Archive for November, 2011

Aaron And Eric

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

Aaron and Eric are both members of the Alexandria Safe Zone, a walled off neighborhood section where a small number of post apocalyptic survivors live. Aaron and Eric work together as scouts looking for other and spying on other survivors to decide if they’re worthy to bring in to the Safe Zone. It’s in this capacity that Aaron is first seen when he approaches Rick and Abraham one night after their group has stopped for the night. Aaron is a friendly and calm person, the latter demonstrated when he regains consciousness after being punched in the face and knocked out by a suspicious Rick for surprising them. Interrogated by Rick, Aaron admits that he’s a kind of recruiter, explaining that he comes from a small community of normal humans who’ve banded together. Hearing his promises of safety and food, first Michonne and then others strongly express desire to join the strangers. Rick agrees. Shortly after a very early start, the band is surprised to find another unknown man waiting by the side of the road. Apprehensive as usual, Rick explodes at Aaron upon learning that Eric, the new stranger, is Aaron’s partner and “insurance policy” in the event that something went wrong with the encounter with Rick’s group. The pair of men hand over their weapons and supplies to prove themselves to Rick. Before resuming their journey, Aaron is pulled aside by Eric for a private conversation. The nature of “partner” is defined when Eric rests his hand on Aaron’s neck, leans in, and says: “Next time…no more overnighters, okay? My nerves can’t take it.”

Aaron and Eric prove to be quick thinking and brave when they see a shooting flare about an hour away from the Alexandria Safe Zone and deduce that it was fired by someone in one of their runner groups who’ve gone into the city for supplies.  After they’ve all safely arrived at their destination, Aaron acts as a sort of liason between Rick and his people and Douglas Monroe, the defacto leader of the Safe Zone.

Aaron’s views about his purpose and life in the Safe Zone are affected after Eric is stabbed by a woman the pair were going to recruit after observing her. Despite Eric and Dr Cloyd’s assurances that the wound is superficial, Aaron is visibly shaken and decides to persuade Douglas that the time for recruitment is over.The couple’s acceptance is evidenced by the comforting smiles and stances the artist gives both Dr Cloyd and Rick. Douglas is grief stricken by the accidental death of his wife. Instead of addressing Aaron’s concerns Douglas decides to confess his feelings of shame, fear, and inadequacy within his marriage and as the Safe Zone’s leader. Aaron tries his best to support Douglas with comforting words but their conversation is cut short by gunshots due to a walker incident from a wall breach. Unable to secure the gap, the zone is overrun by zombies. Seeing the heroic efforts led by Rick, Aaron rushes to help while a recovering Eric insists on also joining to protect their safety.

Art by Charlie Adlard

My reading of the Walking Dead is by trades from my library, so my first hand knowledge of Aaron and Eric stops with volume 14, “No Way Out”. Everyone in this arc seems accepting or at least not openly bothered by Aaron and Eric’s sexuality and relationship. This Walking Dead site lists them both as currently alive. This entry will be updated as I get further ahead in my reading.

Aaron’s first appearance is Walking Dead #67 and Eric appears in #68, which reveals their relationship.

The Walking Dead and all its characters are © and ® Robert Kirkman. All rights reserved.

Bunker In OUT

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

OUT magazine highlights Bunker, the new member of Teen Titans who just happens to be gay — and flamboyantly so. Teen Titans #3 hits comics shops tomorrow. OUT also has a six page preview and you can find it here. You’ll want to click on the bold “See our exclusive peek here” link in the last paragraph for the preview. I’m sure I’ll have an opinion…

Gay Ghetto Comics Part 2

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

The Hooded Utilitarian publishes part 2 of indy comics creator/ historian Sina Evil’s Gay Ghetto paper, this time focusing on the comics of Rob  Kirby. Read it here.

