Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 12/26/12

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 12/26/12:

(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. Aquaman #15 DC
02. Justice League #15 DC


Reading List:

Amazing Spider-Man #700 Marvel
Avenging Spider-Man #15.1 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Night Owl #4 of 4 DC
Deathmatch #1 Boom!
Mara #1 Image


Small week for books due to the Holidays, but after last week, and all the Christmas shopping I bet your wallet could use the break. The two books on my pull list are the only two books I'm looking forward to reading this week: Aquaman and Justice League. These books start the "Throne of Atlantis" story arch. I'm excited especially since a double dose of Geoff Johns always makes for a good week of reading. Mara and Deathmatch came out today, and curiosity is driving me to look at Deathmatch, while hoping this is a Brain Wood story I can enjoy is pushing me to check out Mara. As for the three month delayed Night Owl, I'm just going through the motions, but I'm glad it is finally over. The big book on every one's mind this week is Amazing Spider-Man #700. I'm not sure about this book yet. On one hand it is a shame that Marvel is renumbering the franchise again, which will be the jumping (in this case swinging) off point. For others they will follow blindly into Superior Spider-Man, and there are those like me that really, at this point, could care less. Dan Slott built up a lot of hype around these last few issues, so we will just have to wait to see if it pays off. If you do pick up issue #700, let me know if you think eight bucks is worth a main story and two long back up stories that really don't have anything to do with the book. I'm also going to check out Avenging Spider-Man #15.1 to see how it ties in with what is happening with Spider-Man leading up to Superior. Well small week means shorter blurb. I will be tweeting my reviews of the last two weeks worth of books so stay tuned. Now go return those shitty Christmas gifts and come down and buy some 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.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 12/19/12

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 12/19/12:

(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. America's Got Powers #4 Image
02. Batwoman #15 DC
03. Catwoman #15 DC
04. DC Universe Presents: Black Lightning and Blue Devil #15 DC
05. Fables #124 Vertigo
06. Green Lantern #15 DC
07. Green Lantern: New Guardians #15 DC
08. Happy! #3 of 4 Image
09. Harbinger #7 Valiant
10. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #5 DC
11. Legion of Super-Heroes #15 DC
12. Nightwing #15 DC
13. Red Hood and the Outlaws #15 DC
14. Saga #8 Image
15. Star Wars: Agent of the Empire - Hard Targets #3 of 5 Dark Horse
16. Super Dinosaur #16 Image
17. Sword of Sorcery #3 DC
18. Thief of Thieves #11 Image
19. Unwritten #44 Vertigo
20. X-O Manowar #8 Valiant


Reading List:

All New X-Men #4 Marvel
Avengers #2 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Moloch #2 of 2 DC
Cable and X-Force #2 Marvel
Captain America #2 Marvel
Daredevil #21 Marvel
Indestructible Hulk #2 Marvel
JSA Liberty Files: The Whistling Skull #1 of 6 DC
Supergirl #15 DC
Thor: God of Thunder #3 Marvel
Thunderbolts #2 Marvel


