tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15580007613771999002024-03-05T20:14:53.698-08:00Donist WorldA random assortment of thoughts and stories, including reviews of the things that really matter: comics, movies and music.Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.comBlogger647125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-63732100704609378862022-01-30T18:21:00.002-08:002022-01-30T18:25:49.435-08:00Donist World 2021 Year-End Roundup! (Part 2)<p>(Sung to the tune of <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw" target="_blank">Enigma’s “Sadeness”</a></i>)</p><br />Chanting. Ummm…yeah, uh…a bunch of Latin-sounding stuff that I don’t understand, but the perfect soundtrack for contemplating the things we love. Welcome to…<br /><br /><h2>Donist World 2021 Year-End Roundup (Part 2)!</h2><div dir="ltr"><br /></div>Hey there, Denizens, Happy New Year! I am joined as ever by CFO Reverse Obie (my friends’ Boston terrier, whose surly attitude changed for the better after his fur colors swapped when a corrupt businessman’s curse backfired) and by marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/vice president of hope for the New Year Tulip (my dog, Obie’s sister). We hope you enjoy the top 20 heavenly things of 2021 while Reverse Obie, Tulip, and I take our past-due “long winter’s nap” before mapping out the course of our lives for the new year.<br /><br />***Probably NOT Spoilers Below***<br /><br />If you have a moment, check out our <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/search/label/Year-End%20Roundup" target="_blank">past FSoH/SitW Year-End Roundups</a> to see all things heavenly including Part 1 for 2021. Now, keep in mind that some of the items listed below might have come out before 2021, but 2021 was the year that we read, watched, drank, or ate them, thus their inclusion here. We at Donist World, thank you for reading, and hope you enjoy our selections as much as we do.<br /><br /><h2>Donist World 20 Heavenly Things (In No Particular Order)</h2><div><h3><br /></h3><h3>1) <a href="https://11oclockcomics.com/" target="_blank">11 O’Clock Comics</a> (Podcast)</h3><div>Yup, David, Jason, and Vince B. continue to produce my favorite podcast after all these years. This is not just my favorite comic book podcast, but my favorite podcast. Period. The boys and the occasional special guest keep me running an extra block or two or three when I’m out exercising as I listen to their thoughts on my favorite comics so they can give me new ideas of what I need to read. They discuss everything from current mainstream comics, to lesser-known titles, to books of the past, to the comics industry as a whole, to other media, and regularly have comic creators take up the fourth chair. I’ve never met these cats, but they feel like family at this point and I simply adore their show.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://11oclockcomics.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHUH44zllZOXZHSfsBsQX6ohRebwkuwK8P-AjpBEyrSqa900iv6li5EUqlI3TQgD-b9Zv4JHNPJland3E_lpbA0CYO5AstlW-79o6mR06L10GjcBvLXO_xC-wnRbE3XWRC8ia1DP0ABCH/w200-h200/EOC.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;">2) <i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54231488&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Far Sector</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from DC Comics on their Young Animal label)</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Talk about being COMPLETELY blown away by a comic. The writing. The art. The colors. The whole gosh darn enchilada, Denizens! I loved every page of this phenomenal sci-fi extravaganza. The great thing about this 12-issue collection is that even mainstream superhero-resistant readers can enjoy this series as Sojourner Mullein—a Green Lantern—is sent to the farthest reaches of the galaxies to investigate the first murder in over five hundred years on a planet inhabited by three alien races. The reason “peace” has persevered for so long is that the populace of the City Enduring has taken the “Emotion Exploit” the entire time and no one has ever been able to feel the emotions necessary to commit any sort of atrocity; thus Green Lantern Sojourner’s assignment to the planet of 20 billion inhabitants. As for superheroes…Sojourner is it. No other superheroes appear in this comic and she is pretty much a science-enabled detective and the story is its own thing without any bothersome continuity or crossovers or anything. You can just dive in cold. Jemisin brilliantly weaves into this world’s fabric the issues of injustice that currently face our country while Campbell’s gorgeous art and otherworldly colors pull you in refusing to let you turn away. <i>Far Sector </i>is one of the best comics I have read…ever…and I hope to see Jemisin join the likes of Tom King in releasing 12-issue powerhouse comics about Sojourner or whatever the hell she chooses…all I know is I will be there for it. *note: this should have been the oversized hardcover this series so very much deserves.</div><div style="text-align: left;">(Written by N.K. Jemisin, illustrated and colored by Jamal Campbell, lettered by Daron Bennett, published by DC Comics on Young Animal)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54231488&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkyFhzc6_IanwB1m9jvST5n2mG226MTfArldRiZ4IlXO2K3xYFKRrEJAfrLpTcd2kGvraBQM8R7uZ6BSXhGSWXLEFps6SdDz1QJhne6s07c4FD14AAfXrQQwqC3SBpRYdBkPuO_MPAwIn957hYQac3zByl1GH2sAqwjTspBljhiMCKmeXLsxWSC0hB6A=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>3) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ArOqVp" target="_blank">Infinity Train</a> </i>(Television Show on HBO Max)</h3><div>Okay, I was very late to the game on this fascinating, fun, surprisingly deep, and emotional animated series, but the fourth—and sadly looks like final—season debuted in 2021, and although I only discovered this series in 2021, I hammered through all four seasons (40 episodes total) with total glee. The short of it is that <i>Infinity Train</i> is an anthology series that follows a different set of protagonists from one season to another, passengers find themselves on a mysterious train where each car is its own world with its own inhabitants and rules and the “guests” try to find their way off of the train. Great stories, great characters, a great score, and a general mood and tone that will keep you coming back for repeat viewings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ArOqVp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="498" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYZiYhcRB2xk3tfp_5KkxDQBsd6jyrv_TDHYzis2B1-bz27HeyW2qhBZnyn1nOUmJVoGZEf1vbfUWoxAl2MFOF0KIjMb86OahiRRI29kcOWYzJ4IOYRkdv4p4my_iHBycMn4xptzmqcUDAzj-iVxIFZgQqA3zX8k-EZvDm1O96kYeqAQ3t1dmWQjefaw=w147-h200" width="147" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3>4) <a href="https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/" target="_blank">The Last Podcast on the Left</a> (Podcast)</h3><div>Rapidly approaching 500 episodes of cryptids, serial killers, conspiracy theories, reptilians (like Moscow Mitch McConnell), and all other assortments of odd subject matter, I have listened to every episode—some multiple times. Pre-Pandemic, I would listen to Ben, Henry, and Marcus at the office and there were more than a few times I had to press pause and “walk it off” because I was cracking up and starting to scare my coworkers; now, I can cackle and laugh to my heart’s content with only the sideways glances of the neighbors and the FedEx lady to worry about. Give ’em three episodes or so on something you’re interested in like Jeffrey Dahmer (icky!) or Albert Fish (brrrrrrr) and you will be hooked. I also love having random people say “Hail Yourself!” when I’m wearing my TLPotL t-shirt. Be sure to check out <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZTjCdB" target="_blank">The Last Book on the Left</a></i></b> book! TLPotL is hands-down my favorite “crime” podcast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="486" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1v39w4swqZYam-TiOPqTi2OQBBKOx2dLbHNzyUcwdA2mMXudnYNeeXydMfK0d8n-qcLdE6d3hOT8l_dB-x6DuWKeVxed3n7amOVllGXjWb0AdK2Lijh-8QvuDvfGttiYHrISGqsR3Zq3t/s200/TheLastPodcastOnTheLeft.png" width="198" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: left;">5) <i><a href="https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver" target="_blank">Last Week Tonight with John Oliver</a> </i>(Television Show on HBO Max)</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">2021. Yeah, like 2020, it too was a massive pile of dog doo of anti-vaxers, anti-maskers, an insurrection/coup, injustice, the errosion of Democracy, misinformation, the annihilation of voting and reproductive rights, corporate greed, voter/election fraud and lies of the previous administration/current GOP, and And AND…I need to stop, I’m getting bummed out all over again. It was one hell of a downer of a year, but John Oliver managed to bring some levity to the myriad of situations that steadily and repeatedly assailed those of us who can tell the difference between fact and fiction, reality and lies. Although every episode managed to bring a laugh here and there for this news-weary Donist, I did notice that even Oliver found it difficult at times to find the humor in the massive amounts of unnecessary hell being heaped upon the world over the course of the previous week. I cannot wait for the show’s return in mid-February 2022 as I strive to see some sort of light peer through the darkness that was 2021.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3BQ78iDcNm0Z3nGRmR8Jz0-WU6pwCiWFpuBHUb85bFqOXqRJ9rxyeUKteXuylcu-Jz_EjVZ4ebRHNHZ_xQSg5MpDswRfL_yudqQqrgM5sbEp0XL2EFEhdzDqjR1XtWE2Xhd8o2I5lIvk_vXUMW3_raRhCoJEbofou2CPIRfJtHuGMEE6WcMLhBaPE6w=w200-h113" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">6) <a href="https://d3go.com/games/marvelpuzzlequest/" target="_blank">Marvel Puzzle Quest</a> (Video Game for iOS)</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">This game has steadily transitioned from being a casual pastime to something of an obsession. Every morning, before I get out of bed, I fire up the app and see what updates have been made, what new characters have arrived, and if there are new challenges to work my way through. Think of it as a marriage of Bejeweled and the MCU and you get the idea for the style of the game, but the fun revolves around acquiring new characters of varying power (one-star beginners and up to five-star powerhouses). Each character has three+ powers/abilities that you can use as well as supports, team abilities, and the hope for a good amount of luck for a favorable board. My current strongest lineup is Polaris (once she gets going she is unstoppable, four-stars), Kitty Pryde (she increases Polaris’s tiles every turn, five stars), and Medusa (she racks up color points and heals while stealing enemy strike tiles, four-stars); these ladies bring the smackdown! That said, Deadpool (Spirit of Vengeance) is a beast and a force to be reckoned with, and I hope to get my character fav Adam Warlock a little more powered up, but no telling what my favorite team might switch to being. This game is a blessing and a curse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d3go.com/games/marvelpuzzlequest/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBzLtWhpwGX8usJldm3aVVnSuukXN7Drq1jmNCcu1DVJqiz0-_krYlMqHkrxXSV5pbUZgA8bcgSUCdBB4wZ3Tqa_N2ZbkL0qhN_nCEbtk_ReVVQN-CxsHL3H2c1tJHx2CY3CraD991kuR/w113-h200/MarvelPuzzleQuest.png" width="113" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">7) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3qTo8Ip" target="_blank">The Name of the Wind</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3nQkayp" target="_blank">The Wise Man’s Fear</a></i> (Novels)</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, I read a TON of comic books, but I also enjoy reading novels, but not since reading <i><a href="https://amzn.to/32vg2fK" target="_blank">Ender’s Game</a></i> a couple of decades ago have I been so taken by a novel as I was with <i>The Name of the Wind.</i> Supposedly, my wife has been mentioning this book to me for quite a while, but it wasn’t until my boss mentioned that she and her husband-to-be were reading it did I write the title down and slot it into my “Future Read” list. Well, it finally popped up to the top this summer, and I fell in love. <i>The Name of the Wind </i>(and equally stellar sequel <i>The Wise Man’s Fear</i>) is a fantasy series called “The Kingkiller Chronicle” about a man named Kvothe who is retelling the story of his life to a party of two: his friend, Bast, and a scribe known as Chronicler. We learn of magic, tragedy, abject poverty, cruelty, love, friendship, betrayal, and an undying perseverance to be more than what life throws at you. So very, very good, but proceed with caution knowing that it has been seven years since <i>The Wise Man’s Fear </i>was released with the third book coming “soon.” That’s cool. I can wait if I must. I guess I will have to read the novelette </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3KBi2nP" target="_blank">The Slow Regard of Silent Things</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> next, a side story about a minor character from the main series.</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3tOU6HC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="308" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsoT1i3mDGNkNWhWtLeKiJZXHbKUivF-tYoE7HkfUb4z5nH8k3AZtXBKDPDeRGA8fxNjflruB1uCZp3-R9jdo5ymxcATlL_XyU49rSUM5EkADIPCF7XQyHRStN72zVwNT6a3-zZedPk83QYnLtj5rLgDuRztrux_bF97Y8K-vLIqwdNSLEv9tPqaca7g=w124-h200" width="124" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">8) <i><a href="https://ninjasexparty.com/albums" target="_blank">Ninja Sex Party</a>, <a href="https://store.twrpband.com/collections/music" target="_blank">TWRP</a>, </i>and<i> <a href="https://starbomb.com/albums" target="_blank">Starbomb</a></i> (Music)</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Let’s face it...the past bunch of years has sucked. I mean really bad suckitude. Sure, I have all my old staples in the music world to lift my spirits, but there has never been a better time to rock your ass off and laugh while you are doing sp. Enter <i>Ninja Sex Party</i>, <i>TWRP</i>, and <i>Starbomb. </i>Anyhow, dear lord, how to explain this...okay, <i>Ninja Sex Party </i>has been around for just over a decade and they consist of the mightily awesome duo of Danny Sexbang and Ninja Brian, who sing songs of horniness, dragons, rock, no reason boners, being young and awkward and being cool with it, going on interesting/felonious first dates, having discussions of “who would you rather,” dinosaur Lazer fights, and just about everything under the sun. <i>TWRP</i> or <i>Tupperware Remix Party</i> are primarily musicians who dress up kind of like futuristic robots and a robot lion guy and trust me when I say that they are LEGIT in their music that ranges from rock to disco to dance to everything in-between. <i>Starbomb </i>is <i>Ninja Sex Party</i> with rapping sensation Egoraptor and they perform NSFW odes to everything videogames. All three tend to intermix wonderfully and tour together (from what I’ve seen on YouTube) with <i>TWRP </i>providing an opening set, <i>Ninja Sex Party </i>then joining them to perform their set, and occasionally Egoraptor comes out to perform some <i>Starbomb </i>songs. If you’ve never heard of these hilarious and immensely talented musicians/comedians, then definitely give them a listen...just be sure to pay close attention to every word. Start with “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT8cX2-_7pQ" target="_blank">Danny Don’t You Know</a>,” “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tW0G9XWaj0" target="_blank">Cool Patrol</a>,” “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvLz5kCVIss" target="_blank">6969</a>,” “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5zL3FMyoq8" target="_blank">Regretroid</a>,” “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AFmTwwZOjU" target="_blank">Bright Blue Sky</a>,” “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Q3i5w6-Ug" target="_blank">Starlight Brigade</a>,” “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFNXlShMc9E" target="_blank">The No Pants Dance</a>,” and so on and so on...I’m stopping here as there is a WEALTH of stuff to check out, so do it, and remember that really weird feeling of what it is like to smile again. Dang, I hope to see most/all of them in concert someday in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ninjasexparty.com/albums" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKDNltJU5qglLy7ee2-VCiyNEfMSmG--oQ4B6JuLJhSZXjaYfrPeslH0Otiyb82JpYd7wXHcqegEFkc8kOFxp6OQxrY6Sj6-8kP7BaXNoo3qQAwPH3Qd3ONTbfkP_OtmEOs3GJfE6pCx-aAEnh3ig-EwMo53u8dqZwFn4Zo7V-FVgCLoiefEBC_UvCYQ=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9) <i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50880066&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Once and Future</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from BOOM! Studios)</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="font-weight: 400;">Museum curator Duncan McGuire’s quiet life is turned upside down when his grandmother, Bridgette McGuire, escapes from her retirement home and asks him to meet her in the woods, where she unveils a ridiculous amount of weapons. A monster appears, Duncan’s grandmother shoots him (only mildly, though, it’s okay), and King Arthur looks to have been raised from the dead by a bunch of extremists/fanatics. <i>Once and Future</i> is something I have been hearing about for quite some time and I am so glad I finally picked up this first volume that prompted me to pick up volumes two and three before I had even finished the first one. Gillen has written some great characters and instills humor into dire circumstances all while delivering one heck of a compelling read. Mora’s storytelling keeps you whipping through the pages while his creatures and character acting make you pause and take in the lovely scenery. Bring on volume four!</div><div style="font-weight: 400;">(Written by Kieron Gillen, illustrated by Dan Mora, colored by Tamra Bonvillain, lettered by Ed Dukeshire, published by BOOM! Studios)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50880066&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghqOgCxp-vHwugakb331xg5846Q6RfTRzRm8GBnGdI0wNJ3m3R1lKoYoYPzs8j7hevtbXcCNZXRtOGciwR8_sL_WCtETG1FzkV005rT27qtwNiK5qAoBwRXwxUv70cT8BYAA6xD6a729jrpROpuuvqas4aaY7e8gxjgPL-77v_8qmvH0VoCGEKCrfV4A=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-weight: 400;">10) <a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/" target="_blank">Pod Save America</a> (Podcast)</div></div></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><div style="font-weight: 400;"><div>It’s kind of hard to say that I “enjoy” this podcast as it is a response to the horror/shit show that is everything Trump and the GOP. Former aides of President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor—recap the week’s calamities, bringing actual facts and insights into the world of politics. Yes, they skew to the “Left,” but that just means they are critical of both sides (god, I hate those words…both sides, ugh) and call out where the crimes, lies, and injustices are taking place. Pod Save America provides some degree of hope when the news of the world is so damn horrendous and political criminals seem to get away with robbing us of our money, our healthcare, our retirement, and our rights as the uber-wealthy get richer and richer and racism attempts to become normalized.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL4cOZ-qq8ylT6v__M8JroB8w-SuOlYdEUNT3QFQX_oumZmVNBLdFixKtUGBIOsDR1SRJ8T4ijnIOGR_4UBX3TndIwfwrWMQTa-ZErOiaR2hKqZDvQhXL5B6LUadRVZWtmeQPX_WeHgwM/w200-h200/PodSaveAmerica.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">11) <i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=52218978&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Reckless</a></i>, <i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=52951008&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Friend of the Devil</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54315015&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Destroy All Monsters</a> </i>(Graphic Novels from Image Comics)</h3><div style="text-align: left;">First off, if you have not read any of these, then go buy them. All three. Just buy them. I’ll wait. Okay, I was tempted to put each of these as its own separate entry and EACH deserves its own entry, I just had a bunch of stuff to talk about so I lumped them all together as one because they are all definitely part of a larger story and are all intertwined. Set in the ’80s, <i>Reckless </i>follows Ethan Reckless who is willing to help those in need, regardless of what their problem might be…for a reasonable fee: cheating spouse, missing person, missing money, etc. Unfortunately for Ethan, some problems belonging to others tend to become problems for him and those around him. As much as I was blown away by <i>Far Sector</i> (sci-fi comic) the equal can be said of <i>Reckless </i>(crime comic) which was released in late 2020, but I did not get to it until 2021. Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips were masters of the crime genre comics before the release of <i>Reckless</i>, but with this series, they somehow manage to surpass all previously attained lofty heights. I cannot wait for the fourth <i>Reckless </i>book, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/340SaRB" target="_blank">The Ghost in You</a></i>, to be released in mid-April. You MUST pick up this phenomenal series of gorgeous hardcovers ASAP.</div><div style="text-align: left;">(Written by Ed Brubaker, illustrated by Sean Phillips, colored by Sean Phillips, published by Image Comics)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3AnXwm1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo8Qb647zroFoR08g9Wc5GdwDhk-JhGA2jbvvyVldSKyJ0s-ahgNyPjw6H-Vx8_HksfmsAeypukMmmDauzydJXiqMWy20QfgUXq2NvwrovqVttrHpjsiW9JeqxvCw90e7xdYHBEiPx6-n2jo7b-zVF14tgRq8BvizT-By9a7KnGGQReKvoc49nusn6BQ=w132-h200" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>12) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3AJJ9bD" target="_blank">Resident Evil: The Village</a></i> (Playstation 4 Video Game)</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">First of all, let’s call this game what it is: Resident Evil 8. I have always been a fan of the RE game franchise since the first PS1 release and I have played each of the series-proper releases over the past few years, including many of the re-issues, and RE8 falls in my top 3 of all time; along with </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/33Wia0Q" target="_blank">Resident Evil 2</a> </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3GkTnkc" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Resident Evil 4</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"><i>. </i>Don’t get me wrong, I like all of the offerings, but RE8 seemed a return to form, not necessarily in killing zombies, but in that the story is not too convoluted, you have quite a bit of control as to where you go, there are tons of hidden things, and you get to do that which matters most: wasting all manner of monsters in all sorts of creative ways while getting the bejebus scared out of you all along the carnage-filled way. It also has great replayability with the trophy points you save up after the first time through being used to open up stuff like infinite ammo weapons and the stressful-as-hell “The Mercenaries” extra. So much fun and I can’t wait to play through a third time.</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3g7z1jF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1026" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh562cnO1LHRhIj-ZsPJrqrqvRd3uGjPeqsJDv6V_xBaMrhZ3KRCJEy2ASNknXGlC1_OrA7u_b0oXjVSXeMwNq6FbSsNrxyjkEPsv0gY5idLJm09eae37bEwQr7lev_XdXeAEkRScZKDHVVL3B-vdpOpZ3CosQgRiTyptHG-SaH1CkYh7mS0qwp9kaQLQ=w158-h200" width="158" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"></div></h3><h3>13) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3KRRjDL" target="_blank">Rick and Morty</a></i> (Television Show on HBO Max)</h3><div>You know what this is. If you are reading this site, then, as our staff statisticians can confirm, 93% of you love this show almost as much as I do. I was VERY late to the glorious party that is <i>Rick and Morty</i>. For those of you have no idea about this animated television series then I am both dismayed for you AND completely jealous that you can embark on five seasons of amazing, perverse fun for the very first time. Think of it as <i>Back to the Future</i> gone oh-so-gloriously wrong. Now, I am ashamed to admit that I am behind. I have only watched the first four seasons but I have watched each episode at least three times and I am currently counting the days until R&M season five appears on HBO Max, but I am also considering ordering the Blu-Ray (delivery by tomorrow) to avoid that horrendous wait. Watch it. Love it. Live it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3KRRjDL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1182" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglzHOsQFx72GanY6-1TAmGrcgbFhBRQN1-Ijxtlwj7NsF8-yqRX8t9bnyIQ1Twk_IQLx1f0ZEtrsV9LEeGonYXyJqOe3WX_8Svsh2Jn0Wmkt0zPUrurwm1cpavTDRF_ytxTS850MCl0Ha1DMiQ7Lu2-hoZ3JUrfb6rTyBX8IeXxOD2L4W-yavM9aMa7A=w158-h200" width="158" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3>14) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3Gc89JF" target="_blank">Rick and Morty Versus Dungeons & Dragons</a></i> (Graphic Novel from Oni Press)</h3></div><div>Okay, Denizens, what do you get when you cross the following bunch of my mostest favorite things: <i>Rick and Morty</i>, Dungeons & Dragons, comic books, Patrick Rothfuss, a beautifully designed hardcover (with a ribbon marker...something ALL hardcovers should have, dagnabbit!)? You get this here funny book and funny it is! Jim Zub, Rothfuss, and Troy Little had me rolling all the way through. This must-own treasure contains the first two limited series, the Meeseeks issue, and a host of extras that will keep you returning to this hilarious book that brings in the best of all worlds.</div><div>(Written by Patrick Rothfuss and Jim Zub, illustrated by Troy Little, colored by Leonardo Ito, lettered by Robbie Robbins and Crank!, published by Oni Press)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3rWbEis" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2130" data-original-width="1399" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRnmvm9UeHEIzV_GaO4r1ENupQ3K1n9LymG0ng_Mzmm1ZfWdYQcDIBAx1Hhf4PlIteKSjUDp4dkzqfbc0AhxfkMqaZ62WhOYaoClGAd9uB6rDuTB4varNHqKPxPcKewLv3G1iBrDCpMofQPDeaoHHKKyQW3yLSZZrNAaJod1liHqBK0esI6cjtaQUS_w=w131-h200" width="131" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="clear: both;">15) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g84rpR" target="_blank">Something is Killing the Children</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from BOOM! Studios)</h3><div>Erica Slaughter kills monsters. In fact, she is one of the very few adults who can see them. Children, however, can see the monsters just fine and as more and more children disappear in the small town of Archer’s Peak, only Erica believes the tales surviving children tell of horrendous things that live in the shadows and that prey upon them.</div><div>I believe the second trade came out at the end of 2020, but volume three came out in 2021 and I bought it day and date and read it immediately. I also believe the original plan—for what is yet another James Tynion IV masterwork deserving of your immediate attention—was for the series to effectively end with the third trade…but you can’t keep an amazing f_ing comic down. I also bought and read the fourth trade in 2022, so it’s safe to assume you will see this creepy as all heck series on next year’s roundup, as well. Lucky for you all, there is a hardcover compendium of the first three trades for you to melt your peepers with.</div><div>(Written by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Werther Dell’Edera, colored by Miquel Muerto, published by BOOM! Studios) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3g84rpR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="1400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYP-hi1lwEIou53RcNJBrm-sa--tIjYigTZuhwSzEi1vTaoqFruyaNvlm6lb3_kuYK1O9d6RRKcgTLwRK7nQvQKR-gDXmG1oMruAQqzJ3DGuyyoBjMcvgnu0crcoeKLgzxS1nSdGDoRWeWDgP-MqngJ5uM8tGION_k2dcrxD1EJ37E1t72vtBD_ipm7A=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h3>16) <i>Squid Game </i>(Television Show on Netflix)</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">This one is going to be very short so as not to spoil anything. <i>Squid Game</i> is exclusively on Netflix and is a nine-episode done-in-one-season series (for now at least) about 456 deeply in debt people competing in deadly games for a massive cash prize. That’s it. That’s all I am going to say about it other than you need to watch this compelling, horrifying show that says so much about the “haves and the have nots,” and what it means to be human. Once you finish, you will be thinking about it for months to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirGDWA94wPFbEQU8Wd5JEyT1MEnA-PvyOfxZ5O0AYxZevLY8G0J2gWovS78qXr3uEFd-u_jgNhCdBTZsphSfKIIbfbogY69bSW4Y4d2qKcPy5DFe7IFTZ1r4hSkgw_T-fl2olmNCHDccUZtaHPnke0f01ZMA_0KN0edlAM1cRvJWTDrtEgnzYFrvdd-w=s1400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1400" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirGDWA94wPFbEQU8Wd5JEyT1MEnA-PvyOfxZ5O0AYxZevLY8G0J2gWovS78qXr3uEFd-u_jgNhCdBTZsphSfKIIbfbogY69bSW4Y4d2qKcPy5DFe7IFTZ1r4hSkgw_T-fl2olmNCHDccUZtaHPnke0f01ZMA_0KN0edlAM1cRvJWTDrtEgnzYFrvdd-w=w200-h113" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3>17) <a href="https://www.stonebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Stone Brewing’s “Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA”</a> (Beer)</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><div>This was one of my all-time favorite beers until Stone decided to retire it in 2015. Let’s just say I was devastated. But then, every once in a while, over the past six years, Stone would include it in a 12-pack mix box with a bunch of other stuff that was good…but I wanted a 12-pack of Sublimely. In fact, I wanted many cases of the most wonderful black IPA I have ever had. Then the six-pack bottled release came back at the beginning of 2021 and I was back in hoppy heaven. If you have not tried this beer, or any black IPA if that is the case, then seek out the 2022 seasonal release that JUST came out before it vanishes once again until next year. Oh, the richly roasted malts and wonderful hop characters (Chinook, Simcoe, and Amarillo) are…dang, now I want one…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stonebrewing.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Y007lltf_Jsv9y-zC5nWDT8MZibMoeYixLsONqg3S_oChcP-NXwXyuRAdABld5i4GieVwwKiKy6qq1ZnnNmewvb2DfTgh1i5L0jgCdRZ_G_ZnMZJoBGnKZfqGiY4dvaOZi5WhfdgbWQfJWRW8Xl-ApHaFWk-JGcVNX-VgPw_PS3HnW3oaHP0pinXWQ=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div></div></h3><h3>18) <i>Ted Lasso </i>(Television Show on Apple+)</h3><div>I had heard about <i>Ted Lasso </i>for about a year, but the idea of watching a show about an American football coach moving to the UK to be a football (soccer) coach there just didn’t do it for me, mostly on account of my not giving any fucks about any sort of sportsball. Thankfully, Amy’s cousin told her how great the show is and how it made him want to be a better person. We subscribed to Apple+, watched the first episode of the first season, and fell in love. Everything about this show is phenomenal but most of all it is the characters who are all vastly unique and make you care for them immediately. I, of course, love Coach Lasso, and Coach Beard, and Keeley, and Rebecca, and Danny Rojas, and…well, I kind of have to name every single character on the show; I love every one of them. But most of all is Roy Kent, who someone mentioned is not a <i>nice</i> person, but he is a <i>kind </i>person, and watching this show wholeheartedly makes me want to be a kinder, better human being. