joke), and Obama is going to be President for the next four years you can relax with some new comics. For me there will be some excitement building to get to these titles: Earth 2, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, and Green Lantern. How can you go wrong with more Rise of the Third Army, some alternative world DC super heroes and Rotworld? You can't. These titles are great reads that always find there way to the bottom of my reading pile. Got to save the best for last, and I can only thank James Robinson, Jeff Lemire, Scott Snyder and Geoff Johns for their mastery of story
As for the rest of the books on my pull list I'm looking at a wide variety of titles to dive into. Super Dinosaur from Robert Kirkman is back this week, and although this title isn't as good as Walking Dead or Invincible (partly due to the fact that the book is aimed at a younger audience) is a fun title that I've been pleasantly enjoying for a little over a year now. If you haven't tried Super Dinosaur check it out. You might be surprised how you feel about this book.
Some Batman Universe books come out this week: Detective Comics, Legends of the Dark Knight (a digital first title) and Batwing. Now I've been on the fence about Batwing for a couple of months now. It encompasses the Batman Incorporated feeling that Grant Morrison set-up before the "New Rejiggered 52", which makes the book an interesting read, but it isn't a strong title over all. I'll keep getting it for now, but this book may end up becoming a read only title if it doesn't get cancelled before that. As for the Legends of the Dark Knight title I wasn't overly impressed with the first installment of this title, but since it is collection of Batman stories I'm willing to keep it on my pull list until it no longer holds my interest. We can only see how long that lasts.
As for Detective Comics I was floored by the last issue and excited to see more. This book had an okay first year for me. Never really at the top of any of my lists, but since the creative team change the book seems to finally found its footing.
A couple of Superman titles to get a dose of The Man of Steel: Action Comics and Smallville. Action Comics #16 can't get here fast enough. I'm tired of Morrison's take on the early years of Superman and his secret identity. The book hasn't held the muster that DC pitched to us a year ago. Maybe Andy Diggle can pull it out of this funk. And of course every Smallville fan should be getting this title either through there local shop or digitally. This is a nice comic that continues the Smallville TV show, but in digital first and then in actual physical comic form. Good read and I think fans of the show should really pick this book up.
Fairest #9 is out this week and the cover is enticingly hot and sexy. Fairest has been an interesting spin-off title from Fables and I have enjoyed it so far. Check it out if you haven't already.
Another Earth 2 based title is out this week: Worlds' Finest. What can I say about this title except that I can't wait till they rip Power Girl's top off to reveal that awesome cleavage of hers. So, good.
I cannot stress the greatness off the next title: Creator-Owned Heroes. This book is a fantastic comic/magazine that doesn't over do it like Wizard used to. It is a honest and personal look into the world of creating comics and seeing some original work from creators is also amazing. Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray and the crew over at Creator-Owned Heroes have made a quality title that more people need to be checking out. Get down to your local shop or over to our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront to check it out for yourself. Help support the creator by putting this book on your pull list, or picking it up of the shelf, or reading it digitally. This reminds me whatever happened to Bleeding Cool Magazine #1?
Lastly on my pull list is Valiant's Shadowman #1. Valiant has been making a come back with the re-imagining of their characters so I can only expect another great title from Shadowman. Ryan Higgins is excited for this book too and I would have to say it is a definite buy for reader's this week.
There are a handful of books on my read list and one may surprise you. Before Watchmen: Moloch isn't one of the surprise books. As I have said before with Before Watchmen, these books aren't single issue buys, but trade buys. We will have to see how this one pans out. Manhattan Projects isn't a surprise either. This book fell off my pull list after the last issue. I like Jonathan Hickman's writing, but this book hasn't been living up to the muster that I got from the first few issues. We will see if this issue can redeem the title.
Can you guess which title has surprisingly made it onto my read list: Iron Man or Deadpool? I'll give you a hint, the character has red on their outfit. Still stumped? It is Deadpool, but I will get to why in moment. First off I want o say that I wasn't going to have much to do with the whole Marvel NOW! re-numbering, not re-imagining or being in any way shape or form creatively different(definitely not with Superior Spider-Man or John Romita Jr. art on Captain America), but I feel I need to at least give some books a go to be knowledgable enough to let listeners, readers and customers know what they are getting into with some of these books.
There are some positives to this; I like Greg Land's art so reading Iron Man will at least be pleasant on the eyes, and with Deadpool, the real surprise title on my read list, is only being checked out for two reasons. One reason is because we are selling the Phantom Variant for this book, and the second reason is because I looked at some preview pages and the art looks amazing. All of the Marvel NOW! titles have an uphill battle in front of them to get readers and keep them, and to keep retailers ordering enough copies of future issues. I hope something can come out of this that will help Marvel become a better publishing company. (I actually laughed after I typed that last line.) Well it is that time people; get down to you local comic book store or click over to our digital storefront to get your weekly dose of comics. And remember to be thankful that we are not swearing in a President this year named Mitt.

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.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Comic Book Binding - Drop Off 11/10/12

On Saturday, November 10th Ryan Higgins, Bryce Larsen, Gage our guest on the Suicide Squad Special (Episode 24), and I are heading up to Brisbane, CA to Herring & Robinson to drop off our stacks of books to get bound, and to take a tour of the bindery. I'm excited to see the book binding process in person, and I will definitely be posting a review of this tour here for your reading pleasure.

Currently as of this post I'm ready to get a total of five things bound:

The first title in my stack of books headed to the bindery is Ascension from Top Cow. I've always wanted to finish reading this title with early work from David Finch, and now that I have all the issues I can. I've included some of the variant covers to see how they hold up to the binding process.

The second title I'm taking up to get bound is the Cliffhanger/Image title Crimson. Written and drawn by Humberto Ramos, with writting assisstance from Brian Augustyn, I've always been curious about this title about vampires, because I think Ramos's art really works for this book. We shall see how the story holds up in a bound collection. I also included variant covers in this binding and even a chrome one to see how it would hold up to the binding process. Only time will tell.

The next three volumes are composed of the 1990's Guardians of the Galaxy. This series written and drawn by Jim Valentino has been a favorite of Marvel space fans for years. With the movie coming out in 2015 I decided to finally get a run together to read up on this version of the Guardians. I loved the Guardians of the Galaxy from Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, and can't wait for the Annihilation, Annihilation: Conquest, Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy Omnibuses, but maybe I'll be into Valentino's Guardians too, but I get to enjoy a version I complied. In these volumes I'm going to include a table of contents that lists the issues in each volume and I think I'm going to test out the sewn binding on this three volumes as well.

Stay tuned for more on my binding projects, because now that I have some finished I can start working on others.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Deadpool #1 Phantom Variant!

The second installment of the exclusive Phantom Variant is for Deadpool #1 by Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan with art from Tony Moore. This book is geared to be another wonderful installment of Deadpool with humor and gore galore.
At Comics Conspiracy we have the privilege of being able to bring you these Phantom Variants. You can purchase this exclusive variant while supplies last at Comics Conspiracy.biz for $14.99.
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.