What’s Out Wednesday 5/17/17

By: JD Hardin

This past week has been amazing. Red Dog #4, Eclipse #7, and so much more just days after Houston’s Comicpalooza (more on that to come). After a slight delay, DC’s Button series continues, and rumor has it that it will lead up to the Countdown to Doomsday event. Looks like DC is working a pretty awesome long game. After a huge delay, Justice League VS Mighty Morphin Power Rangers continues with issue #4 (it’s about time). Meanwhile, Image celebrates its 25th anniversary and Spawn’s Anniversary with reprints of Spawn #1 and an array of Spawn variant covers for other titles. Marvel continues their Secret Empire with issue #2 and drops a new Luke Cage #1 and Generation X #1.

It’s never a bad week to be a comic book reader.

 

LET’S RAID THE RACKS!!!

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Red Dog Sniffs Out Another Success

By: JD Hardin

Seriously, if you’re not reading 451Media, you’re missing out. The small New York publisher is putting out the best stories in comics right now and Red Dog is currently leading the way. With intense emotion, an unpredictable story and characters you can’t help to identify with, it’s no wonder Red Dog hasn’t ever received a bad review.

Red Dog #4 is scheduled to hit the racks this Wednesday and should fly off the shelves. The incredible staff at 451 know exactly how to draw you into every story and allow you to truly experience every panel as if you were in the book. Red Dog sets itself apart from other comics by bringing you into story that has a good wholesome Lassie feel, but with the danger of Star Trek. Issue #3 left us on the very edge of our seats and #4 does the exact same.

Kyle has put himself in extreme danger in order to rescue Red, a seemingly impossible mission. With the rest of the pack in tow, Kyle ventures further and further away from the colony amid swarms of enemies, predators and a lethal environment. Kyle’s father and uncle lead a search party, desperate to find the colony’s only child.

True to 451 Media’s form, the issue delivers the exact opposite of what was expected. Where past issues move you from one emotion to a complete opposite emotion, the fourth issue leads you from mild excitement to pure terror to incredible dread. The issue crescendo’s into a cliffhanger that will take your breath away.

Issue #4 is irrefutably the best issue in the series to date.

Crank this bad boy to 11!!!

 

Speak No Evil

By: JD Hardin

Most of the time my comic book choices revolve around realistic titles from Image and other independent publishers, and a select few DC titles. The sci-fi and paranormal books are not what I would call my wheelhouse. But when a publisher sends me a book outside of my norm, I jump at the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. I certainly don’t waste any opportunity to read a free book.

Recently Houston local publisher, Gray Bear Comics, sent me issue 1 & 2 of their flagship title, Speak No Evil. Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first. I’ve received a large amount of comics from small publishers that were absolutely terrible.

At this point I can happily say that Speak No Evil is a lot of fun. There’s little doubt that the book is geared toward a more mature audience with a little strong language, and copious amounts of blood. Samir Simão‘s art is a mix of Brent Schoonover and Dan Schoening (Back to the Future [2016]) and Bob Montana (Archie Comics) sprinkled with the tone of Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets, Dark Night: A True Batman Story). At first glance, the panels seem a little unpolished, but with a good look they feature far more detail and texture than expected. The grit in every panel fits the story like a well-tailored tuxedo on a British Spy.

The writing features aspects and influences from all over. H.G. Wells, H.P. Lovecraft, and even a little Mark Twain resonates through the pages of Speak No Evil. It’s more than obvious that Justin Corbett and George Tripsas have obviously submerged themselves in literature beyond comic books, setting their writing on a level well beyond that of an average graphic novel.

This is definitely a 5 out of 5 book! Click here to get your copy!!

Stained Leaves A Mark

By: JD Hardin

451Media is back at it again with Stained #1. Written by acclaimed colorist and 2016 Harvey Award Nominee David Baron and illustrated by Yusuf Idris, Stained is a breathtaking story that offers a peek into the seedy grit of law enforcement in a world in the future. A runaway criminal underground has pushed law enforcement into fear. With the police afraid to pursue the worst criminals, cybernetically enhanced bounty hunter Emma London makes a career of doing their job for them.  But every hunter is someone else’s prey.

David Baron began his comic book career at the young age of 15 by coloring covers in 1996. Since then, Baron has made quite a name in the unsung art of coloring. Over the last two decades David has certainly earned quite the resume and witnessed first hand the do’s and don’ts of comics. This storied career has certainly allowed him to generate a compelling story in Stained.

Yusuf Idris is little known outside of a few circles. However, don’t base judgement on his fame. Idris’ amazing range could put him next to the likes of Isaac Goodhart (Postal) and Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets). His art has developed into a style that will, no doubt, become synonymous with excellence.

This is a comic so breathtaking, any synopsis would be an insult to the writer and any artist involved.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2017!!!!

By: JD Hardin

It’s that time of year again, first Saturday in May, Free Comic Book Day. In case you weren’t aware, the first Saturday in EVERY May most comic book stores (check with your local retailer to see if they are participating) have FREE comic books to give away (check with participating retailers as most have a limit of 3-5 books per person).  For those in the Houston area, come hang out with us at All Star Comics & Games in Baytown, or Dimensions Comics in Seabrook!!!

Here’s what will be on the racks!!!

FCBD 2017 GOLD COMICS

FCBD 2017 SILVER COMICS

What’s Out Wednesday 5/3/17

By: JD Hardin

It’s the best week of the year to be a comic book fan. If you aren’t, now is the time to become one. This Saturday is FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!!!! That’s right, free comic books. Come see The Nerdery at All Star Comics and Games in Baytown, TX and Dimensions Comics in Seabrook, TX.

It’s an awesome week regardless of FCBD. Marvel is releasing an onslaught of #1’s and Secret Empire drops its #1 as well. DC’s The Button saga continues with Batman #22. 451Media’s Stained has already broken the publisher’s record for pre-orders and stock orders. Having read it, you’re not going to want to miss this amazing title.

Come see the 451Media crew at Comicpalooza NEXT WEEK!!!! (Click the link on the left hand side of the screen to get your tickets!!!)

 

LET’S RAID THE RACKS!!!