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr7IiHuLhJCQ5b7RF2ic9hfydOi32RFMVMcU9GTJ2dCIvt62UBnYu6GPGIrJyPAG96NzywZNHCMxGEBkNQwZZ-dkoHDPu_vvteI9EmxlHomsKcAqTAyMDtmaYmjMEYGmiQNolOENZVBfDWk5FAssX8uzp-MVbp-jt6oLCZ85EAZQq-xNZ2oBbTmixgDw=s1960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1960" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr7IiHuLhJCQ5b7RF2ic9hfydOi32RFMVMcU9GTJ2dCIvt62UBnYu6GPGIrJyPAG96NzywZNHCMxGEBkNQwZZ-dkoHDPu_vvteI9EmxlHomsKcAqTAyMDtmaYmjMEYGmiQNolOENZVBfDWk5FAssX8uzp-MVbp-jt6oLCZ85EAZQq-xNZ2oBbTmixgDw=w200-h113" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3>19) <i>The Witcher </i>(Television Show on Netflix)</h3></div><div>What in the name of all that is sacred (Comic Books, Godzilla, Hammer Horror, and beer) kept me from watching this for so long?! You have a badass magical warrior, monsters, n-u-d-i-t-y abounds!, gnarley magic users, prophecies, strong women, fantastic fight scenes, more monsters, and a lead (Henry Cavil) who is <i>exactly</i> like this here Donist…aside from the muscles, charm, hella good looks, badassedness to the nth degree, but everything else, yes, he is exactly like me. <i>The Witcher</i> is everything young Donist and current Donist ever wanted in a show and Amy and I powered through both seasons throughout December and loved every thrilling episode. Amy even thinks I am like Henry Cavill…at least I keep telling her she thinks I am; someday it will stick. I cannot wait for season three and I'm excited for the prequel thing that’s coming out soon. Now I just need to read all of the books, get the <i>Witcher </i>game for the PS4, and watch the animated movie that is currently on Netflix, too. So much fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzNhjzB-x9z59DJOpAeGYA3P--X0UuSmpG_5U7g29iIS8FXirR9QiH_jbpAdyNJELkMVIG0ZaCDbHQHy_2PbU6dd71yIW16HcmaAn2vkltDKEciiwMN74idX0d87O3cl6ychRoICTrqHno7dyGKCmA6VBn-uoPD9CZe7Nen2UlgP2LyKB0j0mElhAY0w=s2222" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzNhjzB-x9z59DJOpAeGYA3P--X0UuSmpG_5U7g29iIS8FXirR9QiH_jbpAdyNJELkMVIG0ZaCDbHQHy_2PbU6dd71yIW16HcmaAn2vkltDKEciiwMN74idX0d87O3cl6ychRoICTrqHno7dyGKCmA6VBn-uoPD9CZe7Nen2UlgP2LyKB0j0mElhAY0w=w135-h200" width="135" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3>20) <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Time-Season-Teaser-Trailer/dp/B09F5KBXB6/ref=sr_1_1/?crid=6D0BMHFN56AJ&keywords=wheel+of+time&qid=1643594020&sprefix=wheel+of+tim%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Wheel of Time</a> </i>(Television Show on Amazon Prime)</h3></div><div>Dagnabbit, Denizens, I know. I have you going to practically every single streaming service there is already and now I’m sending you to the magical world of <i>The Wheel of Time</i> which is on Amazon Prime. Basically, a strange woman arrives at a village to tell five youngsters that one of them possesses powers that can tip the balance between Light and Dark and hopefully stop the “Dark One” before he can escape from his prison. Beautiful cinematography, very cool characters, monsters, magic, and battles make me eager to see what comes next; I also need to get started on reading the books pronto! Oh, and ignore all of the one-star review bombs, especially the ones that throw around words like “inclusivity,” “PC,” and “woke,” which is pretty much all of the one-star reviews. Immerse yourself in yet another wonderful fantasy world that is well worth your time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Time-Season-Teaser-Trailer/dp/B09F5KBXB6/ref=sr_1_1/?crid=6D0BMHFN56AJ&keywords=wheel+of+time&qid=1643594020&sprefix=wheel+of+tim%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="1944" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5WVXKqdxoXplq4YVhIWfg3L1_2xvUMK4DmdAHbihFhwusXtGYLn6LXKuZKWNyEcxkjGOFZtf7Rku4rVw0nwHUTCcd89K5leY43knxnEpoWctCc8NeerxNizBx8zj7axXD96I9YnLyD7uMFE-fWNTGzj3haii4hkpJwmGeRCeTxzmTUIzDozsTDoKPTg=w135-h200" width="135" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>That wraps up this year’s roundup. If you think of anything I should be reading, watching, playing, or drinking, then please let me know. I hope you had a fantastic 2021 and I wish you all the best for 2022! Thank you for reading.</div></div></div></div></div></div><div></div>Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-3705565133826356702022-01-19T12:29:00.001-08:002022-01-19T12:29:43.461-08:00Donist World 2021 Year-End Roundup! (Part 1)<p>(Sung to the tune of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IagRZBvLtw" target="_blank">The Sound of Music's “My Favorite Things”</a>)</p><br />Gamma-ray greatness has reached its conclusion<br />Truthful departments sow so much confusion<br />A nice lakeside home and the doom portents it brings<br />These are a few of my favorite things<br /><br />Beta Ray Bill is in need of a hammer <br />Robots and magic collide in a clamour<br />Rot, Red, Green team-up it certainly stings<br />These are a few of my favorite things<br /><br />Fantastic landscapes and wizards of terror<br />Ink blots and strangeness and targets you know are<br />Three super books from the mind that’s Tom King’s<br />These are a few of my favorite things<br /><br />Diamond misships<br />Then my beer spills<br />When I'm feeling sad<br />I simply remember my favorite things<br />And then I don't feel so bad<div><br /></div><div><h1>Slice of Heaven For the Year!</h1><br />As some of you said just over a year ago, “Where the hell have you been, Donist?!”</div><div>Same ol’, same ol’ as last year, Denizens: being lazy. Well, that's not quite true. I guess most of 2021 was spent working myself (physically and mentally) into a state of anxiety and to such a degree of exhaustion that the very thought of doing anything that could be considered “normal”—washing dishes; going outside; exercising; seeing friends and family; engaging in artistic endeavors I normally enjoy, like writing; speaking to other human beings with, like, words and stuff—seemed like the most herculean of tasks. Seriously, it’s been to the point where if anyone tried to get me to do something, anything, my blood pressure would rise and I would become nervous/depressed/angry. Now, granted, some of my anger/irritation was justified—pressure to attend large indoor dining events in the midst of a pandemic, people trying to shift their drama my direction, etc.—but most of my lack of creative output can be attributed to exhaustion in the face of teeny-weenie little things like COVID-19, anti-mask/anti-vax cultists, watching teachers’ lives and safety be routinely disregarded, the higher level insurrectionists still not be brought to justice, assaults on our democracy, voting rights being decimated, and so on and so forth. Basically, all of the same crap from 2020 continued to bring this Donist down in 2021. There have been days where we are invited to go out to a very safe, outdoor beer garden for IPAs and Stouts, French fries, and burgers and my kneejerk reaction is “How DARE you try to get me to do something that I absolutely love?! How DARE you, sir!” But I’m getting through it. I've been trying to focus on all of the “mindfulness” and “self-care” stuff that I can, which for me means reading a metric ton of comics and graphic novels and journeying down epic re-reads of some tremendous series. This post, however, is about the comics I read in issue form that were released in 2021 and that made everything, somehow, a little bit better for a while</div><div>Let’s have a look at my favorites of 2021.</div><div><br />***Probably NOT spoilers below***<br /><br /><br />If you have a moment, check out our past <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/search/label/Year-End%20Roundup" target="_blank">Slice of Heaven Year-End Roundups</a> to see what’s stayed the same and what’s changed over the years. I had quite a few pleasant surprises this year, so let’s get to it!<br /><br /><br /><h2>Donist World Top 10 Favorite Comic Series of 2021 (In No Particular Order)</h2><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3rp2gDG" target="_blank">Ascender</a></i></h3>(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, published by Image Comics)</div></div><div>I have been singing the praises of Lemire and Nguyen’s <i style="font-weight: bold;">Descender</i>/<i style="font-weight: bold;">Ascender</i> sci-fi/fantasy series since the first issue and this will be the last Year-End Roundup that I feature the series as it came to its phenomenal conclusion. As with anything written by Lemire, there were emotional highs that soared and dang near made this Donist weep with joy and some heartbreaking lows that made me want to break out sobbing. <i>Descender/Ascender </i>has everything I want in a story: characters who I genuinely love and hold dear to my heart, action, adventure, drama, heartbreak, triumph, robots, dragons, witches, vampires, political intrigue, friendship…the list goes on and on. Every new issue of <i>Ascender </i>instantly went to the top of the reading stack and I often went back through each before moving on to the next fantastic-but-not-<i>Ascender </i>comic. My only gripe for this series, and it is a small and greedy gripe, is that it felt as if we needed one bridging story arc before this lovely conclusion, but that might just be me wanting to spend more time with Mila, TIM-21, Andy, Effie, Telsa, Bandit, Helda, Driller, and the rest. I don’t doubt that a compendium/omnibus sorta collection comes out at some point, but I’m hoping for an over-sized hardcover collection that I can feature prominently on the bookshelf to display what is one of the best comic series of all time. Get it. Buy it. Love it.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3rp2gDG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoHtUeAjg6D0dHoNMAWXmZQmRxmhTSjmKe8nTK3ORxOHnNEMECn0W8Z-wU4W9wqJ5vnR6cAp0i-uiqz0kXvNBygKD8CozHWnqRr_cec0H7tM48vRcPc3HmJ3uGWAJu1BPJfgWYVGkUuAq5gNq8ufr44Fowa3H6HVQllmmfeIOSRNqe9D0recQdiNtgKw=w134-h200" width="134" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51514682&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Department of Truth</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by James Tynion IV, art by Martin Simmonds, lettered by Aditya Bidikar, designed by Dylan Todd, edited by Steve Foxe, published by Image Comics)</div></div><div>Maybe reading this amazing series centered around conspiracy theories made real by the collective unconsciousness (or consciously created in some instances) is not the healthiest option I could choose to read given just how prevalent these things are in the unwonderful world of make-believe that far too many individuals in the US currently exist. Thankfully, we have Cole Turner and his colleagues within the Department of Truth to stop these deliberate falsehoods from manifesting into reality…that is <i>if</i> his colleagues are to be trusted. DANG if I do not love everything about this all-too-relevant comic. It is one of the smartest, most compelling series I have read in some time and has been right up there with <i>Ascender </i>as one of my most anticipated reads every month or so. The ’80s Satanic Panic and the Sasquatch storylines are still my favorites, but everything about this smash hit deserves your attention and definitely warrants multiple readings to uncover all of the little bits and pieces you may have missed the first time through. This is currently one of the best comics on the stand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=52720026&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg71DIY58c7Mwp5uTD_JsMM9PqzPKIGncDGleBfZW5Z8yW0nZzIhNNgNIK1LKIrsYCWRBBcXZpd_c9-1yD2WjNPQLZ4sdC-JbMvWdy4y4KDuq1L6CjGuzOhvag6P40Tifau600i3vFcyuiCAlqadaDZdYfo6O5HGuu1t0cIoCsSXL_-5MrSvE6WU-fIMw=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54667807&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Rorschach</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Jorge Fornés, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by Clayton Cowles, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div></div><div>After his death 35 years ago, Rorschach (or someone dressed like him) is running around and attempting to assassinate a candidate running against President Robert Redford. A detective is hired to find the identities of this supposed Rorschach and the young woman with the six-shooters and the domino mask who accompanied him. Political intrigue and a deep mystery will pull you in for a tale that had me hanging on every page turn with Fornés’s art style and Stewart’s colors beautifully delivering the look and feel of a ’70s spy thriller. If it’s a limited series and Tom King is attached, just do yourself the favor and buy it. Fans of King’s fantastic <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3qqaaL1" target="_blank">The Omega Men</a></i>, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/35NzfYv" target="_blank">The Vision</a></i>, and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/35NzfYv" target="_blank">Mister Miracle</a> </i><span>should not miss this smart, complex series that is rapidly moving its way up my re-read stack so I can experience the glory in one grand sitting. I think I'm going to need the lovely hardcover for my favorite bookshelf.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54667807&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4lRvZ7cs__hDNVzSbSmcDi4sg0UdRbjC2enUONRsHVd7cYu7S5Hd75BLpY-MtDBsUqf-0KhD75L4m9mcceBsGlMUnFYAC1VlitlhTgH8Ec5KdN5ZeyN6zSkvOLodta0d1KKvbpZaIFlk946MAz-_jzgiGIrjkVQGAQL2EOSrxdHo7gtLkxyaB6T1csQ=w128-h200" width="128" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></div><div><span><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54667818&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Strange Adventures</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Mitch Gerads and Evan “Doc” Shaner, lettered by Clayton Cowles, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div><div>You will probably notice a theme for the 2021 Year-End Roundup in that Tom King’s name appears more than once and for dang good reason. This time, we have a shift to the more vibrant and more overtly superhero side of things with Adam Strange, hero of the distant planet Rann, vanquisher of the dreadful alien race known as the Pykkts. But there was a cost: the life of his daughter, Aleea. Now, living on Earth with his wife Alanna, Strange's life and his recounting of the Rann-Pykkt war are called into question after the death of an activist and the arrival of the hero Mr. Terrific who looks to uncover the truth of what really happened during Strange’s war. This wonderful, yet shocking mystery is brought to life via Shaner’s heroic segments that look at the events of the past and Gerads’s somewhat grittier look at the present. Much like <i>Rorschach</i>, this one will require a one-sitting re-read to pick up on all of the clues missed during its every-other-month(ish) release. Looks like I will be double-dipping on the hardcover collection for this one as well. So very, very good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54667818&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLoTCAaVY5zO0kGtRt_RNzkN11XOlwVYZe60xKThcTdAcgdpuhDCWb0K30wXczrrA1pvFsyoDqmzefo8mzqBP95ID_RDWWfS7GWZkEwp2KIzKk-INxoIBQUefp91Jt0__Y24q_S7V-M3QWKdSuKGzRp63HlOkFFsmng2k4GrRhA3DdI-5izjIRsn75AA=w132-h200" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54487247&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Human Target</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Greg Smallwood, lettered by Clayton Cowles, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div></div><div>Sure, let’s just make almost all of the comics on the roundup by Tom King...don’t be delirious, Denizens, King didn’t write ten comics in 2021. If he had, then that could have been a possibility...I’m already painfully aware of a fourth miniseries that he wrote that somehow missed my pull, but I'm sure it will be rocking my world in 2022. Anyhow, <i>The Human Target…</i>holy moly, I love everything about this series. Christopher Chance hires himself out to impersonate his clients: high-profile individuals who are targeted for assassination. A fairly dangerous line of work, especially given that his recent gig posing as Lex Luthor will succeed in killing him in 12 days’ time. Now it’s up to Chance to solve his own impending murder and the list of suspects points to some rather prominent heroes. King brings a ’50s noir style of intrigue to the story and Smallwood’s oh-so-gorgeous art reminds me of a mix of the style of <a href="https://amzn.to/32g4nRS" target="_blank">Robert E. McGinnis</a> that had to have influenced the great <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3tAIibJ" target="_blank">Mad Men</a> </i>series. After falling in love with Smallwood’s art I now also have a crush on Ice. I cannot wait to see how this all plays out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54487247&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKUwB5sQt5Cp9vQJOC-cnJBRjzyy_juocfxhuijhs9bAGkjKWhgF85QyWdghe9oDUz7gLfb8yb2BWD7J95NDNmPz9M7emww9kWMYByAJQOoFuDIQg1C_UeVcEnW5AXv4gWtP1jKaoYd43DcrhQaLKKp8yeOw8sbcXFIkaN2gQog36kluGm4Xyj48Iigw=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=53271329&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Nice House on the Lake</a></i></b></h3><div>(Written by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Álvaro Martínez Bueno, colored by Jordie Bellaire, lettered by Andworld Design, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div><div>Tynion IV has also been rocking our socks off with his horror series, the captivatingly eerie, <i>The Nice House on the Lake</i>. In this 12-issue maxi-series, everyone who has had Walter in their life knew him to be one of their dearest friends and felt like they were the center of his universe. But, college ends, life paths change, and people move on. Then, after many years, each of Walter’s friends accepts an invite for a vacation in a luxurious home overlooking a gorgeous lake. With everyone in attendance, and no one really remembering how they arrived at the nice house on the lake, the news starts to play… One issue. That is all it took to completely pull me in for this haunting and mysterious ride that leaves so many questions with answers that are sure to not be what the characters hope to discover. A trade of the first half releases in March 2022, right before the second half of this phenomenal series kicks off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=53271329&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEt_9qx_AK8t6VUHTH4_UdmkYVDQ7ZTBgfj1DD1NRbmioUqmA_Xnd75RjfWyGZ1WJEUGx56t4o7ihWajHxkW0DRHBKTx9EqtEeJkfowc7HD0A7AHrP9k1Hw9_Ebi5aVhPxrz96ouGtcSRmUdl8bhFSoShKFTT-kMzJGMukgteDc_dYORTTYoLV02Q6Kw=w128-h200" width="128" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54426100&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star</a></i></h3><div>(Everythinged by Daniel Warren Johnson, colored by Mike Spicer, lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino, published by Marvel Comics)</div><div>Beta Ray Bill’s life is not what it was now that he no longer has the might and power of Stormbreaker to help him transform back into his original form, instead of the monstrous one the Korbonite people, his people, gave him to save them. Now, Bill needs a new weapon, one that will make him whole, but to do so, he will need the help of Skurge the Executioner, Pip the Troll, and his sentient ship, Scuttlebutt. Now, Denizens, I would have been on board for this thrilling five-issue limited series, but with DWJ leading the charge, I would have fought with the fury of a million suns to snag the last copy at my local comic shop. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that. <i>Beta Ray Bill</i> is everything I hope and look for in a book by my favorite everythinger, and it does not miss a single mark. Action, adventure, heartbreak, and lovely art, even if you are not familiar with DWJ’s work, this is the perfect icebreaker before you scramble to acquire every single other glorious series he has ever done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54426100&AffID=644543P01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhah4PKjBmbIFb8qdZhsOcTO10TYyBaJJpG3yrJ9WaS5KlO9Dni1IUZajd5WZloUyCywTAvvPw9rxA-kV5JOWHXU7KdMifqJFH3FP5vkg_DjtWKxKcn4birJkHUv12viP-wIanpuyOSt9Q4bxtc915-YqL3A2FfsRIi3AFum22pp5z_WWC5pz8TPtL--A=w130-h200" width="130" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3rqBf2R" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk</a></i></b></h3><div>(Written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Joe Bennett, published by Marvel Comics)</div></div><div>Alright, not much I can do at this point if you have not already read the recently completed <i>The Immortal Hulk </i>series than to kindly request you right this grievous wrong as soon as possible. All while this series was coming out I remarked how I could not believe I was reading and loving a Hulk comic after not doing so for over 30 years. It was Ewing’s brilliant horror twist to the Green Goliath that hooked me all the way from issue 1 to the concluding issue 50 and the same was true for most of the one-shots that came along the way, whether by Ewing, Alan Davis, Jeff Lemire, Mike Del Mundo, or Declan Shalvey. <i>The Immortal Hulk</i> was NOT your average Marvel comic and not your average Hulk comic, but something special and weird in the best of ways. I will be rereading this from the beginning at some point later this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3rqBf2R" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRan_Dxj14TGnkCwlXNhvAqbnGiZqP9nwBA0lapasI3KbklTXhTwrzQiqFTvPHKA5L-rV-LVFoGWNYcKX8v8Z2DnYD9nhJIOx3Bnuf2DmV0DhaEgwe6dfQGa1xCLdYAQkMJkCkXB4iE2yL8HLZxcXgm-RyfYH0teJFJKgXZyltGdOoI_l34xF6OMOCSw=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=53833235&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Echolands</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by W. Haden Blackman and J. H. Williams III, art and design by J.H. Williams III, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by Rod Klein, additional design by Drew Gill, published by Image Comics)</div></div><div>Anytime J.H. Williams III illustrates a comic it is cause for celebration and no better reason than with the tremendous <i>Echolands</i> series. Hope Redhood has stolen something from the world’s cruelest wizard who has unleashed his unstoppable “daughter” upon Hope and her friends in an effort to get it back. Williams III utilizes many different art styles—often on the same gorgeous double-page spread—that takes into account the era that influences each character: a gangster-like man looks like someone out of a <i>Dick Tracy </i>story, a gladatorial sci-fi demigod looks like a Jack Kirby creation, vampires and Frankenstein’s monster-type characters are in black and white, while Hope’s style fits a more modern look. Not only is the comic stunning to behold but Williams III and Blackman have a grand adventure that despite taking me a moment to fully understand sucked me in completely. Also worth mentioning is that this comic is in the landscape format and will also see a hardcover collection (June 2022) that I will definitely be picking up, especially if it is oversized.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=53833235&AffID=644543P01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8LWmHlQX0Q-Uv-AIJh3hBhU0DauVMuhj_1MycWs013gtEOd1AYYtAKGK1pQiUejEqaKSg2MyOWuT-aJ0bstL203KLCEFDpfuPaQztUCrEm9gi89ojwnCfHSMqAkffMpO1-dpnmiqPTbFvzspQaI4q29BP7lAOGEEiGrbMCw0C6aN9fjmpLCSZAX3sPQ=w130-h200" width="130" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54908795&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Swamp Thing: Green Hell</a></i></b></h3><div>(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Doug Mahnke, colored by David Baron, lettered by Steve Wands, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div></div><div>In the (depressingly…see the intro to this year’s post) not so distant future, climate change has decimated much of the world. Sea levels have risen to devastating heights and acquiring food is quite difficult. The Red, the Rot, and the Green have had enough and the Green creates a new avatar to wipe what remains of the human scourge from the planet. In a last act of desperation an old man and a young girl venture to an isolated lighthouse whose inhabitant might hold the key to saving what remains of the human race. This issue came out on 12/28/2021, just in time to make this year’s roundup and believe me when I say it left quite an impact. Lemire’s story left me wanting to shout “See what could happen?!” and had me nervously biting my nails as Mahnke’s beautifully harsh and gruesome-at-times art left me not wanting the book to ever end. I cannot recommend this one highly enough and I am counting the days until issue #2 is in my grubby mitts. I already anticipate picking up the hardcover collection, whenever it comes out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=54908795&AffID=644543P01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRi_nPsWsmWhVzdm5Gd_Y4wzYh5bFVOEJHgD0JWIiV7avIzxlVjDNFs9UE1pvKznPT47Rhn51V663UCzkNB16GDUBnynqROLJ9eLrxHCyVEgqvn0bDES_0c6UafurX2pFh_ig_4PBUgfQC_Jw89IoOj5lmqf1Cjud86qC70s_VMvFOi8nQ3pXYhJeOng=w155-h200" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><h2>But wait, I’m sure there's more...</h2><div><br /></div>I'm sure there are plenty of other comics I somehow forgot to mention or have not yet bought or read in 2021. If there are any glaring omissions, please let me know. There's plenty of room at the Donist World corporate offices for more comics and...hold on a sec...actually, Amy the intern (my wife) has corrected me and said that "No, there is not plenty of room here." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><psssttt...hey denizens, let me know anyways. I can totally sneak more comics in on the down-low. Just let me know. We can do this…></span><br /><div dir="ltr"><br /></div>Stay tuned next week for the “Donist World 2021 Year-End Roundup! (Part 2)”</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></span></div>Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-62419926679947771052021-01-30T11:40:00.002-08:002021-01-30T11:40:37.046-08:00Donist World 2020 Year-End Roundup! (Part 2)<p> (Sung to the tune of <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw" target="_blank">Enigma’s “Sadeness”</a></i>)</p><br />Chanting. Ummm…yeah, uh…a bunch of Latin-sounding stuff that I don’t understand, but the perfect soundtrack for contemplating the things we love. Welcome to…<br /><br /><h2>Donist World 2020 Year-End Roundup (Part 2)!</h2><div dir="ltr"><br /></div>Hey there, Denizens, Happy New Year! I am joined as ever by CFO Reverse Obie (my friends’ Boston terrier, whose surly attitude changed for the better after his fur colors swapped when a corrupt businessman’s curse backfired) and by marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/vice president of hope for the New Year Tulip (my dog, Obie’s sister). We hope you enjoy the top 20 heavenly things of 2020 while Reverse Obie, Tulip, and I take our past-due “long winter’s nap” before mapping out the course of our lives for the new year.<br /><br />***Probably NOT Spoilers Below***<br /><br />If you have a moment, check out our <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/search/label/Year-End%20Roundup" target="_blank">past FSoH/SitW Year-End Roundups</a> to see all things heavenly including Part 1 for 2020. Now, keep in mind that some of the items listed below might have come out before 2020, but 2020 was the year that we read, watched, drank, or ate them, thus their inclusion here. We at Donist World, thank you for reading and hope you enjoy our selections as much as we do.<br /><br /><h2>Donist World 20 Heavenly Things (In No Particular Order)</h2><div><br /></div><h3>1) <a href="http://www.alvaradostreetbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Alvarado Street Brewery</a> (Beer)</h3><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite brewery of 2019 was again my favorite brewery of 2020 and I was thrilled to find out that in these COVID-19 times I could order a mix of 24 cans and have them delivered right to my home. If you are a fan of IPAs (regular, hazy, double, triple, dry-hopped, double dry-hopped, etc.) then this is the brewery for you. Be warned, though, don’t fall too deeply in love with anything outside of their flagship Mai Tai Tropical IPA, as offerings come and go quickly, but that just means you are rushed to try as many as you can find. If you live in California, you can order from <a href="https://burphopsnow.com/">https://burphopsnow.com/</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alvaradostreetbrewery.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIaEhLtX3A__tlAFTP5d4H2hxAtffjbquEVI5Lu06wJZfbHbPpKzviHOHfLx_wm7M8Rhe0PiBwUyMeNGnzpz4tj-oJZD0fv_jYgK3fU0lXYwsTq7E5Krp06N8GERsgr4b31_8GU7_WX0c/w160-h200/maitaibronze.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3>2) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3obtwll" target="_blank">Blade Runner 2019: Vol. 1: Los Angeles</a></i> (Graphic Novel from Titan Comics)</h3><div>When I was a child and first saw <i><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3iJbQN1" target="_blank">Blade Runner</a></b> </i>in the theater back in 1982, I absolutely hated it. I was bored, not much action, no lightsabers, no aliens, not enough nudity; it was a bit much for my 12-year-old brain to handle. Fast forward a few decades later and it is one of my all-time favorite sci-fi films. Move even closer to our present and I was enthralled by its tremendous successor, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3iJbQN1" target="_blank">Blade Runner 2049</a></i>, where I fell even deeper in love with this fascinating dystopian world. Then I started to hear great things about the new series from Titan Comics that bridges the gap between the two films and I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. This series follows a Blade Runner named Ash as she seeks to recover the wife and daughter of a wealthy businessman from what looks to be a kidnapping by Replicants. Twists, turns, action, and moments that made me gasp, this is one helluva sci-fi series that left me hungry for more. The series boasts beautiful art—in storytelling, character acting, and mood—from Guinaldo and co-written by the writer of the <i>Blade Runner 2049</i> film. I just read Volume 2 in 2021 and I will be eagerly awaiting a chance to pick up Volume 3 this March. (Written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson, illustrated by Andres Guinaldo, colored by Marco Lesko, lettered by Jim Campbell, published by Titan Comics)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36aLQFj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiIrt56vKllg-8n7D47xAOHWQzpzHGvzWk6ncAXY791rTmJTjAtd61JvGv_AN8LhV12evP3sD5tQFqYVNetQADkQL5e7Y091jvc0pQ4eqEhwt47KkGcT5BM_lcK1Cvst7CB_3ZyOz-Af1/w133-h200/BladeRunner_V1.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div><h3>3) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3pitauS" target="_blank">DCeased</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from DC Comics)</h3></div><div>My first thought about this DC superhero zombie comic was <i>Didn’t Marvel already do this idea ages ago?</i> But then after reading a lot of buzz about the series, I decided to take the plunge which was the right thing to do. 100% outside of continuity and “events,” this miniseries has spawned multiple follow-up series (all of which I MUST now read) and involves Darkseid, a techno-organic virus, and a brutal look at what happens when Earth’s mightiest heroes become the undead. You will see your favorite heroes and villains fall victim to the virus in ways that are shocking and horrifying but will keep you flipping through the pages from beginning to end. <i>DCeased</i> will keep that ol’ heartrate elevated and I suspect you won’t be able to put it down. (Written by Tom Taylor; illustrated by Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Guadiano, Laura Braga, James Harren, Darick Robertson, Richard Friend, Trevor Scott, and Neil Edwards; published by DC Comics.)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3a1GjBU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RKdlIFQHD7vT3BwK-jfjv0PFshPWgp3qyuuZ39p0am1InbV9iH1zPYZSXW_kHk20Al6iBfNUUNapkSEySr_0liK8Sy9ioVz06JU1lxaABGY_1AQEeFycTotQ1h0DtXUuJ8EQQQs-7-ML/w130-h200/DCeased_tpb.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><h3>4) <a href="https://11oclockcomics.com/" target="_blank">11 O’Clock Comics</a> (Podcast)</h3><div>Yup, David, Jason, and Vince B. continue to produce my favorite podcast after all these years. This is not just my favorite comic book podcast, but my favorite podcast. Period. The boys and the occasional special guest keep me running an extra block or two or three when I’m out exercising as I listen to their thoughts on my favorite comics and so they can give me new ideas of what I need to read. They discuss everything from current mainstream comics, to lesser-known titles, to books of the past, to the comics industry as a whole, to other media, and regularly have comic creators take up the fourth chair. I’ve never met these cats, but they feel like family at this point and I simply adore their show.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://11oclockcomics.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHUH44zllZOXZHSfsBsQX6ohRebwkuwK8P-AjpBEyrSqa900iv6li5EUqlI3TQgD-b9Zv4JHNPJland3E_lpbA0CYO5AstlW-79o6mR06L10GjcBvLXO_xC-wnRbE3XWRC8ia1DP0ABCH/w200-h200/EOC.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><h3>5) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2MoBRoz" target="_blank">Harley Quinn</a> </i>(Television Show on HBO Max)</h3><div>So, a good chunk of the television show exclusives that used to be on the now-dead DC Universe thing were starting to appear on HBO Max. One night I thought, <i>Why not check out a 30-minute show before bed?</i> I chose <i>Harley Quinn</i> and stayed up far later than I had intended because I fell into the “just one more episode” trap. Hilarious, thrilling, a great overarching story, beautifully animated, and so much fun from beginning to end, I fell instantly in love with the show and Harley Quinn. 100% NOT FOR KIDDIES! There’s blood and guts, f_bombs enough to make a sailor blush, sexual inuendos, and adult humor that had me laughing out loud with each episode. Oh my goodness, I cannot wait for a new season and I will definitely be watching seasons 1 and 2 a few times before it eventually does arrive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2MoBRoz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="383" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza4R6bdQcYJfSandev1qs7DVu4lXuuOBGjYRbL1DzzPdDHHrtNo4DejV-m1PkHtv_kBWSTQnb-YNjcr3isqSLZINbQUd550aNXJIzypOIZTHGGJvG8jPKb3hpuXmdD32fwtvhxcklsWEK/w153-h200/HarleyQuinn.