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New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in June 2022

New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in June 2022

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Summer is just around the corner, and there are excellent new comics series coming in June! We have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this month. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

This month we spotlight books from the usual suspects: DC Comics, Marvel Comics, AfterShock Comics, Image Comics, Boom! Studios, Mad Cave Studios, Ahoy Comics, Vault Comics,  Dark Horse Comics, and Scout Comics.

It’s a FIVE-WEDNESDAY MONTH; so, we have five glorious weeks of new comics. The bulk of the new releases are in the middle weeks with the first and last being very light with new series.

We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.

You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.

Week of 6/1/22
Week of 6/8/22
Week of 6/15/22
Week of 6/22/22
Week of 6/92/22

Week of June 1

The Closet #1
Image Comics
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Gavin Fullerton & Chris O’Halloran
Cover Art by Fullerton

Thom is moving cross-country with his family and dragging the past along with them. His son, Jamie, is seeing monsters in the bedroom closet and will not let them go. A tale of existential familial horror by JAMES TYNION IV and GAVIN FULLERTON.

Release Date: June 1, 2022

PCS NOTES: The current reigning master of horror comic storytelling is at it again. We are intrigued by this book. 

Code 45 #1
Scout Comics
Written by Benjamin Hunting
Art by Joe Ng

There are dragons lurking in the tunnels beneath Montreal’s city streets – at least that’s the rumor that confronts new metro driver Vanessa. Terrified by these mysterious and horrifying apparitions, the night shift turns to self-medication, losing the ability to tell the difference between reality and fantasy. Pulled in deep by the underground raves that blast through the system’s abandoned stations, Vanessa quickly finds herself on the verge of crossing into a dark world she never knew existed.

Release Date: June 1, 2022

PCS NOTES: This is an ominous solicitation, and we are interested in checking it out.

New Think #1
AWA / Upshot Studios
Written by Gregg Hurwitz
Art by Mike Deodato
Cover Art by Rahzzah

This Black Mirror-style anthology examines the rapid proliferation of technology, the cultural and political polarization of the country, and the technocrats that have driven us to such extremes of thought that we need to present the present as something…futuristic. Each of the five issues is a stand-alone tale with its own art team

Release Date: June 1, 2022

PCS NOTES: I am intrigued by the rotating art concept in this series and Gregg Hurwitz’s return to comics. Continue reading “New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in June 2022” →

Free Comic Book Day is Tomorrow – Back Where It Belongs

Free Comic Book Day is Tomorrow – Back Where It Belongs

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day. This has traditionally been the biggest day of the year on the comic book retailers’ calendar. The free comics that are available at local comic shops encourage the offering of sales, promotions, parties, signings, and all forms of revelry. Historically, Free Comic Book Day has been the first Saturday in May, but in the past two years it has been moved to later in the year due to the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the cool parts about FCBD for consumers is that not only are there free comic books to get, but there are usually some terrific deals on back issues and also collectibles at the shops. It is also important to remember that while the free comic books are no cost to the consumers, the retailers most definitely have a cost to pay for the comics.

Almost all comic publishers are participating in some form. Some comics are reprint material that is intended to give readers a glimpse of what the comic is about. Some are all new special stories and some are previews to upcoming events or books that the publisher is planning for this year.

Click Here to find a Local Comic Shop in your area.

In the spirit of planning, we offer this post which highlights the comic books that will be available this year on Free Comic Book Day. This will let you know which books are of interest to your sensibilities. Check out the list of seventeen of the announced free comics below:

 

Free Comic Book Day 2022: Avatar The Last Airbender/The Legend Of Korra #1
Dark Horse Comics

Both your favorite avatars return in two all-new stories from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra! Dive into the fun for Free Comic Book Day, and expect excitement, familiar faces, and a hefty helping of shenanigans!

Exclusive Original Material

PCS Notes: This is a welcome release of new material in this property. It is a slightly surprising in the best way.  

Free Comic Book Day 2022: Avengers / X-Men #1
Marvel Comics

OF DEVIATION AND MUTATION / BLOODLINE / LET’S TALK ABOUT KRAKOA
Written by Kieron Gillen with art by Valerio Schiti, JUDGMENT DAY will see the Avengers try desperately to avert a war between the Eternals and the X-Men. Fans will get their first glimpse at the conflict in FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: AVENGERS/X-MEN with a prelude story by Kieron Gillen and artist Dustin Weaver. Also coming this summer will be the X-Men’s second annual HELLFIRE GALA! Last year, mutantkind terraformed Mars and announced a new team of X-Men… what do they have in store for the Marvel Universe this time around? Find out in a lead-in story by X-MEN scribe Gerry Duggan and artist Matteo Lolli! FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: AVENGERS/X-MEN #1 will also mark the exciting debut of a new hero that Marvel has big plans for this year! Meet BLOODLINE in an introduction story by writer Danny Lore and artist Karen Darboe!

PCS Notes: This is one of those preview comics that we talked about earlier. You probably want to get your hands on this.

Free Comic Book Day 2022: The Bone Orchard Mythos #1
Image Comics

A troubled writer books a secluded cabin on a serene lake in an attempt to get away from his struggling marriage and his impending deadlines. But what he can’t know when he arrives is that he is already in the cabin. In fact he may have always been there.

Face-to-face with his own demons, the writer discovers the first terrifying pieces of The Bone Orchard Mythos a sprawling new horror interconnected universe from the Eisner Award winning team behind Gideon Falls and Primordial, Andrea Sorrentino and Jeff Lemire!

PCS Notes: Yeah. This looks like some good stuff. Continue reading “Free Comic Book Day is Tomorrow – Back Where It Belongs” →

New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in May 2022

New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in May 2022

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Welcome to May! We have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this month. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

This month we spotlight books from the usual suspects: DC Comics, Marvel Comics, AfterShock Comics, Image Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Boom! Studios, IDW Publishing, Valiant Entertainment, Vault Comics, Comixology, Milestone Studios, Dark Horse Comics, and Archie Comics.

