Comic Books

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A place to discuss comic books of all types, from old to new, Big 2 to indie, and everything in between.

Floppies, graphic novels, compilations, omnibusses (omnibusi?) are all fair game.

There is only one rule:*

Comic Books is a no judgement zone.

You can talk all you want about how Rob Liefeld is trash, Bob Kane is an asshole, or Frank Miller and Dave Sim’s politics have made them toxic, that’s all good.

If, however, another user is LEGITIMATELY a fan of something you don’t like, that does NOT make them a lesser person. Attack the art for being bad, not the person for being a fan of bad art.

* I lied. There are TWO rules... No piracy. Cover shots? That's good. Interior pages, in moderation? Sure. Full books? Links to pirate sites? That's how we get things shut down. :(

I'm not saying it's been a problem, because it hasn't been.

See our sister sites!

Marvel Studios! For all the latest on the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

https://lemmy.world/c/marvelstudios

For other cinematic content, hit up Movies! Aquaman is coming soon, followed by the big reboot!

https://lemmy.world/c/movies

And don't forget Movies and TV over at lemm.ee! A good place for discussing Marvel, DC and other film and television properties!

https://lemm.ee/c/moviesandtv

Want to talk BOOK books? See Books!

https://lemmy.world/c/books

Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay? Becoming Superman? John Carter and the Gods of Hollywood? That's the place!

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/26735575

As I noted a few months back, 1950 was a major turning point in the history of EC Comics. Max Gaines had been one of the premier figures in the history of comic books in the United States, along with the development of the modern comic book format at nearly every step of the way, from the first hit comic books (which were collections of newspaper comic strips) to the launch of Superman in Action Comics #1 (HOW much Gaines was involved in that monumental point in comic book history has long been up for debate, but what isn't is that he was at least SOMEwhat involved in it), then to the launch of All-American Publications, a partner company to DC Comics, where Gaines' company introduced some of the most famous superheroes of all-time, like Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Ma Hunkel. Okay, maybe not all of the heroes are world-famous...I guess not everyone knows Green Lantern the way they do Wonder Woman and Ma Hunkel.

Gaines then sold All-American to DC, and launched EC Comics, primarily focusing on Bible stories and other "educational" comics (hence the E in EC), but then he tragically died in a boating accident (he saved the life of a young boy by throwing him out of the way of the boat, but he was struck in the process. It's eerily similar to how the iconic singer, Kirsty McCall, died. In her case, she was saving her own son). With Gaines dead, his son took over the company, which was struggling at the time. Gaines wasn't exactly a comic book lover at the time, but he was a very open guy, and he became a bit of a sponge for the enthusiasm of the guys working for him. Al Feldstein got him to launch the first EC horror comic book, as I noted a few months ago, and then, in March 1950, they launched their first science fiction comic book, turning A Moon, A Girl... Romance into Weird Fantasy with its 13th issue!

As noted, Gaines was a very open-minded guy, and so Harry Harrison, who was working in an art partnership with Wallace Wood (Harrison would pencil the comics, and Wood would ink them, although sometimes the lines blurred between who was penciling and who was inking. The two had first met while both were studying with artist Burne Hogarth, but they didn't start working together until Wood had already started working at EC on his own), approached Gaines about EC doing science fiction comics. He gave Gaines some science fiction books to read, and Gaines was quickly hooked, and so he approved the new series.

The series was edited by Al Feldstein, though, who was becoming Gaines' top editor/creative partner at the company. Harrison had no control over the idea he inspired, so he and Wood would actually split up their partnership by the end of 1950, and Harrison would go off to become a popular science fiction author.

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New list is up! Let's see here..

Let This One Be A Devil #2 - Still sleeping on #1 but I'm sold, it's James Tinyon (or however he spells it) and it's about the Jersey Devil.

Hyde Street #5 - Missing #4, need that one too.

Lucky Devils #3 - I've been loving this so far, two punk devils upending their corporate hellstructure.

Cruel Kingdom #4 - missing #3... I love my shop but they've been having some issues getting things..

Well that's it for me, what're you guys pulling this week?

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Garth Ennis spins a zombie tale, only instead of zombies, it's every infant in the world under the age of 1 suddenly turned into raging non-verbal adults.

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/26632018

Al Ewing‘s script for Absolute Green Lantern #1 evokes the spirit of H.P. Lovecraft. There is more horror than awe to the weird power that seems to have chosen Hal Jordan. The general tone is far closer to a Junji Ito manga than E. E. “Doc” Smith’s space opera.