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3>6) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/367PWOs" target="_blank">House of Mystery: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 2</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from DC Comics)</h3><div>Speaking of workouts…you can grab hold of this behemoth of a book and get some great tricep extensions in or if you need to change out a flat tire you can prop up your car because this 26-issue, 840-page monster is definitely big enough for you to do those things but this series is meant for reading. Hosted by the devilish Cain, the issues within were originally published in the early ’70s and I remember ”reading” through many of these stories as a young Donist and trust me, it is a TRIP experiencing the images over four decades after first seeing them and it is a joy to actually understand the stories now that I am an adult. There are definitely more “hits” than “misses” in this wonderful collection and even without the nostalgia behind my remembrances of this series, it is definitely worth checking out for the great stories and oftentimes gorgeous (and scary) art. Fingers crossed for a Volume 3!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/367PWOs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="334" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8HW9gEUXeRS-F3WerMTTyxGDeHU-20hdpSITw3nlEr_xGiPp1Zku59lHNkzAsf4JMkYt8FCcO1HKGJc9HYe8h8R1yg7xYno9AyqUV1ZX5GbiZKMJA2PWAwshBBNBM5KNYgp4Osp64TK6/w134-h200/HouseOfMystery_V2.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3>7) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3a3URRL" target="_blank">House of Secrets: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 2</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from DC Comics)</h3><div>It’s not really that far of a reach that I love <i>The House of Secrets </i>book every bit as much as its big brother, <i>The House of Mystery</i>. This collection contains issues 112 through to the series end of 154. Horror host Abel leads you through all sorts of spine-tingling stories brought to you by such greats as Bernie Wrightson, Len Wein, Alex Niño, Marv Wolfman, Jack Oleck, and so very many others. Reading each of these massive tomes over the course of 2020, I have learned that pretty much all children are evil, if you are picked on don’t try to change your lot in life just accept it, leave cursed artifacts alone, leave witches alone, NEVER mess with ghosts, vampires and werewolves are everywhere, aliens are always invading the Earth, and wives should never nag their husbands as it ends up being bad for both parties. Love love love these books.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3a3URRL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="335" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VdOszrbdTL-f2tMFOxw4jtvy3abWYmKrEmvms0n4GTvNbDHc_jqP44PvDUT8o5HeL0aOyJHuLgQsbMoCKq1Tz0c5FaIieOJb_FFUwoWm7gq5_tuLbPw3cN360vNuj_onmi45nXPoK_4q/w134-h200/HouseOfSecrets_V2.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><h3>8) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3pf7TSG" target="_blank">The Last of Us Part II</a></i> (Playstation 4 Video Game)</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Y6yx4a" target="_blank">The Last of Us</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> video game is the best video game I have ever played and I have played through it three times. It has a cool twist on zombies, a vast post-apocalyptic world, a lush score, characters who I absolutely fell in love with, immense loss, touching moments, beautiful graphics, cool game mechanics and skill/item leveling, and an overall gorgeous/distressing mood. When I finished, I desperately wanted a follow-up and I waited. And waited. And waited some more. But then the video game about a fictional devasting pandemic arrived in the summer of 2020 during a very real pandemic that is still raging across our world. Part II picks up a few years after the first installment and it is every bit as visually stunning and atmospheric and engrossing. I loved all of the new characters, I wanted to scream during one portion early on that I did not see coming and that is completely devastating, and I relaxed and became conflicted once I began to understand various character motivations. I also loved roaming around Santa Barbara (yes, part of the game is set in Santa Barbara, California) especially the recognizable-yet-slightly-different train station that had begun to succumb to the elements. I still prefer the first game, but <i>The Last of Us Part II </i>is a close second. Do not listen to the negative reviews as I suspect a good portion of those are from trolls who have a problem with LGBTQ themes and characters.</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3pf7TSG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1298" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHZvIspGCAwkeIy3Hamb8tHzKnWcYGD1W7uGai06KPr9bIn0zRGe51Uc1JCLcZRBxIrBTolrOmrRpeRoUQy5JThFC8knY3JuAoTrpc0jdVA1sC_GyKlQ17jbPKvDwjvYvxi3O_R3vylV4/w173-h200/TheLastOfUS_PartII.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></h3><h3>9) <a href="https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/" target="_blank">The Last Podcast on the Left</a> (Podcast)</h3><div>At over 400 episodes (not counting a ton of “Side Stories” installments) of cryptids, serial killers, conspiracy theories, reptilians (like Moscow Mitch McConnell), and all other assortments of oddity subject matter, I have listened to every episode—some multiple times. I generally listen to Ben, Henry, and Marcus at work and there have actually been a few times I had to press pause and “walk it off” because I was cracking up and starting to scare my coworkers; at least back in the pre-pandemic days this was true. Give ’em three episodes or so on something you’re interested in like Jeffrey Dahmer (icky!) or Albert Fish (brrrrrrr) and you will be hooked. I also love having random people say “Hail Yourself!” when I’m wearing my TLPotL t-shirt. Be sure to check out <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZTjCdB" target="_blank">The Last Book on the Left</a></i></b> book! TLPotL is hands-down my favorite “crime” podcast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="486" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1v39w4swqZYam-TiOPqTi2OQBBKOx2dLbHNzyUcwdA2mMXudnYNeeXydMfK0d8n-qcLdE6d3hOT8l_dB-x6DuWKeVxed3n7amOVllGXjWb0AdK2Lijh-8QvuDvfGttiYHrISGqsR3Zq3t/s200/TheLastPodcastOnTheLeft.png" width="198" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h3>10) <i><a href="https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver" target="_blank">Last Week Tonight with John Oliver</a> </i>(Television Show on HBO Max)</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">2020. Yeah, it was a massive pile of dog doo that the twice impeached 45 and his vile, criminal enablers in the GOP have steadily kept America walking through while convincing a smaller percentage of the populace—who inexplicably worship him—to thank them for the privilege to do so. It was one hell of a downer of a year, but John Oliver managed to bring some levity to the myriad of situations that steadily and repeatedly assailed those of us who can tell the difference between fact and fiction. Although every episode managed to bring a laugh here and there for this news weary Donist, I did notice that even Oliver found it difficult at times to find the humor in the massive amounts of stupid the tRump administration had heaped upon America over the course of the previous week. I cannot wait for the show’s return in mid-February 2021 now that things are a little bit better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1916" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IvE5FYHz07wie2hy124aGRILNWmtmTu9sgHBllMwGM0by37iXw3oDY1_hvwDa62tCImFcQeh9afM-I7oioP2EpGemNoRhUKHANy46Aus0c8eX4KJaBdxZjgg1JSZq2zL4t65WYVC5UJK/w200-h105/LWT_2020.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div></h3><h3>11) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/36ciuGk" target="_blank">Luthor Strode: The Complete Collection</a></i> (Graphic Novel from Image Comics)</h3><h3><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Late in the year, as one is want to do, I was thinking about Tradd Moore’s art on the positively stunning </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/39kZsQd" target="_blank">Silver Surfer: Black</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and I began looking at other comics he had worked on and one book caught my eye: </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3pniPO5" target="_blank">Luthor Strode Vol. 1, The Strange Talent of Luthor Strode</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. I began digging through my computer files and found that I had the book from a Humble Bundle I purchased from a bunch of years ago; I just had not checked it out yet. I read the first issue in the collection and BAM! I was in love. I ordered </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3sYpRLp" target="_blank">Luthor Strode Vol. 2, The Legend of Luthor Strode</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cd1mEv" target="_blank">Luthor Strode Vol. 3, The Legacy of Luthor Strode</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Oh, my goodness, not only is the early art of Moore freaking amazing, the Justin Jordan story completely pulled me in. The story is about a puny kid who gets tired of being bullied and orders a “tired of getting sand kicked in your face” self-help book from an ad in a comic book and in turn becomes an absolute murder machine. Think video games with boss levels in a comic book format and a heck of a lot of super-violent good times. <i>Luthor Strode</i> has been optioned for film, which is why I suspect the <i>Luthor Strode: The Complete Collection</i> is not currently in print and hopefully pending a newer, awesomized release in the future. (Written by Justin Jordan, illustrated by Tradd Moore, colored by Felipe Sobreiro, published by Image Comics.)</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36ciuGk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="343" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB9TsTGaO-jq-isN5sJA1vIvacBGYX9On59W0FWza3g4e592XOfsB-yRZBgFAhd3frkQR4QvShEVHzvu2s8incAmVXHtHPC_C03UWTml6CTFQVK6ppayjp4zsct-moyMfwvX3tkr2vxBm/w138-h200/LuthorStrode.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></h3><h3>12) <a href="https://www.magicpuzzlecompany.com/" target="_blank">Magic Puzzles</a> (Puzzle)</h3><div>Early in the Pandemic, I somehow came across a Kickstarter for the Magic Puzzle Company and I decided to contribute at the level that meant I would eventually receive all three of the first series puzzles. The Kickstarter was a huge success and my estimated September delivery date passed. Then October. Then November. But in December, all three puzzles arrived and Amy and I settled on beginning with the one titled “The Happy Isles.” The puzzle is pretty dang difficult, has all sorts of weirdly shaped pieces, and once we delved into it and through to near completion, we began to notice various “oddities” to how things were laid out. We eventually finished and then returned to the box that had an envelope that warned us not to open it until the puzzle had been completed. Inside was a sheet that listed a bunch of quests like finding all 17 cats, finding an astronaut, and those sorts of things, which was cool, but it was the envelope inside the envelope that made us go “WHOA!!!” after we followed the directions inside. What did it contain? You’ll have to buy it and find out, just know that each image is beautiful, it’s challenging, it is fun, and the mystery and the mechanics of this puzzle are unlike anything I have ever seen.</div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.magicpuzzlecompany.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1836" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEgwmVd1vemCqk1TorUHCCuBlnCvN774QIgBWF8wpibZvAB6gQdjA5bhNEAN2tKiliZCb9ZR0n4lOpkiOQLUR4M-BHOnHDqWWSjlMqT4aRXU3qAc-BW9c779Wif45gA-M1-r97xS007N7/w200-h165/Screen+Shot+2021-01-24+at+11.34.04+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>13) <a href="https://d3go.com/games/marvelpuzzlequest/" target="_blank">Marvel Puzzle Quest</a> (Video Game for iOS)</h3><div>This game has steadily transitioned from being a casual pastime to something of an obsession. Every morning, before I get out of bed, I fire up the app and see what updates have been made, what new characters have arrived, and if there are new challenges to work my way through. Think of it as a marriage of Bejeweled and the MCU and you get the idea for the style of the game, but the fun revolves around acquiring new characters of varying power (one-star beginners up to five-star powerhouses). Each character has three+ powers/abilities that you can use as well as supports, team abilities, and the hope for a good amount of luck for a favorable board. My current strongest lineup is Polaris (once she gets going she is unstoppable, four-stars), Kitty Pryde (she increases Polaris’s tiles every turn, five-stars), and Medusa (she racks up color points and heals while stealing enemy strike tiles, four-stars); these ladies bring the smackdown! That said, Deadpool (Spirit of Vengeance) just leveled up again last night and is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and with Adam Warlock recently added to the mix, no telling what my favorite team might switch to being. This game is a blessing and a curse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d3go.com/games/marvelpuzzlequest/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBzLtWhpwGX8usJldm3aVVnSuukXN7Drq1jmNCcu1DVJqiz0-_krYlMqHkrxXSV5pbUZgA8bcgSUCdBB4wZ3Tqa_N2ZbkL0qhN_nCEbtk_ReVVQN-CxsHL3H2c1tJHx2CY3CraD991kuR/w113-h200/MarvelPuzzleQuest.png" width="113" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3>14) <i><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81038963" target="_blank">The Old Guard</a> </i>(Movie on Netflix)</h3></div><div>Based upon the comic book <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=44462639&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Old Guard</a></b> (written by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Leandro Fernandez, published by Image Comics, and a book I have not yet read and need to remedy ASAP), the show stars Charlize Theron as she and her team of immortals who have protected Earth throughout history discover a new immortal while becoming targets of a mysterious group who knows of their fantastic abilities. I LOVED this movie and even Amy the intern said it was one of her favorite movies that she watched in 2020, which coming from someone who generally does not like comic book movies is the highest of praise. If you have not yet watched <i>The Old Guard</i>, get thyself to Netflix and start watching.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81038963" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8losqSxTRjYOxP3YDvw6MHw-jylfwSHsWTk-B4CQWX6YL5e9U72w2QKd7740hx9kPvUMgZnM8mScdX5h2z1dnBVKEXWwZBlhCvE1B8wnYaIyF6rGkWDbdDFSDsYX3cu7hNL1VO7EqbQD-/w200-h113/TheOldGuard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3>15) <a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/" target="_blank">Pod Save America</a> (Podcast)</h3><div>It’s kind of hard to say that I “enjoy” this podcast as it is a response to the horror/shit show that is everything Trump and the GOP. Former aides of President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor—recap the week’s calamities, bringing actual facts and insights into the world of politics. Yes, they skew to the “Left,” but that just means they are critical of both sides (god, I hate those words…both sides, ugh) and call out where the crimes, lies, and injustices are taking place. Pod Save America cheers me up when the news of the world is so damn horrendous and political criminals seem to get away with robbing us of our money, our healthcare, our retirement, and our rights as the uber-wealthy get richer and richer and racism attempts to become normalized.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL4cOZ-qq8ylT6v__M8JroB8w-SuOlYdEUNT3QFQX_oumZmVNBLdFixKtUGBIOsDR1SRJ8T4ijnIOGR_4UBX3TndIwfwrWMQTa-ZErOiaR2hKqZDvQhXL5B6LUadRVZWtmeQPX_WeHgwM/w200-h200/PodSaveAmerica.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">16) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3r4oYix" target="_blank">Something is Killing the Children</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from BOOM! Studios)</h3><div>Erica Slaughter kills monsters. In fact, she is one of the very few adults who can see them. Children, however, can see the monsters just fine and as more and more children disappear in the small town of Archer’s Peak, only Erica believes the tales surviving children tell of horrendous things that live in the shadows and that prey upon them. (Written by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Werther Dell’Edera, colored by Miquel Muerto, published by BOOM! Studios) </div><div>I had been hearing about this comic for some time and on a whim picked up the recently released first graphic novel only to be completely blown away by this immensely dark horror comic. Thankfully, I only had to wait a few months to pick up the second volume and it looks like the third will be out towards the beginning of summer which is too long of a wait for a comic of this caliber. Pair this comic series with Tynion IV’s fantastic <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51514682&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Department of Truth</a></i> and you have two of my favorite comic series of 2020.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51514682&AffID=644543P01" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv2-gQ3I9fxej4qn4K7n2XBDDWjGUz4REMjm2GcTXkkCTTT0rYNSK1JUkop5YZwp9g98Pw9PJ6orVQkYGaLMbJsQR2xAoS9vYYkxXz5VjkvMvFXyrly2B8f3pDq0WTS0ro-Yrptwww-NH/w130-h200/SomethingIsKillingTheChildren_tpb.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">17) <i>Supernatural, Season 15 </i>(Television Show Available to Watch on Netflix)</h3><div>Well, it’s been a <i>hell</i> (get it?) of a run for a 15 season television show that Tulip, Amy the Intern, and I have enjoyed since the very beginning through to this series finale. Sure, some episodes were slight misses, but most definitely were not. I mean, what’s not to enjoy about a show where the protagonists hunt down monsters, demons, devils, angels, gods, and even the all-mighty himself? We all fell in love with Sam and Dean over a decade ago, welcomed Castiel to the fold, and even found ourselves cheering for Jack when he first made his appearance. I will admit to being a little torn as to whether or not the final episode was needed as the penultimate episode could have been the series ender but, hey, I’m also not denying my peepers weren’t exactly dry by the end of that final episode either. Who knows, maybe in a year or two, we’ll begin it all again, but until then, carry on my wayward son.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/70143825" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkxJ9nxTCvoZXjfEDGUpOx061XEicpOSruf90yPEGbxWskvCPS6_sIMW0whn28aBiOdToAX-tENZIQXm-4lQ-ZslpWuO74w8COEopZIB-RQZv12MEgXKasL2Qqb_lcDWY4Qsj9p96kJvn/w133-h200/SupernaturalS15.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">18) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3crckGf" target="_blank">Swamp Thing</a> </i>(Television Show on Blu-Ray)</h3><div>I only got around to watching this great show on Blu-ray at the beginning of December but I was definitely tempted to sign up for the recently deceased DC Universe service to watch it as it aired only to be dissuaded by the fact that the show had been canceled despite critics and fans being generally happy with the series. Once I finished the first episode and got all of the “that’s not like what Alan Moore did at all and why is Abby’s hair black?” out of my system, I found a unique, creepy, and completely enjoyable series that was cut down WAY before it should have been. I love all of the characters and the introduction of the Blue Devil and the Phantom Stranger gave glimpses of what the writers hoped to show us had the series not been so cruelly canceled. Damn. It would have been amazing to see where things could have gone after Jason Woodrue’s transformation and with the inevitable introduction of Anton Arcane. Who knows, maybe HBO Max can someday grow something great from the wonderful seed that we actually received.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3crckGf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="522" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbVszwVYBFvnob_M_Ynhjo7yM4931BZBxw91JIjRScvU0md4d5iEYBNDtYM6UvVOYJX14_99OQ2ovOAAhu7ho7rfbOeTrq0gAVRSto4DDRndTkfF_TOKnYfB8FRDnq_7QJn6eFeHpjErh/w158-h200/SwampThing_bluray.jpg" width="158" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">19) <i>Swamp Thing Omnibus by Nancy A. Collins </i>(Graphic Novel by DC Comics)</h3><div>Up until now, Nancy A. Collins’s take on my much-loved Swamp Thing was a blindspot. Her run began around the time I had thrown in the towel on comics after the glut of events and the speculation boom had shredded my enjoyment of the medium but now, over two decades later, I am finally catching up on everything I missed after the Rick Veitch issues. I am so glad that I did. Collins brings a fantastic take from one who is familiar with the swamps of Lousiana, the myths, and the people and adds murderous priests, pirates, Lady Jane, and the occasional Constantine and Anton Arcane to bring it all home. Granted, this omnibus carries a hefty price tag, but I plowed through this massive tome in all but a few weeks because I loved what I was reading so much. Well worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36tIrS9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="337" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVodU_flwKcd0jARfQkO_73Uo7F7G7tXAhXuygE1MA2Tb0rRHRiq43iQNpPWWX1TPOfgAcHfiU8yVh2vDi2Ob4hvV1fx6YF3JlSoRpEYRgWSAJQz_SCxTUlI7R_OpN6xLNo2ekz3MC4S6Y/w135-h200/SwampThing_NancyCollins.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><br /><div><h3>20) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3r3kQ2o" target="_blank">Young Justice, Season 3</a> </i>(Television Show on HBO Max)</h3></div><div>I had watched the first and second seasons of <i>Young Justice</i> a few years back and was completely hooked. But, like most great animated shows, I thought that was the end of it, which was a bummer. Then I learned that there was a third season and it was coming to HBO Max and I couldn’t wait to check it out. So, almost every evening, once Tulip and Amy the intern had gone to sleep, I would watch an episode or two. Although this season is not as great as the first two seasons, it is still really good and better than any of the live-action movies DC has been putting out. Here a new group of heroes takes the lead, becoming the Outsiders and taking on all sorts of villains who have been kidnapping children and attempting to give them superpowers. Again, this season of <i>Young Justice </i>is really good, but I am even more excited for what season four has to bring—*cough*…Darkseid…*cough*.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3r3kQ2o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="416" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sXWPdA_XL_02X26Dob4dGhm8Jf05k0opT0A5gKpMvwLYdCgVlm9g2Tk7Y7o8Gqazu0e47HtHuoS-hjPAqlZytVQ08yutnA-g-0WLCfxNvlkHPyY-1v-GLXxAQz_mMEdD93pN84HaQl1M/w166-h200/YoungJustice.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>That wraps up this year’s roundup. If you think of anything I should be reading, watching, playing, or drinking, then please let me know. I hope you had a fantastic 2020 and I wish you all the best for 2021! Thank you for reading.</div><div><br /></div></div>Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-34009055088342157862021-01-10T14:04:00.886-08:002021-01-17T11:47:28.527-08:00Donist World 2020 Year-End Roundup! (Part 1)<p> (Sung to the tune of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IagRZBvLtw" target="_blank">The Sound of Music's “My Favorite Things”</a>)</p><br />Gamma-ray monsters brawlin’ enthrallin’<br />Conspiracies turned real is kinda appallin’<br />Dig Wonder Woman and the hope that she brings<br />These are a few of my favorite things<br /><br />Evil god glowers bring the Plague of flowers <br />Worst candidate Scumbag gains superpowers<br />Strange mystic academies with magical beings<br />These are a few of my favorite things<br /><br />A costumed crusader and a blot-masked vigilante<br />Robots and magic combine beautifully, not too shabby<br />Adventures so strange for the fences it swings<br />These are a few of my favorite things<br /><br />Diamond misships<br />Then my beer spills<br />When I'm feeling sad<br />I simply remember my favorite things<br />And then I don't feel so bad<div><br /></div><div><h1>Slice of Heaven For the Year!</h1><br />“Where the hell have you been, Donist?!”</div><div>Yup, that is a fair question, Denizens. For most of Donist World’s existence, I have published something weekly. Then, in 2019 I relaxed a little on that because of work stuff, moving, and a host of other things happening in my life, but I was still putting up posts on the somewhat regular; then came 2020. Well, 2020 was awful on a scale that no one other than any sane, rational, non-cultist human being could have ever predicted: We were besieged by a pandemic that continues to worsen, sicken, and kill people; we had “leadership” that ignored COVID-19, profited off of it, denied its existence, politicized it, and called upon its cult members to shun masks; science was under attack (like always); education was under attack (like always); big-bad SOCIALISM was thrown around (like always); Trump lost the election legitimately and substantially both electorally and popularly (one of the few beacons of hope in 2020) only to see the results continuously questioned and denied by the predictable bands of deplorable scum within the GOP; John Lewis died; Ruth Bader Ginsberg died; Chadwick Boseman died; Kobe Bryant died; Eddie Van Halen died; Kenny Rogers died; Neil Peart died; anti-maskers flouted concerns (at times aggressively) for themselves, their loved ones, or the public at large; predominantly-peaceful Black Lives Matter protests were vilified and tear-gassed so Trump could have a photo op while holding a bible upside down; the inaction of social media to take down or moderate the deluge of damaging lies that have led us to where we are in 2021 (not going into that today); and so very, very, very much more.</div><div>So, where was I? I was at home. My job took the coronavirus very seriously and we went fully remote which is commendable and one I know many simply cannot do, but this shift created a ton of work and priority adjustments that has kept me dreadfully busy. So, where did I find the time for creativity? The truth is that I didn’t. I let that go. I just couldn’t manage the brainpower or energy to squeeze in an hour or two here or there to write as the world fell to pieces around me. I did far too much “doomscrolling” as Amy the Intern (my wife) and I frantically tried to find additional safety measures for her to take in the event the schools foolishly reopened. It was all so very exhausting. One thing I did do, however, was read and I read a ton of fantastic comics. Let’s have a look at my favorites of 2020.</div><div><br />***Probably NOT spoilers below***<br /><br /><br />If you have a moment, check out our past <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/search/label/Year-End%20Roundup" target="_blank">Slice of Heaven Year-End Roundups</a> to see what’s stayed the same and what’s changed over the years. I had quite a few pleasant surprises this year, so let’s get to it!<br /><br /><br /><h2>Donist World Top 10 Favorite Comic Series of 2020 (In No Particular Order)</h2><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><i><a href="https://amzn.to/39Hauhs" target="_blank">Ascender</a></i></h3>(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, published by Image Comics)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><a href="https://amzn.to/39Hauhs" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfnGM27a-Rdrau0BKzlVlmG6Swbh_n68bFctpe7CUycwFssPMybEoFOSSn1n6TcyqGo-darpF1gl8YGGPcLfhiZPX02DzCmelRMzJwCH2SyazG6CNopASscJNTBYu2jaAsdl1DgKav6DC/w134-h200/Ascender_v01.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>Ever since the first half of this two-part epic, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3nRR9PK" target="_blank">Descender</a></i>, launched so many years ago, this heavenly series has held the top spot of every Year-End Roundup. <i>Descender</i> is a series that follows TIM-21, a boy robot who awakens after the Harvesters (monstrous robots) suddenly appeared, laid waste to the nine planets of the UGC (United Galactic Council), and vanished once they had completed their grim mission. It is a sci-fi story bursting with characters you immediately fall in love with and one that is mysterious, thrilling, heartbreaking, and one I reread often over the course of its six trade paperbacks. Then, as the ending occurred and I was left wanting to shout, “What?! What?! What?!,” I saw the ad for <i>Ascender.</i></div><div><i>Ascender </i>picks up ten years after the devastating events of the first part but this time, robots are no more and Lemire and Nguyen have exchanged sci-fi for fantasy. Here, we have a universe where magic flourishes…at least it would if not for the tyrannical grip that “Mother” and her deadly vampiric army holds over everyone. Two of the main characters from <i>Descender </i>have had a child since the War of the Robots and that child and everyone’s lives take a dramatic turn when a much-loved robot from the first series appears in a universe that is now void of such things. Nguyen’s stunning, watercolored art is as striking as ever and Lemire continues to have me actively cheering at moments, cringing at others, and gasping at the shock of what happens to some of these characters along the way. (I still hold out hope for one character thought lost from <i>Descender</i>, but we will see.) Now, you could read <i>Ascender</i> without having read <i>Descender</i> but it is the opinion of this humble Donist that you would do yourself an immense disservice of missing out on the amazing events of the first part of the story and the deep love you will develop for most of the characters within. Sadly, <i>Ascender </i>is said to be ending with issue 18 and I would not bet against this heavenly Donist World darling showing up on 2021’s Year-End Roundup. Get it. Buy it. Love it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2th77fE" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk</a></i></b></h3><div>(Written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Joe Bennett, published by Marvel Comics)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2th77fE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="332" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJuVYyTnTEv8H1Amjh9bMgVW3dKaDkAQehEiHNGRzfsSf1tlUQ66pyi_jkiT1MWlgNCnd8gyemHqvmKUrVuWAwze2OZenv4cfn7i9nUCS5wt8WFLbj3Rzp7uTCsGgxq4nqHJfm5Hce0gS/s200/TheImmortalHulk_HC.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div><i>The Immortal Hulk </i>continues to be my favorite comic from Marvel Comics. Gone are the days of the childlike Hulk smashing the villain-of-the-month (not knocking those days, I actually love that Bronze Age stuff) and in its place is a series that focuses on the psychological, the mysterious, and, best of all, the horror that surrounds this being that cannot die. Events set in motion 10 or 20 issues ago surface and playout over the course of this series in complex and shocking ways as Ewing deftly navigates Bruce Banner’s fractured mind and the schemings of his most terrible foes (the Leader currently, and trust me, he is bone-chilling) as Bennet delivers the usual flawless storytelling combined with some of the most truly unnerving body horror imagery of the Hulk’s transformations. <i>The Immortal Hulk </i>has been outstanding since its debut and I have to commend Marvel for allowing the creators to do their thing and for not miring the series in any sort of “Event” books and instead opting to release one-shots to tell stories outside of the norm (some of which are amazing, btw). Ten years ago, I would have said you were crazy if you told me I would be reading and loving a Hulk comic. Now, I would say you are crazy for not reading <i>The Immortal Hulk</i>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2LW1oW2" target="_blank">Wonder Woman: Dead Earth</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Everythinged by Daniel Warren Johnson, colored by Mike Spicer, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LW1oW2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="399" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3p3AJQaRjqPKosEsomQReAfes1opEPHtPZ7x9aG5erd029churkrL1OPtpsEDaNsOy4639-J8pcTQlLL8mljMZAqrO7nGsW6ithayHBBknZ8hxHK0WkpQbqGyZaTjDs5UrIPKrd5i9ZS/w160-h200/WonderWoman_DeadEarth_HC.