Video Review: 'American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest' #1

This week Cristian (and just about anyone else who read it) absolutely loved Scott Snyder’s American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #1. Additionally, Sean Murphy’s magnificent art perfectly compliments Snyder’s perfect script. Check out Cristian’s YouTube channel (here) to watch more of his reviews of last week’s titles. Cristian is happy to see a turnaround on Red Robin with issue #24, he’s continues to be happily perplexed by the excellent Morning Glories #10, and he didn’t think there was much of a payoff in New Avengers #13.

Thanks for sharing Cristian!

Cape Town Capsule Reviews, 06/08/11 Releases

By Cristian Casares

Journey Into Mystery #624

Marvel Comics

«««½

After Loki sacrificed himself in Siege, he is now reborn in the body of a child, but appears to be more of an ally then the evil god we have grown to know. A Fear Itself tie-in book, the first page takes some time to recap his part in helping Thor escape and breaking out the Hel-Wolf for his own use.

Kieron Gillen's run on Thor is some of my favorite work. Over all, I think he's a great writer. In this particular issue we get to see him explore these almighty gods a little more. Something that is growing out of this series is the relationship between Volstagg and young Loki. I've never know Volstagg to be one of the deeper characters and Gillen gives us a different side to him, doing a terrific job just exploring his character and, as I mentioned before, his growing relationship with Loki.

Gillen is able to give every character on the page a very distinct feel and voice. I found it very easy to imagine Odin's booming voice as I read his lines of dialogue, for example. Loki is the star of this book however, and some interesting things are being put on the table for him, and elements from his previous Thor run are also being brought back in the picture in a way that makes perfect sense. Even as a kid, we are beginning to get these moment where we aren't so sure if Loki will stay on his path to help his brother, or if he's already planning something completely on his own agenda. He still is the God of Mischief and definitely shows his cunning and conniving ways

Every line of dialogue is written so poetically and every page looks outstanding. This is a really heavy tie-in to Fear Itself, and is definitely recommended, especially if you're reading Marvel's big event.

First 'Avengers' Promtional Poster Appears Online

Bleeding Cool got their hands on a promotional image for 2012’s Avengers film, which features Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye and Black Widow jumping into action. While the art look more like something that might adorn a Trapper Keeper file (do they still make those?), this is our first official glimpse of promotional artwork from the film.  As promised Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) looks more like his Ultimate Universe counterpart (sans the cool goggles). Cap (Chris Evans) appears to also be wearing a costume which is akin to his Ultimate duds.

The Avengers soars into theaters on May 4, 2012.

The New DCU: The Next Generation of DC Writers

The new voices of DC Comics: Clockwise from top left: Nathan Edmondson, Jeff Lemire,
Kyle Higgins, Scott Snyder, Joshua Fialkov, Paul Cornell and Duane Swiercynski. 

Now that DC has announced all of their September relaunch titles, I thought this the perfect time to look not at the comic books, but the writers who seem poised to breathe some much needed fresh air into several beloved DC Comics’ properties. Some are relatively new to the game—while others are only new to DC—but these are the writers that I believe can help DC bring a more modern sensibility to the publisher’s line of books.

New Spider-Man Title In November

Well, this picture says it all folks. In November fans will get a new Spider-Man title.

The books writer Zeb Wells says this of the new title,

 "Avenging" will be a blockbuster approach that will see Spider-Man being a superhero throughout the Marvel universe."

This was said today during Marvel's "Next Big Thing" press conference call.

Very cool.

Can't wait for DC to catch on to this and get the ball rolling on "Justice Leagueing Superman"

Cape Town Community Podcast - Ep. 021 - "Did You Hear the One About DC Comics? Part 2”

Max returns to review the week’s new books with Jerry due to Don’s inability to travel across the country and still make time to read his comic books. Last week we promised a bigger mix of books and that’s what we’ve given you in this episode thanks to the launching of several new ongoings and minis: Ghost Rider, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Mystery Men, Supreme Power and all four Flashpoint crossovers are among the books Jerry and Max will be discussing. Don, Jerry and Max are all on hand for a round table discussion regarding all DC Comics’ latest creative team announcements for their line-wide September relaunch. We offer our thoughts on the new Batman and Superman books, the ancillary books, which creators and titles we’ll miss, and some of the changes that have us scratching our heads.

The show is embedded below and is now available on iTunes for subscription. Each episode will labeled "podcast" so you can link to previous episodes here on the blog. Refer to the Show Notes after the jump as well as a direct link to download the MP3.

The New DC U: Check Them All Out

I believe all of DC Comics new titles are finally revealed. Click on the red to see all the new books.

So what do we think? Yay or Nay?

What are you most forward to reading?

Superman Titles

The New DCU: Action Comics #1 and The Whole Super-Family

DC Comics finally provided fans with the new Superman titles, you can check them out here via DCs Blog.

A new era of DC Comics begins as the longest-running monthly comic of all time releases its first issue #1 since 1938.