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cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/59833152

The sixth standalone comic for Avatar: The Last Airbender takes place after the show, and is best read after the The Search and Smoke & Shadow graphic novel trilogies.

Focussing on the Fire Nation Royal Family, the synopsis reads:

Fire Lord Zuko's half-sister Kiyi enrolls at the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. Known for its strict curriculum and even stricter instructors, Zuko worries for Kiyi. When things take a turn for the worse, Zuko takes action by installing one of the people he trusts most as an academy teacher. Can she keep Kiyi on the right path, or will the academy’s cruel culture shape her footsteps into those of her sister Azula?

EU sellers: Genialokal (german independent bookstores) - Lehmanns (german) - Bol.com (Benelux) - Bookshop.org (UK)

US sellers: AbeBooks (owned by Amazon) - AmazonBarnes and Noble

Preview page:

preview page

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/26439499

If there were ever a time to “wage war on billionaires”, as the promo blurb for Patrick Horvath’s Free For All puts it, it is right here and now. This one-shot from the Eisner-nominated cartoonist, and publisher Oni Press. provides “a brutal new vision of capitalism by combat”. The premise is one that most readers will no doubt relish. Somewhere in the near-ish future the World Finance League – an organisation with a remit to benefit all of humanity – randomly selects billionaires and gives them an ultimatum. Either give away half their wealth or defend everything they possess in a battle to the death in a future sports-style gladiatorial arena.

In this self-contained story the main narrative thrust is the combat between the reigning champion Ted Brooks and his ex-wife Luella Dominguez. There is no love lost between the pair after Ted betrayed Luella years ago through his manipulative business scheming. She, in turn, has been training for this moment. But when the two meet what hope can she have against the 22-times-winning crowd-pleasing champ?

...

Horvath’s art has a gritty, grainy quality here that blends a sense of realism with grotesquerie. The battle sequences are flowing in their choreography as unlikely weapons and wanton violence alternate with dexterous combat and sometimes graceful movement. And that sense of gruesome pageantry is enhanced by his colour choices. A comic for our current world of obscene wealth-hoarding if ever there was one.

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/26351305

Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation has announced that it has been selected as the winning bidder to acquire substantially all of the assets of Diamond Comic Distributors after Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Alliance Entertainment is a global distributor and wholesaler specializing in music, movies, video games, electronics, arcades, and collectables. The proposed acquisition, which is subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, includes Diamond Comic Distributors (U.S.), Alliance Game Distributors (no relation), Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, and Collectible Grading Authority. No mention of Diamond UK, Diamond Select Toys, FandomWorld, Gentle Giant or Free Comic Book Day. I am hearing that there were multiple competitive bids and that the price Alliance paid was significantly more than anyone anticipated, which should be good news for publishers.

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Alliance Entertainment CEO Jeff Walker started out in the entertainment industry as the owner and operator of CD Listening Bar, a venue for music fans to gather together and connect over their mutual passions. Jeff founded music wholesaler Super D in 1995 and, with business partner Bruce Ogilvie merged AENT and Super D in 2013 to be the market leader in physical media distribution for music, movies, toys, collectables, and consumer electronics.

Alliance Entertainment states that they will gain deeper access to a highly engaged community of retailers and fans who form the backbone of the direct market.

Alliance Entertainment states that they have "substantial account overlaps already identified", introducing Diamond's distribution into Alliance's mass retail and e-commerce channels while bringing Alliance's catalogue of physical media and licensed merchandise into comic book and game stores.

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/26350666

According to the announcement, Alien Books will receive distribution, marketing, sales analysis, and logistical support from IDW, while retaining creative control of editorial. Other than mentioning that IDW will essentially be the distributor for Alien via its existing relationships – PRH for both the DM and bookstores – details are scant. However it does make sense for Alien, which publishes a wide-ranging line of European and South American imports, manga, and perhaps most important to the US market, the relaunch of the Valiant Comics superhero universe. One recent release – the classic SF tale Black Star by Barriero and Giménes – is an example of the high quality material Alien produces that will benefit from being in PRH’s catalog. And of course the Valiant Beyond will play well there as well.

...

Of all the new and unusual partnerships that are being announced in the wake of the Diamond Comics break-up, this is one of the more intriguing – and suggests the direction that more small but notable publishers might go in, if they can find a larger partner. Massive Indies was the quickest out of the gate, but more are sure to come.

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Sorry I'm late lol, was sick as hell yesterday! New list is up, some good shit this week!