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>This dark, apocalyptic Wonder Woman tale is everythinged by Daniel Warren Johnson, so there was absolutely no way I could pass it up. I also had no doubt that I would love not just his amazing art with his heartrate-increasing speed lines and terrifying beasties but that the story would also grab hold and keep me desperate to snatch up each of the oversized issues in this spectacular four-issue series. When some youths are pursued by a grotesque creature seeking to end their lives, they stumble across a cave where they find a woman cryogenically frozen who they free and who defeats the monster…with some effort. Wonder Woman walks out of the cave to find the world ravaged, her friends gone or dead, and her once immense powers greatly diminished. Now she looks to be humanity’s only hope in a world that seeks to make humans extinct. What happened over the scores of years she was locked away, why are Diana’s powers fading, and how can the Princess of Power bring light to a dead Earth filled with monstrosities? You will just have to read to find out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Last God</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, illustrated by Ricardo Federici, colored by Sunny Gho, lettered by Tom Napolitano, cartography by Jared Blando, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOG9E_lJ31Zfc_UolxFkJral2l-QYvgQr-Ln4g3a0EseUUqUSbTDh0teVk56d1FDhNEjZUCqkPsMtfrqaa8padJZ_jyYcAT3yX7-Dl9FM-fC1Da4obRMVhoOD21ZspBDkFAOuzRPUidb0/w128-h200/TheLastGod_01.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>I’m going to flat out say that this high fantasy series is one that is probably best read from beginning to end, which I fully intend to do once this first chapter completes in the next few weeks. Despite starting each issue with a “Wait a minute…what happened last time?” question, I quickly settle in to enjoy the oh-so-lovely painted artwork and immerse myself within this world where the Plague of Flowers brings back the dead and perverts their forms as their master, the evil god Mol Uhltep, unleashes them upon the denizens of this rich world…for the second time. The series tells two tales: one from 30 years in the past when a group of heroes ventured to the Black Stairs to sop Mol Uhltep, and the present when a new group of heroes (including some from the original group) seeks to put an end the Flowering Dead once and for all. Unfortunately, some of the actions of the past dictate the tragedies of the present and each character will have to come to terms with what “victory” will entail. <i>The Last God </i>fills a much-needed fantasy void that has existed in the Big Two for far too long and is one you absolutely need to catch up on. A hardcover collection looks to release in August.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51725851&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Scumbag</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by various, colored by Moreno Dinisio, lettered by Rus Wooton, designed by Erika Schnatz, edited by Will Dennis, published by Image Comics)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51725851&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiie2olKtWWg12D9q-UOseZ1yxtygE66QDJGRa9LmHofWJXXj1ZSoHIG8-pzxEowcOuhNq2ZLhhH-v_t1Np2VGmDxFRKj8rwfLqq0Svcd-QL3RGds0zH7-r9FAHbcAjWkSX_aITFhUMd0_Y/w130-h200/TheScumbag_01.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>The tagline on this fairly recent release states, “The World’s Fate Rests with the Worst Person on it” and that is the best way to describe this crude, offensive, and ultimately glorious series. Ernie Ray Clementine is absolutely the worst. He’s a drug-abusing, alcohol-guzzling, womanizing, barely-literate…well, scumbag. He offends everyone around him with his filthy behavior, but when he stumbles across a superhero fighting a supervillain and “accidentally” shoots up with a special chemical lost in the fray, he gains tremendous abilities and might just be the only person who can save the world from Armageddon at the hands of extremist fascists. As of today, only three issues have released, but I am all in as I laugh and cringe, laugh and cringe some more at Ernie’s antics as his handlers struggle in their attempts to get this selfish a_hole to do what’s right. <i>The Scumbag</i> is the perfect temporary antidote to the very real ills happening in the world today. You definitely do not want to sleep on this one, especially if you are a Remender fan. Plus, every issue features a different mega artist to feast your peepers upon.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51514682&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Department of Truth</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by James Tynion IV, art by Martin Simmonds, lettered by Aditya Bidikar, designed by Dylan Todd, edited by Steve Foxe, published by Image Comics)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51514682&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9HH636c-tE5LkhXq7z2VZ82WkOT-mfAjmnkibakRpymlGMdxv6mWcV1G9SjBhpiMi5H7-0l-bLM9p_NxBYJdDq08umWc56olHEPnU73t210datQVH2lNfL_OaKCUCpwGuB2tY-ESxUNg/w129-h200/DepartmentOfTruth_01.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>By the time I had set down Tynion IV and Simmond’s <i>The Department of Truth</i> I felt as if a glass of water had been thrown in my face. Even prior to the past four years—and especially 2020—I have wondered why the dumbest, most asinine beliefs come to exist and start to take hold with seemingly rational people: flat Earth, birtherism, anti-vaccinations, climate change denial, Pizzagate, election fraud, etc. ad nauseam. <i>The Department of Truth </i>explains it all. In this world, if enough people believe a conspiracy theory, then that garbled bunch of nonsense begins to become a reality. Cole Turner, an FBI agent who teaches about the conspiracy theories that dominate the avenues we are all too familiar with is targeted by the Department of Truth to stop these deliberate falsehoods from becoming a reality. This is not the book I needed to read to help diminish my anxiety of the past five years, but it is 100% the book I needed to read for these troubling times. Even outside of the current deluge of “alternative facts” and the horror show that was 2020, this must-read series is one that would have still been at the top of my favorites list. ’80s Satanic Panic, anyone? Look for <a href="https://amzn.to/3qyQKnj" target="_blank">a collection of the first five issues</a> in March.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50527233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Strange Academy</a></i></h3></div><div>(Written by Scottie Young, illustrated by Humberto Ramos, colored by Edgar Delgado, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50527233&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqgutPVN2vcJaDnvjLzI4a7mKke8GVAVrmJE9cOrkq7lwhHemGCxLzkxEUdTN9Sg2vPAJ2cqHLyYc8Tk0EbmoZ3dv0P7fb5kWrHNnSBNdXtKqwB7Sb62kvt-Lm3LLjeqG5FtZpyWrT4-I/w129-h200/StrangeAcademy_01.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>I just realized that <i>Strange Academy </i>is the only non-cynical bright spot on the 2020 Year-End Roundup. Everything else is murder, despots, fascists, scumbags, apocalyptic straits, death, horror, etc., but I guess those topics are just my sort of thing. Looking at all of the other titles, it’s pretty clear that ol’ Donist needed to smile on occasion and to maybe, just maybe try out that thing called laughter. <i>Strange Academy </i>gave me what I needed in droves. Imagine Hogwarts only with Marvel characters where the magical beings you are already familiar with (Doctor Strange, Doctor Voodoo, Magik, and others) teach a wide array of magical kids covering the range of gods, demons, giants, Weird World denizens, and even a child of Dormammu and you have a fun-filled adventure that will leave you smiling the whole way through. Now, this isn’t to say there are no stakes or dire situations that the students find themselves thrust into, it’s just that you feel uplifted each time you set an issue down. If you are looking for a fantastic story, with gorgeous art, then look no further than <i>Strange Academy. </i>The <a href="https://amzn.to/3nQt8Zl" target="_blank">first trade</a> arrives in February.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51753662&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Rorschach</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Jorge Fornés, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by Clayton Cowles, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51753662&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRLbx1AcmmbK57U3t0Ox2qsZ6kyL5_bD9Ipe52kQ2NNbAYF5h3A-Wttpf2-SzCbKMsBwnlcuXr-TCIkbhWXzi56Ijovx9nIBSEc8rdH1nZbNmB2GhNeCmaeq_AL6NXj_6SwoLSHu1hf5u/w129-h200/Rorschach_01.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>As I often say, “I have very little to no idea as to what the hell is going on...but I love this comic.” At three issues in, this sentiment still holds true. What I do know: The book takes place 35 years after the events of <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sGLos7" target="_blank">Watchmen</a></i>, Rorschach is impossibly running around and trying to assassinate a candidate running against President Robert Redford, he had a masked accomplice (?). A detective is tasked with finding out the identity of this supposed Rorschach but in doing so he is led along a downward spiral of conspiracies and corruption. Of course, this is not going to be a happy-go-lucky gigglefest of a comic but King has me for the long haul on what I believe will be 12 issues once all is said and done. Fornés art is wonderful in its storytelling and a perfect style for this noirish tale and I especially love his imagery and the design of the retro-inspired covers. If you are a fan of King’s other 12-issue masterpieces (<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3qqaaL1" target="_blank">The Omega Men</a></i>, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/35NzfYv" target="_blank">The Vision</a></i>, and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/35NzfYv" target="_blank">Mister Miracle</a></i>) then this is one you do not want to sleep on. Speaking of great 12-issue series by Tom King…</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50527148&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Strange Adventures</a></i></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Mitch Gerads and Evan “Doc” Shaner, lettered by Clayton Cowles, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href=", “I have very little to no idea as to what the hell is going on...but I love this comic.”" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl27_SUZRx0vx2DN7RGjl99rntuUEnw1rcnC6Vom4TwbkrgiIEe0E3k-tHmuyKujY5dQqijeQyCmJVCqur2Mj4GA1NalcSHlUZGYT444UvWtDh5jPvRo7ce-ozRInJg6ILslqsrGOKHaC/w126-h200/StrangeAdventures_01.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>Here we go again…, “I have very little to no idea as to what the hell is going on...but I love this comic.” In this series, Adam Strange is the hero of the distant planet Rann where he led the defeat of the alien menace known as the Pykkts. Now, Strange has returned to Earth with his wife Alanna of Rann to a life of retirement, but Strange might have brought the troubles of Rann to his home planet. When an activist winds up dead, Strange is believed to have been involved and his Rann war record is called into question, which brings Mr. Terrific to the scene to investigate. <i>Strange Adventures </i>is a compelling story where I don’t yet know what to believe and is one that is beautifully illustrated by Gerads for the scenes set in the present with a more realistic art style and by Shaner for the sequences set in the past with a more traditional comic style that makes the remembrances seem more like a comic book and possibly hinting at embellishment by Strange, but time will tell as we head into the remaining five issues in this phenomenal series.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><b><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51335066&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><i>Joker: Killer Smile </i>and <i>Batman: The Smile Killer</i></a></b></h3></div><div>(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, colored by Jordie Bellaire, lettered by Steve Wands, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=51335066&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gPhNtNspdTNiaVUsAk53IG838VIZNeOEYMq-GURBwRIlxMW8Qvz1pABDVbYZl4t8aYpoeMEMOeDDWS6qEoSyf4mBYdAe1EnWAVQQTbYpN0rdfzcvsCWSC04nOMyZAr82fmUy7UQJeOZ0/w157-h200/JokerKillerSmile_HC.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>No, Denizens, I am not cheating (although, I can cheat all I want on my own site, by golly!) but rather the three-issue <i>Joker: Killer Smile</i> and the one-shot <i>Batman: The Smile Killer</i> are intricately woven tales meant to be a whole. Don’t believe me? Well, then feast los ojos on the gorgeous, large form factor, hardcover collection of this chilling series that definitely falls more in the psychological horror genre than that of superheroes. Here, Dr. Ben Arnell knows in his bones that he is the one who can finally crack what it is that makes the Joker tick. Arnell has studied, he has prepared, he is ready, or so he thinks. But when Arnell begins to see that the Joker seems to know more about him than he does about the Joker, his steadfast belief in himself and his methodologies begins to crumble around him. The powerhouse team behind the recently concluded <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3nU55sL" target="_blank">Gideon Falls</a></i> (almost made it on the list and nearly a tie with this series) brings a disturbing, bone-chilling look into a force of nature that is best left undisturbed. This is one series that will leave you reluctant to turn those lights off before you go to sleep. So very creepy and good.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2>But wait, I’m sure there's more...</h2><div><br /></div>I'm sure there are plenty of other comics I somehow forgot to mention or have not yet bought or read in 2020. If there are any glaring omissions, please let me know. There's plenty of room at the Donist World corporate offices for more comics and...hold on a sec...actually, Amy the intern (my wife) has corrected me and said that "No, there is not plenty of room here." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><psssttt...hey denizens, let me know anyways. I can totally sneak more comics in on the down-low. Just let me know. We can do this…></span><br /><div dir="ltr"><br /></div>Stay tuned next week for the “Donist World 2019 Year-End Roundup! (Part 2)”</div><div><br /></div>Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-53035155949022996992020-03-03T07:28:00.002-08:002020-03-03T07:28:14.649-08:00Comics Lust 3/1/2020Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/holiday cookie hoarder Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). It’s been a crazy week for work and just about everything else going on in my life, but I was finally able to find some time to let y’all know about something grand. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a drink (you deserve it…unless that’s not your thing) and see if you can dig up some of those dark chocolate and mint cookies from Trader Joes, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
Not sure what “Comics Lust” is about? Take a look at the <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2017/08/comics-lust-8252017.html" target="_blank">Introduction</a> to “Comics Lust” post or take a look at the static “<a href="http://www.donistworld.com/p/comics-lust-table-of-contents.html" target="_blank">Comics Lust Table of Contents</a>” page to jump to a topic.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</h1>
<h2>
Comics Lust</h2>
<h3>
<i>Bingemode (Part 3)</i></h3>
<div>
Given a new Netflix show recently made its debut, I decided it was high time I returned to a series that isn’t just one of the best comic books series of the past decade (read about our “<a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2020/01/comic-lust-1202020.html" target="_blank">Favorite Comics of the Past Decade</a>”), it is one of the best comic book series period. It shouldn’t be too much of a stretch to guess which series I’m talking about, but if you need me to spell it out for you, the book is…</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i>Locke & Key </i>(2008–2013)</h3>
<div>
(Written by Joe Hill, illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez, colored by Jay Fotos, lettered by Robbie Robbins, published by IDW publishing)</div>
<div>
IDW is a publisher for which I have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to their many offerings. Their <i style="font-weight: bold;">G.I. Joe</i>, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i>, and <i style="font-weight: bold;">Transformers</i> offerings are enticing, but the volume of material available makes diving in an insurmountable task without the aid of a comic Sherpa to guide you through the quagmires of those licensed properties. But then, every so often, the publisher releases something different, something new, something that has a beginning, middle, and an end (sorta, more of that later) that is accessible not just to comic book fans, but also fans of fantastic stories.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=13684331&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvCgcTXKcg4HKmJju8N8TIZY3FdwwIXqGBChoaGrzCVGqxSm5oXKqodkfIoRGkiteacxjs3YxsFGInwdlRkGEc2qrFPvIehF-imNL29PU4rO6EBogSu7FwxumZfdZGUsd5XrPx_SYKsn4/s200/LockeAndKey_01.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Thus we have <i style="font-weight: bold;">Locke & Key</i>.</div>
<div>
Back in 2008, after the first few issues of the first chapter of <i>Locke & Key</i> had seen release, I had heard rumblings about the series across various podcasts and review sites, but I didn’t take the plunge; I even remember seeing the iconic cover of the first issue depicting the Ghost Key, yet I didn’t pick it up. It wasn’t until I started catching on to the new digital app offerings that had recently surfaced that I decided to finally give the book a try after the IDW app featured the first issue for $.99 or it might have even been free, I’m not certain, but what I do know was that the book was too cheap to not take a look. So, I threw it in my cart, purchased it, and then sat on it for a long while. Many months later, the “Welcome to Lovecraft” arc had ended and “Headgames” was an issue or two underway and I decided to finally give my digital copy a read. When I finished that one issue, I bought the other five digital versions of the first chapter and was totally blown away by what I had just read. I then ordered the hardcover collection of “Welcome to Lovecraft” and resolved to buy the hardcovers of everything the creators would throw at me over the next few years.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=16519491&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ec90w_gX8KWlvI102fhwyMPAnfnCxG02ETNo2P-5A1P3DkiM5MezAVusr6H1yoVTTQEVqFAsWSVSbX4jHYzPBMZ681iW1F-3IotOiWEz2SWKqmHuGMzBqkk-XSJFJmEFO37ZCCCXKxFN/s200/LockeAndKey_HG_02.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
The story involves the surviving members of the Locke family (Tyler, the older brother; Kinsey, the sister; Bode, the youngest brother; and Nina, the children’s mother) moving from the west coast to a family home in Lovecraft, Massachusettes after the brutal murder of Wendell Locke, their father/husband, at the hands of two deranged highschoolers. The east coast mansion—known as Keyhouse—appears to be somewhat of a haunted mansion, but it is a fresh start away from the tragedy of a few months prior and the hope for a return to some semblance of normalcy; Keyhouse is anything BUT normal. Shortly upon settling in, young Bode finds a mysterious key that allows him to turn into a ghost and to roam the property unseen. He also discovers the well-house where a beautiful woman in a black gown lives and talks to him via echoes, begging the boy to do her a favor. From there, the horror the Locke’s sought so desperately to leave behind rises anew as the woman in the well makes succeeds in escaping her confines. Things then take a turn for the weird, as magic and wonder present themselves in the form of even more mysterious keys that each hold a special power when used on the right door or lock. But will the keys be enough to ward off both the lady in the well and their father’s killer, Sam Lesser, who recently escaped prison and is making his way to Lovecraft?</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19640859&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHPoupJNCe0IC8Y2o0QQ3Gbbyn8JiQEZvJ6vPHM4oEFGyDDwm6-tNq8riX9qGzt_-P-eq05LiOn6YHW-WN9iMULKT9hcwVQoKXbbyvKab03LMTntOmTFxv985AxTdsaj2r67HYrNB18fl/s200/LockeAndKey_CoS_01.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
One thing I did not realize for the first year or so of reading this heavenly series was that writer Joe Hill is the son of famed novelist Stephen King. Had I known this at the time, then it’s safe to say that the name recognition of the man’s father might have pulled my attention to the book a bit sooner, but then that’s possibly why Hill goes by “Hill” to stand on the merits of his own work. And what a mighty work it is indeed. Hill immediately pulls you into the story through a flashback as you quickly learn all is not going to be well for Mrs. Locke upon the arrival of Sam Lesser and Al Grubb and the reveal of the dead body in the back of young men’s stolen truck. Then we meet the Locke children in the present, at the Keystone house in Maine, wherein two pages we are introduced to Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode and I was instantly charmed by them and pulled into their plight as another flashback, this time at the funeral for their father, sealed the deal and had me desperate to know more about them. The tragedy that has been forced upon these kids and the manner in which they each try to cope is heartbreaking and endeared them to me completely. With just over half of the first issue, Hill introduced me to the Locke family and the awfulness of their situation and I was completely absorbed into the tremendous story that was about to unfold. But it was the introduction of that first key and the hint of the lady in the well-house, that left little doubt that there was to be a strong supernatural element to this tale, that I knew I had what was destined to be a great experience ahead of me, and to be honest, I underestimated just how fantastic this series is and just how phenomenally it sticks the landing with the final two issues.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=22139335&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWxu904a_4u0iZNGmhAsgYBVHeHpariDBDJ4OLuOyr_NoITyANLqLzAMMY9hnv6-JnzG7NhdEdw69d5sAP8MxgyiiOSn_mUpaBqY4KuGtgK8KUsnlTAKin1SVwd-ZjoWQT_9VZa9z5g0R/s200/LockeAndKey_C_03.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
But it isn’t just Hill’s writing that makes <i>Locke & Key</i> such a thoroughly captivating read. Coupled with Rodriguez’s positively stunning storytelling, character design and acting, and elaborate backgrounds, you have a comic that has you thoroughly torn between rushing page to page to see what happens next and lingering on every panel to thoroughly breathe in the visuals. Rodriguez uses a thick line to add visual impact to each character while using a thinner line on their facial features to convey their feelings, whether they are openly upset, or struggling to keep their emotions under their control. Rodriguez also gives the characters and the environments an open, more upbeat style that avoids the shortcut/cheat of deep shadows, and allows you to see everything that is happening in a scene from slight facial feature changes to added intricate details in the stones and wood of the surroundings, with the end result being a simply gorgeous book whose visuals every bit match and complement the rich story.</div>
<div>
So, yes, one issue was all it took to convince me that <i>Locke & Key</i> was something special. After the first arc of six issues, I knew digital was not the way to go, but rather I needed to go big with the hardcover collections that were available at the time. To read this fine series, you have the following options available to you:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/32MgCBf" target="_blank">Locke & Key Master Edition Volume 1–3</a> - </i>Slightly oversized and probably the choice I would make were I to buy it today</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Locke & Key Hardcover Volume 1–6 - </i>This was how I read the series, but beware that volume one and four did not have a ribbon bookmark and that this will forever haunt me. I manage. These, unfortunately, appear to be out-of-print</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2wppLUi" target="_blank">Locke & Key Trade Paperback Volume 1–6</a> </i>- These look to be readily available</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thankfully, although we have a complete and masterfully-told story that more than stands on its own, the creators have released and continue to release a series of one-shots expanding the universe that I have not yet read (a travesty, I know) and that are now firmly on my radar:</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464006&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 2em;" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1074532971"></span><span id="goog_1074532972"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5b1ezS93m0WFAOCwzCeCvzsw2Ywt1Z3FV0_gHzJ0lzF5XiqxU9nrgipQSnZ4j9mbMsnvo2tbd1ZUFpJuS2u4fVpWeUtDZOSWoAFTkYqi5KIoL5510qvl8vRmk0tCE8US-TcdDY3U4oFz/s200/LockeAndKey_DD_01.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=22572141&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Locke & Key: Guide to the Known Keys</a></i> (2011)</b> - also contains the short story “Open the Moon”</li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=23027743&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Locke & Key: Grindhouse</a> </i>(2012)</b></li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=40413281&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Locke & Key: Small World</a> </i>(2016)</b></li>
<li><b><i>Locke & Key: Nailed It </i>(2019) </b>- a San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive</li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464006&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Locke & Key: Dog Days</a></i> (2019)</b> - Contains the new story “Dog Days” and the impossible to find “Nailed It”</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Locke & Key: World War Key: Battalions #1</i> <b>(2020) </b>- Not out yet</li>
<li><b><i>Locke & Key: World War Key: Revolution #1–6 </i>(2020) - </b>Not out yet. This series will follow the one-shot.</li>
<li><b><i>Locke & Key: Hell & Gone </i>(?) </b>- A crossover with DC Comics’s <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sandman </i>Universe, and one that seemingly takes place during the “Seasons of Mists” storyline</li>
</ul>
<div>
Given that these one-shots might be a tad on the difficult side to track down, IDW currently offers these hardcovers (and soon-to-be trades):</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PGGSaQ" target="_blank">Locke & Key: Small World HC</a></i> - Looks to contain “Small World” and a bunch of extras</li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3crSVml" target="_blank">Locke & Key: Heaven & Earth HC</a></i> - Contains “Open the Moon,” “Grindhouse,” and “In the Can”</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
So, yes, there is a lot of extra material to be found surrounding this enchanting world once you complete the main story, which I am certain will not only be a jewel in your collection but one of those series that you will return to every year or two. <i>Locke & Key</i> is a bingeworthy read of the tallest order and one that I had difficulty putting down to do things like sleep, go to work, or engage with the outside world. It is a masterpiece of a comic that seasoned comic collectors and new readers alike can enjoy.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i>Locke & Key </i>(Television Show on Netflix)</h3>
<div>
Okay, I’m going to keep this brief. I have currently watched seven of the ten episodes of the first season of <i>Locke & Key</i>. I like it, but I don’t love it. The actors who portray the Locke kids are fantastic in their roles but the story itself plays much too safe in an effort to appeal to a broader demographic, which is Donist Kryptonite. Sure, the comic series has some laugh-out-loud moments and at times can be whimsical, but there are some much darker and traumatizing sequences in the comic whose repercussions carry through to the end. The television show, however, completely omits things like what happened to Nina, Nina’s alcoholism (although the end of the seventh episode looks to introduce that), what happened to Al Grubb, including Al Grubb in the story at all, certain circumstances surrounding Dodge, Uncle Duncan’s husband/boyfriend, among other things. The show also changes up how the keys manifest their powers, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as I LOVE how the Head key gives the user/victim their ideal place (Bode a Chuck E Cheese type location, and Kinsey an amazing MC Escher style mall) to store their memories. The comic is leaps and bounds greater than the show, but if you look at it as a completely separate beast and ignore the fact that the writers could have taken a few more risks (to be fair, they were probably instructed to lighten things up by the head honchos), then you will probably enjoy this good show that had the potential to be great.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-89696332125298961522020-02-17T11:05:00.003-08:002020-02-17T11:06:18.433-08:00Slice of Heaven 2/17/2020Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/anti-corruption hero Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). My puppy executive team and I are off to luxuriate in the hot tub, with some beer and nachos. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a drink (you deserve it…unless that’s not your thing) and see if you can dig up some of those dark chocolate and mint cookies from Trader Joes, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br />
<br />
***Possible Spoilers Below***<br />
<h1>
Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/37BnlyX" target="_blank">Silver Surfer: Black Treasury Edition</a></i></h3>
</div>
<div>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Tradd Moore, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/37BnlyX" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAvIGDJgsUFcfMHxJe-Y2MLPf8O5N_pCq1YqAdojMUO1DA04MWtQzCjMcqlA49dxVM0nQc0t5JgMfbOWH14yxIYSfpeXQ4iQBn9Q9rfn4knBpxfEzKT2jpX-CkjoMDSKEZn3PCvo1CywM/s200/SilverSurferBlack.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
You heard me speak on each issue of <i>Silver Surfer: Black</i> as they released. You reeled before the ferocity of my love during the “<a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2019/12/donist-world-2019-year-end-roundup-part.html" target="_blank">Donist World 2019 Year-End Roundup! (Part One)</a>.” You called the cops on me as I screamed at passerbys from the roof of my two-story building, demanding they rush out and scoop up all-five issues so they too might bask in the glory of the visually-stunning artwork and luxuriate in the cosmically-cool, refreshing waters of the story I revered in our “<a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2020/01/comic-lust-1202020.html" target="_blank">Favorite Comics of the Past Decade</a>” segment. Now, the birds have fled their roost, the crickets’ voices or rubbing legs or whatever the hell it is they do to make such a terrible racket have been stilled, and that weird guy who’s always lurking in the dry creekbed has up and left and for a dang good reason: I finally received my copy of <i>Silver Surfer: Black Treasury Edition</i>.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYWYa9ER6R9ASW80z2piGOkS3qR_CbmxOJgzKk5dwOoam_aGpW7ZIdJXEFBrjfBZ4om8m3jk-ykmRGJ5ZZ1km_tkPuojNu-H-mPYN94QNo2dL-Wl0f0oL5nitsdCQvW89bNceW755g1ce/s1600/IMG_3136+2.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYWYa9ER6R9ASW80z2piGOkS3qR_CbmxOJgzKk5dwOoam_aGpW7ZIdJXEFBrjfBZ4om8m3jk-ykmRGJ5ZZ1km_tkPuojNu-H-mPYN94QNo2dL-Wl0f0oL5nitsdCQvW89bNceW755g1ce/s200/IMG_3136+2.HEIC" width="200" /></a>As much as I would love to do a page-by-page, panel-by-panel breakdown of this comic that is so vastly different from what you would normally expect to see from the “House of Ideas,” we’re not going to do that. You already know how much I adore this series. Instead, we are looking at the actual presentation of this particular collection. As wonderful a story as Cates has crafted throughout <i>Silver Surfer: Black</i>, the biggest draw is going to be Moore’s mesmerizing artwork and Stewart’s enchanting and mind-elevating colors. So, why would anyone not want to see this lovely book in a form factor that is much larger than that of the original source material? Here, instead of the standard-sized comic book, we have a superior 8.6" x 13.2" size to better bask in the glory of this book’s beauty (check out the side-by-side comparison of the comic and the collection). The cover is a black matte with a lovely—and expensive—spot varnish on the Silver Surfer on both the front and back. Inside, you get all five issues at a larger size to tantalize your peepers as well as some back matter such as the many alternate covers and a few examples of Moore’s roughs to inks. My only criticism of this must-see, must-own collection is that I would have liked to have seen MUCH more in the way of Moore’s roughs and finals as well as some of Stewart’s colors and possibly some flats without the boundaries of the linework. The inclusion of such additional material would have vaulted this excellent collection from treasury to treasure. Regardless, though, you must get this gorgeous edition into your mitts as soon as possible.</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i>Terror Assaulter: O.M.W.O.T. (One Man War on Terror)</i></h3>
