The Pull List (11-29-07): Back from the dead

So, how does a holiday last week mean late books this week? Who cares? Forget Black Friday, it's New Comics Wednesday (sorta) — to the list!

Doc Frankenstein #6: Dammit. I had already all but given up on Doc Frankenstein, in spite of it being a comic I enjoyed based on its sheer audacity and amazing bullet count. Check this out — that was a throw-away panel, for God's sake! And so far, the main story has been something to do with Frankenstein (he took his "dad's" name, so don't give me crap) fighting the surprisingly heavily armed Church and a redneck family of werewolves, which is at least five kinds of awesome.

But then, it just disappeared; no new issues, nothing new from Burlyman in general, nada. And after that, there was more nothing. Was it unreasonable to consign Doc Frankenstein to the list of "comics that just sorta stopped coming out?" I didn't think so. But now here it is, chagrined and puppy-eyed, with a cover that asks, "You want to know what happens ... right?"

Dammit!


The rest ...

Blue Beetle #21

Daredevil #102

Uncle Sam and The Freedom Fighters #3


Maybe ...

Dan Dare #1: I've gotten a little burned-out on Garth Ennis' s over-the-topiness, but I still consider myself a fan. If Ennis can keep it reined in, I think this could be pretty great.

Marvel Atlas #1: My common sense says "no," but my love of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe says, "Oh God, yes!"

Pumpkin Scissors Vol. 1: Ignoring the ridiculous name (I would have sworn it was a swoony romance manga set in a hair salon), a story about a special forces team fighting renegades in the post-war days of a shaky empire sounds kind of cool. But seriously ... Pumpkin Scissors?!?


Recommended ...

Captain America by Ed Brubaker Omnibus Vol. 1 (hardcover): I can't say enough good things about Brubaker's run on Captain America, a comic that he's turned into a neat little espionage story with tights. Smartly written and beautifully drawn, it's hard to imagine this wouldn't be worth the steep cover price.

What's on your list? Let me know in the comments!

The Pull List: 9-26-07

I'm schizophrenic when it comes to Wednesdays. On one hand, it's the day of my weekly department meeting at work. On the other, it's also the day new comics come out. I'm no math guy, but I'm pretty sure it works out like this:

meeting = no fun

comics = big fun

Therefore, comics are mathematically superior to meetings. Hmm. I'm not sure we needed science to figure that one out, actually. Still, this week looks like it's packed with especially fun titles, so - to the list!

Uncle Sam and The Freedom Fighters #1 (of 8): This is the second mini-series starring the revamped Freedom Fighters, and I think it's the perfect way to keep this current version going. Tight, self-contained story-arcs which, hopefully, aren't too reliant on new readers having deep knowledge of what's gone before will help maintain interest better than an ongoing series featuring what many consider fringe characters. And believe me, it kills me to say that, but I actually had someone outright mock my love of the original Freedom Fighters (I never forget, Lisa - never). Maybe someone in the DC offices had the same problem, because these Fighters - with the exception of grandfatherly ass-kicker Uncle Sam - are definitely more grim-and-gritty than the originals. Returning writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti do a good job of giving the angst well-weighted context, though, as well as infusing each character with a distinct personality and motivation. The work of new artist Renato Arlem looks as if it will be a good fit, and look at that cover by Dave Johnson! The first mini-series certainly had some clunky spots, but all in all I'm looking forward to this.


The rest ...

Annihilation Conquest: Star-Lord #3

Blue Beetle #19

Crossing Midnight #11

Immortal Iron Fist #9

Immortal Iron Fist Annual #1

The Spirit #10


Maybe ...

I Killed Adolf Hitler (trade paperback): Contract killers, time-travel and waiting decades to catch up with a wiley Adolf Hitler puts this slim trade (48 pages) on the short-list. Also, it's supposed to be funny, so I'll be giving it a close look.

Justice League of America #13: The recent Wedding Special was OK, and I hear there are high-hopes that the JLA will be worth reading about again - we'll see. Can anyone give me a solid recommendation for this? Speaking of which ...


Recommended ...

Daredevil: Hell to Pay Vol. 1: It's Ed Brubaker, it's some of the best Daredevil writing in a long time, and if you haven't been reading it monthly you really should be getting this trade.

Madman Vol. 1 (Image edition): A caveat! If you've been reading the latest Madman series, or have read it in the past, and been amused, interested or intrigued - pick this up. If it only frustrated you with what can honestly be described as superhero navel-gazing and sometimes meandering plotting, then take a pass.

Showcase Presents: Metal Men Vol. 1: With another caveat that you must have a high-tolerance for comics that are so packed with awesome that there's no room left for logic. Bob Kanigher, who brought us The War That Time Forgot, was on a roll when he came up with these stories.

Friday Night Fights: Lights out!

It's been a grueling brawl, an all-out fisticuffs free-for-all that saw head-cracking blows and punches that rattled teeth like dice in a bloody cup. I'll admit - there were times I didn't think I'd make it. Times when I doubted. Times when I was shaken. Times when I felt fear ... and possibly my own spleen.

But now I can stand here proudly, grabbing the mic and shouting:

"I WENT ALL 12 ROUNDS!!"

The mighty Bahlactus has declared there will be a two-week break until the next bout, but in the meantime there's still one last thing to take care of; I think I'll ask The Ray to do the honors.

Ray, are ya feelin' me?

Panel from Uncle Sam and The Freedom Fighters #7 (of 8)

Bahlactus rings your head like he's ringing the bell!

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