This month is front loaded with new comics. And you will find some special out of the ordinary books on the list below if you look closely enough.

We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.

You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.

Week of 5/4/22
Week of 5/11/22
Week of 5/18/22
Week of 5/25/22

Week of May 4

Archer & Armstrong Forever #1
Valiant Entertainment
Written by Steve Foxe
Art by Marcio Fiorito
Cover Art by Bernard Chang

When Armstrong seemingly loses his immortality, Archer refuses to let his best buddy go gentle into that good night. But when you live for millennia, you rack up plenty of enemies who’ll be thrilled to find out you’re no longer indestructible. Archer & Armstrong’s globetrotting quest for (more) immortality begins here!

Release Date: May 4, 2022

PCS NOTES: We are certainly interested in the latest foray into this buddy series, and Steve Foxe has been cranking out a bunch of good books lately.

Avatar: Adapt or Die #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Corinna Bechko
Art by Beni Lobel & Wes Dzioba
Cover Art by Mark Molchan

Decades into the advent of the Avatar program on Pandora, pressure to bridge the divide between human and Na’vi has hit a peak. As an ally of the Omatikaya clan, Dr. Grace Augustine begins negotiations to open a school for Na’vi children, but her plans for peace, hope, and unity could trigger an unprecedented disaster—one afflicting the most vulnerable and protected of Na’vi.

Untold story starring popular Avatar heroine Grace Augustine!

Release Date: May 4, 2022

PCS NOTES: As the “Avatar 2” movie has been in the news lately, it seems like fortuitous timing for this new release.

Dogs of London #1
AfterShock Comics
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Artecida
Cover Art by Andy Clarke

How deep must you bury a body to make sure it doesn’t haunt you?

Frank and Terry are about to find out. They were once members of The Dogs, a feared gang who ruled much of London’s underworld back in the swinging 60s. They thought they’d escaped their troubled pasts, but the past isn’t dead – it’s just bashed about a bit and very pissed off. Spanning different times and classes, DOGS OF LONDON is a brutal, bloody tale of violence, love, revenge…and sleeping dogs who refuse to roll over and play dead.

Written by Peter Milligan and brought to bloody life by Artecida, the Dogs have awoken, and they seek more than mere revenge

Release Date: May 4, 2022

PCS NOTES: If you have ever read anything from Peter Milligan, it is impossible to read this above solicitation and not be excited for this book.  Continue reading “New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in May 2022” →

R.I.P. Comics Legend Neal Adams 1941 – 2022

R.I.P. Comics Legend Neal Adams 1941 – 2022

Posted on by Bob Harrison
Photo by Gage Skidmore at 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion

The comic book industry has lost another giant. Neal Adams passed away yesterday on April 28. 2022. He was 80 years old and passed after complications from sepsis. Adams’s work as a penciller and storyteller left a massive impact on the medium, and his efforts in creator rights advocacy led to policies that have benefited untold numbers of creators that followed him.

Adams worked in commercial advertising art at the beginning of his career and also worked for Archie Comics in the early 1960’s. He later worked for both Marvel and DC Comics, but his work on Batman and Green Lantern / Green Arrow in the 1970’s is where he began to leave his lasting legacy. The work he did with Denny O’Neil on those books was transformative in comic book storytelling. He also published creator-owned independent works with Pacific Comics and Continuity Comics among others.

He was also an activist for creator rights and is credited with helping to push for the credit for creating Superman that Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster were long denied. The practice of returning original art to creators is another innovation that he fought for along with various attempts to create creative community collective bargaining units. In his later years, he lent his art to several projects intended to highlight resistance to Nazi aggression during the Holocaust.

Neal Adams was a legend in his time. He was inducted into every Hall of Fame in the comics industry that you can think of and was responsible for helping to nurture the career of young creators. His legacy is immeasurable, and he will be missed.

New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in April 2022

New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in April 2022

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Welcome to April! We have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this month. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

This month we spotlight books from the usual suspects: AfterShock Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, Boom! Studios, AWA/Upshot Studios, IDW Publishing, and Dark Horse Comics.

This month is super front loaded with new comics. The first week has double the number of new series as each other week; so, make sure you go out this week and get your fill of new comics.

We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.

You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.

Week of 4/6/22
Week of 4/13/22
Week of 4/20/22
Week of 4/27/22

Week of April 6

Alice Ever After #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Dan Panosian
Art by Giorgio Spalletta & Fabiana Mascolo
Cover Art by Panosian

Return to Wonderland in this twisted sequel by superstar artist and writer Dan Panosian perfect for fans of Mirka Andolfo’s Mercy and Luna.

Alice first visited Wonderland as a child. Now an adult, it’s her only escape from a cold, strange reality she finds herself living in.

But in order to return to her fantasy world, she’ll need something stronger than mushrooms that change her size, and is forced to resort to crime to feed her growing addiction.

Will Alice choose to escape from her uncaring family and childhood trauma in Wonderland, or find the courage to face her demons in the real world?

Release Date: April 6, 2022

PCS NOTES: Dan Panosian’s amazing talent as an artist is unquestioned, but his writing in recent years makes this book required reading.

Batman Beyond: Neo-Year #1
DC Comics
Written by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly
Art by Max Dunbar & Sebastian Cheng
Cover Art by Dunbar & Cheng

CHAPTER 1: GOTHAM’S SWORD

Neo-Gotham is alive and has killed Bruce Wayne. It’s rejected Terry McGinnis as Batman and offered him the chance to escape. Terry turned it down—he is the city’s protector, and he will uphold the legacy of Batman. Now Neo-Gotham will do everything in its power to destroy Terry, including creating brand-new villains to fight him. Terry’s first year without Bruce Wayne begins…does he have a fighting chance? From the rising-star creative team of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing and Max Dunbar, a new future for Batman Beyond has begun!