Faceoff

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Art by Jimmy Broxton

Faceoff is a costumed, urban vigilante operating in the London area. When writer Paul Cornell introduces Faceoff, he’s just one of the many costumed heroes and villains gathering at “The Time in a Bottle” pub’s “first Thursday of the month” affairs. This monthly event is a peaceful one because it’s shielded by Merlin’s “truce magic”, thanks to a statue of the wizard secured on the 400 year old building’s premesis. Faceoff confronts newcomer Shrike, who’s being given a tour by Squire, after overhearing him mskr an offhand gay comment about a pair of villains. Definitely out and unashamed, he’s also a man who believes in the ends justifying the means, as we’re shown when writer Cornell reveals Faceoff conspired with Cornwall Boy to interfere with the truce mage by interrupting its source. Cornwall Boy was frustrated by his mentor Captain Cornwall’s heroic philosophy. If he’d succeeded in killing the Captain he’d have inherited his powers, which Cornwall Boy believes the Captain uses as “just a chance to dress up.” Faceoff, whose attitude and costume makes him a parody of gritty anti-heroes, simply wanted an opportunity to physically harm if not kill villains. Neither get their wishes. While Cornwall Boy is apprehended by Knight and Squire, Faceoff makes a getaway until he’s later enlisted in issue #6 to aid Knight and Squire in their plan to stop the Joker, to pursue his own vendetta against his wacky and non-lethal British counterpart, Jarvis Poker. Faceoff redeems himself of his shameful deeds and has yet to be seen again.

Faceoff first appeared and confirmed his sexual orientation in Knight and Squire #1.

© and ® DC Comics. All rights reserved.

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

November 20th is the day marked to commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Thirteen years ago on November 28th Rita Hester, like Matthew Shepard five weeks before, was brutally murdered, more than 20 stab wounds to her chest, in her home. She was only 34 years old. Her name may be unfamiliar to you, unlike Shepard, whose murder was well reported in the media and would become a focal point of hate crimes legislation formally known as the Matthew Shepard Act. Ms. Hester was African American and lived in the Allston/Brighton neighborhood of Boston. Ten years prior to her murder Rita began to live her daily life fully as the woman she knew she was meant to be. Standing over six feet and weighing approximately 225 pounds, Rita was known as someone who could take care of herself. By all accounts she was spirited, out going, much loved, and accepted. Except by the person or persons who took exception to her and savagely ended her life.

Rita Hester isn’t the first transgendered person to have been murdered, nor has she been the last. No one should have their life ended because they choose to live their life as they know themselves to be. No one should be forgotten because a majority of society and news media implicitly consider a person less news-worthy, less a human because they belong to multiple minorities. Nor do I think gays and lesbians can leave them behind in the stuggle for civil rights because the straight, cisgendered majority, and far too many cisgendered gays, lesbians and bisexuals misunderstand, fear, or hate them.

Acceptance and respect should be universal.

Gay Previews 1/2012

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

January sees the debut of Archie’s ongoing Kevin Keller series! I’ve gone on record before about never having read an Archie comic in my 40 plus years of comics collecting. Yes, even as a nine year old I was a comics snob who looked down and the Riverdale gang, and before Keller’s debut, I’d have bet that I never would have either. My thanks to Dan Parent and the Archie publishers for for making that no longer the case and now for continuing the character in a solo title. And it’s incredibly easy to relate with Kevin being bad at dating! (Also sad, but that’s my problem.) Somewhere Frederick Wertham’s ghost is wailing!

Last month I whined about the apparent lack of LGBT characters or themes in Vertigo comics and then the charming François Peneaud of the Gay Comics List pointed me to an interview (that I can’t find now but I found another one linked below) in which Chris Roberson talked about a character coming out in iZombie. I borrowed a copy of the first trade, “Dead to the World”, from my library and found it to be an engaging book in a quirky good sense. Thanks,  François! Unfortunately my library doesn’t have later iZombie trades.”Horrors!”, I say.

Eaglemoss offer up statues of Northstar and sister Aurora this month just in time for the last issue of Alpha Flight that was first a mini, then upped to ongoing and then canceled. The final issue of the Young Avengers mini is solicited, so look for it soon…ish. Or maybe not.

DC reprints 18 issues of Young Love in one volume of Showcase Presents for $20! SAnd look for more of Stephen Sadowski’s hot men with DE’s Warlord of Mars annual!

Only 11 months till the end of the current b’ak’tun! You know, December 21st, the end of the Mayan calendar, AKA Doomsday! Enjoy your comics while you can!

Thanks to Andy Mangels who compiled 1,001 lists back in  the day for the Gayleague email list.

Names listed in bold are either family or LGBT friendly.

ABSTRACT STUDIOS

RACHEL RISING #5 $3.99 Page 214
Terry Moore
Rachel’s quest to find her own killer in the small town of Manson leads her to one of the oldest, most respected families in the country — and the vicious murder of a boy, 300 years ago! Rachel Rising is a blood-curdling series with remarkable characters, written and drawn by Eisner and Harvey Award-winning creator Terry Moore.