<div>
(Everythinged by Benjamin Marra, published by Fantagraphics Books)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/38BijDT" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="321" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUur01uTAfoVpvbxGRFMIYx9T7znMrErszKkZbic8eYdWlTiYufdZen0IXCI6lDmRPZb2yEk2Emr-VuiGyZtGLtM5UhoBN9Lqtl_r6I5hYJ3zuM9i1J8UnONV16rrVmyJD1XomdBQrioh/s200/TerrorAssaulter_TPB.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
Oh, my lordy, lordy, lordy, lordy. Lock up your children, Denizens, send you significant other to the nail salon, and make sure your pets are asleep. Throw out the tofu, tell the neighbor kids to get off your damn lawn, and close ALL of the blinds on every window in the dang house. You see, you’re about to read <i>Terror Assaulter: O.M.W.O.T. (One Man War on Terror)</i> and you want to be damn well certain those with delicate sensibilities are not about to see what you are about to behold. Got it? Okay. Let me spell this out for you: NSFW. Yup, NSFW. Holy guacamole this book is so very 100% NSFW. Woooooo! This is NSFW. Alrighty, then…let’s just say I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into when I ordered this 112-page collection. The gist of the story is that George W. Bush created the Terror Assaulters as a response to the events of 9-11, and this book follows the One Man War on Terror as he fights, well, terror. Terror can be in the board room, on a plane, at a mall parking lot…anywhere. The Terror Assaulter will fight and kill anyone who seeks to perpetuate terror and if innocent bystanders get in the way, by golly, that’s just the cost of stopping, you know, terror. The TA also gets busy—and by “gets busy,” I mean goes full-on sex person—with anyone who wishes to express thanks for being saved from—you guessed it—terror (and by anyone, I mean anyone: women, men, and even a former Terror Assaulter who becomes a terrorist and goes to prison and transitions to a woman, and and and). Again, NSFW as these scenes are not even remotely suggestive, they are full-on XXX.</div>
<div>
Which brings me to the art.</div>
<div>
If you add a dash of Paul Gulacy to a whole heaping helping of an adolescent drawing their own comic that they definitely do not want their parents to find, you get this book. Characters are stiff and occasionally of disproportionate builds, but this is completely by design. Marra knows what he is doing both in the storytelling of the art and when laying down perspective of buildings, tables, plane seating, etc. As a throwback to ’70s comics, he also has many moments when characters tell you exactly what is happening as you see it happening. For instance, a man gets chopped in the neck, and the man says, “you chopped my neck.” In the next panel, the man is holding his throat and says, “‘Choke’ I’m choking.” You get the picture. So, yup, be ready for some intentionally rough dialogue, but that is part of the book’s charm. </div>
<div>
<i>Terror Assaulter: O.M.W.O.T. (One Man War on Terror)</i> is the comic you wish you could have made when you were a kid home sick from school. It had sex, it had violence, and it had completely unrealistic action sequences, only here it is done by a grown-ass man who wholeheartedly knows his shit. This book is offensive. It is shocking. I was left speechless. Upon finishing it, I was so thoroughly appalled that I immediately ordered another or Marra’s books (see next). Oh, yeah, again, seriously, NSFW.</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zSAHY7mo5ic/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zSAHY7mo5ic?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/326Vq90" target="_blank">Night Business</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Everythinged by Benjamin Marra, published by Fantagraphics Books)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/326Vq90" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="347" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEY4tt_1Ex5fBkVNaw50vVQy5Xc7q7gUHa6hccvcPrHj63F6BkLqB-RNzF6sTlyumc0FiO4oXh8MkqH-7hcIEoRTBSAOrQRx7tNxFPKs33pae8ZTTgFQ6P_IUcncvtruCRJUs_ehJRK8P/s200/NightBusiness_HC.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<div>
Hot damn, Denizens! Although not XXX rated like <i>Terror Assaulter: O.M.W.O.T. (One Man War on Terror)</i>, <i>Night Business</i> is definitely NSFW as well. This is Marra’s love letter to the excesses of ’80s movies and television. It has it all: serial killers, strippers, cops on the edge, drug dealers, T&A, guns, motorcycles, cults, and a hero with both a dark side and a heart of gold with two first names (Johnny Timothy to be exact) who kicks all sorts of ass. That’s right, folks, it’s <i>Night Business</i> (imagine here a breathy ’80s woman with tons of makeup and a pound and a half of Aquanet in her massive hair whispering <i>Night Business</i> as a sax solo pervades the grime-ridden streets). Anyhow, you get a lot more book with this hardcover gem of 240 black and white amazing pages. You also get a mashup of so many different types of ’80s movies that Marra somehow manages to pull together in a cohesive story that is ridiculously fun and well-told. The art is much more polished and detailed than <i>Terror Assaulter</i> while still retaining some of that lovely Gulacy vibe and paying homage to the gritty indie comics of the early ’90s. I loved everything about this beautifully presented collection from the story to the art to the nostalgia trip I’ve been riding for some time now. So, put on some retrowave music, grab yourself a fifth bourbon to serve on the rocks, and settle into one helluva crime comic. Settle in for some…<i>Night Business</i>!</div>
<div>
Again, I am so offended by this collection that I am now hunting down my next Marra book, which will probably be <a href="https://amzn.to/37xrSCf" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">American Blood</a>; I can’t wait!</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p6yPWbA6IKA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p6yPWbA6IKA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
One Sentence Reviews</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ascender #9</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, lettered and designed by Steve Wands, published by Image Comics)<br />
We finally take a look into Mother’s past and see what made her such a diabolical witch.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaIUySo5qTBxdzh_fmSPqxi7S7lrfQroHMsVQJ6gS8a40IGFS1PsPTjIVveoHf1AOAAz5D9HRjgiCZzLIu0GHx51-YigxCLrRSdjnxrtsd5fx3soQTXoyB5R6Wp00crNVLPcpQFZ2V5T6/s200/Ascender_09.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50087514&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Thor #3</a></i></b></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Nic Klein, colored by Matt Wilson, lettered and designed by VC’s Joe Sabino, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
It’s Thor God of Thunder, King of Asgard, Herald of Galactus versus Beta Ray Bill; it will not be a fair fight but it is definitely a shocking one.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50087514&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEBUDImSvO5ts2TBPY047rcroXIRlSxE9VWmwAEIfmL3AfTBPny9u7KNxMPpTUbgu2kFHUooAuVF0Cz9iPwN9IFiyP-KYN8AWJSydLpCdU24l6qPs4Ag3vrBRFbUXOF5Ix_gPbp6JsLgZ/s200/Thor_03.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">X-Men #6</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Matteo Buffagni, colored by Sunny Gho, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designed by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
Mystique is on a secret mission, but can she be trusted and can she trust Xavier and Magneto?<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkbCiqVVrn1xrUDFGb36UW8vJWGmRhIpOU27GbHKRaaAOsbI8Ysy7qWc1QJicxuBxsOIALLnJMaZP6e-7PK6pooHTm1bNWhCp1gK3Ujqv4npU0MkmQ8071Wnc3H1xXOIYBpIDBMXdyafl/s200/X-Men_06.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #31</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
(Written by Al Ewing; illustrated by Joe Bennett; inked by Ruy José, Belardino Brabo, and Cam Smith; colored by Paul Mounts; lettered by VC’s Cory Petit; secondary story illustrated and colored by Javier Rodríguez with inks by Álvaro López; published by Marvel Comics)<br />
The Hulk takes on the weird, furry, alien monster known as Xemnu (who I am now curious about) and things do not go his way.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxeRZnq3wpWKQ2ZIVmy2vVApOisbIUlOyMoL2v_4N_XvwVazBE5SLGJkEEfYe9Yxz8xiQbhDDLcut_rYk60-tMjDjl8jEx3SapgFG_cT3TVOE9ApkbW_xVlxG_s0ogA0vsQiAz81nSjKP/s200/ImmortalHulk_31.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50379368&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Green Lantern: Season 2 #1</a></i></h3>
(Written by Grant Morrison, illustrated by Liam Sharp, colored by Steve Oliff, lettered by Tom Orzechowski, published by DC Comics)<br />
Hal Jordan is back and training a potential new recruit as brought to stunning life by Sharp’s phenomenal art.<br />
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50379368&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH06Y0G-mpJ3dwJgiuk6v__HkKCbsHgk1pgTuvrbT0KHYmfxjkfmVf2-BX0R2HBRjvHwlacLt7rUZTff3h1S6bLa_p5EscMehUaQ2VxHvnndLKttT4v8rx72nbK1KpFwf-jl76uEmO1Dsr/s200/TheGreenLantern_01.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That’s it for this installment, Denizens. Thank you for reading and see you next time!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-75671900456966524052020-02-02T13:02:00.003-08:002020-02-02T13:02:40.970-08:00Slice of Heaven 2/2/2020Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/whistleblower Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). My puppy executive team and I are cutting this intro a tad short as it is well into lunchtime and I have a basket of chips and salsa calling my name. We also have a huge footieball game that we have to not watch as we really could care less about the whole affair, we just love that bars and restaurants that don’t have television sets will be mostly empty; the world is our oyster. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a drink (you deserve it…unless that’s not your thing) and see if you can dig up some of those dark chocolate and mint cookies from Trader Joes, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br />
<br />
***Possible Spoilers Below***<br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50087515&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy #1</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Juan Cabal, colored by Federico Blee, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50087515&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisFpZeiPB-F9QPZt06PzumjNclz1_w3amffkJhH8vjtVCM5XQcy3oMljOAp97VbtnWd5c4qTMGndpFh3g7udCKQ-qnuobErO5Wy07YK3GOcRcGHVf75h7W8_1U4cr81kIQuupdEynD5aQ/s200/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy_01v7.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
My copy of this latest restart of <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> somehow liberated itself from my pull at the comic shop. This clearly was not supposed to have happened, as two of the workers at my LCS got into a tiff as to why it was missing in the first place. Clearly, the store underordered the books and <i>someone</i> gave my copy to <i>someone</i> else who happened to get to the store before me and begged them to “find” a copy for them. Not cool. Thankfully, I only had to wait an extra week, and boy-howdy was the wait worth it!</div>
<div>
Here we have a new iteration—this is the sixth #1 issue in eleven years— of the Guardians as they square off against resurrected/reborn Greek Gods who travel on a warping space-based Olympus to wreak havoc upon unsuspecting planets, like the Utopian Kree faction living on the planet colony Elysion-3. This act of violence rallies Nova, Star-Lord, Moondragon, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Racoon, and Marvel Boy to attempt to put a stop to the Gods’ rampage. What has Nova been up to? What the heck is up with this groovy Phyla-Vell character and why is she blue? What are Phyla-Vell’s powers? What is Marvel Boy’s deal, again? Will Gamora, Drax (how did he come back to them, again? Was that the previous volume?), and Groot meet up with the rest of the team? How and when did the Greek gods all die and become reborn with more powerful forms? I have no idea and it really doesn’t matter. Ewing immediately throws you in the thick of things and in one page establishes the Guardians as a self-established family whose odd dynamic is believable and heartfelt. But their other calling, that of being heroes, is impossible to ignore. Ewing somewhat answers some of my questions concerning what has been happening over the past year and beyond with some clever exposition and Cabal brings all of the characters to life in a way that is more upbeat than what we have been used to seeing with a focus on fine linework and an avoidance of shadows; Blee compounds this with a vibrant color palette that makes space and the cosmic beings who reside there truly magical. I loved absolutely everything about this issue.</div>
<div>
We all know that Ewing’s run on <i>The Immortal Hulk</i> has been a simply amazing journey into the realms of horror, while his take on <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> looks to embrace adventure, humor, and the space opera genre I love so very much. If the Fantastic Four is Marvel’s first family, then the Guardians of the Galaxy are definitely its second and the one I hope to be reading for many issues to come.</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">X-Men #5</a></i></h3>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by R.B. Silva, colored by Marte Gracia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designed by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger71F5m3SSVc7upiFIyfmZUY4TaFjNcbuBChuiGFb1yKpqWs_CYFq4gc7yPhVwPZVVlMn99nsbyfpIC7fEK9HbqSpj83X8YnnGBI6Cq7w0yjJbuUpokWiOiKJ0tBmFDuFJKJY_GjitlmB/s200/X-Men_05.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
Although I am still absolutely loving <i>X-Men</i>, my Donist-Sense is tingling given that there are 237 new X-Titles on the stand (or roughly thereabouts) and I have heard rumblings of an X-Event slated for later in the year that will “Forever change the lives of the children of the atom.” I can see it now, a cavalcade of connected titles that you “don’t have to read them all, even though you kind of do” and at which point I will probably bounce from the X-Verse yet again, but for now, I’m still loving this particular title. In this issue, Serafina (wasn’t she in the first issue?) has escaped and it will be up to the unique abilities of Synch (who?), Darwin (kinda know of this guy), and X-23 (sorta know about her but not really) to infiltrate a temporal nightmare known as The Vault. I loved seeing the X-Men set up a diversion and describe how the small strike team could use their abilities to survive an aggressive timestream defense system. The issue ends on a great cliffhanger, one that I really hope plays out in the next issue and NOT a different title, which would probably be enough to chase me away once again. Time will tell, but on its own, this issue is as fantastic as those that came before it.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50087514&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Thor #2</a></i></b></h3>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Nic Klein, colored by Matt Wilson, lettered and designed by VC’s Joe Sabino, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50087514&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39PU3-iM2ur6aEelt4MfPtyCFaLp0OtmZ22AQkwfgR3vkoAGpkW5sLTkfV6VQfdRed2hGHz7iMHdtsvU13GlZ9Q849dOiZdq5dK8FN5IQJjYkf7avtWp8bdtp7_UZKi00kjZHicO83YLj/s200/Thor_02.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Dang. Because of the timing of its release amidst the <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/search/label/Year-End%20Roundup" target="_blank">Donist World Year-End Roundups</a>, I didn’t get a chance to talk about the latest reboot/renumbering of <i>Thor</i>. Bottom line: LOVED IT! Although I enjoyed Cates’s recent 12-issue run on <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2OldLt8" target="_blank"><b>Guardians of the Galaxy</b></a></i>, it didn’t blow me away as much as his work on <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/38YIK68" target="_blank">Silver Surfer: Black</a></i> or <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2RO5XCe" target="_blank">Thanos</a> </i>(which includes <i>Thanos Wins</i> and <i>Cosmic Ghost Rider</i>), but this fresh start that sets Thor up as the newest Herald of Galactus has brought me right back into the cosmic love fold. With this latest issue, after some Galactus/Thor squabbling and outright fighting, the glimpse of a fan-favorite character born from the pages of <i>The Mighty Thor</i> roughly three decades ago, promises next issue is going to be a blast and a half, a face-full of hammer, and a calamity of cosmic craziness for which I cannot wait! Klein’s storytelling and character acting are great, but dang those Thor versus Galactus moments will get the blood pumping. Thor’s new costume/design are cool and Cate’s added touch of having the hammer grow ever heavier adds a sense of mystery that should play out well for issues to come. Cates and Klein’s <i><a href="https://amzn.to/31k2RJB" target="_blank">Thor</a> </i>is a fantastic (re)start and to continue the roll of greatness begun way back when <a href="https://amzn.to/31k2RJB" target="_blank">Jason Aaron</a> brought some much-needed life to the God of Thunder.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #30</a></i></h3>
(Written by Al Ewing; illustrated by Joe Bennett; inked by Ruy José, Belardino Brabo, and Cam Smith; colored by Paul Mounts, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit; published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmeiL38l7jUxZZuEx5NXj_JJcqy6DKBpbQbP006TUU5D60YhEPftKAIlKkU8TFnDj6nxGxykyKxvlodHyvsE0sYCw-w7vSSpBVDuxvGWj76lvAp7jWK4LiITOArDW6mHYvLtBOrP4ZYLW/s200/TheImmortalHulk_30.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
“I was reading this issue, late one night when my eyes beheld a glorious sight. A green-skinned goliath through a gullet did rise and suddenly to my surprise…He did the Smash, he did the monster smash. The monster smash, it was a stomach worm mash. Hulk did the Smash, Rick Jones too with a flash. Hulk did the Smash, and Doc Samson did bash.” Now that was fun! The Gamma Team fighting off three different kaiju in their own unique way, especially Rick Jones, who looks a little bit less like a skeleton these days and floats around in glowing green orb for some reason. Who cares as to why or how it’s just cool that he does. Couple all of this with white-furred Wilford Brimley showing up at the end to cause havoc (I’m hoping) next issue and I’m all about it. Anyhow, Bennett crushes it this issue with page after page of mindless monsters versus gamma monsters that are all gorgeously rendered and pleasantly horrific. Hulk continues to be a great read with every issue, and if you haven’t been reading this highly-praised and deservedly so comic, then you best pick up the lovely <a href="https://amzn.to/3b9bfAa" target="_blank">hardcover collection</a> to see why the Hulk is once again a must-read series.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Last God #4</a></i></b></h3>
<div>
(Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, illustrated by Ricardo Federici, colored by Sunny Gho, lettered by Tom Napolitano, cartography by Jared Blando, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb860vzvgD73fWxjbXCS2VIvtUTLHOkGyfFD1FruOux1c4nzbi5PEFcqItXjlb9_KBtsWy8otZ3lQM9WAsnujFfaof0BNYcVkTKSrEjmNgZKcllP-5TKyigLS2B5m8oXYzctnLHVTx7UI/s200/TheLastGod_04.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<div>
Okay, I have a little bit better of an idea as to what the heck is going on in this series. You mostly need to know that it tells two tales—one set 30 years ago and one set in the present—both comprised of roughly the same individuals striving to reach the Black Stair so that they may defeat Mol Uhltep, the last living god and his army of flowering dead once and for all. The art is beautifully illustrated and painted and the story is epic and probably a bit easier to follow along with in a binge reading of the readily available issues. Please buy this book. I am loving it and DC should be rewarded for bringing something new, exciting, and different to the table. It’s also a great way to fill the void now that HBO’s <i>Game of Thones </i>is over.</div>
<div>
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That’s it for this installment, Denizens. I’ll see you next time where I’ll talk about a MUST-OWN collection I just received yesterday and that is blowing my mind all over again…ooooooo…mysterious! Thank you for reading.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-33369288178570469952020-01-20T12:44:00.000-08:002020-01-20T12:46:14.421-08:00Comics Lust 1/20/2020Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/decade delighter Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). No intro this week, as there’s a TON of stuff to get through, so pour yourself some water (or a beer for a mostly-dry January), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
Not sure what “Comics Lust” is about? Take a look at the <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2017/08/comics-lust-8252017.html" target="_blank">Introduction</a> to “Comics Lust” post or take a look at the static “<a href="http://www.donistworld.com/p/comics-lust-table-of-contents.html" target="_blank">Comics Lust Table of Contents</a>” page to jump to a topic.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</h1>
<h2>
Comics Lust</h2>
<h3>
<i>Favorite Comics of the Last Decade</i></h3>
<div>
First off, this is not an original idea of ours. Nope. We have to give credit where credit is due as my pals at <b><a href="https://11oclockcomics.com/" target="_blank">11 O’Clock Comics</a></b> (ummm…yeah, they don’t know me but I’ve known them for years now, so…pals?) recently had an episode (#646 to be exact) where they talked about their 20 favorite comics of the past decade. So, my puppy executive team and I got together over some beers and nachos and decided to <strike>totally ripoff</strike> expand upon that great idea. We began Donist World back in March 2010 and although we didn’t really begin reviewing and telling y’all about all of the wonderful comics consuming our brainwavages for a few months after our start date, nine and a half years easily rounds up to a decade of existence in our minds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being comic book nuts, we have to lay some ground rules as there <i>always</i> has to be rules around these sorts of things—it’s in our nature, why fight it? Anyhow, here are the rules and specifics:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>There will be 20 comics on the list</li>
<li>The majority of the comic series, if not the entirety of them, needs to have been published within the 2010–2019 decade</li>
<li>Original graphic novels (OGNs) definitely count</li>
<li>If a 24-page one-shot blew our minds, then it can dang well be on the list</li>
<li>The comic cannot be a reprint if the original material was released in an earlier decade</li>
<li>I will provide links to the best/easiest ways to obtain a collection of the works whenever possible</li>
<li>Trying to order these 20 titles into number one, number two, number three, etc. could quite possibly kill me, so, I’m giving them all equal weight and putting them in alphabetical order</li>
<li>There are quite a few comics that started off strong, that would have been on this list, but for whatever reason, the creators just stopped making them. No explanations. No words of encouragement. Nothing. I will not be mentioning those books.</li>
<li>There will be a bunch of “Honorable Mentions” because dropping many of the titles from the list caused me actual pain and y’all still need to know about them</li>
</ol>
<div>
That’s about it for the rules and disclosures, let’s get to our <i>Favorite Comics of the Last Decade</i>:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
1) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Rc3NfC" target="_blank">Black Hammer</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dean Ormston, published by Dark Horse Publishing beginning in 2016)</div>
<div>
I totally regret not buying the first issue when I saw it on the stands. Oh well. Better late than never and the hardcover collection is the way to go. A bunch of heroes (Silver Age amalgamations of Marvel and DC heroes) defeat the greatest threat to all of humanity and vanish from the world to appear on a farm in a rural community from which they cannot escape. I also count Lemire’s various miniseries tie-ins (<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2G44uRM" target="_blank">Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil</a></i> and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2sGPfuS" target="_blank">Doctor Star and the Kingdom of Lost Tomorrows</a></i>) as part of the main series as those are every bit as spectacular as the main title.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Rc3NfC" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk87YjnhFOKUGgOnCTB3Z5YTTzmVPDQnrwoRdBpu1HU9xZL0wVBRB6ym_it2jFQ1xafWPMeBahu1I0YCd5bb7mvefihQ6PAdoZ6-VNgjPfBkctlRADZXsE_HkD-oz7e5Jgy_VDeU7QVQ0/s200/BlackHammer_Library.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
2) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Rc3NfC" target="_blank">Chew</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by John Layman, illustrated by Rob Guillory, published by Image Comics beginning in 2009 and ended in 2016)</div>
<div>
Gross, disgusting, hilarious, touching, and thrilling, <i>Chew</i> is unlike any comic you will ever read. Detective Tony Chu is a Cibopath: one who takes on the memories/impressions of whatever he eats. If he consumes an apple, he will know where the apple came from and who picked it. If he consumes a little bite of a murder victim…well, he’ll know how that person met their end. Add in the threat of aliens, banned chicken consumption, a possible vampire, a whole mess of weirdos with food-based superpowers, and a murderous luchador chicken named “Poyo,” and you have one of the most creative and bonkers comic book series I have ever read. It’s also finger-licking amazing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Rc3NfC" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="337" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HBai1BzSRAShK5OVZBOeDy9LI9f3VUs3S73Af5yLwBCv1B1HJ731BEvFNr6CbIE9RadHHSoXSYXJ_GtwyNl4ieR_GT6NYC7UYYNen195PYkk9GrqP4UaiHb17-l0cxWKjyf54kxzmwQZ/s200/Chew_HC.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
3) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2NKkKLN" target="_blank">Daytripper</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written and illustrated by Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon, published by DC/Vertigo Comics beginning in 2010)</div>
<div>
<i>Daytripper</i> was very much outside of my wheelhouse at the time. Most of the comics I read back then gravitated toward superhero or horror comics but for some reason the unassuming image on the first issue cover of a man sitting on a bench with his dog caught my attention. What I found within the pages was a lyrical work of visual and written beauty around the life of an obituary writer named Brás de Olivia Domingos and his desire to be so much more than he is in his current station in life. That first issue ended and I was utterly floored. I had no idea what to expect in the second issue, and what followed exceeded everything I imagined. I desperately need to reread this work of pure beauty and I’m kind of getting choked up just thinking about it. So very good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NKkKLN" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmdmxaBx_r-iSZDSc1Anlwxg_sHEPlS1krLXOzS0sbIuLInrSzpqi9YylUKbz8zxVDQwrsyr62ej31XflILuequTzob1TxgZLjGi3C7BB4t_Dbkn6ZmW87xKIBDSXhPh26XHQxpIIzcWm/s200/Daytripper_TPB.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
4) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RuO0HC" target="_blank">Descender</a>/<a href="https://amzn.to/2NKnQ2y" target="_blank">Ascender</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Ngyuen, published by Image Comics beginning in 2015)</div>
<div>
Okay, you’ve been hearing me carry on and on and on about the heavenly <i>Descender </i>and its successor <i>Ascender</i> for over four years now. Without error, I mention this epic space opera in issue form, in collected form, at every year-end roundup. Basically, at every opportunity I can mention this gorgeously watercolored treasure, I am there to sing its praises. The first half is a sci-fi adventure where monstrous robots annihilate large swaths of the populace across the nine planets of the United Galactic Council, while the second half (still releasing) is a fantasy tale of witches, vampires, and a universe of limited tech. Combined, this is my favorite comic of the past four years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RuO0HC" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="322" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOczh0d8ZDaW38LNp0hz4TxHQSzsdKN26Y0ae3PSw5hFIXO_eZ_f2hvfNcLN1u3UI8SuXCK8IQQNUrFMJgLMYGuoISSh3i4gM8iw5_JKGfdVQRZtPhOOl09S3We7t9knGf1crNc3npmWDe/s200/Descender.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
5) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2uliNOZ" target="_blank">Detective Comics</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Greg Rucka and then Scott Snyder, illustrated by J.H. Williams III and then Jock and Francesco Francavilla, published by DC Comics beginning in 2009)</div>
<div>
I might be cheating a bit with the Greg Rucka run as the majority of that landmark series that focused on the updated and amazing Batwoman first appeared in 2009, but following Kate Kane’s story as gorgeously illustrated by Williams III (one that would spawn a television show that I need to see and inspired girls, women, and this here Donist) within the same series was Snyder’s dark take on Dick Grayson taking up the mantle of the Bat. Very much a noir/serial killer tale, Jock and Francavilla (who became one of my all-time favorite artists after this comic) delivered a nervewracking Batman tale that brought the Dark Knight back onto my radar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2uliNOZ" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="336" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBmi4LYtWryWWNmdja7PiHIWMVjUvYZjrhq1wpol0EYMu2d0VbNpUe9WAb4Ev9VS77rW6QI2IVS8tTLHHB2-OHeZqdOhrew6VhWSP7RAm7x4Zr4svi01rpPla1DyQ8JBvoNiD6TRgUdkw/s200/Batman_BlackMirror.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
6) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2NJcj3v" target="_blank">Extremity</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Everythinged by Daniel Warren Johnson, published by Image Comics beginning in 2017)</div>
<div>
I had been hearing about this one for months before I dove into the first trade. It’s safe to say that this series changed me. Warren Johnson became my favorite artist within those first few pages and this insane Miyazaki film / <i>Mad Max: Fury Road</i> of a hybrid comic totally blew me away. I reached that final page of the first trade and I was desperate to see how it all ended in the second and final collection…which thankfully arrived two months later. Beautiful and kinetic illustrations with an impeccable story <i>Extremity </i>is one of those series I will read every other year for the rest of my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NJcj3v" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoeFIUwKncPkwb2R-3XQpjvtnpjGHaQyw1q_yHyhPcnAU0RJHuaL2G8TuBFNEhomRKBhWspRjVWXIvOAY_HGFeRqL2gf6O_b0jnxFsVh7svgU7N4mZBCoA4dMUnS1D8MrRDglQuSZb8-C/s200/Extremity_v1.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
7) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/368a5AZ" target="_blank">God Country</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Geoff Shaw, originally published by Image Comics beginning in 2017)</div>
<div>
Another title to which I was very late to the party is the amazingly glorious <i>God Country</i>. With but six quick issues, you are in and out on this touching and epic tale of a man who is slowly wasting away from Alzheimer’s only to have his memories and self brought back to his grieving family when a god in the form of a sword appears in his hand to fight a great evil. Able to be both fantastic and down to Earth at the same time, <i>God Country</i> was a wonderful surprise that thrilled me just as much when I read it again yesterday as it did years ago.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/368a5AZ" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX_v223U7IycruZJYEo_8jOLOLQ7tU_QblE2cxBrUMsHbk3IXyjPacPQY0X15wI9ygiOr9hQF7I7vZ6gymRv7np-b5xwbEzAjfhhqAjP1V4KObZXNZ5dPk7gHTRS_gzflk5MSmAFgijNE/s200/GodCountry_tpb.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
8) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2NGwu1N" target="_blank">Locke & Key</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Joe Hill, illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez, published by IDW beginning in 2008 and ending in 2013)</div>