Over thirty titles this week! What happened to spreading out the titles over the month? That went out the door due to how the holidays fall this year. Oh well, looks like you can let your loved ones buy you some of the books you might not be able to pick up for Christmas this year. Hey, stranger things have happened.
What books am I looking forward to this week? Green Lantern, Green Lantern: New Guardians, Saga, Catwoman, and Thief of Thieves are the books at the bottom om my pile of of book to read this week. Saving the best for last.
Catwoman, for some, might be a curious one to look forward to, but I have enjoyed this title overall , and I'm wondering what is going to happen with this books sudden departure from "Death of the Family" to the new story arc, "The Black Diamond Probability".
Family is a pain in the ass sometimes and in Thief of Thieves and Saga this could not ring more true. Both of these titles are must reads, and don't worry there should be second prints if the sell out.
"Rise of the Third Army" continues to rise, and not really move forward. Hopefully Green Lantern and Green Lantern: New Guardians can get the momentum going for this cross over event. I do like Baz so there is some curiosity to see what happens to him, and Kyle's journey to master the rings of the emotional spectrum is bad ass. I think it is time to have the Third Army march or something.
DC Universe Presents continues the story featuring Black Lightning and Blue Devil. I still like this title as an introduction title to characters. Maybe we will see the New 52 Outsiders in it one day. Even better would be an Outsiders ongoing. A fan boy can only hope.
Legion of Super-Heroes is back and I think I'm just reading it because I like the Legion. Paul Levitz has fallen off a bit with his writing of the title, but I'm still hopeful and slightly enjoying the book.
America's Got Powers has been gone since August and I had almost forgotten about the series entirely. Let's see if the break helped or hindered the story, because at this point it might be better to wait for the trade.
What can I say about Unwritten? It has been a consistently good Vertigo book and I enjoy diving into the literary world that Mike Carey has created.
Super Dinosaur in space? I think this will pan out a lot better than Iron Man in space.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has been a fun book. That's all I have to say about that.
Ryan Higgins made the joke that I read Sword of Sorcery and not Wonder Woman, and I could honestly care less. Sword of Sorcery explores the C-List Gem World, and despite the fact that it will most likely be canceled soon I'm enjoying the book. And don't forget the Beowulf back ups that are very bloody.
Fables, Fables, Fables. This title has lost something and it seems to be treading water. I still enjoy the world Bill Willingham created, but I can see why people have not been impressed with the last few story arcs. Fingers are crossed though for this book to find its footing again.
Star Wars: Agent of the Empire - Hard Targets has been interesting. I don't know if I can keep reading Star Wars books in single issue format though. I like having a completed story vs. one that I have to wait for. Maybe after this mini I will just opt to read Star Wars titles in trade.
Happy! is back and I will be at Illusive Comics and Games today to get Darick Robertson's autograph and maybe an intro for the podcast, but back to Happy!. This has been a great book and yes, I am saying I like a Grant Morrison title. Check it out if you haven't.
Nightwing crosses over with "Death of the Family" so, yes, I have to pick this book up during the event.
If you didn't read issue #14 of Red Hood and the Outlaws you should. Joker is back, and what he does to get at Jason is screwed up. Can't wait to see what Jason does in this issue.
Harbinger is picking up momentum and  I like where it is going. A team has been formed and things are starting to happen. Time for some ass kicking.
Batwoman has gotten so much better since the Wonder Woman team-up. This issue seems to break the pacing of that story, but I'm sure it is worth the break.
X-O Manowar has to stop the alien invasion with Ninjak. I'm so stoked to see this. Valiant's flag ship book has delivered every issue, and this one looks to continue that pattern.
As for the books on my reading list:
 JSA Liberty Files: The Whistling Skull I will give the first issue a try.
Avengers #2 will hopefully go somewhere and not suck.
All New X-Men #4 there should be a battle between present Cyclops and past Cyclops and not much else.
Didn't I just read Cable and the X-Force last week.
The cover was so horrid I almost didn't want to read it. Remender you have an uphill battle to keep readers with Romita's shit art in the book.
Moloch's story finishes up in this week's only Before Watchmen title.
Supergirl crosses over in "H'El on Earth", and maybe this issue can improve the story by giving us some motive or at least some hint as to H'El's plan.
Daredevil, apparently this issue is the first appearance of Superior Spider-Man. No one cares cause that shit will be over in six months to a year.
Thunderbolts let's see what you got.
Indestructible Hulk looks to be cool, because Hulk actually has direction when it comes to him raging out and smashing things. Plus, we actually get to see Banner do something good for a change.
Thor has been fantastic, and out of all of my reading list I am looking forward to reading this one.
Well I have some reading to get to, and you have some books to get from your local comic book store or online at our digital store. Merry Christmas!