Release Date: April 5, 2022

PCS NOTES: As solicitations go for a new chapter in a existing property go, this is a pretty good one. We are intrigued. Continue reading “New Number Ones: New Comics Series Coming in April 2022” →

New Number Ones: Comics Series Coming in March 2022

New Number Ones: Comics Series Coming in March 2022

Posted on by Bob Harrison

For March, we have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this month. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

This month we spotlight books from the usual suspects: AfterShock Comics, DC Comics, Vault Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, Valiant Entertainment, Oni Press, AWA/Upshot Studios, and Dark Horse Comics.

This month we have five Wednesdays which means five #NCBD celebrations.

We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.

You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.

Week of 3/2/22
Week of 3/9/22
Week of 3/16/22
Week of 3/23/22
Week of 3/30/22

Week of March 2

Batman: Killing Time #1
DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Art by David Marquez & Alejandro Sanchez
Cover Art by Marquez & Sanchez

Three villains, one Dark Knight, and a deadly heist gone wrong. Catwoman, the Riddler, and the Penguin join forces to pull off the greatest robbery in the history of Gotham City. And their prize? A mysterious and priceless artifact in the secret possession of Bruce Wayne! But, as the events unfold, what fun is a heist without a bloody double cross or two?

Release Date: March 1, 2022

PCS NOTES: Tom King returns to Batman with a limited series and fantastic artist in tow. This looks fun and we expect plenty of “Hmmm” quotes.

Chef’s Kiss TP
Oni Press
Written By Jarrett Melendez
Art by Danica Brine & Hank Jones
Cover art by Kevin Wada

Watch things start to really heat up in the kitchen in this sweet, queer, new adult graphic novel!

Now that college is over, English graduate Ben Cook is on the job hunt looking for something…anything…related to his passion for reading and writing. But interview after interview, hiring committee after hiring committee, Ben soon learns getting the dream job won’t be as easy as he thought. Proofreading? Journalism? Copywriting? Not enough experience. It turns out he doesn’t even have enough experience to be a garbage collector! But when Ben stumbles upon a “Now Hiring—No Experience Necessary” sign outside a restaurant, he jumps at the chance to land his first job. Plus, he can keep looking for a writing job in the meantime. He’s actually not so bad in the kitchen, but he will have to pass a series of cooking tests to prove he’s got the culinary skills to stay on full-time. But it’s only temporary…right?

When Ben begins developing a crush on Liam, one of the other super dreamy chefs at the restaurant, and when he starts ditching his old college friends and his old writing job plans, his career path starts to become much less clear

Release Date: March 2, 2022

PCS NOTES: I have been waiting for this book for a long time. I have had a chance to read it already and it is possibly the best original graphic novel that I have ever read. It is lovely in art, sentiment, and tone. It reaches emotional notes that catch you off guard. We don’t typically include trade paperbacks in this column but this one requires an exception. Don’t miss this book!!

Loaded Bible: Blood of My Blood #1
Image Comics
Written by Tim Seeley & Steve Orlando
Art by Giuseppe Carafo
Cover Art by Mirka Andolfo

Decades after the events of the original cult series, Jesus’ vampire-hunting clone is a bigger outlaw than ever, and now, he has to face a threat like no other. The church has cut a deal with the vampire nations to unite under their cloned savior – Dracula. A 6-part monthly miniseries starting on Ash Wednesday!

Release Date: March 2, 2022

PCS NOTES: Despite not having read the original series of one shots for Loaded Bible, we are totally in on this. The insanity potential with Tim Seeley and Steve Orlando is something that is surely not to be missed.

Radio Spaceman #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Mike Mignola
Art by Greg Hinkle & Dave Stewart
Cover Art by Mignola

When a ship crashes and lands on a mysterious planet and some of the surviving crew go missing, the mysterious mechanical hero Radio Spaceman is called to investigate. But the planet hides much more than the missing crew, and Radio Spaceman may be stumbling into more than even he can handle.

Release Date: March 2, 2022

PCS NOTES: We are really looking forward to this new effort from Mike Mignola and Greg Hinkle. 

Red Room: Trigger Warnings #1
Fantagraphics Books
Written by Ed Piskor
Art by Piskor
Cover Art by Piskor

The best selling, most talked about series of 2020 kicks off its second four-issue “season” with another self-contained mini-masterpiece of monthly comics storytelling. In this issue, the Decimator presents… The Rat Queens! And unfortunately for them, they are front and center in his most horrific red room broadcast yet! As seen on the YouTube channel sensation, Cartoonist Kayfabe, from the creator of X-Men: Grand Design and Hip Hop Family Tree!

Release Date: March 2, 2022

PCS NOTES: The first series was remarkable and this has the same potential. 

Rouge Son #1
Image Comics
Written by Ryan Parrott
Art by Abel & Chris O’Halloran
Cover Art by Declan Shalvey & O’Halloran

Yesterday: New Orleans’ greatest hero, ROGUE SUN, was murdered.

Today: rebellious teenager DYLAN SIEGEL discovers that Rogue Sun was his estranged father, Marcus — and that he’s inherited his father’s mantle. Tasked with protecting our world from the forces of the supernatural — and solving his father’s murder — Dylan will be forced to come to terms with the man he’s spent the majority of his life hating.

From acclaimed writer RYAN PARROTT and rising star artist ABEL comes A SUPERNATURAL MURDER MYSTERY that explores the complicated bond between father and son and cements itself squarely in a corner of the IMAGE COMICS’ SUPERHERO UNIVERSE!

Release Date: March 2, 2022

Strange #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Jed McKay
Art by Marcelo Ferreira
Cover Art by Bjorn Barends

A NEW SORCERER SUPREME RISES! Doctor Strange is dead! And a new Sorcerer Supreme has taken the title, or should we say Sorceress? Haunted by her recently returned memories, Clea longs to bring Stephen Strange back from the dead! But when a mysterious group attacks the magical realm, Clea must rise to the duties of Sorcerer Supreme. For she is now the sole protector of Earth against magical threats. Don’t miss the twists and turns as Jed MacKay continues the story from THE DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE with artist Marcelo Ferreira!

