This Week's Comic Book Picks (Week August 17th 2016)

Comics Books are released every Wednesday to the public to purchase and buy. There are so many comic book companies we can't review every single book that comes out. Starting today I will be giving you my top picks each week of comics that you should check out. 

IMAGE Comics

Demonic #1

Description: SERIES PREMIERE! Detective Scott Graves will do anything to protect his family… even bargain away his soul. Now, the only thing to fear isn’t New York’s worst criminals, but what's already raging inside of him. After all, what's the cost of your soul when it's already damaged? 

Mini Review: Demonic #1 is the standout book from Image Comics this week. Story by Christopher Sebela and artwork by Niko Walter and Dan Brown. This story griped me from the beginning with it's gritty artwork and compelling main lead in Scott Graves. Scott is not in the best state of mind. He had a terrible childhood which was hinted at but not explained. His daughter is dying and he is keeping secrets. However the most compelling aspect of his story is that he has a demonic entity that has been attached to him since he was kid. This demon has been watching Scott and waiting for the best moment to strike. This demon wants Scott and offers something that he might not be able to refuse. I like the realism of the demon and how seductive and cunning it is. The relationship of Scott and this demon will have you hook to see if Scott can defeat the beast within. 4.5 out of 5.

IDW Publishing

Powerpuff Girls #2

Description: A hotshot movie director claims that his new movie is so scary, even THE POWERPUFF GIRLS will be too chicken to watch it! Never ones to back down from a challenge, fall into his trap! Using his “movie magic,” he’ll turn the girls into actual chickens so he’ll be free to enact his evil plans! Can the ChickenPuff Girls save the day?!

Mini Review: The Powerpuff Girls #2 is fun for all ages. Parents this is a comic series for your kids to enjoy. The art is work is spot on with the look and feel of the original television show. The writing and dialogue can be a little cheesy and can fall a little flat with it's pop culture references.  However issue #2 has a great lesson for kids about peer pressure and not doing something because of pride. The girls are in fear of the city calling them chicken because they don't want to see a horror movie. Not to be viewed the superheroes who are afraid of something they take the challenge of seeing the film. They end up being part of master scheme by the one who offered them the challenge. The guys motivation is completely silly and makes no sense but for the kids it will be hilarious. 4 out 5 Stars.

Dark Horse Comics

Briggs Land #1

Description: Briggs Land, nearly a hundred square miles of rural wilderness, contains the largest anti government secessionist movement in the United States. When matriarch Grace Briggs wrests control of the operation from her incarcerated husband, she sparks a war within the community—and her immediate family—that threatens to bring the full power of the federal government down on their heads.

Mini Review: Briggs Land is Dark Horse Comics standout book this week. If there is any book to put on your must buy list it's this one. Briggs Land #1 introduces a compelling world of Grace Briggs and she is seeking control of her husband Jim Briggs empire. Jim is locked up in prison for life for an assassination attempt. However Jim still operates the land from prison.  Grace finally fed up with her husband and his lifestyle decides she will start making changes to Briggs Land. For the sake of spoilers I won't go into further details about the plot. Briggs Land #1 setups of this world very nicely. Each member of the Briggs family gets time to get their characters a solid introduction. The relationship between Grace and her family is very fun to read and the ending has me waiting for the next issue. Briggs Land has great artwork and coloring and a compelling story. 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Marvel Comics

Civil War II: The Fallen #1

Description: s a giant falls, friends and enemies alike gather to mourn his passing. Amadeus Cho, Rick Jones, Betty Ross, Thunderbolt Ross, the Warbound and more. Can they all keep a level head - or will some of them get ANGRY? Plus, what secrets lie in the Last Will and Testament of Bruce Banner?

Mini Review: Out of all the books from Marvel this week Civil War: The Fallen #1 is the standout book. This book packs an emotional punch as we see the Marvel Universe (well most of them) mourning the lost of The Hulk from the actions of Hawkeye. The Fallen #1 has beautiful art work that really brings out the tone and emotion set out to the reader. Seeing how everyone close to Bruce Banner/The Hulk reacts to his death was a treat. Betty reaction, Tony Stark Reaction and the entire Hulk family are spot one. This is an emotional book and will string at the heart for some Hulk fans. Bruce last message his touching and humorous at the same time. Marvel fans this one is the one to put in the shopping bag. 4.5/5 Stars.