<div>
Talk about barely making it onto the list, but the incomparable <i>Locke & Key</i> series saw the bulk of the issues release this past decade. What a series this is, Denizens. After a truly horrific turn of events that leaves their father dead and their mother traumatized, the Locke kids move to a mysterious mansion where strange, magical keys offer a host of experiences, but an evil lurks in the well house, whose influence knows no bounds and whose desperation to escape will torment the Lockes unless they can find a way to survive a new round of horrors. I cannot wait for the soon to arrive Netflix television series and I also cannot wait to reread one of the best horror comics not just of this decade, but of all time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NGwu1N" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_lKnnJ1zBIcD61Kyj3DaWwPIbbNQrR8J56VU3mNM-sjLIDMsQ56NDLLpey0dAq6XJopX5_L9CrptqGJNoTDH9uKlK0RmsY24LMrN4rnmnoCSmYWeSlfs_Rk37tf2kkB2nIgbh7FPoAtY/s200/LockAndKey_HC.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
9) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RG4FrY" target="_blank">Mister Miracle</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Mitch Gerads, published by DC Comics beginning in 2017)</div>
<div>
If you read comics, then you already know how great this 12-issue series is. If you don’t read comics or you aren’t into superhero books or what have you, then please take my word on it that this is still a must-read book that you need to experience. Scott Free, the greatest escape artist of all time, a man who escaped the hellscapes of Apokolips has met his biggest challenge to date: escaping his own life. But something is not right and Scott must uncover what is real and what is not and whether escape is what he truly wants. <i>Mister Miracle</i> is a superhero book unlike any other and one that people will be talking about for years to come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RG4FrY" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eHfZRD5ByajrPvEawM6D8UA05_UPW2QGQxBMqcnTSxTFIlRrpjsq_zUitMmb8If1ZMmw1nnaWfsf7J15BxpXOxtCC-WIvjl1HOTSz-HfYCiMtYGILMEhyphenhyphen8R6zFjv3Atsr5YvaxOdK_Kz/s200/MisterMiracle_tpb.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
10) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2R9o3hL" target="_blank">My Favorite Thing is Monsters</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Everythinged by Emil Ferris, published by Fantagraphics beginning in 2017)</div>
<div>
This one came out of nowhere and completely rocked my world. Some things to keep in mind: this is Ferris’s first published work, she was in her 50s at the time of its creation, in her 40s she contracted West Nile fever and was paralyzed in her hands for a stretch of time, and <i>My Favorite Thing is Monsters</i> was drawn predominantly with ballpoint pens on notebook paper. Her art is unlike anything I have ever seen and given the unforgiving nature of ballpoint pens, it is something that few others could ever hope to accomplish. Couple this with the captivating mystery/slice of life story, and you have one of the best works of art ever created that just so happens to be in comic book format. You owe it to yourself to get this treasure before <a href="https://amzn.to/2TIAseu" target="_blank">volume two</a> drops in September of this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2R9o3hL" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="385" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBlIz7Wde_tp4Hbc0QyFI11zoikshPFgA68QnAdVknkHzt7zlLk-vTA2NOGxrC5wsE-dtmLAe9x2Dzuxb1gNmqRvMw2O2ZOL_XVVXyYbWvUiz4rJJQb1p0sU3YazAT8rQkGCpYwLkCFl3/s200/MyFavoriteThingIsMonsters.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
11) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/37g6u5a" target="_blank">Prez</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Mark Russell, illustrated by Ben Caldwell, published by DC Comics beginning in 2015)</div>
<div>
Wait, didn’t I say I would not be mentioning comics that the creators never finished? Yes, I did, but this case is different. The creators <i>wanted</i> to finish the second half of this 12-issue series, but DC Comics pulled the rug out from under them with no explanation to the adoring masses. <i>Prez </i>offered a satirical look at politics/big business/big pharma and was a critical success that this Donist fell head over heels in love with. It is the story of Beth the “Corndog Girl” who through the power of social media and the stupidity of established and out-of-touch politicians becomes the President of the United States. I’m sure <i>Prez</i>’s sales numbers weren’t the best, but given the critical success and with a little marketing push during the leadup to the Dotard becoming our President, <i>Prez</i> could have been so much bigger than it was allowed to be. Although the tale is not complete—and may never be complete—it is well worth your time and you, too, will be dreaming of a world where “Corndog Girl” is the actual leader of the free world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NLekvZ" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="323" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI6ECSVCNUPsw3A1Juh1JeEecLbEuatZgRQW9AvPAYzJemR63qRf8vzWZOOkj-cOUSmRi3_nSMePg8Jv9QnBG8b-kLAaTfLR_ncwLYGhTytkjcpyygJeSHTEpg7zwYv7nsAafFDdGdrTR/s200/Prez_tpb.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
12) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2v7LNuc" target="_blank">Saga</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Fiona Staples, published by Image Comics beginning in 2012)</div>
<div>
<i>Saga</i> changed everything by starting the Image boom with a flurry of new titles from immensely popular creators. Yes, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2GksEYt" target="_blank">The Walking Dead</a></i> and <i>Chew</i> came before it, but <i>Saga </i>is one of the few to persevere and stick to an actual release schedule amongst the many titles that followed in its wake. This grand space opera has been described as “Romeo and Juliet in space” and is very much that. A magical man with horns falls in love with a technologically advanced woman with wings and they have a baby. The problem is that the wings and the horns have the strongest of enmities and the people of the galaxy must never know that peace, let alone love, is a possibility. Laugh out loud funny, laugh out loud uncomfortable, devastatingly tragic, impossibly uplifting, this series has it all and you are certain to fall completely in love with the myriad characters and there’s a good chance you will be sobbing at various points in this wonderful tale; once you start, you are in 100%. Hopefully, the creators return from their well-deserved break later this year. …I still want to know how Staples brings her stunning visuals to life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2v7LNuc" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnFXQX-hnjWv89g_e6SyZ75y9bMT81efUNL0IG3NzuVLSdum83wQreZzICpiuSAA-IJhGxq9VcCtdnRw2s8E2ovowTKbNLd2KMKcjyQb2rE3UlqSVPavJrtgBvmKqBmSnNXfH3lGOJDEJ/s200/Saga_Omnibus.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
13) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2v2LwZj" target="_blank">Silver Surfer: Black</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Tradd Moore, published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2019)</div>
<div>
I love love love this comic. I’ve always been a Silver Surfer fan, but Cates brings a tale of cosmic adventure and insanity that ties the Surfer to the world of <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/38vFFuh" target="_blank">Venom</a></i> with Knull the God of the Symbiotes in the best of ways. And trust me, the story enough is reason to buy <i>Silver Surfer: Black</i>, but wait until you feast your peepers on Moore’s art. Oh…my…glob…it is a tripadelic visual feast from which you will never want to escape that is launched into the realm of all things heavenly by Dave Stewart’s flat-yet-vibrant colors. Definitely get the Treasury Edition so you can see the art nice and large as it was meant to be seen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2v2LwZj" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxA2MuojqKvvxjvSYIy1b5GzqI3pyjo55aNzu4OiEQNer-DtgvFcc3THLscdQ6WfimsmrnRoDrKuNL8dswuK317-NONxk7rgW7tBJ873M2Q78uxZ-842LBJYu5Pdf46gRXJF4SSYNh7nJ/s200/SilverSurferBlack.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
14) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/38Ar94v" target="_blank">Starlight</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Mark Millar, illustrated by Goran Parloff, published by Image Comics beginning in 2015)</div>
<div>
Duke McQueen was once a space-traveling hero. He saved kingdoms, rescued space queens, and fought dastardly aliens but he then came back to Earth, got married, and had kids. No one believes him when he mentions his exploits. Now, his wife has passed, his kids are too busy to bother, and his life looks to continue to be inconsequential…until allies from across the galaxy reach out, requiring his help. This. Is. So. Good. When many comics dwell on the dark and on lost hope, <i>Starlight</i> is a ray of sunshine that will have you cheering this former hero as he strives to save the day one last time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/38Ar94v" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen2TjzB5LCj3qGRucd1qPAKomlFNXcPv4orVV2Dv6oA6OhZ03fpNfp8DlGB49Gcqb32kNztYg5Gu6iQ6uGRrZmZ3xxEnry2BWaU5bEE1HAGvF6yWryomwdgGas6VUKaw83ffcwHzXf0lf/s200/Starlight.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
15) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/30BvxNN" target="_blank">Sweet Tooth</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Everythinged by Jeff Lemire, published by DC/Vertigo Comics beginning in 2009 and ending in 2013)</div>
<div>
We recently binge-read this fantastic series a few weeks ago and talked about it <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2019/11/comics-lust-11192019.html" target="_blank">here</a>. As uplifting and positive as the previous book <i>Starlight</i> is, do not expect that with <i>Sweet Tooth</i>. Well, to be fair, there are a few points that are uplifting, but just be prepared to have your heart broken more than you catch yourself smiling. This is the story of Gus, a hybrid child, who is the cross between a boy and a deer who holds a devastating secret and possibly the answer to a world where humanity is on the brink of collapse and the world has become a harsh, cold place. Think <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2NEAeB9" target="_blank">The Road</a></i> with slight fantastical bend and characters you can actually love. A definite must-read, but one you need to be ready for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/30BvxNN" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKmIJnMKT6TdGzm_aiVq8s59sgziZMGdBNph4qKTCgI6NQQSu5xgdV7aPju0M-AG-ljJo4SdNcBm-_PRNOA5C6bQUETNQhYu7ppGMl0tnlx1CsbfLOXZ4jkqwdsw7sfr7vJu8_AS_siS7/s200/SweetTooth_TPB_01.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
16) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ry1ORO" target="_blank">Thanos Wins</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Geoff Shaw, published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2018)</div>
<div>
You all know how much I love Jim Starlin’s take on Warlock and Thanos and how I frequently say that only he has been able to capture the majesty of those two characters. Right? Well, Cates came along with these six issues that show he is a definite exception to the rule. Here, Thanos faces off against his greatest foe (not spoiling) and we are also introduced to the Cosmic Ghost Rider whose origins (he has a few) will take you by surprise. I just finished rereading this compelling-as-hell book this morning and love it even more than my first time through. Shaw’s depictions of the Mad Titan, Cosmic Ghost Rider, and the “Silver” Surfer (once again, check out <i>Silver Surfer: Black</i>) are sure to tickle your cosmic awareness and you will understand why Cates is one of Marvel’s powerhouse creators.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Ry1ORO" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="335" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwBAwHBjkggJxUQeVVhnHZwWNJ2RwNfSa_G4yL2G1xy65hI4iyV2vbLrFQoeLsNP_gUBCvObPclDr3lFlBw6uqduHgzcGJxn8RX1asRN0uFchtQ8oSZopGpKTEmKGcFwkJEYgHx_bXYv4/s200/ThanosWins_HC.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
17) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2NGcvQY" target="_blank">The Fade Out</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Ed Brubaker, illustrated by Sean Phillips, published by Image Comics beginning in 2014)</div>
<div>
A dead starlet, a writer with a possible career-ending secret, Hollywood blacklists, questionable studio head practices, and many, many other dark secrets lurk in this murder mystery of epic proportions. You have hopefully already been reading the masterful <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ge6F53" target="_blank">Criminal</a></i> over the past couple of decades, but if you want a quick, 12-issue look into the seedy side of Hollywood, look no further than this noir tale of lies, corruption, and murder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2NGcvQY" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoyW8ekERXl3vn2F_x6Te21FMl1B3UJiDG1N3dNIQ3yrNl1a4FlVFlWXFARVOePY9QjcMR5BRWIvjocRAbKkNWtO2wCZfkSKG230cwxf39mDb8MLYTNttm61URTgrLsNsTwjLExOBq6wK/s200/TheFadeOut.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
18) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/365iq8E" target="_blank">The Sixth Gun</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Cullen Bunn, illustrated by Brian Hurtt, published by Oni Press beginning in 2010)</div>
<div>
What do you get if you combine <i>The Lord of the Rings </i>with a Western tale? Why, <i>The Sixth Gun</i>,<i> </i>of course. Here Drake Sinclair and Becky Montcrief come into possession of one of six devastatingly powerful guns that when combined can bring about a terrible new world of the owner’s choosing. Our heroes will face monsters, spirits, and all manner of foul beings changed by the power of the guns and it is up to Drake and Becky to end the vicious cycle once and for all. 50 fantastic issues and a host of miniseries comprise this grossly underrated adventure that will thrill from beginning to end.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/365iq8E" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F8tsz2bevRCqZdOFCWtA22Yk2EyzM1iQ1fnVFeRO0x7pViCrcBAYSBk_IvuipCU2globKRj3q0kpw4BirD_ABMBZmx7cur-1V0cHwd3L8iPjtzyAkE9sEnYqInfiNOYTHsy58iRjosMx/s200/The+Sixth+Gun.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
19) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2THG1K7" target="_blank">The Vision</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Gabriel Hernandez Walta, published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2015)</div>
<div>
Before his hit, critically-acclaimed series <i>Mister Miracle</i>, Tom King had the hit, critically-acclaimed series <i>The Vision</i>, which is every bit as deserving of the accolades it has received. Yet another 12-issue comic that someone who is not a fan of superhero comics can get behind, <i>The Vision</i> follows the Avenger known as The Vision, who is a powerful synthezoid who longs to be more human and thus creates a wife, son, daughter, and even a dog to round out the family he so desperately desires. They move to a neighborhood and into house with a white picket fence, they meet their neighbors, and The Vision fights super villains when need be, but all is not well in the suburbs as something begins to go wrong with the members of his family and his wife’s dark secret starts to come to light. <i>The Vision</i> is a mind-bending look at what it is to be “normal” and one that will stay top of mind for a good long while after you finish it for the first time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2THG1K7" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzVH1KydJUqyBNF_sZNFa9s_C6ictnAcPIYiaz-auOuJiP38m7hVb_dURjm-CX61_4BVAZ-LxbjjGjODn-qKfoQAEqnYXLOqLp3tUgVLmX-78ikoQS8MGT0UCvXzqiYqm8yIjakp93R1L/s200/TheVision.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
20) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Re1FE1" target="_blank">Thor</a> </i>by Jason Aaron</h3>
<div>
(Written by Jason Aaron, illustrated by many, published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2012)</div>
<div>
After being one of my favorite characters growing up, I had given up on Thor for a few decades until I saw that Jason Aaron was about to bring him back to prominence. He did so beyond my greatest of hopes. We got the God Butcher, Malekith the Dark Elf’s return, Mangog, and a new Thor that had those of small mind screaming in rage and those open to new and great stories cheering to the halls of Valhalla. The entirety of Aaron’s run is a quest of epic proportions that fans of Odinson and newly minted fans of Jane Foster will be reading for years to come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Re1FE1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93O0eCU1QMsPFfTbdhYN3vX2xr_PofVv7lE9p4cZgaalD-0MJ_BlWz8reyurEMaxo0QNNRO0J800fJesJWWcWgS3FCYK7rf2rGJL5x5VO9hNS6kzy1XUr67JuywGZpQ16jmG2EYPdWi__/s200/ThorJasonAaron.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Honorable Mentions:</h3>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/365mYMg" target="_blank">Amulet</a></b> (Everythinged by Kazu Kibuishi, published by Graphix)</li>
<li><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2uk537a" target="_blank">Deadly Class</a> </b>(Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Wes Craig, published by Image Comics)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2G8XliZ" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Flintstones</a> (Written by Mark Russel, illustrated by Steve Pugh, published by DC Comics)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/37e89bF" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Hawkeye</a> (Written by Matt Fraction, illustrated by David Aja, published by Marvel Comics)</li>
<li><b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36ii6Ug" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk</a> </b>(Written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Joe Bennett, published by Marvel Comics)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2tDC3r3" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Manifest Destiny</a> (Written by Chris Dingess, illustrated by Matthew Roberts, published by Image Comics)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2TGqpGH" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Rachel Rising</a> (Everythinged by Terry Moore, published by Abstract Studio)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3ax8qsm" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Secret Six</a> (Written by Gail Simone, illustrated by Dale Eaglesham, published by DC Comics)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2sEhABY" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Omega Men</a> (Written by Tom King, illustrated by Barnaby Bagenda, published by DC Comics)</li>
<li><a href="http://panelsyndicate.com/comics/tpeye" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Private Eye</a> (Written by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Marcos Martin, published by Panel Syndicate)</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Thank you for following me these past ten years. I will see you next time!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-9718846306520366362020-01-11T10:51:00.002-08:002020-01-11T10:51:42.235-08:00Donist World 2019 Year-End Roundup! (Part 2)(Sung to the tune of <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw">Enigma’s “Sadeness”</a></i>)<br />
<br />
Chanting. Ummm…yeah, uh…a bunch of Latin-sounding stuff that I don’t understand, but the perfect soundtrack for contemplating the things we love. Welcome to…<br />
<br />
<h2>
Donist World 2019 Year-End Roundup (Part 2)!</h2>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Hey there, Denizens, and a soon to be Happy New Year! I am joined as ever by CFO Reverse Obie (my friends’ Boston terrier, whose surly attitude changed for the better after his fur colors swapped when a corrupt businessman’s curse backfired) and by marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/New Year health fanatic Tulip (my dog, Obie’s sister). We hope you enjoy the top 20 heavenly things of 2019 while Reverse Obie, Tulip, and I take our past-due “long winter’s nap” before mapping out the course of our lives for the coming year.<br />
<br />
***Probably NOT Spoilers Below***<br />
<br />
If you have a moment, check out our <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/search/label/Year-End%20Roundup" target="_blank">past FSoH/SitW Year-End Roundups</a> to see all things heavenly including Part 1 for 2019. Now, keep in mind that some of the items listed below might have come out before 2019, but 2019 was the year that we read, watched, drank, or ate them, thus their inclusion here. We at Donist World, thank you for reading and hope you enjoy our selections as much as we do.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Donist World 20 Heavenly Things (In No Particular Order)</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
1) ’80s Anime (Television and Movies)</h3>
<div>
As comic book and sci-fi fans (i.e. nerds), especially those of us creeping on in years, we tend to gravitate toward the nostalgic and our remembrances of things from our youth, things that really created a lasting impression. Returning to these things as adults, well, sometimes our fond memories just don’t stand up to the test of time (the original <i style="font-weight: bold;">Star Wars</i> trilogy, for instance…simmer down, simmer down, they just don’t thrill me the same way as when I was a kid, I still love them, though). The great thing is that some shows that wowed me back in the day actually do stand up to how I remember them and such is the case with much of the ’80s anime I loved so much. Here are some I revisited in 2019:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/39D0IfP" target="_blank">Riding Bean</a></i></b> - An Original Video Animation (OVA) from 1989 that you can watch by subscribing to the <b><a href="http://nightflight.com/" target="_blank">Night Flight</a></b> service or by buying the <a href="https://amzn.to/36D11W1" target="_blank">available DVD</a>. The story is fairly simple, but thrilling: Bean Bandit is a driver with his gun-toting sidekick Rally Vincent getting into all sorts of trouble. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9cDV7ZM-Cc" target="_blank">Trailer</a></li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/35mOTqx" target="_blank">Bubblegum Crisis</a></i> - Eight episodes of OVA fun from 1987 with armored woman protecting the city from the menace of rogue “Boomers,” robotic workers that get twisted and go insane. Also on Night Flight and a Blu-ray is available. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGDREScJ5Wg" target="_blank">Trailer</a></li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Gunbuster</i> - Released in 1988–1989, <i>Gunbuster</i> is one of my all-time favorite anime series. Everyone who likes anime must check it out, but I am sorry to say that the DVD and Blu-rays are OOP and I don’t believe these six tremendous episodes are streaming anywhere as of now. Sorry. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0MDmfFTOw0" target="_blank">Trailer</a></li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Fist of the North Star</i> - The movie released in 1986 alongside the regular television series (which I have not seen). This “beat ’em up” spectacular gets a little wonky on the making sense side of things but, hey, grab a beer and go for it. I watched it on Prime, but I don’t think it is currently streaming there. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gAx3hqJk-4" target="_blank">Trailer</a></li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36qQugx" target="_blank">Lily C.A.T.</a></i> - 1987’s <i>Lily C.A.T. </i>is one that I forgot I had seen before, but stumbled upon while searching Amazon Prime. An anime homage to the movie <i style="font-weight: bold;">Alien</i>, this short, fun, and oftentimes scary movie was totally thrilling and a heck of a lot of fun. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AgmJP_j2Lg" target="_blank">Fan-made trailer</a></li>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Space-Adventure-Cobra-Shigeru-Matsuzaki/dp/B07SFDWMP6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=space+cobra&qid=1578254346&s=instant-video&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Space Adventure Cobra</a></i> - When a space pirate seemingly returns from the dead—along with his psycho-gun arm—he falls for a beautiful bounty hunter who wants to collect on his head. So much fun and a trip and a half with some truly experimental visuals on this 1982 treasure. There’s also a television series that I need to find and watch. The movie is available on Amazon Prime. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3ZDQRHAotg" target="_blank">Fan-made trailer</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
There are a ton of other movies and television anime out there that I need to reacquaint myself with including <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZRVDvs" target="_blank">Robotech: The Macross Saga</a></i> and hopefully <i style="font-weight: bold;">Starblazers/Space Battleship Yamato</i> (if I can track them down).</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2MXvwOw" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="712" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GxJE0pIbI8TkaauV9WFzvVOv5DeeXdgGZHI-gnuCi9Wi-Sscbu6ArAM211DsVWEDMVUZNGHmKJDg5RAIGZFUzPcXFn-9-L_ll_dSFqxbgqRJVqCGCWTOYI_F-TvLlxxBxx1XU_wYtkvA/s200/LilyCAT.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
2) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2sScG4m" target="_blank">Avengers: Endgame</a></i> (Movie/Blu-ray)</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
Oh, my stars and garters! If I had seen this as a kid, it probably would have killed me. To see most of my favorite heroes (sorry, Adam Warlock) fighting Thanos would have been more awesomeness than my short, pudgy frame could have handled. After 11 years of buildup after the release of <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/39D93A9" target="_blank">Iron Man</a></i>—a movie, at the time, I never dreamed would exist—Marvel actually succeeded in pulling off the impossible with a thrilling movie that brought it all home, especially after the devasting events from the previous year’s <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NdeL27" target="_blank">Avengers: Infinity War</a></i>. Dang, I think I need to watch it all over again…for the third time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2sScG4m" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="522" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguK_uAY8untI-o9CQWDPiTnrb2kUAKW68mdM3c_33QQnd_i2UQs1SjaGtoVSATavpSewk9mTE585lrXdPj5T_vbgYs5MCOprzP7Xq4X_ZptupS15PbX8yB3mmU8p0X7M8SzLIc5wwgC5LL/s200/AvengersEndgame.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
3) <i>Danger 5 </i>(Television)</h3>
<div>
Okay, yeah. I know. <i>Danger 5</i> came out a while ago, and I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned my love of this hilarious, Australian-produced spoof on American spy shows from the ’60s/’70s that focused on World War II (for the first season) and of the dark, gritty action shows that encapsulated much of the ’80s (for the second season). In fact, this is probably the third or fourth time I’ve watched and laughed my way through <i>Danger 5</i>. Basically, Danger 5 are comprised of five secret agents from five different countries: Jackson (US), Claire (UK), Tucker (Australia), Ilsa (Russia), and Pierre (From somewhere in Europe, no one knows). These secret agents are tasked with killing Hitler by Colonel Chestbridge, an eagle-headed military man who is not above whipping out the “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkGtZQ_jVBc" target="_blank">Sit Down Gun</a>” to keep his people in line. The Danger 5 face off against Nazi lizard men, weaponized dinosaurs, and weirdo Kaiju in their efforts to take out the Fuhrer, which they succeed in doing…or did they? Thus kicks off the second season, which contrasts the bright and cheery first season with a gritty ’80s feel that deals with cops, high school, shopping malls, ninjas, and…oh, yes, more dinosaurs. Basically, <i>Danger 5</i> is batshit crazy and I absolutely love every dang episode. Unfortunately, it is no longer streaming on Netflix, but I was able to find low-res episodes on YouTube. Once you watch the first couple of bizarre episodes (with their model cities, planes with strings attached, and brutal overacting) I can guarantee you’ll be hooked. Just be sure you have your perfect cocktail recipe to read off to Pierre. Hurrah!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0Z09bNgSeMI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Z09bNgSeMI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
4) <a href="https://11oclockcomics.com/" target="_blank">11 O’Clock Comics</a> (Podcast)</h3>
<div>
Yup, David, Jason, and Vince B. continue to produce my favorite podcast after all these years. This is not just my favorite comic book podcast, but my favorite podcast. Period. The boys and the occasional special guest make my work commute infinitely more tolerable as well as keep me running an extra block or two or three when I’m out exercising. They discuss everything from current mainstream comics, to lesser-known titles, to books of the past, to the comics industry as a whole, to other media, and regularly have comic creators take up the fourth chair. I’ve never met these cats, but they feel like family at this point and I simply adore their show.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://11oclockcomics.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu8qE3opM2hz9EuNByeGxYlEuXAH0Tek57Ki20tAS2twwqmLfx9amHy6D-2Ecn8mX2V6Pw5xtsw3wjqnu0LuwlMuWRO0yjYsWg1NfBU2yIa4DJODhY2ywwcubyPCNf-jrmKuEov-So-wF/s200/EOC_Podcast.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
5) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/36txihU" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>(Television Show on HBO)</h3>
<div>
Yes, the show that had captivated pretty much everyone I know in both my personal and professional lives finally came to an end with the eighth season. Did it end how I hoped it would end? Not quite, but I still greatly enjoyed it and it is still very much something all fans of fantasy need to experience. Do I wish the creators would have drawn out various moments (Daenerys losing her cool or her and Jon Snow drifting apart after being one hell of a power couple) and wrapped up other plot lines/moments more quickly (episodes where people hung around chit-chatting that didn’t serve much of a purpose)? That “Long Night” episode with the Night Walkers, though, dang…that was freaking intense and awesome.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/36txihU" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="581" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbcuRPHXcHN7xpDHl-FTX1JILhS9jgMRQx0S6J3RzpuKQEM06q1J2aBN7uP5Uq6pYjBTzOAPmvSUguQbsdwFWIeasBgwk8n-e-jdollTsY093KmC5nnxOaNZ9P57nE-EZc4ZR-kHh_mBe/s200/GameOfThrones.webp" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
6) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2MZ1sSw" target="_blank">House of Mystery: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from DC Comics)</h3>
<div>
I love these beastly books. Over five pounds and filled with 26 issues of pure ’70s horror brought to you by such greats as Bernie Wrightson, Jack Kirby, Len Wein, Wally Wood, Neal Adams, Alex Toth and so many more. Individual stories can run anywhere from one page to eight and all are geared toward the creepy side of the spectrum. You might need a spotter to heft this monster and you will definitely want to pick it up on sale, but most of the stories in this massive tome are total gems that will thrill, chill, and give you your fill…of the heeby-jeebies, that is. Oh, and lookie there, I just received the latest volume of this book’s sister title: <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/36twGsJ" target="_blank">House of Secrets: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 2</a></i>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/37FoUfK" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6MmE3huOOLul0GhFyYCyDBXFtXCQ7JuHSCzjQK-fEkSIxTJjPXQ8xjinHIsCPW9XZivB3YrsCT9U-GF1TOEl6x5buXfeUsEjZl9_H7bm0wT6bRoP17B44laxLYzk-lxv96FrkbqSM3o8/s200/HouseOfMysteryV1.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
7) <a href="https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/" target="_blank">The Last Podcast on the Left</a> (Podcast)</h3>
<div>