ARCHIE

KEVIN KELLER #1 $2.99 Page 226
Dan Parent and Rich Kosloski
It’s a bunch of firsts for Kevin Keller in the first issue of his ongoing series. It’s his first time as Riverdale High class president. And he gets published in the Riverdale newspaper for the first time. Oh yeah, and Kevin gets ready to go on his first date! What?! Kevin’s never been on a date before? That’s the reaction everybody has, as they can’t believe cool, good-looking, mild mannered Kevin Keller has never been on a date. And when he’s made attempts in the past things go terribly wrong, it turns out Kevin Keller is actually bad at something — dating! But the Riverdale gang, along with his old friends and family step in to help ol’ Kevin out. With his friends and family at the helm can anything possibly go wrong? Of course! But Kevin will get through it anyway!

KEVIN KELLER Vol 1 HC $19.99 Page 226
Dan Parent
The secret is out and Kevin Keller is here, starring in his very pwm deluxe oversize full color hard cover graphic novel! Kevin Keller is Archie’s first gay character and the most popular addition to the Riverdale crowd in years. This edition includes the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book nominated story, “Isn’t it Bromantic”, where Kevin first meets Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica, and also explores his love of journalism, his desire to serve in the military in the footsteps of his father, retired colonel, plus fascinating and fun insights into Kevin’s life growing up as an Army kid prior to Riverdale. The deluxe volume includes Kevin’s first two appearances in Veronica #202 and 205 and the full four issue run of the Kevin Keller mini series. [How did I miss this when I complied this list the first time?]

BLUEWATER

FEMALE FORCE: WOMEN IN COMEDY Vol 3 TP $15.99 Page 238
Various writers and artists not listed in Previews
Betty White, Kathy Griffin, Rosie O’Donnell, and Ellen DeGeneres are some of the most entertaining and hilarious women in modern day comedy. The Female Force comic series offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who have shaped modern history and culture. The graphic novel features the biographical comics of these comedy queens, collected together for the first time.

BOOM!

HELLRAISER #11 $3.99 Page 243
Clive Barker, Anthony De Blasi and Stephen Thompson
Witness Clive Barker’s long-awaited return to tell new chapters in the series’ official continuity, a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites and Pinhead! In this issue, the sense-shattering new reality of Hellraiser is here! It’s a fresh start for Kirsty Cotton and Pinhead. There are no rules! No one is safe! Clive Barker’s changing the way you look at Hellraiser so don’t miss this new chapter in horror history!

HELLRAISER  Vol 2 TP $14.99 Page 243
Clive Barker, Christopher Monfette and Stephen Thompson
One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Witness Barker continue his long-awaited return as he tells a new chapter in the series’ official continuity — a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites — and Pinhead! So prepare your soul for an epic journey into horror from one of the medium’s greatest voices, and starring one of the medium’s greatest characters, in an unforgettable new chapter of Hellraiser. Collects issues #5-8.

HELLRAISER  Vol 1 TP $9.99 Page 243
Clive Barker, Christopher Monfette and Leonardo Manco
One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched Hellraiser only twice: once to write The Hellbound Heart, and once more to write and direct the original Hellraiser film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity — a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites and Pinhead! Collects issues #1-4. [Re-offered]

PEANUTS #1 $3.99 Page 248
Charles Schulz and Vicki Scott
Happiness is a monthly comic book series, Charlie Brown! Peanuts came to KABOOM! last spring in their first graphic novel Happiness Is A Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown. Now Snoopy and the gang are back in monthly comic books with an all new #1 issue! The series kicks off with new original stories seen here for the first time along with some of your favorite classic Peanuts Sundays strips. [BOOM's press release posted on CBR's Robot 6 blog lists Paige (Jane's World) Braddock as a contributor. ]

DARK HORSE

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 9 #5 $2.99 Page 29
Andrew Chambliss and Karl Moline
Buffy’s dreams have become all too real lately as she deals with a magicless world. She’s still fighting creatures of the night, as Willow and Xander grow distant and nightmares plague the Slayer. But something is telling Buffy that there is more to her dreams than meets the eye . . . and that her greatest fears may yet become reality!

DC

BATGIRL #5 $2.99 Page 90
Gail Simone and Ardian Syaf
Still reeling from the shocking return of a major figure with secrets from her past, Batgirl goes on the hunt for the terrifying killer Gretel, whose eerie and violent power over the men of Gotham City leaves no one safe – not even guest star Bruce Wayne!