Release Date: March 2, 2022

PCS NOTES: Yep. More Clea is something I am on board with.  Continue reading “New Number Ones: Comics Series Coming in March 2022” →

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in January 2022

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in January 2022

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Happy New Year!

As we step gently into 2022 being careful to keep safe and healthy, we have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this month. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

This month we spotlight books from the usual suspects: AfterShock Comics, Boom! Studios, DC Comics, Vault Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, AWA/Upshot Studios, Scout Comics, Behemoth Comics, Titan Comics, and ComixTribe.

This month is a little light on new series as publishers usually plan for slow sales in January due to holiday shopping hangover.

There are a few new number ones from Marvel that are interesting additions to their stable of books, and there are a couple of one-shot books that we added to the list that we think you might want to check out.

We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.

You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.

Week of 1/5/22
Week of 1/12/22
Week of 1/19/22
Week of 1/26/22

Week of January 5

Bylines in Blood #1
AfterShock Comics
Written by Erica Schultz & Van Jensen
Art by Aneke Murillenem
Cover Art by Murillenem

The future. The very concept of truth has died. Politicians invent their own facts, and independent newspapers no longer exist. In this world, private detectives serve as ronin, searching out the hard truths that people are desperate to keep hidden.

The best of these is Satya, known as Lady Dick, a former journalist turned gumshoe who runs every lead to ground. But Satya has just received her hardest case yet: her old editor has been murdered. Someone wanted him silenced, and the trail points toward the highest bastions of power. To find justice for her friend, she’ll have to put everything – and everyone – she knows at risk.

Release Date: January 5, 2021

PCS NOTES: We have been looking forward to this book for a while now and are excited to get our hands on it.

Elektra: Black, White & Blood #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Various
Art by Various
Cover Art by John Romita Jr. & Richard Isanove

RED DAWN / NOT THE DEVIL / THE CRIMSON PATH
Fact • noun • fakt – Definition of Fact 1 a: something that has actual existence b: an actual occurrence c: ELEKTRA NATCHIOS IS THE BEST ASSASSIN IN THE MARVEL UNIVERSE!

Release Date: January 5, 2021

PCS NOTES: Despite the plethora of three worded title anthology limited pallet series from the Big2, this book has three shorts by some great creators and we are here for it.

The Fourth Man #1
AWA/Upshot Studios
Written by Jeff McComsey
Art by Mike Deodato & Lee Loughridge
Cover Art by Deodato

Three dead bodies lay in a rural morgue – all murdered in the span of three weeks. It’s up to two detectives from opposite sides of the tracks to determine who put them there, if the murders are linked and what, if anything, they have to do with a pair of dueling car dealerships. A dark comedy mystery thriller by Jeff McComsey and Mike Deodato Jr. that is inspired by an outlandish true crime story, The Fourth Man story will keep you guessing till the last page.

Release Date: January 5, 2021

PCS NOTES: The premise is intriguing and the creative team seals the deal on checking out this new crime series.

Monkey Meat #1
Image Comics
Written by Juni Ba
Art by Ba
Cover Art by Ba

DJELIYA creator JUNI BA introduces a new fantasy universe in this ANTHOLOGY SERIES! The Monkey Meat Company made its fortune selling cans of processed meat all around the world. Using that money to fuel their wacky experiments, they turned their native island into a magical hyper-capitalist hellscape where even demons have to pay rent! Follow the lives of the creatures of Monkey Meat Island in this fun, action-packed romp. Each issue is its own story!

Release Date: January 5, 2021

PCS NOTES: This book looks super interesting, and we love the idea of one and dones. Definitely on the pull list.

Pantha #1
Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Tom Sniegoski & Jeannine Acheson
Art by Igor Lima
Cover Art by Judy Jong

A cruel Egyptian queen eternally cursed to transform into a savage beast. For millennia, Pantha has endured her punishment for angering a powerful goddess, hiding herself away from the world and the ugliness of her humanity. But now someone-something-is killing the gods, and now so it falls upon Pantha to save the pantheon! In exchange for her help comes the promise of redemption and freedom from her curse, but even that comes with a price! Featured in her own series for the first time in a decade, and spinning out of the pages of SACRED SIX, Pantha’s back!

Release Date: January 5, 2021

Week of January 12

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art by Rafael de Latorre & Frederico Blee
Cover Art by Chris Bachalo & Tim Townsend

The next pulse-pounding chapter in the saga of New York City’s Guardian Devil, this time starring ELEKTRA as Daredevil! Joined by Rafael De Latorre, Chip Zdarsky continues his landmark run and the DAREDEVIL story that spins directly out of the shocking revelations in the pages of DEVIL’S REIGN! Elektra is the world’s deadliest assassin—and she’s taken a vow not to kill. Someone puts themselves directly in her path with deadly consequences. What else would you expect from the MARVEL UNIVERSE’S GREATEST HUNTER?!

Release Date: January 12, 2021

PCS NOTES: Zdarsky’s Daredevil run has been some of the best comic storytelling that Marvel has put out in the last few years. We look forward to it continuing here.

Distorted #1
Scout Comics
Written by Salvatore Vivenzio
Art by Gabriele Falzone

Somewhere in the world, there is someone who feels different/special/cursed, who is losing their mind right now. You’re not alone. Take James for example. He would like to run away from his parents and from a life that doesn’t belong to him. On the other hand, Tom is forced to face his past and hunt down his own kind, like a hound on the leash of an unknown master. Brennar is on the hunt for money and a peace he can’t find anywhere. They are three people whose superpowers are more like a burden. In this world, there are no superheroes.

Release Date: January 12, 2021

PCS NOTES: Yeah, this looks good.

Justice League vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes #1
DC Comics
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Scott Godlewski
Cover Art by Godlewski

One thousand years in the future, a Legion of Super-Heroes comes together to dedicate their lives to recapturing the great age of heroes of the 21st century. When the heroes discover that reality is falling to a great darkness in both times simultaneously, the Justice League and the Legion of Super-Heroes must team up to stop it all. But what is the connection between the secrets of the new Gold Lanterns and the coming of the Great Darkness? A monumental DC epic event miniseries!