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, December 12, 2012

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

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 12/12/12:

(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 #3 featuring Duela Dent DC
02. Archer & Armstrong #5 Valiant
03. Batgirl #15 DC
04. Batman #15 DC
05. Batman and Robin #15 DC
06. Batman: Arkham Unhinged #9 DC
07. Bloodshot #6 Valiant
08. Clone #2 Image
09. Demon Knights #15 DC
10. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E #15 DC
11. Green Lantern Corps #15 DC
12. Legion Lost #15 DC
13. Suicide Squad #15 DC
14. Team 7 #3 DC


Reading List:

Amazing Spider-Man #699.1 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #3 of 4 Before Watchmen: Rorschach #3 of 4 DC
Cable and X-Force #1 Marvel
Deathstroke #15 DC
Fantastic Four #2 Marvel
Grifter #15 DC
Superboy #15
Winter Soldier #13 Marvel


Another week has come and there is a fair amount of titles I need to talk about. As usual I'm going to start at the bottom of my pile with the best titles: Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E, Suicide Squad, Batman and Robin, Batgirl, and Batman. Death of the Family dominates the titles I'm looking forward to this week as it should. This cross-over event has been amazing and each title that it touches in its own way adds so much to the overall story. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this all plays out in the end. The one down note to it now is the fact that Gail Simone will be leaving Batgirl after issue #16. All I can say to this is that Batgirl will never be the same.
The last book to round out the titles I am looking forward to is Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E, because it has been an great title on its own, but it has gotten more interesting since it has ties to Rotworld. It is a shame that the book is ending with the next issue, but it had a solid go for over a year, and I'm happy with that.
And yes, if you hadn't noticed I am completely in love with the stuff Scott Snyder has his hand in. Rotworld and Death of the Family are solid examples of good cross-over events (Marvel take note here). I am saddened to see Snyder leave Swamp Thing, but he is trying to manage his writing schedule to give a 110% to every title under his belt. There is a positive to this; Snyder and Jim Lee on a Superman book next year. We know where that book will be in my stack.
Let's start with Team 7. I am still not sure if I really like this book, but it still holds my interest enough to keep reading. Maybe with the story arc The Black Diamond Probability it will pick up. I'm hopeful for this book, because it is the background title for many other books I enjoy.
Next up is my half ass attempt to enjoy manga. Ame-Comi Girls has been a fun read from Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. The spin they put on the characters is interesting and I like the art. It feel like a good combination of Manga and American style comics. I'm still not sold on getting the figurines, which for my wallet is a good thing.
Clone surprised me with issue one so it has jumped up from the reading list to the pull list. A fast paced book that throws you right into the action and drama. If you haven't given this book a try you should see if you can find a copy of number one at your local comic shop. Definitely something that a lot of people may have missed.
Legion Lost is still the better of the two Legion titles and yet it is going away after issue #16. Shame. I have enjoyed this mid-level book for over a year now, but trimming the fat has become a staple at DC. This is fine by me, but I am still a little let down this title and a few others are getting the axe. Hopefully, before the end this Legion will be found.
Batman: Arkham City fans, and in fact any Batman fan., should be reading this digital first title. The Batman world that has been created with the video games has some rich stories that come out in the pages of this title. That reminds me I still need to get the Harley Quinn pack. I wonder if it is one sale or free yet?
Old magic, during ancient times, and a cast of misfit heroes drives Demon Knights to success every issue. In this issue a Hell breaks loose, and I am ready to see how this story arc plays out.
Archer & Armstrong and Bloodshot are damn good titles that people need to check out. Both titles are shifting story arcs, and I can't wait to see where these books go. Valiant keeps putting out great books. You should really be reading them.
Guy Gardner is no longer a Green Lantern and with the Rise of the Third Army coming to a close what will happen to him, and the Corps? Peter Tomasi has been a solid choice for Green Lantern Corps for years, and in the New 52 there is no exception. This book almost made it to the bottom of my pile, but with the slight dragging of the Rise of the Third Army story arc I couldn't put it any lower in my pile. Still a worth while read.
Now it is time for my reading list breakdown. Before Watchmen hasn't been the same since the delay, and I'm still reading cause I have gotten this far so why stop now? Sanity?
Fantastic Four #2 will hopefully entice me enough to keep reading, but I have a feeling this title will fall off my list just as Iron Man did; with issue three.
Amazing Spider-Man #699.1 is to be honest, POINT-LESS. I don't know why I'm even bothering to read it. It breaks the slight momentum the last two issues have built just to get readers set up to buy the upcoming Morbius comic. They didn't even have the decency to list the creators on the cover.
Rob Liefeld is off Deathstroke and Grifter! I can enjoy reading these titles again. I have no clue what is going on in either book, but I'm so happy Liefeld is out I am going to at least give them a read again. Grifter though is done with issue #16, but at least I get to see where it goes before the end, but I may have to keep this issue of Grifter; the Suicide Squad makes an appearance in the issue.
Superboy crosses over with the H'El on Earth story, and so I must read it. I'm just glad I don't have to read The Ravagers or Teen Titans.
I get to enjoy some Ed Brubaker this week with Winter Soldier #13, and yes it has been a while. With all that double shipping prior to this I can honestly say that it is really noticeable that this book has been gone from the rotation for a little while. Oh well, standard operating procedure at Marvel.
And last on my reading list is the Marvel NOW! Cable and X-Force book. Not sure what to think of it yet, but I am hopeful it will be at least readable. The characters in this book are an interesting combination so like Thunderbolts, maybe this book will peak my reading interest.