DC Comics

Suicide Squad Rebirth #1

Description: “The Black Vault” part one! When a mysterious and definitely super-important cosmic item falls out of the heavens and into enemy hands, America has only one option: Task Force X, Amanda Waller’s strike team of incarcerated super-criminals. A one-stop-shop for plausibly deniable espionage and ultra- violence, this “Suicide Squad” only handles missions they’re not expected to survive. An insane new era of SUICIDE SQUAD begins here with superstar artist Jim Lee and red-hot writer Rob Williams (UNFOLLOW, MARTIAN MANHUNTER).

Mini Review: While some of the DC arcs like Batman are wrapping up. New arcs such as Suicide Squad, Supergirl and Birds of Prey are just beginning. Out of the three new additions to the Rebirth line I found Suicide Squad the most enjoyable. The new rebirth doesn't really add anything you don't already know about the squad and we don't get much of a backstory except for Deadshot. However the art work by Jim Lee is spot on and once again beautiful to see. There are some chuckle moments with Harley but otherwise nothing really new under the sun. 3.5/5 Stars

DC Comics

Batman: the Killing Joke animated review and fathom Events

Hey O&G fans, Thanks to Fathom Events we got a chance to check out Batman: The Killing Joke on the big Screen. For those who have never read the 1988 one shot classic, here isa quick synopsis of the comic book story:

Written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and published by DC Comics. Set in the fictional U.S. city of Gotham, Batman: The Killing Joke provides an origin story for the supervillain the Joker, loosely adapted from the 1951 story arc "The Man Behind the Red Hood!". Taking place over two timelines, The Killing Joke depicts the Joker attempting to drive Jim Gordon insane and Batman's desperate attempt to stop him.

Otakus and Geeks went to the July 25th screening of Batman: The Killing Joke.

REVIEW

Most Fans know the story behind the Killing Joke, the Joker shoots Barbara Gordon (Bat Girl) paralyzes her and attempts to drive her father Jim Gordon insane. Making the animated movie about just that story would have been 1. short and 2. predictable. So the movies tries to expand on the story by adding a back story about Batgirl and Batman. Producer Bruce Timm told empire:

"We thought if we were going to expand this to feature length, we didn’t want to just pad out the original story... So we took that opportunity to basically tell a Batgirl story, which we don’t often get a chance to do these days. And it was great, because we could spend more time with her as a character and get to understand what she’s all about and how she’s similar to Batman in some ways, and really different in others. .... The good side of that is we get to spend more time with her and learn that she’s an interesting character. The bad side of that is that we get to like her so much that when The Killing Joke part of the story happens, it’s, like, “Oh, no!”, because we really like her".

The added Batgirls story really gave fans a reason to be invested in her character though-out the movie. The animation keeps true to the dark and violent story of the one-off comic book. The one thing about this movie that will be odd to fans is the.... one time sexual encounter between Batman and Batgirl. Considering that he is older and her love interest was usuallyDick Grayson (the first robin) in the comics and animated series.

Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, the iconic voices of Batman and The Joker really bring this movie to life and takes you back to Batman TAS and answers my question from my teenage years as to what an adult Batman animation would look like. Tara Strong is so talented is no wonder she plays so many voices in the DC animated universe and I think she's found a new character for future films.

Overall I think the film was awesome, the BatGirl back story was a good touch ( the short intimate scene has fans a bit confused) This is a film for Batman fans. I give the animated movie 3 1/2 stars.

The Walking Dead Third season Revealed During SDCC

Fellow Survivors,

In celebration of SDCC this week, Telltale joined our friends at Skybound Entertainment live on stage to discuss a few more details on our upcoming season of The Walking Dead.

Eagle-eyed fans will recognize that the poster revealed today is an homage to the original poster for The Walking Dead when the concept was first shown at SDCC in 2011. In contrast to the original, Clem is no longer being protected, and stands shoulder to shoulder with mysterious newcomer Javier. We'll be sharing some details later this summer on how you may be able to get your hands on a special limited-edition run of this poster.