Release Date: January 11, 2021

PCS NOTES: Well, we are hopeful for some good team comic storytelling in this series.

Quad #1
Behemoth Comics
Written by Eduardo Schaal
Art by Schaal
Cover Art by Schaal

In the last decades of the 21st century, a Massive Solar Storm hit planet Earth, destroying all technology in its way. Global communications were lost, nuclear reactors collapsed, the climate suffered the worst drastic changes and financial systems were gone. The survivors had to adapt to the harsh new reality. New societies were built over the ruins of those that crumbled. Four generations have passed.

The mechanic Terah and her black cat Elvis accept a quick and simple repairing job in the middle of nowhere. There’s something odd about this job. It’s never really simple.

Release Date: January 12, 2021

PCS NOTES: We have seen post-apocolyptic survival stories before, but this looks intriguing. Plus as a black cat owner, I kind of have to give it a shot.

Rain #1
Image Comics
Written by Joe Hill & David M. Booher
Art by Zoe Thorogood & Chris O’Halloran
Cover Art by Thorogood

THE FIRST IN CHRIS RYALL & ASHLEY WOOD’S NEW SYZYGY PUBLISHING IMPRINT LINE OF TITLES AT IMAGE COMICS!

On a seemingly normal August day in Boulder, Colorado, the skies are clear, and Honeysuckle Speck couldn’t be happier. She’s finally moving in with her girlfriend Yolanda. But their world is literally torn apart when dark clouds roll in and release a downpour of nails—splinters of bright crystal that shred the skin of anyone not safely under cover. RAIN makes vivid this escalating apocalyptic event, as the deluge of nails spreads across the country and around the world, threatening everything young lovers Honeysuckle and Yolanda hold dear.

So begins a gripping 5-issue presentation of New York Times bestselling author JOE HILL’s acclaimed novella, adapted by rising stars DAVID M. BOOHER, ZOE THOROGOOD, and CHRIS O’HALLORAN.

Release Date: January 12, 2021

PCS NOTES: We are fans of everyone involved with this book and can’t wait to read it. 

The Scorched #1
Image Comics
Written by Sean Lewis
Art by Stephen Segovia
Cover Art by Puppeteer Lee

The first ALL-NEW issue of TODD McFARLANE’s superhero team book!

There’s a threat so big that no single hero can stop it, and the formation of this new supergroup is the only thing standing in its way. Members will include SPAWN, REDEEMER, GUNSLINGER, MEDIEVAL SPAWN, and SHE-SPAWN, with many more heroes waiting in the wings!

Join the battle in this FIRST ISSUE extravaganza as the forces of heaven, hell, and earth collide!

Release Date: January 12, 2021

PCS NOTES: Fans of Spawn and his expanded universe won’t want to miss this.

We Ride Titans #1
Vault Comics
Written by Tres Dean
Art by Sebastian Piriz
Cover Art by Piriz

Kaiju hit hard. Family hits harder. Trying to keep your family from imploding is a tall order. Kit Hobbs is about to find out it’s an even taller order when that family has been piloting the Titan that protects New Hyperion from kaiju for generations. Between a spiraling brother, a powder keg of a father, and a whole bunch of twenty-story monsters, she’s got her work cut out for her.

Release Date: January 12, 2021

PCS NOTES: New Year, New Comics from Vault. All is good.

Week of January 19

Angel #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Christopher Cantwell
Art by Daniel Bayliss
Cover Art by Nimit Malavia

Welcome to Detective TV, starring Angel and his co-star, Cordelia! But wait, Angel isn’t just a celebrity? No, he leads a double life… as a real monster hunter for Angel Investigations! Sometimes this double life can get his friends in trouble. As Wesley is recovering from a horrific curse, Angel stumbles into a series of supernatural events, and finds himself sucked into an unexpected and mysterious world.

He soon faces a terrifying enemy, who sees him as an intruder…

Release Date: January 19, 2021

PCS NOTES: It will be interesting to see what Christopher Cantwell does in the Buffy-verse.

Batman: The Knight #1
DC Comics
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico & Ivan Plascencia
Cover Art by Di Giandomenico

The origin of Batman and his never-ending fight against crime in Gotham City is modern mythology, but what about the story in between? How did an angry, damaged young man grow into the most accomplished detective and crime-fighter the world has ever known? How did the Dark Knight…begin?

Release Date: January 18, 2021

PCS NOTES: What a great team of creators for this book! Should be entertaining. 

Ben Reilly: Spider-Man #1
Marvel Comics
Written by J.M. DeMatteis
Art by David Baldeon & Israel Silva
Cover Art by Steve Skroce & Dave Stewart

THE HUMANITY AGENDA, PART ONE

BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT! Iconic Spider-Man scribe J.M. DeMatteis returns to spin his webs once more within the Spidey mythos, this time joined by explosive artist David Baldeón! Together, they’re bringing you unlocked memories in the life of BEN REILLY, A.K.A. SPIDER-MAN! Darkness looms over New York City as murders begin to pile up…but how are they all connected? Do the answers Ben is looking for reside in the haunted halls of the RAVENCROFT INSTITUTE?

Release Date: January 19, 2021

PCS NOTES: Despite not being a huge fan of Ben Reilly, we are interested in this book based on our faith in this creative team.

Bolero #1
Image Comics
Written by Wyatt Kennedy
Art by Luana Vecchio
Cover Art by Vecchio

A new series from two bright-eyed and bushy-tailed little scamps!

A woman running away from a broken heart discovers a mother-key into parallel universes. The rules are:
* The key can work on any door.
* The mother will only let you visit 53 universes.
* Do not ask to speak to the mother.
* Never hop more than 53 times.

Release Date: January 19, 2021

PCS NOTES: I love this concept. The possibilities are limitless… Wait. The possibilities are limited to 53. Fun!