BATWING #5 $2.99 Page 86
Judd Winick and Ben Oliver
The mystery of the Kingdom, Africa’s first and last Super Hero team, continues. When their former headquarters is opened to the public, its American benefactor, Bruce Wayne, is on hand. Will the villainous Massacre, who’s been murdering the lost heroes, stop by for the grand opening? If he does, it will be up to Batman and Batwing to stop him. It’s a battle of the bats!

BATWOMAN #5 $2.99 Page 89
J H Williams III and W Haden Blackman
“Hydrology,” the first arc of the critically acclaimed new BATWOMAN series, reaches its powerful conclusion! After the horrors Batwoman has faced, she has a final showdown with The Weeping Woman – a specter with the power to dredge up Kate’s deepest pain. Can she finally forgive herself so she can dispel this evil? And how will she respond when Chase and the DEO tighten their grip, forcing Kate to make an impossible decision?

CATWOMAN #5 $2.99 Page 83
Judd Winick and Guillem  March
Catwoman is flying solo and finding plenty of turbulence! She has her paws full when a simple smash and grab turns into a hit and pummeled, as she faces an adversary who is more than a match for Selina. She calls herself Reach, and she doesn’t pull any punches. Can our favorite Feline Fatale land on her feet?

FURY OF FIRESTORM #5 $2.99 Page 72
Ethan Van Scriver, Gail Simone, and Yildiray Cinar
Ronnie and Jason have never agreed on anything, and now it’s all-out war as the mysterious Zither pits them against each other! But with the mystery of the Rogue Firestorms spiraling out of control, the guys will have to come to an agreement – or risk serious fallout!

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA: MONUMENT POINT TP $14.99 Page 123
Marc Guggenheim, George Perez, Scott Koblish, Freddie Williams II, Howard Chaykin, and Tom Derenick
Collecting issues #50-54! As Jay Garrick begins his term as mayor, the other members of the JSA try to settle into their new home, and Mr. Terrific attempts to deal with his shocking loss of intelligence. [As I recall, Obsidian showed up in a scene or three because of developments with his father, Alan Scott. Check it out on the shelf first though!]

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #5 $2.99 Page 115
Paul Levitz and Walt Simonson
Legendary artist Walter Simonson comes on board for an ambitious single-issue story that walks you through a day in the life of the Legion, checking in with every single member along the way! It’s a race against time to find the meaning of Dream Girl’s predawn vision before its secret can catch the team by surprise! [Levitz made Legion Academy students Power Boy and Gravity Kid a couple. Will they return from SP Duty on Takron-Galtos? Levitz is interviewed on CBR here but doesn't mention the characters. Plus, Vi and Ayla are a couple again.]

POWER GIRL: OLD FRIENDS TP $19.99 Page 123
Judd Winick, Matthew Sturges and Sam Basri
From robotic dinosaurs to the villainous Maxwell Lord to her own personal fan convention, Power Girl faces a plethora challenges in the final volume of her solo series, collecting issues #19-27. Joining the Woman of Steel are countless DC Universe heroes, including Superman, Batman, Zatanna and more.

THE SHADE #4 $2.99 page 99
James Robinson, Darwyn Cooke and J Bone
In the tradition of the “Times Past” issues of Starman comes a story of revenge, murder and betrayal set in the 1940s! The Shade is just beginning his long criminal career, but when an industrialist who is helping with the war effort is targeted for assassination, the Shade surprisingly seeks to help save the man! Who is this man, and who is the strange woman on this issue’s cover? Find out more about the Shade’s true origin in this story illustrated by the amazing team of Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone!

SHOWCASE PRESENTS YOUNG LOVE TP Vol 1 419.99 Page 122
DC’s popular romance series is collected for the first time in this title reprinting YOUNG LOVE #39-56, featuring art by John Romita, Mike Sekowsky, Don Heck, Gene Colan, Jay Scott Pike and others. [Can you say "campy"?]

STATIC SHOCK #5 $2.99 Page 114
Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens
Sending Static to a watery grave has earned Joey Piranha and his freakish Bang Baby Army the coveted security role in the secretive Crime Alliance. Shocking begin to be revealed between the mysterious Hawkins family tragedy and this brutal criminal enterprise. And how might the unpredictable agenda of the Pale Man and the true price of Dr. Nemo’s Q-Juice send this criminal storm spinning wildly out of control? [After learning in #2 that long time best friend Frieda is still on Dakota, it's looking less likely that gay friend Rick Stone will appear, so this title be may dropped from the list. ]

STORMWATCH #5 $2.99  Page 106
Paul Cornell and Miguel Sepulveda
It’s the unstoppable murder machine vs. the Eminence of Blades when the Midnighter takes on Prince of Lies, Harry Tanner! As Adam One stands trial before the shadow cabinet, Stormwatch loses two members, and the mystery horn from SUPERMAN #1 reappears to deliver a final page that will change Stormwatch forever!