The Walking Dead's Creative Director Dennis Lenart from Telltale was joined by Melissa Hutchison (voice of Clementine) to share a few more details about the upcoming season, and tried their best not to spoil the story that's yet to come.

What they could share was your first new look at the season since it was revealed at E3 last month. In this first shot, you'll see Javier and Clementine making their way through a walker-infested slaughterhouse. Remember, you'll be playing as both characters, although you may not be playing each character within the same frame of time...

Another unique aspect of this third season is that while it absolutely continues the story of the previous two seasons, it also serves as a new entry point for fans who've yet to be caught up to speed. Players starting with this third season will be introduced to young survivor AJ, who fans will recognize as the son of Rebecca from Season Two - and we can confirm that he will be making an appearance in this season as well. So players who are new to the series will have a chance to learn more about Clementine's backstory, while at the same time, those who have played previous seasons will have a story that's uniquely tailored to the diverging paths they've taken in the past.

Lenart also discussed the importance of playing as Javier, and how the team was able to create a character without any prior relationship with Clementine. This will provide an interesting opportunity for players to meet a character they may have helped shape. They'll also have a chance to play as a survivor fresh to the series, who is currently struggling to keep his family together in the face of the undead apocalypse.

Stay tuned for more news as it happens on this upcoming third season, as we gear up towards the premiere coming later this fall!

"I Quit" Why are Marvels youngest Heroes ready to Quit?

image credit Marvel

Hey O&G fans, recently posters have been popping up with some of marvel's young heroes with the caption "I QUIT" July 5th under them. This has lead some readers to believe that there will be big changes after the Civil War 2 story arc, with some heroes leaving their respective teams. Just in case you haven't seen them here are a few of the posters:

So what has these heroes ready to quit? Yesterday it was revealed as part of the Marvel NOW! "Divided We Stand" initiative, a new Champions series is on its way in October with young heroes from the Avengers and X-Men featuring these characters from the posters as part of the team. Writer Mark Waid describes the series as a "generational shift."

"When we were growing up, the general perception was it takes adults to fix the world. Kids can do little things, but basically you have to wait till you grow up to make the big choices and the big decisions. Well, Mark Zuckerberg would disagree with you. Some of the other young trend-breaking scientists that are coming to light, online especially, would beg to differ with you," Waid told Entertainment Weekly  "Those are the inspirations, as much as anybody else, for the idea that we don’t have to wait until we grow up to be Tony Stark or Captain America to make a difference in this world. We’ll find our way, and we’ll find our own way." This team takes its name from the 1970s Marvel super-team the Champions - a name that has been mired in legal battles that have prevented its re-use until now

The original CHAMPIONS series was created by writer Tony Isabella and artist Don Heck, issue #1 debut in 1975. Writer Tony Isabella developed the concept of a new team of superheroes and originally wanted the roster to consist of former X-Men Angel and Iceman, and the newly created Black Goliath. Black Goliath became unavailable when the character debuted in his own title, forcing Isabella to rethink the concept. Editor Len Wein insisted on at least five members, and Isabella added three established heroes: Russian spy Black Widow (team leader), the Greek God Hercules, and the supernatural avenger Ghost Rider.

This New team will consist of Ms Marvel, Kid Nova, Spiderman (Miles Morales) Awesome Hulk, Viv Vision (Daughter of the Vision) and Young Cyclops. Which should be an interesting combination.

Mark Waid will be joined on Champions by artist Humberto Ramos, currently writes the Ms. Marvel/Spider-Man/Nova trio in All-New All-Different Avengers. We will keep you updated on more info as the series is closer to it's release.

 

source: Entertainment Weekly and Wikipedia

 

by Sean Tucker

New Avengers Morph into U.S. Avengers

credit: Marvel Comics

A new Avengers title dubed U.S.Avengers will debut this fall from Marvel Comics, according to The Washington Post. The team will be comprised of Sunspot, Red Hulk, Cannonball, a new Iron Patriot, Pod, Squirrel Girl, and a Captain America from the future - who happens to be Luke Cage and Jessica Jones' grown-up daughter, Danielle Cage.