Cowboy Bebop #1
Titan Comics
Written by Dan Watters
Art by Lamar Mathurin
Cover Art by Stanley Lau

An original story set in the year 2171. The bounty hunter crew of the spaceship Bebop chase an ex-gang member who holds a vest which gives the wearer unlimited luck.

Release Date: January 19, 2021

PCS NOTES: Dan Watters is a really good comic writer. I am hopeful that fans of the original anime will enjoy this new take. 

Cursed Pirate Girl: The Devil’s Cave #1 – ONESHOT
Boom! Studios
Written by Jeremy Bastian
Art by Bastian
Cover Art by Bastian

In the long awaited continuation of Cursed Pirate Girl, her loyal companion Pepper Dice reveals that there’s still time to bring back her father, the Pirate Captain Douglas! If she can escape the Sea King’s Palace with The Bright Star, will she be bold enough to enter The Devil’s Cave in the hope to bring her father back? Or will the Devil Jonah and his minions stop her?

Release Date: January 19, 2021

PCS NOTES: We are big fans of Jeremy Bastian and the Cursed Pirate Girl and are excited to see this next installment in this story.

Silk #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Emily Kim
Art by Takeshi Miyazawa & Ian Herring
Cover Art by In-Hyuk Lee

SILK IS BACK! Cindy Moon returns as the web-spinning Spider-Hero SILK in an all-new, all-star series! As Silk gains popularity in the public eye, Cindy is questioning her place in the world. But existentialism will have to wait when a powerful new villain is turned loose! In a race against the clock, Silk discovers the dangers of ancient Korean magic—and social media. Don’t miss the comics debut of stunning storyteller Emily Kim and the return of legendary comic artist Takeshi Miyazawa!

Release Date: January 19, 2021

Silver Surfer: Rebirth #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Ron Marz
Art by Ron Lim, Don Ho, & Israel Silva
Cover Art by Lim, Ho, & Silva

THEY’RE BACK! No, we don’t mean the guys on the cover… We’re talking about legendary creators Ron Marz and Ron Lim returning to tell a story set during their fan-favorite run of SILVER SURFER! Someone has stolen the Reality Gem, an object that allows the user to fulfill any wish no matter the consequences! But whoever has taken it is doing things like bringing back the dead hero Captain Mar-Vell. It’s up to Silver Surfer to team up with the least likely of allies, Thanos, to find the Gem and restore reality to its proper form!

Release Date: January 19, 2021

PCS NOTES: A pair of Rons on the Surfer book. Sounds like a win to me.

She-Hulk #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Rainbow Rowell
Art by Roge Antonio & Rico Renzi
Cover Art by Jen Bartell

The best character ever is back in her own series and about to glam up the whole Marvel Universe! Jennifer Walters, A.K.A. the Sensational She-Hulk, is no longer savage and needs to put her life back together. She’s got a career to rebuild, friends to reconnect with (and maybe represent in a court of law) and enemies to…well, she may not want to connect with them, but they are DEFINITELY going to connect with her. And the last page of this first issue is going to send Jen down a road she’s never traveled and that will shake up her life and possibly the whole Marvel Universe.

Release Date: January 19, 2021

PCS NOTES: Rainbow Rowell is an excellent choice to bring Jennifer back to her own series. Looking forward to it.

Special Note: These are the first two issues of this major Wolverine event. It runs through two series that are released every other week. Ultimately it is a twenty week event. It looks interesting.

X Lives of Wolverine #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Benjamin Percy
Art by Joshua Cassara, Frank Martin, & Chris Sotomayor
Cover Art by Adam Kubert & Martin

THE BIGGEST WOLVERINE STORY OF ALL TIME BEGINS HERE! WEEK 1—Logan. James Howlett. Weapon X. The mutant best known as WOLVERINE has lived many lives under many identities and in many places, but never before has the fate of the future been so entwined with the past! Fan-favorite eras of Wolverine’s saga are explored anew, along with never-before-seen episodes as Logan must travel to various points in time to prevent the death of a key figure in mutant history. But these LIVES are only one side of the story… Be here for the start of the time-shredding saga across all of Wolverine’s history and future yet to come!

CONTINUED IN X DEATHS OF WOLVERINE #1

Release Date: January 19, 2021

X Deaths of Wolverine #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Benjamin Percy
Art by Federico Vicentini, Federico Blee & Chris Sotomayor
Cover Art by Adam Kubert & Frank Martin

DEATH IS NOT THE END. DEATH IS THE OMEGA. WEEK 2—If WOLVERINE’s future lies in the past, what does that mean for the present? The reciprocal series to X LIVES OF WOLVERINE, X DEATHS OF WOLVERINE is can’t-miss reading, chock-full of revelations for the best there is as well as the fate of mutantkind!

CONTINUED FROM X LIVES OF WOLVERINE #1 / CONTINUED IN X LIVES OF WOLVERINE #2

Release Date: January 26, 2021

 

Week of January 26

Batman / Catwoman Special #1
DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Art by John Paul Leon w/ Bernard Chang, Tommy Lee Edwards, & Mitch Gerads
Cover Art by Leon

Some great romances are destined to be. The Batman / Catwoman series shows readers the romance between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle as it changed over their lives, but what about their connections from before they became costumed adventurers? This special one-off issue, meticulously illustrated by John Paul Leon (Batman: Creature of the Night), traces the life of Selina Kyle from her earliest days to her entry into the criminal underworld, and reveals that Bruce was actually a presence in her life all along. Whether it was fate or coincidence, this story gives even more reasons why Selina and Bruce’s connection is one of the most enduring love affairs in comics.

Release Date: January 25, 2021

PCS NOTES: This is the last thing that John Paul Leon was working on when he passed away last year. Friends and colleagues stepped in to finish the book and we highly recommend getting this book. 

End After End #1
Vault Comics
Written by Tim Daniel & David Andry
Art by Sunando C & K. Michael Russell
Cover Art by Sunando C

Life is nothing if not a series of endings.

School. Jobs. Friendships. Love.

Until THE end.

Walter Willem’s end was fast and unexpected. His was an unremarkable life. So, how is it that his story continues as cannon fodder in an endless war waged against an insatiable darkness hellbent on consuming all of existence?