Well there it is my breakdown of the comics I'm buying and reading this week. I hope you enjoyed it. Now get over to your local comic shop or click over to our digital storefront, and get your selection for the 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.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 12/5/12

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 12/5/12:

(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 #15 DC
02. Animal Man #15 DC
03. Batwing #15 DC
04. Creator-Owned Heroes #7 Image
05. Detective Comics #15 DC
06. Earth 2 #7 DC
07. Fairest #10 Vertigo
08. Great Pacific #2 Image
09. Human Bomb #1 of 4 DC
10.The Phantom Stranger #3 DC
11. Shadowman #2 Valiant
12. Smallville: Season 11 #8 DC
13. Swamp Thing #15 DC
14. Worlds' Finest #7 DC


Reading List:
All New X-Men #3 Marvel
Amazing Spider-Man #699 Marvel
Avengers #1 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Comedian #4 of 6 DC
Before Watchmen: Minute Men #5 of 6 DC
Iron Man #3 Marvel
Legends of the Dark Knight #2 DC
Thunderbolts #1 Marvel


Happy Holidays! Thanksgiving and Black Friday are over, and Christmas and New Year's are almost upon us, which means this is the last month of comics for 2012. It has been an amazing year for comics, but that thought is for another post. You are here for my pull list, which you shall receive, NOW!
The books resting at the bottom of my pile waiting to be read are: Shadowman, Detective Comics, Animal Man and Swamp Thing. The last two shouldn't surprise you. I have been enjoying Animal Man and Swamp Thing for 16 issues now and I don't see any end to my enjoyment of these books (fingers are crossed) especially since I am really into the "Rotworld" story arc that is taking place right now. All I can say is that it is intense, engaging and just a great cross over event. If you are behind you seriously need to catch up.
As for the other two titles this week that I am waiting to read, I find it interesting that Detective Comics found its way to the bottom of my stack. I know it is partially due to the fact that it is crossing over with "Death of the Family", but I can honestly say that the book has gotten better and better since the creative team shuffle. Let's see where John Layman and Jason Fabok take us in the world where the Joker is back and planning something huge for our Caped Crusader.
And Shadowman crept past some book to make it down to the bottom of my reading pile. Valiant has, as I have said numerous times in the past few months, been knocking it out of the park with their line relaunch. Shadowman is interesting enough that I found myself waiting for this issue right after I read the last one. If you haven't tried a Valiant title you should. The first trade for X-O Manowar: By The Sword (Vol. 1) is out today. It collects the first four issues of the series for the low price of $9.99. Couldn't really hurt the wallet to check it out.
Now let's run down the rest of my reading pile. What can I say about Action Comics? Andy Diggle is almost here! I like Grant Morrison well enough, but he hasn't made Action Comics the strong flagship title it should be for DC and Superman. I'm glad we are going to see some change with the book, and I hope that Andy can make this book soar.
Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti have another mini-series from DC out this week: Human Bomb. After reading Phantom Lady and Doll man I am curious to see where this book goes. I think the boys are getting a team together. I may have to go back and read the Ray after this.