“We wanted a couple of members that’d speak to the U.S. in the title — hence super-scientist and supporting player Dr. Toni Ho stepping up to the main team as the new Iron Patriot, and General Ross waiting in the wings as the Red Hulk,” said series writer Al Ewing, who will be joined by artist Paco Medina. “And, of course, Danielle Cage, the Captain America of about thirty years in the future, who’ll be joining us for at least the first arc, as an enemy from her time comes to ours to stir up trouble.”

The title seems to pick up the storyline from the current New Avengers series featuring a re-organized A.I.M. Avengers team led by Sunspot. Like New Avengers, it will be written by Al Ewing, however it's not known if that series will continue.

source: newsarama

Nightwing Rebirth # Preview

He’s been Robin, Batman, a spy, a ghost. Now, Dick Grayson returns to Gotham City to reclaim the life that was taken from him. But when a new evil threatens those he loves most, Nightwing faces being torn away from home once again in order to destroy the dark force once and for all. Powerhouse artist Yanick Paquette (BATMAN, SWAMP THING) joins series writer Tim Seeley (GRAYSON, BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL) to return Nightwing to the DC superhero stage!
On sale JULY 13 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Batman-The Telltale game series First look

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June. 12th, 2016 -- Leading developer and publisher of digital entertainment, Telltale Games, with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment, today unveiled the first look at BATMAN - The Telltale Series ahead of its worldwide debut this summer.

The episodic game series will premiere digitally on home consoles, PC/Mac, and mobile devices, and will be shown to guests attending the annual E3 Gaming Expo this coming week in Los Angeles. The series will also be available on game consoles as a special 'Season Pass Disc' which will be available at retailers across North America, Latin America, and Europe later this summer, granting access to the five episode season as it becomes available for download.

"We've been hard at work at Telltale creating an all-new iteration of the iconic Batman story that puts players in the suit of billionaire Bruce Wayne, just as much as it will put them behind the mask, deciding how to carefully navigate a complex drama, rich with action, crime, corruption, and villainy lurking around every corner of Gotham City," said Kevin Bruner, Co-Founder and CEO of Telltale Games. "The complex life and fractured psyche of Bruce Wayne has lent itself to becoming a bold evolution of the signature 'Telltale' role-playing experience, and we couldn't be more excited as we prepare to debut the series to players across the world this summer."

Rendered to look like a living, breathing comic book, Telltale's vision of Batman will feature an award-winning cast of talent, including Troy Baker in the role of Bruce Wayne, Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent, Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale, Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth, Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon, Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, and Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle. Additional cast and characters will be revealed as the season progresses.

Norman Reedus wants to play Ghost Rider

Hey O&G Fans, Norman Reedus wants to take his comic book acting back the big screen. While promoting his upcoming biker-themed roadtrip show Ride With Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead actor expressed an interest in playing a very on-theme Marvel hero - Ghost Rider.

“Hell yeah,” Reedus told Uproxx when they floated the idea of him taking the role of Ghost Rider. “It would be a blast. Do I get a skull face that’s on fire and all that stuff? F--- yeah. I’m down.”

Reedus has experience in adapting comic books beyond his role on The Walking Dead, having played Scud in Blade II. Meanwhile, Ghost Rider is back in control of Marvel studios after a pair of ill-fated films from Columbia Pictures starring Nicolas Cage in the title role.

What do you think? Is Norman Reedus a fit for the role of Ghost Rider?

DC Injustice 2 Trailer

Hey O&G fans, after a leaked picture of the poster, Dc has released a trailer for Injustice 2. NetherRealm Studios has announced a sequel to 2013's hit game Injustice: Gods Among Us titled Injustice 2. The platformer will once again feature a wide variety of DC superheroes and villains, and with this 2017 installment players will be able to personalize every character - both visiually, and in game play.

Injustice 2 is scheduled to be released in 2017 on PlayStation 4. While the original Injustice was released on several platforms, no mention was made of Injustice 2 beyond the PS release.