TEEN TITANS #5 $2.99 Page 113
Scott Lobdell and Brett Booth
In their first battle as a team, The Teen Titans square off against N.O.W.H.E.R.E.’s most powerful weapon… The Superboy! But can the cunning of Red Robin, the speed of Kid Flash and the psionic might of Bunker stop a threat that has already taken out the powerhouse known as Wonder Girl? The fight rages from a battle cruiser docked in the Hudson River to the Central Park Zoo, but as a world stands up and takes notice, there is a very real possibility the Teen Titans might not survive their high profile debut! [A gay member, Bunker, debuted in #3.]

VOODOO #5 $2.99 Page 108
Ron Marz and Sam Basri
Voodoo discovers a threat that could expose her secrets before she can complete her mission. With her shape-shifting abilities in overdrive, Pris does what she does best when she’s cornered: fight. [So where's the bisexuality Dan Didio mentioned in a piece with The Advocate?]

VERTIGO

GONE TO AMERIKAY $24.99 Page 129
Derek McCulloch, Colleen Doran and José Villarrubia
This sweeping, century-spanning graphic novel explores the vivid history of Irish emigres to New York City via three intertwined tales, from a penniless woman raising a daughter alone in the Five Points slum of 1870, to a struggling young artist drawn to the nascent counterculture of 1960, the year America elected its first Irish-Catholic president. Written by Eisner Award-nominated writer Derek McCulloch (Stagger Lee, Pug), and beautifully illustrated with period detail by Colleen Doran (THE SANDMAN, ORBITER) and color by Jose Villarrubia.

IZOMBIE #21 $2.99 Page 131
Chris Roberson and J Bone
In the aftermath of the zombie invasion and major heartbreaks, Gwen is hiding out in her crypt until the heat dies down. But Galatea and Dr. Coffee are determined to give the town of Eugene more to worry about – and the only one standing in the way of their evil scheme is Amon, the dashing, deadly mummy. [Scott/ Spot, the were-terrier, has come out and has been dating. See the interview with writer Chris Roberson and sample pages here. ]

D.E.

THE BOYS #62 $3.99 Page 268
Garth Ennis and Russ Braun
The new regime takes power in Washington DC, forcing the Boys to go on the offensive and Hughie to reveal a long-kept secret. Meanwhile at Vought-American other secrets are revealed, as Frenchie and the Female do what they do best. Rayner ponders high treason, the Homelander sets loose the dogs of war, and Butcher gives Hughie an unexpected present — in part three of “Over the Hill with the Swords of A Thousand Men.”

KIRBY GENESIS – DRAGONSBANE #1 $3.99 Page 257
Robert Rodi and Alex Ross
Spinning out of the epochal events of Kirby: Genesis comes the saga of Sigurd Dragonsbane, the greatest champion in all Valhalla. Since time immemorial tales of his adventures have resounded throughout the halls of gods and men alike. But what happens when Sigurd and his colleagues–wise Balduur, rakish Honir, and caustic Heimdall–discover that Valhalla isn’t the only mythic realm?…And that all the others are now conjoined into one vast magical landscape? Why, they set out to explore it, of course–and to rescue a princess beset by dragons. But all isn’t as it seems in these newly unified Mythlands, and Sigurd’s latest exploit could be his last! Based on character concepts and designs by Jack Kirby, DRAGONSBANE draws back the curtain on the astonishing mythical underpinnings of the Kirby universe.

WARLORD OF MARS ANNUAL #1 $4.99 Page 262
Mark Rahner and Stephen Sadowski
The mighty green warrior Tars Tarkas was ready for blood the day he first met John Carter on Barsoom. Make that MORE blood. The epic, “Shell Shock,” chronicles the violence and horror that led to that day. Tars Tarkas is jolted out of an existential crisis by the massacre of a Thark egg incubator, and things just get worse from there as he faces mutiny and… and genocide!

DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION

BAD TRACHERS EQUATION GN Vol 3 Page 273 $19.95
Kazuma Kodaka
Atsushi can hardly believe his good luck — he’s scored an actual, day-long date with the man of his dreams! But will he manage to stay totally cool, calm and collected during the biggest moment of his young life? And will the rest of the gang leave him alone… or stalk his every nervous move?! Bad Teacher’s Equation shows that growing up can be a dizzying, delirious trip through incredible highs… and terrible lows! Can a sweet, determined boy prove that he’s got the strength, drive and commitment to catch and keep his ideal man? Or will his passion flicker and fade like a forgotten childhood fantasy?

BORDER GN VOL 3 Page 274 $12.95
Kazuma Kodaka
JAT’s lead tech programmer, Kippei, is known for his cheerful and uplifting personality; he is always cheering his teammates whenever they have bad times. One day, an inquiry rolls into the agency and they are asked to look into a long lost son and to launch an investigation to find him. Yamato takes the lead of this investigation but soon finds out that he is deeply connected to Kippei and his past is about to change his life forever–this is one of the biggest cases they have handled and Kippei and the team’s future depends on the outcome of this case. What went wrong in the past? What must Kippei mend to move on? Kazuma Kodaka’s fan-beloved series, Border is about to open another dramatic case!

GENTLEMEN’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN A RABBIT & A WOLF Page 276 $12.95
Shinano Oumi
It’s all in a name — Usagikawa, the rabbit. Kaiookami, the wolf. They are both in a creative and promotional department of a toy manufacturing company. Were they destined to fight? Every time they see each other, they fight like cats and dogs! They’ve been told to put all of their differences aside and work together by their boss. One day, as a special promotional campaign, they were assigned to go out on a street wearing animal suits. Huffin’ and puffin’, whining and complaining — they head to the locker room to change into their suits… but there, as the wolf watches the rabbit change, he somehow finds him charming and attractive. Can the wolf suppress his desire and appetite…? Shinano Oumi delivers a perfect romance comedy in this one shot!

KIZUNA DELUXE EDITION VOL 5 Page 275 $19.95
Kazuma Kodaka
Returning home, Ranmaru discovers that the surprises just keep coming. It seems he and Kei are not the only ones with secrets. Back at the dojo he learns news that drives him to do some soul searching. His father is alive! How will this affect him and the way he wishes to lead his life with his beloved at his side? Is this a new obstacle, or a potential ally? And why was he led to believe that his father was deceased? This time the bonds of love being tested are not his and Kei’s, but the ones that hold the very fabric of his family together and all he ever thought he knew. Can he and Kei weather this emotional storm together and come out stronger for it?

EAGLEMOSS PUBLICATIONS

CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAGAZINE SPECIAL #27 NORTHSTAR & AURORA $28.00Page 319
Northstar and Aurora are two of Canada’s greatest heroes. Twin mutants of exceptional power, they’re leading members of Alpha Flight, Canada’s premier Super Hero team… and the latest Classic Marvel Figurine Collection Special is a unique chance to collect figurines of both characters! Cast in lead, hand-painted and individually numbered, the double-pack of figurines is accompanied by a 20-page magazine filled with the history of the characters and a behind-the-scenes look at their creation. It also comes with a huge double-sided poster and is a must have for any Marvel fan!

801 MEDIA

THE DEVIL’S INFIRMARY $19.95 Page 278
Aoo Oumi
Information found at In One Stop Comics.  Who knew medical school could prove to be so dangerous? Higurashi certainly never expected his education to include this! Asakura Medical School proves to be a place to learn a lot more about the human body than Higurashi ever dreamed of – or even thought he wanted – when one of the Asakura family set his sights on him! Higurashi discovers that he just may have set foot into the devil’s own infirmary…

IDW

TRUE BLOOD: FRENCH QUARTER #6 $3.99 Page 150
Mariah Huehner, David Tischman. David Messina, Claudia Balboni, and David Messina
LeDeax, the insane vampire killer has Sookie Stackhouse trapped–will Bill Compton and Eric Northman be able to rescue her in time? And will Bill find the clue that links LeDeux’s killing spree to the local Hep-D epidemic? And when Sookie returns to Bon Temp, who is sitting at her kitchen table? For the answer to these questions–and for some good old-fashioned blood and guts–you HAVE to read this issue!

IMAGE/ TOP COW

INVINCIBLE #89 $2.99 Page 201
Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley
Everything is different now! There’s someone new in the Invincible costume, but why – and for how long? Answers to all these questions and more in this monumental status-quo-altering issue! [Kirkman revealed Invincible's best friend is gay.]