Batwing is still on my pull list? Yes. It isn't a great book, but it is entertaining enough that I enjoy seeing this aspect of Batman Incorporated, a lot more than seeing the actual title with that name.
Smallville: Season 11 is coming to a close. Am I ready to see the end to this comic? No, it has been a nice to immerse myself in the Smallville world again, but if Season 12 is up next I can't be to down about Season 11 ending.
I was surprised by the Great Pacific a few weeks ago, and I am going to dive in with this issue to see where it is going. I will admit I am not a huge fan of stories where the main character is a really smart kid (almost to smart for their age), but the first issue hooked me enough, so I'm going to go to trash island to see what all the fuss is about.
Creator-Owned Heroes is back, and I have really enjoyed this mash up of magazine and comic. If you haven't given this title a try you should. It is a rich mix of creativity and honest articles about the industry.
The Phantom Stranger, Worlds' Finest, Earth2 and Fairest are all good reads. Every month these books have made their mark on my pull list, and they have consistently delivered solid stories that make me enjoy reading comics.
As for the titles on my reading list I'm going to be able to start rimming the fat soon; especially with my Marvel NOW! titles.
First though, DC has three titles on my reading list right now. The delayed Before Watchmen books are flooding the shelves to catch up. So, this week sees Comedian and Minutemen taking up shelf space on the new release wall. Overall neither title is unreadable, but I still feel these books should have come out in trade paperback format rather than single issue. And as a heads up, to keep the pirate story in order read the Comedian before Minutemen.
I can honestly say that the reason Legends of the Dark Knight fell off my pull list so quickly was because it was another Batman book that only told little stories about Batman that were either blandly written or poorly drawn and sometimes both, with only one gem in each issue. I still like reading Batman tales so I am going to keep reading, but for $3.99 an issue I better be getting some damn good stories. I do hope the Steve Niles story in this issue kicks some ass though.
I don't know why I am keeping Iron Man on this list. The last two issues did nothing for me and the story isn't worth my time. Why do I torture myself?
Two Marvel NOW! numbers ones come out this week: Avenger and Thunderbolts. I am hopeful for both, but with the track record Marvel NOW! has had with me I'm not sure if either of these books are going to survive past issue two or three for me.
For those of you who haven't noticed All New X-Men seems to be a weekly title from Marvel NOW! I just read the last issue and wasn't impressed, but hey I can give it one more issue before I cut it out completely. If I do cut it out after this week is there anyway I can get a mind wipe about the whole thing (if I could I would say throw in wiping Iron Man too).
Last on the reading list is Amazing Spider-man. Hopefully, we will get to see some more story development in this issue. I know that people called me a "hater" for my opinions on the last issue, but Dan Slott has given readers a a lot of questions that need answers. Hopefully he can answer then in these last few issues. I'm honestly not holding my breath.
Well there is my weekly new comic book rant. You can "Follow Me" on Twitter to get some more rants about what I read every week. Now, get you asses down to you local shop or over to the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront to get your books. Happy Holidays!

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.