Check out the Trailer:

https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/injustice-2-ps4/ Build and power up the ultimate version of your favorite DC legends in INJUSTICE 2. With a massive selection of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains, INJUSTICE 2 allows you to personalize every iconic character with unique and powerful gear.

Wonder Women Rebirth #1 Preview

Diana Prince digs into the true origins of the name "Wonder Woman" in a preview of this week's Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 (via CraveOnline).

WONDER WOMAN: REBIRTH #1
Written by GREG RUCKA
Art by MATTHEW CLARK and LIAM SHARP
Cover by LIAM SHARP
Variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
After suffering an unimaginable loss, Wonder Woman must rebuild her mission as Earth’s ultimate protector and champion.
DON’T MISS: New York Times best selling writer Greg Rucka returns to Wonder Woman with a tale that will forever alter the DC icon.
One-shot • On sale JUNE 8• 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Civil War II Choosing Sides #1 Preview

Hey O&G fans, Civil War II is about to kick off. Here is a preview of Choosing sides #1.

Press Release:

If you knew something bad was about to happen, would you stop it? How far would you go to prevent an uncertain future? The line in the sand has been drawn, and you must decide­­—do you stand with Captain Marvel, or with Iron Man? That question will be answered this June as heroes and villains across the Marvel Universe make their decisions in CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES #1!

"Featuring fan-favorite characters and top-tier creators, each issue of CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES contains three all-new stories detailing the conflict across the Marvel Universe. First, comic superstar Declan Shalvey (Moon Knight, Deadpool) pulls double duty as he writes and illustrates a Nick Fury story running through all six issues. Which side of the issue will Marvel’s premier super-spy fall on? Then Brandon Easton (Marvel’s Agent Carter) and Paul Davidson (Magneto) bring you a tale of the Night Thrasher and Chad Bowers, Chris Sims and Leonardo Romero present the return of Damage Control!

"And that’s just the first issue! Don’t miss future issues featuring Jessica Jones, War Machine, Power Pack, the Punisher and more! Will they fight to protect the future? Or battle to change it? Find out as the Marvel Universe picks a side this June in CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES #1!"

URBANCE PILOT

Hey O&G fans, the creators of URBANCE have have released the pilot episode of the series. A few years ago we we ran an article on the creators of the anime and the project. Direction :Joël Dos Reis Viegas, Sébastien Larroudé Music : Plaid, The Tanuki Project, B.Ames, HK
Main voices: Ryan George, Vanessa Hasid, Ben Cardilli, Marie Nonnemacher. For those who haven't heard about this amazing anime here is a quick synopsis of the story:

In the crumbling inner city, sex kills. The urban landscape is split in two — men on one side, women on the other— opposing each other. COEVO seems to be the only hope: a government medical treatment developed to cure every single citizen except that those wearables haven't produced the expected results yet... Born among this lost generation of frustrated gangs, Kenzell and Lesya live each day as their last, defying anyone who stands in the way of their union. Like modern avatars of Romeo and Juliet, they will have to choose between love or their kind, Passion VS Reason, Deadly Eves VS Neo Blasterz... In their flamboyant relationship lies the premises of a revolution against the authorities, the vicious Mediators and their mysterious separatist laws. Rebels can change the world...

Check out the pilot:

Countries of production : Canada, France | Year of production : 2015 Production : Steambot, DFP | Animation: Yapiko Animation Direction : Joël Dos Reis Viegas, Sébastien Larroudé Music : Plaid, The Tanuki Project, B.Ames, HK Main voices: Ryan George, Vanessa Hasid, Ben Cardilli, Marie Nonnemacher

NightHawk #1 Preview

image credit marvel

Press Release

Straight from the pages of Squadron Supreme comes the most brutal super hero in the Marvel Universe in a hard-hitting new ongoing series! Marvel is pleased to present your first look inside NIGHTHAWK #1 – the new ongoing series from fan-favorite creators David Walker (Power Man And Iron Fist) and Ramon Villalobos (E is for Extinction). He is Chicago’s lethal vigilante – dispensing swift and vicious justice to those who truly deserve it. But when the city’s shadiest power brokers begin turning up dead – each murdered more gruesomely than the last – Nighthawk must ask himself the hard questions. Does this killer deserve to be caught? What does he want? More importantly, what does the killer have to do with Nighthawk? To answer those questions – Nighthawk might have to look in the mirror first. The mystery begins here! Don’t miss one minute of the bone-crunching action when NIGHTHAWK #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices this May!  