And is Walter right in believing he’s arrived in the midst of this titanic battle as the one destined to finally end it?

That’s the tale of the End After End.

Release Date: January 26, 2021

PCS NOTES: Yeah. Sound good to me.

Happy Hill #1
ComixTribe
Written by Rich Douek
Art by Joe Mulvey & Chris Sotomayor
Cover Art by Mulvey

When a child goes missing on the grounds of an exclusive vacation resort, the investigation uncovers dark secrets hidden for decades, and an unstoppable supernatural menace who will make this vacation permanent! Happy Hill is a vacation horror thriller. Available with two enhanced covers, Happy Hill reveals the horrifying truth about how far some people will go to be happy. The hills are alive with the sound of screaming!

Release Date: January 26, 2021

PCS NOTES: This series was kickstarted last year and we spoke with the creators about it. You wont want to miss it.

Check out our discussion here.

Everything We Read This Week: Week of November 17, 2021

Everything We Read This Week: Week of November 17, 2021

Posted on by Bob Harrison

On our weekly trip through this week’s pull-list, we found a bunch of great books that we have been wanting to talk about for some time.  This column features mostly spoiler-free brief analysis and commentary of each book.

There were not a whole lot of new series that came out this week but the issues #2’s and #3’s for some newer series were excellent.  We encourage you to go out and find the comics you like, and remember, Read More Comics!!

We reviewed books from DC Comics, AfterShock Comics, Boom! Studios, Mad Cave Studios, Titan Comics, Vault Comics, Marvel Comics, and Image Comics this week. There were plenty more good books out there this week but this list is all we have gotten through so far.

As always, we hope you might find what we say interesting enough to try some of these comics. Don’t forget we welcome comments on these and any other comics that you read. Feel free to leave a comment and get the conversation moving.

Some of the books on this list are also on our New Number Ones for the month of November. You can see them noted with the New Number One tag and can check out the solicitation for the series on our previous article.

And here are the books we read in alphabetical order:

Aquaman: The Becoming #3
DC Comics
Written by Brandon Thomas
Pencils by Scott Koblish
Inks by Wade Von Grawbadger
Colors by Adriano Lucas & Alex Guimarães
Letters by AndWorld Design
Cover Art by David Talaski

This book is now officially promoted as the Prequel to Aquamen, and while that is interesting, it is a disservice to think of this book only as service to something else. Brandon Thomas is building characters and telling an intriguing story. The execution of the fast-paced chase elements to this book are a credit to the storytelling skills of Scott Koblish. The rest of the art team and letter compliment the theme and tone of the issue. As a midpoint book in this limited series this issue definitely raises the stakes.

Bountiful Garden #3
Mad Cave Studio
Written by Ivy Noelle Weir
Art by Kelly Williams
Colors by Giorgio Spalleta
Letters by Justin Birch
Cover Art by Williams

You should be reading this book. It has been excellent through this third issue. The story exploration and development are well paced. The art by Kelly Williams is as terrifyingly foreboding as it is gorgeous, and it is really gorgeous. The color work by Giorgio Spalleta accentuates the shadowy nature of the story. Justin Birch does excellent work lettering this book and meshes the tone well. The complete book has a feel that there is a monster in the shadows, and there are shadows everywhere.

Chicken Devil #2
AfterShock Comics
Written by Brian Buccellato
Art by Hayden Sherman
Colors by Sherman
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Art by Sherman

What a treat this book is!! I am tempted to go full chicken metaphor in this review, but I will corral that urge.  This book is visually exciting. The bright color work combined with interesting panel layout and camera angles command the full attention of the reader. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou proves again why he is one of the best letterers in the business. The story that Brian Buccellato is telling is captivating, and I cannot wait for the next installment of this book about a Chicken entrepreneur who’s life has become more chaotic than he ever dreamed possible.

Eat the Rich #4
Boom! Studios
Written by Sarah Gailey
Art by Pius Bak
Colors by Roman Titov
Letters by Cardinal Rae
Cover Art by Kevin Tong

For the very little amount of in-panel violence depicted in this series so far, it is consistently terrifying. This issue’s plot and accelerating action make for a captivating read. The mental gymnastics that writer Sarah Gailey has Joey, the protagonist, employ to maintain some semblance of sanity begin to take their toll in this issue. The delicate balance of willful ignorance and outrage that she has been maintaining falls to pieces and Pius Bak’s panels bring it all down in a pulse pounding last few pages of this book. A special shout out to the use of word art in this book. It is excellent in its design and placement. Do yourself a favor and read this series. Continue reading “Everything We Read This Week: Week of November 17, 2021” →

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in November 2021

New Number Ones: Comics Coming in November 2021

Posted on by Bob Harrison

Happy Halloween!

This month we give our readers a list of the exciting new comic book series debuting in November. We have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.

This month we spotlight books from the usual suspects: AfterShock Comics, Boom! Studios, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Vault Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, AWA/Upshot Studios, Ahoy Comics, Archie Comics, and Source Point Press.

This is a month full of holidays, and the new series releases are front loaded in the first couple of weeks. Publishers expect that travel schedules around Thanksgiving cause normal purchase disruption. I can only assume that has something to do with the dearth of new books in the last two weeks.

There are a few new number ones from Marvel that represent shuffling of creative teams and we think that there might be some good things to come out of these changes.

We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.

You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.

Week of 11/3/21
Week of 11/10/21
Week of 11/17/21
Week of 11/24/21

Week of November 3

After Dark #1
AfterShock Comics
Written by Various
Art by Various
Cover Art by Tony Harris

Tales from the Crypt meets The Twilight Zone-four tales of horror, lost souls and things that go bump in the night.

A prestige format “One-Shock” featuring top creative talent just in time for the most horrific month of the calendar year, AFTER DARK is a collection of tales you’ll want to read with the lights on! A disparate tale from a possible future; a chance encounter with a mythical Black-Eyed Kid, a children’s fable gone awry; and a gut-wrenching last meal at the local diner.