At almost 400 episodes of cryptids, serial killers, conspiracy theories, reptilians (like Moscow Mitch McConnell), and all other assortments of oddity subject matter, I have listened to every episode—some multiple times. I generally listen to Ben, Henry, and Marcus at work and there have actually been a few times I had to press pause and “walk it off” because I was cracking up and starting to scare my coworkers. Give ’em three episodes or so on something you’re interested in like Jeffrey Dahmer (icky!) or Albert Fish (brrrrrrr) and you will be hooked. I also love having random people say “Hail Yourself!” when I’m wearing my TLPotL t-shirt. I also can't wait for their book <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZTjCdB" target="_blank">The Last Book on the Left</a></i></b> to come out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="486" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1v39w4swqZYam-TiOPqTi2OQBBKOx2dLbHNzyUcwdA2mMXudnYNeeXydMfK0d8n-qcLdE6d3hOT8l_dB-x6DuWKeVxed3n7amOVllGXjWb0AdK2Lijh-8QvuDvfGttiYHrISGqsR3Zq3t/s200/TheLastPodcastOnTheLeft.png" width="198" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
8) <a href="https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver" target="_blank">Last Week Tonight with John Oliver</a> (Television Show on HBO)</h3>
<div>
It’s a shame that in order to get to the heart of what is actually happening in the world that we have to turn away from regular news sources (and no, Faux News is not a credible source of news or an example of journalism in any sense of the word) and turn to a comedy show filled with f-bombs to get to the truth. Oliver makes me laugh when my heart is racing at the latest awfulness being enacted/enabled by our criminal of a President and the GOP. It’s going to be a long wait until Oliver returns in February when I’m sure we will be needing our spirits lifted from whatever shitshow Drumpf is enacting upon the world at that particular moment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHQR24Bu7ESURYFAsf_Q0fH8qJfv_qZGvox9doUzzDNK68h7IkVD7ttkXSqDaA2-9Lw_PnBiX2EYfz5AzR0s2RX-Di13yjfSQ99D91yVemknul4-IViZ1uj70h8oVafnBr9f2xHtoUisx/s200/LastWeekTonight.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
9) <a href="https://amzn.to/39RqflB" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Man-Wolf: The Complete Collection</a> (Graphic Novel from Marvel Comics)</h3>
<div>
Did you know that J. Jonah Jameson has a son? How about that he was an astronaut? No? Well, he does and he’s all sortsa dreamy. John Jameson also recently came back from a trip to the moon where he brought back a mysterious, groovy red gem that he, in turn, swiped from his job. Long story short, he’s a man-wolf now. Yup. Goes around attacking people, causing, mayhem, and fighting the likes of Spider-Man and Frankenstein’s monster. Some might call it a curse. All kidding aside, I loved this collection that brought back some fond memories of listening to the <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=401801&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Power Records 45 rpm/comic</a> over and over and over again. I also had a smattering of issues from the ’70s featuring Man-Wolf that I loved and this wonderful collection brought it all back while also introducing me to the insane issues where Man-Wolf goes from savage beast to swashbuckling fantasy hero. <i>Man-Wolf: The Complete Collection</i> stands up to the test of time and is well worth seeking out for some weirdness from the likes of Gerry Conway, Marv Wolfman, Doug Moench, John Byrne, John Romita, and many more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/35sJcHD" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPyMnROh-HNf9XeU3brZq2OwZV1IlfIgimIxb9f86RcOQg9VCyo85-uu3bB0rqXhIK9Y9E0QjllgGbOM91y-sG4jNBb9DvxH_SUl4frn7yrlugfCG9voSF6X4gFWpJa93ncMcgf2lE50j/s200/Man-WolfComplete.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
Also, bonus points if you know what the hell is going on in this panel from the book...wow…just wow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0QSShHQxKzCEVFTj-qDKSePud_vEESEowSt3b81W5fclXpUpS1AcqgZ-2HFhJKfZJLP3Ox7rnNWRaZWJfIUl9DmxGGyljIikT9ZN4nAvwtSWFSl66e5fHe2aOtXwaj22buDakJCYSVSs/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0QSShHQxKzCEVFTj-qDKSePud_vEESEowSt3b81W5fclXpUpS1AcqgZ-2HFhJKfZJLP3Ox7rnNWRaZWJfIUl9DmxGGyljIikT9ZN4nAvwtSWFSl66e5fHe2aOtXwaj22buDakJCYSVSs/s320/thumbnail_IMG_0460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
10) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Qw6XKz" target="_blank">Ms. Tree: One Mean Mother</a></i> (Graphic Novel from Titan Comics)</h3>
<div>
Sadly, <i>Ms. Tree </i>is a crime comic from the ’80s that I somehow missed the first time around that survived a few publisher jumps and lasted until the early ’90s. Michael Tree—yes, her name is Michael, <i>don’t</i> call her Michelle—is a female private detective who after the murder of her husband takes over the successful private detective business and finds herself in all sorts of dangerous situations. Written by Max Collins and illustrated by co-creator Terry Beatty. <i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=142251&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ms. Tree</a></i> began a 50-issue run that began in 1983 at Eclipse Comics, then went to Aardvark-Vanaheim, then to Renegade Press. During that time there was a <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=260391&AffID=644543P01" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Summer Special</a>, a <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=303721&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">3-D comic</a>, another <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=535491&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">3-D comic</a>, a three-issue crossover at First Publishing called <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=242501&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The P.I.’s: Michael Mauser and Ms. Tree</a></i>, and finally a 10-issue run at DC Comics for the <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=107661&AffID=644543P01" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Ms. Tree Quarterly</a> which was an 80-page noir spectacular in each issue. The first <i>Ms. Tree</i> collection from Titan Comics opts to not go chronologically and reprints a few stories from <i>Ms. Tree Quarterly</i> and boy howdy are they great. You don’t need to start at the beginning as this collection throws you in the deep end and you hit the ground running with no trouble at all. I can’t wait to get the next volume this summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/37KIzuF" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCig_1jPECRuKiKpYN9poM6zFMTiwP3oxJXrGVn9dICC6kjvIrTI22uwLRP_HDjKC2GRCeAgKuq1nc8uO2q3HRBlaL4QRieu_3dwARH-kQgT6puazVDdSfZuVBdBmtPT0k3BwFE84zlou/s200/MsTreeOneMeanMother.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
11) <a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/" target="_blank">Pod Save America</a> (Podcast)</h3>
<div>
It’s kind of hard to say that I “enjoy” this podcast as it is a response to the horror/shit show that is everything Trump and the GOP. Former aides of President Obama, Jon Favreau—Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor—recap the week’s calamities, bringing actual facts and insights into the world of politics. Yes, they skew to the “Left,” but that just means they are critical of both sides (god, I hate those words…both sides, ugh) and call out where the crimes, lies, and injustices are taking place. Pod Save America cheers me up when the news of the world is so damn horrendous and political criminals seem to get away with robbing us of our money, our healthcare, our retirement, and our rights as the uber-wealthy get richer and richer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl66OdvICPgRqJeBWDa9MLmWqBdQxSLKVj9JxGA3WAVWIqNEBDhH5jck6BNAMBcRGa7ebdqunIb_TFLmljeIwG5hAiymh44d3ZFetkZdVYxiKkeHTsi1A07HYPj9n739xfSyvq8Tmm8is/s200/PodSaveAmerica.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/36EakoA" target="_blank">Resident Evil 2</a></i> (Playstation 4 Video Game)</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
This is the remake of the Playstation 2 game that blew me away so many years ago with its combination of zombies, corporate conspiracies, puzzles, nigh-unstoppable monsters, and limited resources. The main differences: some majorly kicked up graphics, tweaks to the actual story, and I believe some end-of-game extras…provided you didn’t die a whole bunch like I did. Oh, well, that’s okay, I’ll just have to play the game again, only this time I will start with Claire instead of Leon to get some slightly different cut scenes. Whether you played the first <i>Resident Evil 2</i> back in the day or not, this remake is well worth your time if you are a fan of survival horror games and it’s pretty darn cheap nowadays, too. I will say this, there ain’t no better feelin’ than launching an incendiary round straight into a plant-man’s face. Prepare to be scared!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/36EakoA" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1195" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwKAcVmjkKAZxtT5ETpONxi4McpIScrsPo21Hg166dUzINBkK94Wo-wKzeMa_VZyqDMJJE-q8NC1C8Li-e3OK2v9eiJ1kwELLRJRe1g2eRYRbJDAOMDP1fxeYYr_3L7WlOyI3WNSBdu2O/s200/RE2.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
13) <i>Stranger Things </i>(Television Show on Netflix)</h3>
<div>
If you’ve been reading Donist World for any length of time, then you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE me some <i>Stranger Things</i>. Between the ’80s nostalgia kick, the amazing and loveable characters, the creepy monsters, secret agencies and special powers, the phenomenal soundtrack and score, and so much more, the first season blew my mind even more than <i>Game of Thrones </i>at the time, as did the second and the third seasons; the title credits alone are something I never get tired of experiencing. Scary and unnerving, laugh-out-loud funny, and oftentimes heartwarming, this show hit pretty much ALL of the Donist buttons in the best of ways. Now, with news of the fourth season beginning production just a few days ago, I’m going to be biting my nails until it releases (hopefully) much later this year. I guess I’ll just have to head out to the mall, play some Space Invaders at the Gold Mine, and drink Orange Julius drinks until I’m sick in order to pass the time. I think what this Donist needs is a bingemode rewatch of epic proportions. *side note—I REALLY want this <a href="https://amzn.to/2N7UcUI" target="_blank">Lego set</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1L1f8TYoUi1NjToik5ORFK1M20IyzyqpfxEYYEQG8vdeHNrtqXrhlifLFLMyDBrOxRyIJE30k86IeodgMVJ5c10chGkmmo2bVuYlUb4KM3hPzEXxu1QrtveVHgDEGLqHNlQfbgZnbcuE/s1600/StrangerThings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1L1f8TYoUi1NjToik5ORFK1M20IyzyqpfxEYYEQG8vdeHNrtqXrhlifLFLMyDBrOxRyIJE30k86IeodgMVJ5c10chGkmmo2bVuYlUb4KM3hPzEXxu1QrtveVHgDEGLqHNlQfbgZnbcuE/s200/StrangerThings.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
14) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2QCl4xZ" target="_blank">Swamp Thing by Alan Moore Absolute Edition Vol. 1</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from DC Comics)</h3>
<div>
Alan Moore’s <i>Swamp Thing</i> is one of my top-three comics of all time. It never gets old for me and it is one I read every other year. It makes me want to be a better writer and it took my love of the original series (check the next item) that I have loved since the age of five or six and compounded it countless times over. I have all of the <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=111511&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">original issues</a>, the <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=689601&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">first round of trades</a>, and now this <a href="https://amzn.to/2QCl4xZ" target="_blank">glorious deluxe hardcover</a>. This gorgeous, slipcased edition holds an oversized, velvet wrapped hardcover with metallic inks and a ribbon bookmark and boasts recolored artwork that is stunning and vibrant—as the Green should be—but I will say that I still hold a place in my heart for the original colors. This beast of a collector’s treasure trove is a must-own collection, but it is damn expensive given that it only contains issues 20–34 and Annual #2. That said, it does have a substantial amount of backmatter including additional stunning art from Stephen Bissette, John Totleben, and others that make this well worth the price. I love this book and I can’t wait for the second volume that drops in August of 2020.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2QCl4xZ" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9un9lU99e4CMzXqvzpBXNEEQnUMfoVHaDoFT8c5YeqCcAd_Sd8UUOXDvXrBPwpOhbecT_rVVd6NVz2vfbq2Cp0CgrXspiex0iermSRIbBzbQu6NBDX2noqLWaYVsuuLAW4yaY7QbJqbT/s200/AbsoluteSwampThing.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<h3>
15) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2uCZdhx" target="_blank">Swamp Thing: The Bronze Age Omnibus</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from DC Comics)</h3>
</div>
<div>
As I have said countless times over the years, Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson’s <i>Swamp Thing</i> is the series that showed me not all comics are created equal. It was with <i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=181211&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Swamp Thing #10</a></i>—damn, I love this issue!—that Wrightson’s stunning art changed the way I looked at comic books with his depiction of the horrific Anton Arcane battling my favorite swamp monster as the moon blazed through the trees and deep, sprawling shadows lined the combating monsters, their muscle definition conveying the toll each of their blows was taking. But there was also a solid story, that even though my reading was limited at such a young age, to which I was able to follow along. Un-Men resurrecting the “deceased” Anton Arcane, escaped murderers in chains, the horrors of slavery, hauntings, and the deepest and darkest of evils all came through loud and clear as I lingered on each lovely page. I read that issue until it literally fell apart, but with this must-own omnibus, you get it all. This collection contains <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?tid=180051&pgi=51&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The House of Secrets #92</a></i> (first appearance of the Swamp Thing…or at least an early version of him), <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=181211&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Swamp Thing #1–24</a></i> (with the incredible run from Wein and Wrightson as well as some…interesting…later issues from other creators), <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=111511&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Saga of the Swamp Thing #1–19</a></i> (which preceded Alan Moore’s life-changing run and that had plenty of fantastic issues from Martin Pasko and Tom Yeates), and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=181231&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Swamp Thing Annual #1</a></i>. Fans of Moore’s issues should definitely check out Alec Holland’s original roots and fans of the character cannot do without this historic book.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2uCZdhx" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="343" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHeL3Zof04sVvo9oiYl0xZSy0GWhpItq1TDKjRamrJFx_tf0neiFdV8ZBytdfOwbSzntIPmx0LVMK3OcnB1Dl35PmI4PD2oEAO1X9yI6TM2j3HM75tX-USivYYyL90OnTT83KWoC8-4v7/s200/SwampThingBronzeAgeOmnibus.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
16) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2BLJWuI" target="_blank">Unnatural</a></i> (Graphic Novel from Image Comics)</h3>
</div>
<div>
2020 saw the release of the “final” two trade collections of Mirka Andolfo’s gorgeously painted, infinitely sexy, don’t-let-your-coworkers-see-what-you’re-reading, NSFW (get the hint?) adventure/supernatural/erotic comic book series. The story follows Leslie, an anthropomorphic pig girl, who has a power growing within her linked to a long-passed big, bad wolf who gives her all manner of dreams. Couple this with a mysterious cult who seems to know of her power and seeks to take it from her by any means necessary and Leslie’s once-normal life becomes a fight for survival. Always looming in the background, however, are the ultra-rightwing laws that prohibit inter-species as well as same-sex relationships among the populace and forced “racial purity” by requiring young adults to find, date, marry, and procreate only with a member of their own species of the opposite sex after a certain age. <i>Unnatural </i>is a wonderful series that is something to behold and one that I hope to see more of following the hint that there is more to come. I will definitely be following Andolfo to whatever she does next. Did I mention this series is NSFW? Whoa, spicey!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2FyZFzE" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKLavAdDxiuDvAnqXoDSwO0ZoQTmXEQxqaTGNA4sKA8pwuGfUytgPemSlccWmVhw3ueZE00ShFc8iJiV_pSrCeBZL6jYyF-J00FIYDhkaU2sKY4Q21m7scrQzXjfrwRiWvuaUgmqVb0lQ/s200/Unnatural_v3.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
17) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3a263gX" target="_blank">Us</a></i> (Movie)</h3>
<div>
If you had told me that Jordan Peele of the hilarious <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NdCDlQ" target="_blank">Key & Peele</a></i> television show was going to direct/produce/write two of the best horror movies of the past couple of decades, I would have said you were nuts. I’m so glad to be wrong. After the phenomenal <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ndww14" target="_blank">Get Out</a></i>, Peele delivers <i>Us</i>, a taut, psychological horror about a family on vacation who is tormented by a family of twisted doppelgangers. That’s all I’m going to say about it other than you need to see this masterfully written and directed movie that had me checking under the bed and nervous to open the door to the outside world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3a263gX" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="522" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0Rr-xPlDc_zaD4anO78O2vIt4RluT5XHsfVtMgoB1YdFsp3wme1XOv5fx38dN8E_mZZtp83ib2Xoa5Phy1vZ3_mtAW-lSwoP9vz-kwb_6yDIsUq0_683LUbv6Wl6VDctBwTXPXdmXJbI/s200/Us.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
18) <i><a href="https://www.hbo.com/order/now?camp=GOOGLE%7cHTS_SEM%7cPID_p39264892675&keyword=hbo&utm_id=71700000045265974&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_content=acq&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgebwBRDnARIsAE3eZjQ9HE59jTH3sqCQ-_XHPHFJVP3aAlEZI-fpHlphEyY8Bbjxur7ATeQaAhHeEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Watchmen</a></i> (Television Show on HBO)</h3>
</div>
<div>
They said it couldn’t be done. I didn’t believe it could be done. But HBO and Damon Lindelof actually pulled off a continuation of the industry-disrupting, masterpiece <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3a1Tq5t" target="_blank">Watchmen</a></i> (written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, DC Comics, 1986) comic book with nine brilliant episodes that completely drew me in from the first episode all the way through to the end. The television show, set thirty years after the events of the comic, provides the next logical path for the surviving characters while introducing a host of new characters into a world that is once again on the brink of collapse, only this time there’s the double-sided threat of the white supremacist, Rorschach-identifying, Seventh Kavalry and the corporate juggernaut that is Trieu Enterprises. Thrilling, humorous, freaking weird, and with continually building mysteries to which you eventually receive answers, <i>Watchmen</i>—like <i>Stranger Things S3 </i>and <i>Game of Thrones S8</i>—had me anticipating and celebrating every moment I was able to watch the next enthralling episode. If you have not read the original comic, then you should be able to follow the story of the television show—plenty of people have been able to do so—but you will definitely get more out of this exceptional television show after reading what is the greatest comic book series of all time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.hbo.com/order/now?camp=GOOGLE%7cHTS_SEM%7cPID_p39264892675&keyword=hbo&utm_id=71700000045265974&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_content=acq&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgebwBRDnARIsAE3eZjQ9HE59jTH3sqCQ-_XHPHFJVP3aAlEZI-fpHlphEyY8Bbjxur7ATeQaAhHeEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mSvsdEyAcM8W48YGwd-1l2Os-J88uLLxvzimXCTh_4qXMXmgTL3s7kwDb76owc43Hw3kkWI3jZ91VFfDRqDEpFjmuZoOfiZSwVdnV9v08LtXnZuFKvxsk_kHpz7FtUO9V1TQhtW7vstJ/s200/Watchmen_HBO.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
19) <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3a0AFzf" target="_blank">Weapon Brown</a> </i>(Graphic Novel from Death Ray Graphics)</h3>
<div>
First up: Just rush out and buy this. Do it. This is a must-read comic of epic proportions that completely took my breath away this summer after I had heard about it from Jason Wood on the 11 O’Clock Comics podcast. Everythinged by creator Jason Yungbluth, this is what happens when you take Charlie Brown and Snoopy from the “Peanuts” comic strip, put them in a post-apocalyptic world, change their names to Chuck and Snoop, give Chuck a deadly robotic arm, and have them cross paths with other popular strip characters like Calvin and Hobbes, Garfield, Little Orphan Annie, Popeye, and tons of others. Not only that, throw in some harsh language, sex, nudity, violence, and some of the most creatively insane ideas I have ever witnessed on the page, and you get <i>Weapon Brown</i>. It is true that this 400+ monster of a heavenliness released a few years ago, but it sure as heck is new to me, thus the addition to the Year-End Roundup. I REALLY hope to see a return to this gem of a comic at some point in the near future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3a0AFzf" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="322" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BSYTaQ3-gRJL2XPWl-X35PZlDpGgTx0ZlR_KGQ0HRGaDcpMU-dDqs82id_hHtydFGKCOSGphnLaNwP-7sVs4AkCcItD7PM_Og7MIv1gvxlS6GFNizBPLNO_XS10XOqv4uHsZE5M6WI1I/s200/WeaponBrown.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
20) Beer</h3>
<div>
As indicated by the extra eight pounds I put on toward the latter part of the year, beer doesn’t really appear to be loving me as much as I love beer, thus my 2020 resolution to greatly dial back my beer and alcohol consumption. That said, I do need to mention some of the outstanding beers/breweries that rocked my world in 2019, that will probably sneak into many a pint glass in 2020 when I consciously decide to indulge:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.alvaradostreetbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Alvarado Street Brewery</a></b> (Brewery) - My friend introduced me to this brewery back in the fall, when their offerings began appearing in select places around Santa Barbara. They release tons of mind-blowing Hazy IPAs in ’80s-inspired, beautifully-designed, individual, 16-ounce cans. And when I say “tons,” I mean if you find a beer you love (VERY likely), don’t expect to find it on the shelves the following week. The good news is that whatever offering happens to be available at any given time, it is sure to be at worst better than everything else and at best something life-changing.</li>
<li><b>Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS)</b> (Imperial stout aged in Bourbon Barrels from Founders Brewing Co.) - At least I have four bottles left until this tried and true Donist World darling returns.</li>
<li><b>w00tstout 2019</b> (Imperial stout from Stone Brewing) - Hells yes! They put this out in six-pack cans with box and can art by none other than comic great Alan Davis! Hells no! I only got one six-pack in reserve left. You came and went too fast w00t, much too fast.</li>
<li><b>Celebration Fresh Hop IPA</b> (IPA from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.) - Speaking of great holiday beers, this classic never gets old…especially since it’s about to vanish from store shelves until next year. Time to get some more.</li>
<li><b>Big Bad Baptista</b> (Imperial stout from Epic Brewing Co.) - A super-duper stout aged in whiskey barrels with vanilla, cinnamon, Mexican coffee, and cacao nibs that is now readily available after Epic’s acquisition of Santa Barbara’s own Telegraphy Brewery which is within walking distance. Damn, this one’s good.</li>
<li><b>Modern Times Brewery </b>(Brewery) - Modern Times just opened a location on State Street and if I’m in the mood to sample a bunch of fantastic Hazy IPAs or barrel-aged stouts, then heaven is but a short drive away.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />
That wraps up this year’s roundup. If you think of anything I should be reading, watching, playing, or drinking, then please let me know. I hope you had a fantastic 2019 and I wish you all the best for 2020! Thank you for reading.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-20933188695115301062019-12-31T09:56:00.002-08:002019-12-31T09:56:52.748-08:00Donist World 2019 Year-End Roundup! (Part 1)(Sung to the tune of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IagRZBvLtw" target="_blank">The Sound of Music's “My Favorite Things”</a>)<br />
<br />
Scores of cool mutants Xavier must wrangle<br />
Blue skinned man’s junk before Supes it does dangle<br />
Little Bird’s knife blade deep cuts as it swings<br />
These are a few of my favorite things<br />
<br />
Robotic doggies unleash devastation<br />
Infected surfers witness maker’s creation<br />
Shredding hot metal Murder Falcon he brings<br />
These are a few of my favorite things<br />
<br />
The Princess of Power’s world it does shatter<br />
Green-skinned goliath pursues causes that matter<br />
Horrific Black Barns the madness bell rings<br />
These are a few of my favorite things<br />
<br />
Diamond misships<br />
Then my beer spills<br />
When I'm feeling sad<br />
I simply remember my favorite things<br />
And then I don't feel so bad<br />
<br />
<h1>
Slice of Heaven For the Year!</h1>
<br />
Happy holidays, Denizens! What a crazy year 2019 has been. It was markedly better than the awfulness that was 2018 for this here Donist, but it definitely had its stressors: selling a house, buying a new place, packing and moving, and dealing with a seemingly unending array of repairs both expected and unexpected. I had some grand expectations for myself with a new position I took at work and I am fairly happy with the way things are going on that front. I also got some vindication around some 2018 nonsense, but it’s best not to go into that. Amy the Intern (my wife) had some health setbacks, but she is on the mend and the coming year should hopefully be better for her. I work with an amazing group of people at my day job, my puppy executive team at Donist World is without compare, and I am thankful for all of the Denizens who continue to read Donist World. I wish the best for you all in 2020. I also have high hopes to see a certain Dotard and his co-conspirators behind bars where they all belong...fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
<br />
***Probably NOT spoilers below***<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have a moment, check out our past <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/search/label/Year-End%20Roundup" target="_blank">Slice of Heaven Year-End Roundups</a> to see what’s stayed the same and what’s changed over the years. I had quite a few pleasant surprises this year, so let’s get to it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Donist World Top 10 Favorite Comic Series of 2019 (In No Particular Order)</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2u5LUWD" target="_blank">Ascender</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2u5LUWD" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgT_NNhBa0W0ar01YoAvhuwGu67NSeW6_YSK3EUjc02Eq4Lydk4ywpoiU8ZNhJLg0BXfqMPeUYnxcyBNFa5aL2RdbsIuGJS7drvXWcldYrzcWpSmCCE34IuilvCmTc8J2EUkqAY-b4mMf/s200/Ascender_v01.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
After three or four years of seeing <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZDAgxG" target="_blank">Descender</a></b> at the top spot of the Year-End Roundup, it is finally supplanted by a new contender, a brand new…wait a minute…<i>Descender</i> wasn’t removed from the list because of any storytelling grievances. Nope. That first half of Lemire and Nguyen’s phenomenal space opera ended in 2018 and the second half, <i>Ascender</i>, kicked off in early 2019. Whereas <i>Descender</i> was a sci-fi extravaganza that saw monstrous robots (the Harvesters) appear to rain death and destruction upon the nine planets of the UGC (United Galactic Council) and focused primarily on TIM-21, a robotic boy who held the key to the Harvesters, <i>Ascender </i>shifts to the fantasy side of things, with witches, monsters, vampires, and galaxies void of technology. Now, the key to escaping the oppressive reign of the ruthless sorceress known as Mother might lie in TIM-21’s human “brother“ Andy—now a father of a young girl named Mila—getting off-planet, rediscovering technology. and learning of TIM-21’s true fate after the War of the Robots. Thankfully, Andy’s robotic dog, Bandit, appeared out of nowhere and with some serious weaponized upgrades. If you are a <i>Descender </i>fan like me, then <i>Ascender </i>continues the compelling saga without missing a beat while delivering Nguyen’s stunning watercolored artwork and delivering characters you have no choice but to fall in love with. Can you read <i>Ascender </i>without having read <i>Descender</i>? I suppose, but doing so will cause you to miss out on vital backstory and crucial character moments that will make <i>Ascender</i> that much more impactful. You will cheer characters as they reappear into the story and have your heart crushed to learn the fate of others, but most importantly you will be unable to put this book down as you become part of the story and fall in love with the various characters like Andy, Bandit, Telsa, and the others. I wouldn’t be surprised to see <i>Ascender</i> at the top of next year’s Roundup.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47002183&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Murder Falcon</a></i></h3>
(Everythinged by Daniel Warren Johnson, colored by Mike Spicer, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2ZDfYVh" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpEJrVsDQpUr1Y3BRvKApW7-_jFv72BOOOkqF5I_cgBcztKhShBMY8vmD26RV_eFrBvRv8ZhYsAOA0YrM2OJP9LJWSZtzV_wMxaaS1AWjZrc7M6ZjBdFDvXEEsBqFLgn7yp8yubKDgG5I/s200/MurderFalcon_tpb.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
Yeah, speaking of heartbreak…this dang book, man. Okay, I’m fully aware that the premise might not grab your average comic book reader, but y’all need to trust me on this one’s absolute greatness. Okay…monsters exist and run rampant across the city with no one that can stop them. That is until Jake, a former heavy metal guitarist who gave up music after a tragic event, comes home to find his shattered guitar restored and a hulking falcon/Rambo-type creature with a mechanical arm standing in his living room and begging Jake to pick up the “Axe” once again. After some convincing, it all comes back to Jake as he shreds, Murder Falcon’s power grows and he is able to fight the monsters. I know, it sounds odd, but even not factoring in Johnson’s lovely art—he is my current favorite artist…DAMN, you need to see his character designs and how he expresses motion and speed…whoa, mama—the story is one that will take you by surprise and quickly upend what you think is happening, all while having you bang your head to the metal riffs the art invokes before leaving you wiping away the tears. It is a tale of perseverance and friendship and loss and one you will return to often. <i>Murder Falcon </i>is a remarkable achievement that once you give it a chance, you will be a DWJ convert.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49889903&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Wonder Woman: Dead Earth</a></i></b></h3>
</div>
<div>
(Everythinged by Daniel Warren Johnson, colored by Mike Spicer, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49889903&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo2hMK4NYtUYRFcf9N-SgOq4gP8JaaLPCN7qmPeInODpbB2b-J6I66Bk_zMyplW1_3Zc06W0M10AChxsQXP2dxlomN0WyQ6ZNISoi84ARtuymZT3vcauIGwEblhNpIhBSSvPBkdcBU1oz/s200/WonderWomanDeadEarth_01.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div>
I know, I know. “Only one issue of this four-issue limited series came out this year, so how the heck can you include it as one of your favorite comics for an entire year?!" Well, simple: my site, my rules, and I was honestly moved by this single comic. It was also another Johnson book that had some great monsters, battles, and backgrounds. Equal part mystery and post-apocalyptic nightmare, Wonder Woman awakens many years in the future to find the heroes of Earth are dead and/or gone and her powers are greatly diminished. Monsters roam the wastelands as the remnants of humanity continue their wicked ways and attempt to dominate one another as resources run scarce and hope dwindles. But with Diana’s return, humankind sees a sliver of light shining amidst the darkness as the Princess of Power encounters old friends/enemies as she attempts to understand how she became cryogenically frozen and what really happened to her world and its heroes. Not only does this oversized, double-length comic give you a form factor that allows you to see Johnson’s stunning art in all of its glory, but the story also pulls you in and won’t let you go until you reach its end. I’m fairly certain you will be seeing this comic featured in 2020’s Year-End Roundup this time next year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/36erg4M" target="_blank">Silver Surfer Black</a></i></b></h3>