5 Supervillian Teams That Could Start The Next Phases Of The MCU

Hey O&G fans, Capt. America: Civil War will premiere in a couple weeks which means two years from now, we will be preparing for the Infinity Wars part 1. This will start the end of the first three phases of the MCU. That being said, what will be the next storyline? What will be the next big threat?

The Russo brothers have been quoited to have access to atleast sixty MCU characters, heroes and villains. With that many characters at their disposal, Marvel Studios could plan out some interesting stories after the Infinity Wars. Here are some suggestions of Super Villain teams that would make great stories for the next phases of the MCU.

5. Black Order

The Black Order (also known as the Cull Obsidian) are a group of alien villains that work for Thanos. They help Thanos conquer worlds where they demand tribute. Their first comic book appearance was in New Avengers Vol. 3. If Thonas is defeated at the end of the Infinity Wars, Marvel doesn't have to end his reign of terror there.  They could use this team of villains to exact a more sinister plot for revenge. The members of the Black Order are:  Black Dwarf, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, and Supergiant.

4. Skrulls

Millions of years ago, the Celestials performed genetic experiments on the reptilian ancestors of the Skrulls, resulting in three branches of Skrulls that eventually warred with one another. The Deviant branch—possessing the innate ability to shapeshift. The Skrulls would be a great for the MCU........ if Marvel Studio owned the rights (Hint,Hint, make the deal Fox) Having the Skrulls in the MCU, we could see the Secret Invasion story come to the big screen. This could also give Marvel the ability to change the Avengers line-up and add new characters.

3. Masters of Evil

The original Masters of Evil (consisting of existing Marvel Comics supervillains Black Knight, Melter, and Radioactive Man) was gathered by former Nazi scientist Baron Heinrich Zemo. The team has had different members and leaders: Egghead's Masters of Evil, Doctor Octopus' Masters of Evil, and Pre-Thunderbolts Masters of Evil. This would give Marvel the ability to mix and match Villiains for the MCU. Let's consider that they start with (Characters that might be introduced in Capt. America civil War) Baron Zemo, Crossbones, and Klaw. Leading up to Infinity Wars, Marvel could plant the seeds of these guys being the next big threat.

2. Dark Avengers

In the aftermath of the Skrull Invasion, Norman Osborn became head of the Fifty-State Initiative, the Thunderbolts Initiative and S.H.I.E.L.D.. He disbanded all three with different results. S.H.I.E.L.D reformed into H.A.M.M.E.R. with Osborn as its Director, the Thunderbolts became a secret black-ops team for him and his Cabal and the Fifty State Initiative came under his control after its founder, Tony Stark,  was blamed for the Secret Invasion  and became a hunted fugitive. This would be one the best storylines and Super Villain team for the MCU because with Sony and Marvel working on Spiderman reboot and now that the characters can interact, it could open up a huge story. Since some of the actor like Robert Downey Jr might end their run, this would be a good way to have him still in the MCU, but only with cameo's and introduce new characters. This also leads into my Number 1 Super Villain Team. 

1. The Cabal

The Cabal (a.k.a. The Dark Illuminati) was formed by Norman Osborn, a covert group set against the aims of the scattered Illuminati, made up of Namor of Atlantis, Emma Frost of the X-Men, Doctor Victor Von Doom of Latveria, Loki of Asgard, and the criminal known as the Hood. With all the movies leading up to the Infinity Wars, the theme has been some shadowy figure with a sinister plot..... why not continue! After all is said and done, the storyline about the Dark Avengers and Norman Osborn would be perfect. Every Tv, Streaming, and Movie could be affected by the backlash and start a new Story with new characters.

What do you think of our List? Did we miss any groups that would fit better? Let us know in the comments.

by Sean Tucker