From The World Of Minor Threats The Brood #4 - Minor Threats always rules, I think I missed the other new one, I can't remember the name though.

Into The Unbeing Part Two #2 - definitely missed #1, part one was pretty weird, I'll continue it if In can without going online.

Falling In Love On The Path To Hell #7 - YES

Lucky Devils #3 - Just read the first two, I'm in. Two Devils (not the devil) upending their corporate underworld's structure. This shit is right up my alley.

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Signings by Phil Hester, Andy Parks, Joe Quesada, Jerome Opeña, and Scottie Young.

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/26233393

Not long after New Years, I started to see an intriguing image all over comics Bsky. It’s the one just a bit higher up in this post. Drawn by artist Dennis Fujitake, a dog-man stands in a space suit, holding a two-handed laser rifle, looking stoically into the distance as a sci-fi armada floats behind him. The image, as I say, was intriguing, but moreover, it was being shared by a number of trusted comics curators, singing the praises of the book for which it was the cover — The Dalgoda Omnibus.

I had never heard of Dalgoda nor seen this character before. So, I decided to look into it, and I learned that Dalgoda was a well-regarded comic that had gotten somewhat lost over the years. Written by Jan Strnad with artwork by Fujitake, the first of an eventual eight total issues was published in August 1986 by Fantagraphics Books. The reason I’d started to see that cover image on my Bsky feed, however, was that for the first time ever, Dalgoda was getting collected into a new format — The Dalgoda Omnibus, which arrived this year via About Comics. I saw more and more trusted voices excited about the book, and so when it came out, I snagged a copy. And I’m glad I did.

...

What makes this a fun read is the characterization of Dalgoda. The cover I started this review discussing is sort of misleading. One could be forgiven for looking at it and expecting Dalgoda to be some kind of pack-leading badass, fighting the good fight throughout the galaxy. He is not. Dalgoda is a relatable and normal guy. He’s on a mission of great galactic import that he’s not excited about or, quite frankly, suited for. He doesn’t win big shootouts through feats of great bravery. He runs from threats, doesn’t make a ton of friends, and largely botches most of the very difficult things he’s tasked with.

And the brilliant humor and readability of these comics rise in large part from that contrast. We’re in a thoughtful, detailed sci-fi world where the fate of Dalgoda’s people, as well as the human race, is very much at stake as a terrifying and violent alien force bears down on both of them. And we’re following a guy who has too much in common with us — everyday normal readers — for comfort. It’s not like the hero’s questing, sci-fi power fantasies of its day. It’s something so much more fun and relatable and at times even poignant.

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A documentary about the comic book Love and Rockets by PBS SoCal. Pretty interesting, at least to me as a long time fan getting reacquainted. Los Bros seem like pretty nice guys.

It's funny, I'm eager to read some new comics but what I'm really looking forward to is seeing what has happened with the people in this particular comic. And I'm not even into punk rock.

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The first of several orders arrived today. I'll have to reread the earlier volumes of Monstress first, but I'll start with Isola.

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I've read comics my whole life, but how much has varied a lot. It's been and on/off love affair, and it's been off for a while now, except for some manga. But this year I plan to catch up with some I love and discover new titles I haven't even heard about yet.

One enduring love has been Love and Rockets, and while I already have a lot from the earlier years, I'll be getting the trades and work my way through all the newer stuff.

Saga is another, much more recent title I'll be reading, and have already ordered the two first HCs.

Same thing with Lazarus, though I already have the first HC.

I recently got the Humble Bundle of Strangers in Paradise, but I really want them in physical form, I don't really enjoy reading comics on a screen. So those will be added to my list of stuff to get over time.

So much to discover. Suggestions welcome.

And btw, this was my first ever lemmy post, so Hi!

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New list is up! Really short for me this week it seems, just one:

Sacrificers #15 - I'm still loving this series!

Well that's it lol. What're you pulling?

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I just finished astounding wolfman, reading invincible, since I'm over waiting, caught up to the show last night.

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From The World Of Minor Threats Welcome To Twilight #1 - More Minor Threats, not the OGs but so far it's all good, so I'm in. The world itself it just so neat, I want to know more about the city itself almost more than its "notable" inhabitants. I want to know about the day to day, see some background on stuff only mentioned or hinted at, it's just so neat!

Defiant #1 - Looks ok, but "for fans of Dune, Firefly.." well that is me, so I'll grab it.

Assorted Crisis Events #1 - Weird time travel shit, could be neat!

Geiger #12 - Still going

Hive #2 - Yeesh I should read #1 tomorrow...