This September, New York Times bestselling writer Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) joins with sensational artist Rags Morales to bring you tales of The Man of Tomorrow unlike any you’ve ever read before in ACTION COMICS #1. This momentous first issue will set in motion the history of the DC Universe as Superman defends a world that doesn’t trust their first Super Hero.
The first Action Comics #1 is now the most sought-after comic book of all time. This September, one of comics’ most imaginative storytellers will make history again in Grant Morrison and Rags Morales’ ACTION COMICS #1.

Rob Liefeld Brings Back Extreme Studios To Image Comics

Today Mr. Liefeld provided fans with this tweet,

Extreme studios fans, yesterday was full of business that prepares for a huge Extreme return. Been cooking this up w/Image for MONTHS! Which Extreme title do you want to see? Let me know?Expect Extreme related news around Comic Con. Lots of Youngblood, Supreme, New Men, Prophet, Kaboom! and Re:GEX love in early voting!

Back in the 1990s Rob Liefeld was one of the founding members of Image Comics, giving readers young, hip, and mostly ultraviolet superheroes.

In the last few years the fan favorite artist and creator as seen new interested in both his work and characters.

He presently has projects at Image Comics, DC Comics and Marvel Comics.

More to come as its announced.

Marvel Comics Brings Us 'Avengers Vs Annihilators'

The power houses of the cosmos are coming to Earth and they are looking to pick a fight with the Avengers.

Why?

Why Not!

Per Marvel Comics,

"Annihilators: Earthfall #1 will launch a four issue mini-series this September that sees Gladiator, Quasar, Ronan, Ikon and Beta-Ray Bill coming to Earth to square up against the Avengers."

The story is co-written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.

Abnett told Marvel.com

"A desperate and vital mission brings the Annihilators to Earth, and what generates the conflict with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is basically the clash of jurisdiction, and the incompatible interests of both teams; what’s good for Earth might not be good for the Galaxy—and vice versa!”

Here is the official description,

What has driven the Annihilators to attack Earth’s Mightiest? Find out at Marvel.com.

ANNIHILATORS: EARTHFALL #1 (of 4)
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by TAN ENG HUAT & TIMOTHY GREEN II
Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
Variant Cover by BILLY TAN
Rated T+ ...$3.99
ON SALE THIS SEPTEMBER!

The New DCU: Who’s Missing?

Batman fans have not had enough of Jock's fantastic artwork.

With four more titles to unveil tomorrow, DC appears to have no place in their highly publicized September relaunch for a handful of their more talented writers and artists. The following names have so far been absent from any of the publishers recent announcements:

Jock: I am hopeful that Jock and his artwork, which is absolutely bursting with character, will be appearing on another Bat-book soon. Jock has alternated with Francesco Francavilla on Scott Snyder’s triumphant run on Detective Comics. In my opinion, DC has not totally embraced artists whose work goes against the grain in terms of standard comic book fare. This is one of the reasons Jock and Francavilla were so welcome on Detective; their styles are wildly different but they have churned out some of the most exciting pages this title has ever seen.

The New DCU: Its The Suicide Squad Mr. J

Here is the last one for the day kids...and in total, that's 48 new titles from DC Comics. With only four more books left to be announced. I think those will be super (they better be).

Here is the first look at The Suicide Squad.

"Harley Quinn! Deadshot! King Shark! They’re a team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous – they’re sheer suicide! Who will be the first to crack under the pressure? Find out in SUICIDE SQUAD #1, written by Adam Glass (FLASHPOINT: LEGION OF DOOM) with art by Marco Rudy (THE SHIELD)."

Uncanny X-Men Ends

One of Marvel Comics's longest running X-Titles comes to an end. But I don't think sales has anything to do with it.

When one door closes another opens (just ask DC).

Here is how Marvel puts it,

"All things must come an end...even for the X-Men, and this October fans will bear witness the end of an era as Uncanny X-Men #544 concludes the long running series. It’s all come to this! Years in the making, the seeds of dissent finally bear fruit as the events of X-Men Schism tear the X-Men and the Marvel Universe apart! When the dust settles, the state of mutantkind will irreparably be changed forever. Don’t miss the historic final issue of the longest running X-Men title this October, in Uncanny X-Men #544!"

UNCANNY X-MEN #544
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Pencils and Cover by GREG LAND
Rated T+...$3.99
ON SALE THIS OCTOBER

The New DCU: The House of EL

Or what the Hell,

We are almost done here folks, almost all of the new DC Comics titles are revealed. Save for the Superman titles.

Pretty sure that will be tomorrow. But if you can't wait, Bleeding Cool has your first look at Superman #1, Supergirl #1 and Superboy #1.

You can check it out here or you can just wait till tomorrow. I believe there are few more Super Books to come.

A nice mix of the Supergirl and Powergirl costume

The New DCU: My First And Only What The Hell

Hello fans and friends alike.

I just wanted to take a moment, to breath and say, that with DC Comics new approach to their titles, I can honestly say I see more hits than misses.

However, I really wanted to take a moment and say...

WHAT THE HELL IS SUPERBOY WEARING????

GREAT RAO!

If you know me, you would know that all I have been asking for is to get the Boy of Steel into a real costume...not super tight jeans and an even tighter t-shirt.  Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut.

Smiley face. Laugh Out Loud.

Cover to Issue One Of Teen Titans