These horrific, bone-chilling tales are conceived and written by Cullen Bunn, Jim Starlin, Joe Pruett, Frank Tieri, and drawn by Cliff Richards, Nikkol Kelenic, Szymon Kudranski, and Joe Eisma.

Release Date: November 3, 2021

PCS NOTES: This book is a one-shot but is full of some truly spooky stories.

Chilling Adventures in Sorcery #1
Archie Comics
Written by Various
Art by Various
Cover Art by Julius Ohta

THE FUTURE OF ARCHIE COMICS STARTS HERE IN AN ALL-NEW ANTHOLOGY-STYLE ONE-SHOT! Madam Satan is our tour guide into this horrific world exploring the underbelly of Riverdale and its surrounding areas! Madam Satan is trying to escape Hell. She goes through the circles of Hell in reverse. Along the way she meets lost/tortured souls who tell their stories-like that of Archie Andrews, who accepted a seemingly normal job as the nighttime security shift at Riverdale’s local pizzeria and children’s mascot entertainment venue. Only to learn that the venue harbors a deep, dark, robotic, monstrous secret! And then there’s Jughead Jones, a teen who never met a food he didn’t like. Until now. What is that eerie noise coming from the kitchen…? All that plus more bonus frightful content sure to delight all Archie horror fans!

Release Date: November 3, 2021

PCS NOTES: We have this other one-shot anthology on this list because we can’t wait to see what is inside.

Dark Knights of Steel #1
DC Comics
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Yasmine Putri
Cover Art by Putri

An entire medieval world will be forever changed when a spaceship crash-lands from a doomed planet. Monarchs will die, kingdoms will rise, and what seemed the end of the world for many…was only the beginning! An epic high-fantasy story set in a DC Universe where nothing is what it seems…

From worldwide bestselling writer Tom Taylor and acclaimed artist Yasmine Putri comes a generational tale of good and evil within a brand-new DCU!

Release Date: November 2, 2021

PCS NOTES: This creative team inspires confidence in this story’s execution. Looking forward to it.

Fox and Hare #1
Vault Comics
Written by Jonathan Tsuei
Art by Stacey Lee
Cover Art by Lee

When black market coder Aurora Yi uncovers top secret data that has tapped into the past lives of the citizens of Mazu Bay, her world is turned upside down. The mega corporation Synastry Designs wants its data back and is hot on her trail. Aurora has no choice but to turn to the Fox and the Hare, the most feared mercenaries in the city, for protection.

Release Date: November 3, 2021

PCS NOTES: This book has the makings of a great chase story. It looks fun.

The Heathens #1
AfterShock Comics
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Heath Amodio
Cover Art by Sami Kivela

When evil men and women escape from the depths of the eternal abyss, the Pirate Queen Lady Shih is sent to retrieve them. But when one of history’s most notorious killers breaks free, even she needs help. Enter the Heathens: Shih, Lucky Luciano, Bumpy Johnson, Sofia the Golden Hand, and Billy the Kid. From Hell they came to mete out a justice as dark as their own tormented souls.

Release Date: November 3, 2021

PCS NOTES: Hell Yeah! This is an intriguing concept from the superactive mind of Cullen Bunn.

Human Target #1
DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Art by Greg Smallwood
Cover Art by Smallwood

Christopher Chance has made a living out of being a human target—a man hired to disguise himself as his client to invite would-be assassins to attempt his murder. He’s had a remarkable career until his latest case protecting Lex Luthor when things go sideways. An assassination attempt Chance didn’t see coming leaves him vulnerable and left trying to solve his own murder…as he has 12 days to discover just who in the DCU hated Luthor enough to want him dead. Human Target is a hard-boiled, gritty story in the vein of classic detective noirs told by bestselling and critically acclaimed creators Tom King and Greg Smallwood!

Release Date: November 2, 2021

PCS NOTES: I am very excited for this book as Tom King and Greg Smallwood explore this character and often ignored areas of the DC Universe. Continue reading “New Number Ones: Comics Coming in November 2021” →

With Further Ado #162: I Miss My Old Pals From Shang Chi

With Further Ado #162: I Miss My Old Pals From Shang Chi

Posted on by Ed Catto

Is it ever permissible to review a movie before you see it? And if so, can I give it four stars ahead of time?

I have yet to see Disney/Marvel’s latest superhero movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings . But given the track record of Kevin Feige and his teams, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.  It’s looks to be both fun and important.

And you know what? A mostly Asian cast is a good start to rectifying wrongs of the past.  This movie blew past all early estimates and scooped up in nearly $100 million at the U.S. box office over the Labor Day weekend. Its now one of the top-grossing movies of the year. Not too shabby, right?

My one worry is that this movie doesn’t seem to be about my old pal Shang Chi and his friends, lovers and antagonists. I am glad that this character is now given Cinematic Validations, but back in the 70s, Marvel’s Master of Kung Fu was one badass title. It quickly became a favorite and a must-read.  Like Conan the Barbarian, MoKF (as we called it back then) existed in its own corner of the inter-connected Marvel Universe, mostly independent of the usual cross-over nonsense. And it had a tone all its own.

Shang Chi was the protagonist, but he also served as our entry point to the ongoing spy stories. Shang would often refer to his adventures as “games of death and deceit”.  It was a sprawling engaging tapestry: a James Bond world with nefarious villains, creative henchmen (ala Goldfinger’s Oddjob) and over-the-top plots.  The love interest was the beautiful – but deadly – Leiko Wu and Shang’s comrades in arms were Brits like Black Jack Tarr and other spies – pulled from the pulps or created as offspring of famous fictional characters.

In this old comic series, Shang Chi was the wayward son of master villain Fu Manchu, a pulp villain.  As a kid, my local library, the legendary Seymour Library, had several Fu Manchu adventures in the mystery section. When I found them I thought I had discovered treasure. I loved reading them. Continue reading “With Further Ado #162: I Miss My Old Pals From Shang Chi” →