Moon Is Following Us #7 - behind on it but still picking them up.

Well that's it for me, what're y'all pulling?

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cross-posted from: https://lemm.ee/post/57681239

"Mystery of Penquan Island" is the first LoK one-shot graphic novel. It takes place after the show, and focuses on Mako.

When a strange missing persons case falls into his lap, Mako is forced to choose between his job and doing what he feels is right! An upturned room and an unhelpful witness aren’t promising starts to the investigation, but when his brother Bolin comes across a surprising clue that ties their own mother to the case, the pair embark on a journey to the small, rustic island of Penquan. The island’s inhabitants seem to have things to hide, and the brothers are determined to get to the bottom of it—even if it means uncovering uncomfortable parts of their family’s past.

The comic released March 4th. It is written by Kiku Hughes with art by Alex Monik and Diana Sousa, made in collaboration with Mike and Bryan.

EU sellers: Genialokal (german independent bookstores) - Lehmanns (german) - Bol.com (Benelux) - Bookshop.org (UK)

US sellers: AbeBooks (owned by Amazon) - AmazonBarnes and Noble

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New list is up! Short one for me this week it seems

Hyde Street #4 - My favorite Ghost Machine title so far.

Cruel Kingdom #3 - Might have missed #2, but #1 was good!

That's it lol, what are you grabbing this week?

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/24996057

CB Cebulski: In our careers exactly, there's always that Marvel-DC rivalry that people talk about, but at its core, we're fans of each other's work. There's mutual respect on the editorial and creative level, and we really enjoyed working together. This was a really good project to have done, but I think there's another white whale; we got the omnibuses out, but maybe there's another white whale we haven't seen for 20 years or so?

Marie Javins: I'm trying to figure out what you could possibly be talking about. the only other white whale I can think…. ohhhh…. should we do that?

CB Cebulski: Should we?

Marie Javins: Should we ask them?

CB Cebulski: What do you think? Another crossover, a modern crossover. Are you up for it? What do you think?

[There is an appreciative cheer from the retailers]

CB Cebulski: I guess the retailers voted, so I guess we have no choice but to do this, Marie.

Marie Javins: Right, can I make more fart joke comics as part of this?

CB Cebulski: I don't think that that's exactly what they were talking about.

Marie Javins: But I brought the swatches. I brought the swatches from the printer, you can smell it. You can come and rub and smell it. I've got them right here.

CB Cebulski: Well, I don't know that's what their applause was about. I think they're talking about a Marvel/DC DC/Marvel crossover in… can we get it done in 2025?

Marie Javins: That's tight, but I guess we could, like, later this year?

CB Cebulski: I guess so, 2025, we got, we got what, ten months to go? I think we could put together some creators and some character ideas and do something.

Marie Javins: But even if I start right now, it's gonna be… later. You're all right. [To audience] I already know he secretly started you know, mine might be a little later, but they don't have to be the exact same time.

CB Cebulski: In all seriousness, folks, We are doing two crossovers, two one-shots, Marvel/DC, and DC/Marvel.

Marie Javins: He's going to do the Marvel/DC one… Can we tell them anything else? Do you think it's okay if I tell them that it's Bat-Mite2/Punisher?

CB Cebulski: I don't think we've gotten that far yet. I wouldn't want to lie to them if that's not what we're doing, which I don't think we are

Marie Javins: I think it sounds good.

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The cover and the inside art is drawn by Jim Lee, who is my favorite Punisher artist. He gives Frank a proper grittiness, has exaggerated but rarely wonky figures, and pays attention to drawing guns both in making them look like more than collections of random bits and in choosing unusual models. In the cover Frank has an L86 LSW in hand while speeding towards tropical danger. While the LSW sadly doesn't actually appear in the comic, the Sterling submachinegun is a decent consolation prize.

Full credits:

A jet ski, a Hawaiian shirt, a bueatiful sunset, and all the ontologically evil thugs you can shoot.

Micro, Frank's long time sidekick, gets to do some actual shooting this issue rather than simply being Frank's man in the chair.

Punisher holds bloody stick while someone else babbles about the plot, big Doomslayer 2016 energy.

Frank shooting his acquired Sterling SMG.

More Sterling action.

Frank is trapped.

Fortunately, he thinks up a clever plan to escape.

Budda budda budda firefight.

Micro opens fire to make an intentionally flashy entrance.

He then uses cultural appropriation for good in order to scare the superstitious thugs.

Micro meets up with Frank and they share what passes for humor.

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