LIL DEPRESSED BOY #10 $2.99 Page 202
S Steven Struble and Sina Grace
“Worried Shoes” The Li’l Depressed Boy’s new job finds him in unfamiliar territory. Fighting his more anti-social nature, LDB struggles to make it through the first day.

WALKING DEAD #93 $2.99 Page 208
Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard
“A Larger World” begins here! As we ramp up to the release of our monumental 100th issue, the world is changing. Rick and his band of survivors are faced with new threats – and new opportunities. Nothing will ever be the same – and with this book, you know we mean it! [Likewise late in finding out that cast member Aaron is gay. Until he's dead, that is.]

KODANSHA COMICS

AT FULL MOON Vol 2 $10.99 Page 287
Sanomi Matoh
Marlo has a problem. On the night of the full moon, this half-werewolf, half-vampire undergoes a mysterious and terrifying transformation: he turns into a girl. Desperate for a cure, his parents call on Doctor Vincent, a long time family friend. But Marlo wants to keep his condition secret from Vincent’s son, the playboy vampire David. Unfortunately, the secret gets out, and a new problem surfaces: David is interested in Marlo’s female form! If a remedy can’t be found, their parents believe the next best solution is marriage — a marriage between Marlo and David! [Is this a new story or a new printing with a slightly different title? The plot seems the same as the story I read, but I can't check since I sold my volumes on Ebay. Not that it wasn't a fun story. Just had to let go of some things. Many thanks to the commenter who clarified this is a continuation by Ms. Matoh of the original series.]

MARVEL

Note to whoever writes up Marvel’s solicitation copy: What’s up with all the bullet points and caps now?

ALPHA FLIGHT #8 $3.99 Page 39
Greg pak, Fred Van Lente, and Dale Eaglesham
The big showdown between Alpha Flight and the Master of the World! [Final issue too. What was a mini turned ongoing is now more or less a mini ending at #8. Or canceled, depending on how you look at it.]

ALPHA FLIGHT Vol 1 HC $19.99 Page 91
Greg pak, Fred Van Lente, and Dale Eaglesham
Alpha Flight has long been the protector of an entire nation — but what happens when that nation needs to be protected from itself? Sasquatch, Snowbird, Northstar and Aurora have been joined by their revived allies Guardian, Vindicator, Shaman and Marrina. But as “Fear Itself” takes over, their own country turns on the Flight and brands them traitors for the shocking actions of one of their closest allies. As the borders close and an entire nation hunts them down, will the newly reunited Alpha Flight survive? Collecting Alpha Flight (2011) #0.1 and #1-4.  [Still profitable enough for a hardcover collection though!]

AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE #9 $3.99 Page 17
Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung
The big climax that sets the stage big time for what is to come in 2012! Deaths and departures! The funeral of an Avenger. The final fate of the Scarlet Witch. A new lineup and a new direction for the Young Avengers.

AVENGERS: SOLO #4 $3.99 Page 16
Jen Van Meter, Jim McCann, Roger Robinson and Clayton Henry
Hawkeye’s racing against time to clear the Avengers’ names! * In his last-ditch effort to save his friends, Hawkeye must team with the very man he’s been charged with capturing! * Meanwhile, the Avengers Academy vs. The West Coast Avengers!

DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #19 & 20 $2.99 Page 65
Rob Williams, Matteo Buffagni and Allesandro Vitti
The conclusion of the “Claws Killer Saga”! Daken has his final battle with the villainous Marcus Roston! Guest-starring The Runaways! [#19] The Kingpin of L.A. Revealed! A standalone issue featuring Daken and FBI Agent Donna Kiel  Can Daken be redeemed?

DAKEN X-23: COLLISION TP $19.99 Page 110
Marjorie Lie, Daniel Way, Giuseppe Camuncoli. Augustin Padilla, Marco Checchetto, Sana Takeda, Ryan Stegman and Matteo Buffagni
Brother and sister collide as Daken, son of Wolverine, continues his quest to prove to the world he’s the best there is at what he does. All that stands in his way? X-23, Wolverine’s clone. Squaring off in the streets of Madripoor, the two become uneasy allies after learning one of their father’s greatest foes is attempting to revive the sinister Weapon X Project. Bitter memories of her years as a Weapon X pawn driving her actions, X-23 is determined to take the program down at all costs and prevent history from repeating itself — but is Daken with her, or does he just want a piece of the action? Collecting Daken: Dark Wolverine #5-9, X-23 (2010) #7-9 and material from Wolverine: Road to Hell.

Daken 20

THE STAND: NIGHT HAS COME #6 $3.99 Page 24
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins
It’s the final chapter of Marvel’s epic adaptation of Stephen King’s horror masterpiece! * The dust from Flagg’s last stand in Vegas has finally begun to settle, yet someone’s life still hangs in the balance…Frannie’s newborn baby, the great hope of the Boulder Free Zone, is infected with the super-flu, and there’s nothing Frannie and the others can do but wait…and pray…and hope. Trust us, True Believers, there won’t be a dry eye in the house as this critically acclaimed, fan-favorite saga draws to its close!

THOR: THE DEVIANTS SAGA #3 $3.99 Page 51
Robert Rodi and Stephen Segovia
Thor invades Lemuria, home to the entire Deviant race! It’s Deviant vs. Deviant for the fate of their future, and ours! And the return of Gilgamesh, the Forgotten One!

X-FACTOR #230 $2.99 Page 73
Peter David  and Emmanualla Luppachino
Regenisis tie-in, guest-starring Wolverine! The team is shattered by recent events, including the death of a key member in #227. The highly-publicized return of two fan-favorite classic X-Factor characters: Havok & Polaris! [David confirmed long standing fan speculation that there is a romantic side to Rictor and Shatterstar's relationship in X-Factor #44, published in 2009 despite the discrepancy in numbering.]

X-FACTOR: SCAR TISSUE Vol 12 TP $19.99 Page 110
Peter David and Valentine De Landro
Hmm. Not a single word of copy to describe the trade…

Gay Ghetto Comics

Monday, November 14th, 2011

The Hooded Utilitarian site has published part one of artist Sina Evil’s “Gay Ghetto Comics”, a paper that was presented at the “New Directions in Comic Studies” symposium at Birkbeck College. Sina’s makes some excellent points in this first part and I look forward to reading the second part. Part one may be read here.

R Crumb’s Rejected Same Sex Marriage Cover

Friday, November 11th, 2011

VICE Magazine’s Juliette Eisner contacted me to tell me about an illustration on the topic of same sex marriage by alt indy comics creator R Crumb that was designed for and rejected by the New Yorker. Writer Nadja Sayej discusses with the artist the story surrounding his rejected cover.  Thanks to Ms Eisner for a copy of the cover image to make you curious! Read Sayej’s interview here!

VICE was launched in 1994 as a small punk zine in Montreal and has since grown into a global media juggernaut that includes VICE.COM, VICE Magazine, VICE Music, VICE Films, VICE Books and VIRTUE Worldwide. VICE is the first-ever free worldwide youth-culture monthly, with international editions in 27 countries and a global circulation of over 1.1 million readers. VICE has repeatedly topped the Cassandra Report’s “trendsetter publications” poll and has been lauded by scores of outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, CNN, and ABC

 

Random Seduction of the Innocent Quote For 11/8/11

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

“It is not scientifically sound to narrow down the problem to whether the influence of comics is just ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ That cannot be a sound starting point. The question is, do they have a discernible influence, and if they have how does it work, how intense and lasting is it, and in what fields and regions of the child’s mind does it manifest itself. This is exactly how I started.”

“My Collection Obsession” Casting Call

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

[Here's something for some of you gay comic fans to think about!]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Doron Ofir Casting November 2nd, 2011

DORON OFIR CASTING IS NOW CASTING THE HIT SHOW “MY COLLECTION OBSESSION!”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 2, 2011 – Doron Ofir Casting is now seeking unique collectors for the hit documentary television show, “My Collection Obsession.” The series focuses on individuals with the most unique and impressive collections and obsessions across America. Whether it’s a passion for vacuum cleaners or Dolly Parton, “My Collection Obsession” aims to find the ultimate collectors and uncover the biggest and best collections that America’s most obsessed have to offer.

“As collector myself of pop culure memorabilla I thrive on the hunt, and the acquisition of an elusive item is the ultimate thrill. The pride of owning and displaying my personal treasures is an emotional and satisfying feat. I am seeking others who are  surrounding themselves  amongst the things they love most” Doron Ofir, Casting Director.

If you or someone you know has an incredible collection or obsession and would be interested in appearing on the show, please send a short description of your collection/obsession and brief explanation regarding why you were drawn to this particular object, theme, idea or lifestyle.

Email us asap at: MYCOLLECTIONOBSESSIONCAST@GMAIL.COM

Please include your name, age, city of residence, photos of you and your collection/obsession and a phone number or email where you can be reached for further questions.