<div>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Tradd Moore, colored by Dave Stewart, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2tcavbZ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXdytPujS4qWAwIVQ8RmZh0p01OI9MxyiY4yXdJF1T39hO37PaUM9Giy5mdPXrRPH1QInZ6oX9zH92aNNUy5ZT206v1miDIRtr0TmO6lj6PwaERu-vkv8vr8h2moSqIl8NY95lUt92pen/s200/SilverSurferBlack_Treasury.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div>
Marvel is at their best when they take risks such as bringing us some non-standard comic book fare. Indeed, <i>Silver Surfer Black</i> is unlike any of Marvel’s other comics on the shelves thanks to the mind-bending beauty of Moore’s tripadelic art that is pushed to heavenly heights by Stewart’s gloriously flat and brilliantly vibrant colors. Even if the story was about something dumb like the Surfer delivering some lost mail across the galaxy, the art alone would make the five-issue miniseries a must-buy comic. Thankfully, the story is well worth the price of admission, too. Here, Cates has the Surfer confront Knull the God of the Symbiotes, travel back in time, weigh killing a destroyer of galaxies before he is even born, and teaming up with a young Ego the Living Planet all while the Surfer is slowly consumed by Knull’s darkness. This five-issue series was a wonderful surprise and one you should definitely pick up as the oversized <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2tcavbZ" target="_blank">Silver Surfer Black Treasury Edition</a></i> which I am going to order later this afternoon so I can enjoy Moore’s art at an even larger scale. Dang, I hope hope hope these two join forces for a followup of some sort in 2020.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2rG9Yyx" target="_blank">Little Bird</a></i></b></h3>
<div>
(Written by Darcy Van Poelgeest, illustrated by Ian Bertram, colored by Matt Hollingsworth, lettered by Aditya Bidikar, designed by Ben Didier, published by Image Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2rG9Yyx" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="336" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIJl_Mr4oLFgKYqT1ZuREl_75B0PW0roIejjY15aNNdhIfSO0Fcr-vgT_8MChREnPCokGUYBEpinBJCuIJeSRmtwxcukDdJ0YRqYTwTz5_MVdnKs1Ld57f7bntb673SMB4CpSVsv062s1/s200/LittleBird_HC.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<div>
Another jaw-dropping limited series was the five-issue <i>Little Bird</i> from Image that positively blew me away. I stupidly passed on this title when I first saw it sitting at my LCS, but after some hype around the web, I knew I had made a grand mistake letting this one pass me by. Thankfully, a couple of weeks later, my store had a copy and I learned what all of the fuss was about. Having somewhat of a European comic vibe that you would expect to see in the pages of <i>Heavy Metal Magazine</i>, <i>Little Bird</i> is set in a dystopic future where the United Nations of America (a theocratically ruled US of A that I find positively horrifying) has recently decimated a village, killing all but a hidden child known as “Little Bird.” Seeking revenge, Little Bird looks to free a Canadian hero with enhanced abilities known as The Axe from a UNA prison so she can settle the score once and for all. Oh so gorgeously rendered by Bertram (and prompting me to seek out any and all things this man has illustrated) and expertly told by Van Poelgeest, <i>Little Bird</i> was a true surprise and one that had me rushing to my LCS to be sure I didn’t miss a single issue. The hardcover collection is definitely the way to go with this series, and I cannot wait to see the follow up that Van Poeleest mentioned he and Bertram were working on for release in 2020. Oh, my stars and garters, that one week that saw an issue of both <i>Little Bird</i> and <i>Silver Surfer Black </i>drop made for one helluva comic book brain bender of an evening.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2th77fE" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk</a></i></b></h3>
<div>
(Written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Joe Bennett, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2th77fE" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="332" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJuVYyTnTEv8H1Amjh9bMgVW3dKaDkAQehEiHNGRzfsSf1tlUQ66pyi_jkiT1MWlgNCnd8gyemHqvmKUrVuWAwze2OZenv4cfn7i9nUCS5wt8WFLbj3Rzp7uTCsGgxq4nqHJfm5Hce0gS/s200/TheImmortalHulk_HC.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div>
Once again, I have to commend Marvel for taking a chance by taking one of their most well-known characters and completely turning expectations on their head by making <i>The Immortal Hulk </i>a horror comic. Since the beginning of this award-winning series, The Hulk hunts the problems facing the Earth and confronts them in the harshest of ways. A human kills another human in a horrific manner? The Hulk deals with them. A gamma-irradiated monster lurks in the countryside? The Hulk deals with him. A multi-national company with a sociopathic CEO (who is also a minotaur) who devastates the climate in the name of profits? Oh, yeah, the Hulk deals with him, too. The thing is, the Hulk doesn’t seek to put the offensive parties in prison. No. He does what he does best: he smashes, he destroys, he obliterates. And it is all spectacular thanks to Bennett’s beautiful-yet-unnerving line work. You haven’t seen disturbing until you’ve seen the Hulk caught mid-transformation or the Abomination spitting acid on one of his victims and Ewing‘s story presses all of the right Donist buttons especially when the Hulk takes on corporate juggernauts. At 28 issues as of this writing, <i>The Immortal Hulk </i>only gets better and better and I hope to be reading Ewing and Bennett’s powerhouse comic for years to come.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2th77fE" target="_blank">House of X/Powers of X</a></i></b></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Pepe Laraz and R.B. Silva, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Q8zllO" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="337" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6um-S8X_6pcGF6Qx2SayUUv9VPC5k9dnH0-V_1whqGyFO0yNZkuRGBoLmaWy_BteHyP3mj-0uZTh0HeIOzeHywVV-h-JMVSbFe43HQKdIIqqNQdNnkEC6x7aiop3n8JzabsPqcROtfT3/s200/HouseOfXPowersOfX_HC.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div>
At the beginning of 2019, if you had told me that I would be not just enjoying but enthusiastically rushing to the comic book store for 12 weeks straight to buy an X-Men comic—an event no less!—I would have surely thought you were mad. Well, I <i>was</i> mad for not trusting in Hickman to bring me back to the mutants I used to love so much so many decades ago. In this event, <i>House of X</i> told the main story at a single point in time while <i>Powers of X</i> jumped back and forward (year one, year ten, year one hundred, and year one thousand). In this series, newly-revealed-to-be-a-mutant Moira MacTaggert attempts to help Charles Xavier and Magneto to ensure mutantkind is not eradicated by humanity. To do this, the trio develope some creative ways to help mutants thrive and never die out: they establish their own nation on Krakoa island, they develope pharmaceuticals to provide all of the money they will ever need, and they unite mutants by giving some of the X-Men’s past enemies a seat at the decision table. <i>Hox/PoX</i> wrapped near the beginning of October, and I still cannot stop thinking about Moira’s revealed power, or the revelations of keeping mutants alive and well (hint: It involves Goldballs), or the details of Xavier’s plans. This was a wholly satisfying event (something you almost <i>never</i> hear me say) and one that was expertly plotted and executed and ultimately did the impossible: it brought me back to the X-Men fold. The recently released collection is the way to go for this one, but I will say that I hope to see more of the “X<sup>2</sup>: Year One Hundred (The War)” mutants at some point in the future.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">X-Men</a></i></b></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Leinel Francis Yu, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTEbZIJJumpJOZVd6TNX01G_WAu7v9noGT4hXK4JRT3GhurH9L2gFCQNgNqXOOf-QMy-zbLqG_xPRqtdw-FAoAcOSpiAAFdY5DHCd4cl4-Ci_iOdI5Eyvif9rW4DutmPN5_Lms9xo4I6k/s200/X-Men.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
It makes sense that the event that brought me back to the X-Men, also kept me glued for the inevitable release of the new <i>X-Men </i>comic. Only three issues of this ongoing series have been released thus far, but Hickman’s carefully plotted and expertly paced story have pulled me in while introducing me to newer characters and potential villains. I love that a sentient island is a prominent character and that Cyclops is no longer the punching bag he has been for the past decade or two. Along with this book came fiver or six other titles that I have not yet read, but I intend to look into at some point in the future, but for the time being, I intend to stay with <i>X-Men</i> for as long as Hickman is attached to the book. If you were as thrilled as I was by <i>House of X/Powers of X</i> as I was, then picking up the continuing story is an easy decision to make. I’m sure a trade or two will drop over the course of 2020.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://amzn.to/2BDanTq" target="_blank">Gideon Falls</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2QCbslI" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7LA8mQW_sxE1cT7DKkHsCc9ZE_ofWLUmkiNFhXpYH8IbFcECIDlxrU5HNzjge5xcsu0j0z5Pp3mTysXXfRLmOBb9kBawXz5BQ0_npqD3KoL9WbBTcbkPP4TXGRq7s6GcENS7q947K37G/s200/GideonFalls_v1.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
Lemire and Sorrentino, the same creators who brought <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Rb9SK0" target="_blank">The Green Arrow</a></i></b>, <i><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2ReoR5J" target="_blank">Old Man Logan</a></b></i>, and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461431&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Joker: Killer Smile</a></i> (which would be #11 on this list!) to life, join together to bring a comic series that can be likened to a more horror-tinged <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2VbIH0y" target="_blank">Twin Peaks</a></i></b>. A couple issues in and this creepy-as-all-get-out story was optioned for television after a bidding war. <i>Gideon Falls</i> tells the tale of a priest with a mysterious past who moves to the countryside after his predecessor's bewildering death and a presumably mentally ill man in the city who hunts through the area’s trash for fragments of the Black Barn, a mysterious structure that causes death and despair whenever it appears. Even more alarming is the terrifying Laughing Man, who has escaped the confines of the Black Barn to rain murder and mayhem against all who cross his path. Parallel worlds, infernal machines, secret societies, and an unrelenting evil make this series one of my most disturbing and anticipated reads with every new release. There’re currently three trades available with a fourth dropping in April 2020.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=44942612&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Doomsday Clock</a></i></h3>
(Written by Geoff Johns, illustrated by Gary Frank, published by DC Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2tiA8Yu" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="319" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbXvpmqvzAVLqnJGYV-HUgLwFkhwlQXafS3HLEBKieJ7HdLh7UAUbJRGnoB-XfREfr4EuSMnx0n34AcU8u2_H2XQbrX9Y_aVj6YQCujOvXeHAJEW47hx-0HmwB8OqzTUjTnyn4r9Z4zBa/s200/DoomsdayClock_HC_v1.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
Okay, I have a sneaking suspicion that the story Johns and Frank initially set out to tell morphed into the thing that we ultimately got. That’s okay, though, I still thoroughly enjoyed <i>Doomsday Clock</i> as it was the comic I never thought I would ever see: a meeting of the DCU with that of Alan Moore’s <i style="font-weight: bold;">Watchmen</i>. Does this mean that we will soon see the Mime and the Marionette tormenting Batwoman? Or Rorschach investigating a conspiracy as The Question attempts to capture the deranged vigilante? Or Ozymandias creating a shell corporation to take over Queen Industries and aggressively attacking the oil industry? I have no idea, but I hope so. I honestly don’t really even know what the ending of this story holds for the DCU or the world of Watchmen going forward, but, again, that’s okay. The creators had some hefty shoes to fill and they did so brilliantly, creating a style and tone consistent with the original work and expanding upon it to create an interesting, ominous, and at times exciting story that fans of both Watchmen and the DC heroes can enjoy provided they give it a chance. I look forward to rereading <i>Doomsday Clock</i> in one fell swoop—without the story flow damaging, lengthy delays—to see all of the finer points I missed the first time through. Still, I hope to hear what Johns and Frank’s original vision was for the series, but as long as we get more Mime and Marionette, I will be a happy camper.<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<br />
<h2>
But wait, I’m sure there's more...</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
I'm sure there are plenty of other comics I somehow forgot to mention or have not yet bought or read in 2019. If there are any glaring omissions, please let me know. There's plenty of room at the Donist World corporate offices for more comics and...hold on a sec...actually, Amy the intern (my wife) has corrected me and said that "No, there is not plenty of room here." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><psssttt...hey denizens, let me know anyways. I can totally sneak more comics in on the down-low. Just let me know. We can do this…></span><br />
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Stay tuned next week for the “Donist World 2019 Year-End Roundup! (Part 2)”<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-79928090091109883552019-12-22T12:59:00.000-08:002019-12-22T12:59:35.147-08:00Slice of Heaven 12/22/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/devourer of comics Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Keeping this one short as there’s a ton of books to go over and I now have some work-work to do. Tulip and Reverse Obie also have some planning to be sure we remain a Fortune 320,000 company in the year 2020…they’re also hitting me up for some petty cash to fund some “research” they say they need to do at the local taco shop, which kinda sounds like a good idea. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a drink (you deserve it…unless that’s not your thing) and see if you can dig up some of those dark chocolate and mint cookies from Trader Joes, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br />
<br />
***Possible Spoilers Below***<br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49889903&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Wonder Woman: Dead Earth #1</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Most everythinged by Daniel Warren Johnson, colored by Mike Spicer, lettered by Rus Wooton, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49889903&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9n2-084cKT58gMN7YwPGajKm9MlRUb-A0LzA_lvCNwY0Rco-oiq0Uf4ptxSiAH6GWe0bhhsOcnsTPflQai75_Kupgqbw8oXvkKt18PaVfL8gWWSpxyrgkNtdXzuUp9D7N_Pc-rAP6Kvv/s200/WonderWomanDeadEarth_01.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div>
After being blown away by the must-own <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PLxjYE" target="_blank">Extremity</a></i>, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Zf3xi2" target="_blank">Murder Falcon</a></i>, <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2ELAxVL" target="_blank">Space Mullet</a></i></b>, and his art on <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PMKqZP" target="_blank">Ghost Fleet</a></i> over the past couple of years, Daniel Warren Johnson's new comic miniseries looks to continue rocking this Donist’s world with a beautifully paced, gloriously illustrated, and ultimately thrilling Black Label Wonder Woman comic. When <i>Murder Falcon </i>ended earlier this year, I immediately hit the interwebs to find what Johnson’s next project would be. If it ended up being a creator-owned comic about the<i> Housewives of Some City</i>, I would have gleefully picked it up and because of this man’s compelling writing and his stunning, kinetically-charged art, I would have loved it. Thankfully, that’s not what we got this week. I only <i>just</i> read the solicit about this <i>Elseworlds-esque</i> title a month or two ago and made an audible “Ooooooooooooo” at the cover and preview pages for what will ultimately be a four-issue miniseries.</div>
<div>
Here, Wonder Woman awakens to a world devastated by a nuclear bomb. She has no idea how she ended up in a state of suspended animation, but she has little time to consider her situation as a horrific monster known as a Haedra attacks her and the young scavengers who accidentally released her from her state of near-death. Wonder Woman defeats the terrifying creature but quickly realizes her strength is greatly diminished and her protective bracers are gone. Infinitely worse, what remains of the planet is on the verge of extinction as resources dwindle and the haedras ravage all in their path. Fighting monsters and attempting to restore hope to those who have none, the Princess of Power must use what remaining might she has and a lifetime of skills to save what remains of humanity.</div>
<div>
Love this, love this, love this! Johnson may as well have created this comic specifically for me: Wonder Woman, post-apocalyptic landscapes, monsters, old villains/allies mutated by radiation, incredible stakes, this comic has it all. Couple that with stunning visuals from my favorite artist of the past couple of years and there is no way I would miss this exciting adventure. What’s even better is that this “Prestige Plus” format book is about twice as long, magazine-sized, and printed on a higher quality paper. Sure it retails for $6.99, but with these specs and such an amazing story and such heavenly artwork—complete with thrilling fight scenes, sound effects you can feel in your bones, and masterful storytelling—<i>Wonder Woman: Dead Earth</i> is the superhero comic of the holiday season that you need the most.</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461431&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Joker: Killer Smile #2</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, colored by Jordie Bellaire, lettered by Steve Wands, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461431&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdabjxt7BXT096hYrWKnI3vcM55iqXVyZromWWtuY5Kz2114oRCVij-YPt_IGKhhZzlHsRJhPT_z3Unmd31cupoHiMt4-iP6DEsXvdC77hXwIiR38xi9CCSnkEcCfMB4zLLQlLh73PxUI/s200/JokerKillerSmile_02.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div>
May as well continue on the DC Black Label train with the second installment of <i>Joker: Killer Smile</i>. The interesting thing about this fascinating look into the detrimental effect sustained exposure to the Joker’s presence can have on a person is that the Joker is not the main character of the book. The protagonist is actually Dr. Ben Arnell, a psychotherapist who seeks to cure the Clown Prince of Crime of his maladies. The Joker only appears on a handful of pages, but Lemire and Sorrentino channel the creeping, foreboding sense of dread they bring to their Image Comics title <i style="font-weight: bold;">Gideon Falls</i> and the Joker’s presence and influence oozes into nearly every panel of every page. It’s all rather disturbing in the best of ways for this psychological thriller. I’m not certain if this is a three or four-issue miniseries, I just know that I’m aboard for the entire unnerving ride.</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=45666968&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Gideon Falls #19</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered and designed by Steve Wands, published by Image Comics)<br />
While we are on the subject of Lemire and Sorrentino, <i>Gideon Falls</i> continues to be a spine-tingling mind trip as the lead characters travel between parallel worlds (I <i>think</i> that’s whats going on) as they attempt to discover the secrets of the Black Barn and to stop its evil from affecting the world(s). Unfortunately, the “Smiling Man” walks the Earth and death follows in his wake with only the Ploughmen to either kill the evil entity or put it back in the Black Barn forever. <i>Gideon Falls</i> will someday soon become a television series and you should definitely get caught up with the soon to be <a href="https://amzn.to/32x2ivF" target="_blank">three available trades</a> worth of mindbending and awesome horror.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=45666968&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorRkZskMA2VtOG0FEklmqqGXfFzLMc49F2l0tp_L17akeVkL11eoGlSInWZPOj3tnrFqrklzYu9Z1lC1b6SVlKBb5CRppYM7SjzhaxgQaRw4JhMZuWasgvHKbY3T9OWSMKGZ0IAjJIzZH/s200/Gideon+Falls_19.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Last God #3</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, illustrated by Ricardo Federici, colored by Sunny Gho with Dean White, lettered by Tom Napolitano, cartography by Jared Brando, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)<br />
Okay, I’m not as lost as to what is going on in this exciting new fantasy series as I was last time but I should reread all three of the currently available issues so I can get a better grasp on the key players and to help things make a tad bit more sense. That said, I love this gorgeously illustrated comic of myth, magic, monsters, and mayhem. If you are a fan of fantasy/adventure regardless of what form it takes—comics/novels/movies/television—then you need to be buying this series and showing DC that taking a step outside of their comfort zone is worth their risk so we can continue to see more of the like of this great series.<br />
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHUJmMt_wJJwkRLMQtHpiBUU5TPQiieFnHb2-_r3RqfeUoDGaaHr1cs5TDih9mcrjdGAvTapVsPECjLXwdqk7GukpVLJVjEkhS-Oo4d_cIovIAxF7LXSXKP2oF2yYqJkmY5Aek8w_oXoh/s200/TheLastGod_03.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49772736&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Family Tree #2</a></i></b></h3>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
</h3>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Phil Hester, inked by Eric Gapstur, colored by Ryan Cody, lettered by Steve Wands, edited by Will Dennis, published by Image Comics)<br />
If you had told me I was going to be reading a comic book about a little girl who is steadily transforming into a tree, I wouldn’t have believed you. But add that the girl is being hunted by a bunch of bald, weirdo, white guys and that her absent grandfather would return with a wooden hand to protect his family, then my curiosity would be peaked but probably not enough to pick up the book. All it takes is to mention Lemire as the writer and Hester as the artist and this comic jumps firmly into my pull list. At two issues in, the mystery as to what is going on deepens and Lemire’s incredible character development seals the deal that this is yet another of his comics we all need to be reading. I’m excited to see where this goes.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49772736&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP-B0zcxT0NDWfSxYmUwmiUb74CNk-iNSaDxWJBYSMhb7cya6_P49MP_CMAExQ0D87YZttdf9c3uraJSn_hOipyOOPxOvtqe6MURVCE85g3AO9JD7oZjhIvxjjhJkL0I4YCUjNH1pwNr9/s200/FamilyTree_02.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25139426&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Deadly Class #42</a></i></b></h3>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Wes Craig, colored by Justin Boyd, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Briah Skelly, production by Erika Schnatz, published by Image Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
A house party in the middle of snow-covered nowhere with many of the students of King’s Dominion Atelier? What could possibly go wrong? Who’s hooking up with whom? Who’s heart is going to be broken? Who’s going to do some experimenting? Who’s going to get straight-up murdered? Find out in this kickass new issue. If you are interested in a story about the students who attend a high school for assassins then you should definitely check out the <a href="https://amzn.to/2NvznDa" target="_blank">eight trades</a> or the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PYnMy6" target="_blank">two oversized hardcovers</a>.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25139426&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KI8PZB_M0ol7DpsbWkiegpixRwbOKPjGK9ll8Nybr7g5yV3MNPi5Vkt_kes-dQrM5CCxPofOEpd3nB3emL_d3eJokdDAZQlROPxqJwmRIc2iS1hR6iyWGJ_vAGjhbJN8utbVy4brsSeI/s200/DeadlyClass_42.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49773745&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Undiscovered Country #2</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Scott Snyder and Charles Soule, illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Daniele Orlandini, colored by Matt Wilson, lettered by Crank!, published by Image Comics)<br />
I’m still excited about this series despite not fully knowing who all the players are in this dystopic, futuristic adventure comic, but I’m sure they will all start to click as the series progresses. What grabs me the most is the premise and mystery behind what happens when the United States builds a wall around the entire country and shuts down all forms of communication to the outside world for 30 years…until now. This one is going to be intense. I can’t wait to see what the creators have in store for us.<br />
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49773745&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8v4gBZDric5SB2FzO1PUh_Qoi3kpWArveQ5FI6252JpGczrYDzUw0bx-Xz93vlCh96TcHY1xP1slBQjpuavamF5WoztGZzyMrZ6ZEIdhXh2He71A2S0OBavuCoLrFA1wTqsqlEcdjOKZ_/s200/UndiscoveredCountry_02.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #28</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Al Ewing, art by Tom Reilly and Matías Bergara, colored by Chris O'Halloran, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
Even with a guest-artist, <i>The Immortal Hulk </i>continues to be the best, most consistent comic Marvel has been putting out in some time. Although mostly a stand-alone issue, there are moments that show Dario Agger (the Minotaur) acting as you would expect your typical CEO to act (ohhhhh, burn!) and coming to a plan of how to deal with his Hulk problem. The rest of the issue follows a security guard who is fed a steady stream of steamin’ hot right-wing radio/Faux News bullshit that has turned this once happy man into a fear-ridden, hate-filled husk who talks of the “Deep State” and knows all too well what it means to “stand your ground.” When a bunch of Roxxon protestors wearing plastic Hulk masks arrive at his facility, this Roxxon security guard thinks he knows what to do next. I can already hear a few chants of “why’d they have to go and make things political?!?!” My answer: because it fits the Hulk’s mission, it is relevant to the times, and it’s one helluva story. You all need to be reading this incredible horror/superhero title, which you can do with the <a href="https://amzn.to/34l8esw" target="_blank">beautiful hardcover</a> or via the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Q8D3e4" target="_blank">readily available trades</a>.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTvz0wUpg7dCPem4zSHY6dVXe8P8EZx9xT6Bn8aM9FdIgQ684VPZYFP7YzvK_CfBNKuXh3OO8Fw6vhuCPMb6aVvMRB8ooMfV9um0uOSQh9bwN7zHOEh70Dzs2UJfbIKl0zuEMLZUvKi49/s200/TheImmortalHulk_28.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy #12</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Cory Smith and a bunch of guest artists, inked by Victor Olazaba, colored by David Curial, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
And with that, Cates’s run on <i>Guardians of the Galaxy </i>comes to an end. As Rocket’s strength slowly fades and death draws ever closer, he shows the Church of Universal truth why he is never to be underestimated. This issue is a fitting close to this series as it pays homage to the exciting cosmic stories of the past few years, while opening the door to the next <i>Guardians</i> run that will be helmed by Al Ewing (yup, <i>that</i> Al Ewing). You might also get a bit teary-eyed with the ending Rocket sequence…I’ll leave it at that.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rA8SumdOV429lNMGjDGNI8tGAbRh3lP20KNPfqRgoV1xtZGAvHSzyh6bly8vy1hJVP4Pfg-BR5zX_fltWRhXRjoHLW586uKyawQxhwHVGYF-LmoMVPHD9UK1UZAIwTj9IFKFt_3Xa9vb/s200/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy_12.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i>Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child</i></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">(Written by Frank Miller, illustrated by Rafael Grampá, colored by Jordie Bellaire, lettered by John Workman and Deron Bennett, published by DC Comics on their Black Label)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Yup…“Why’d they have to make it political?!?!” To which I say, “Sigh, this is not for you, none of the good/great comics are.” Anyways, I will do full disclosure that I have not read any of Miller’s Dark Knight books since </span><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=606421&AffID=644543P01" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Dark Knight Strikes Again</a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, so I don’t know anything about the main stars of this series other than Carrie Kelley is now Batwoman and a kickass one at that. I don’t know what happened to Bruce Wayne or Clark Kent, and Clark’s kids—Lara and Jonathan—appear to be a couple of the new heroes of this future world. Lara struggles to understand why she should bother saving humanity, while Jonathan maintains more of his father’s ideals. Here, Darkseid has joined with the Joker (a Joker? the original Joker only younger? no idea) and the pair seek to get a Trump-style stooge elected via good-ol’-fashioned GOP voter suppression. It’s the Trump-supporting Jokers versus the anti-fascists Bat mob and I loved every second of it even though I was a shade lost at times from not having read </span><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=33810659&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">DKIII: The Master Race</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, although it wasn’t too difficult to fill in the blanks. Again, full disclosure, I probably would not have picked up this book if not for the fact that Grampá (if you can find it, check out his hard-to-find-but-worth-the-search </span><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19781325&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Mesmo Delivery Service</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">) was providing the oh-so-gooey-gorgeous art, but after reading this fun one-shot, it is safe to say that I definitely want to see more more more of these creators tackling this rich world.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49889842&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ-tws3g7SDXe2kGz-xu-EpslrC09BxtlouLQDhdccVD7rR6Aq_evxtu7o3MHk_Wns93V53gRLugTwNbR_nA61k-Y5t44n8uvHdefc5cmH8vjBx5y5zpCEzarBStJ7vVYGNjCFuJKBSmm/s200/DarkKnightReturnsTheGoldenChild_01.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=44942612&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Doomsday Clock #12</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-weight: 700;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">(Written by Geoff Johns, illustrated by Gary Frank, colored by Brad Anderson, lettered by Rob Leigh, published by DC Comics)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m going to need to read this one from beginning to end in one fell swoop. The lengthy delays between issues greatly affected the story flow, but now that this one-year event that took almost two years to come out is done, I’m sure it will make a heck of a lot more sense. I also have a suspicion that the story Johns and Frank set out to tell was altered midway through per some sort of editorial edict, but regardless of what did/did not happen, I still enjoyed this ambitious project and see it as a win. I love the whole Superman “versus” Dr. Manhattan angle and how various pieces are put back in place while others appear to be left on the board for future stories. Frank’s art is lovely as ever, especially on a couple of double-page spreads that need to be seen to be believed. I never thought a story like this would ever see the light of day, but I’m glad it did. Whether or not the end product is what the creators originally intended, <i>Doomsday Clock</i> still rocked this Donist’s world.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=44942612&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hD_X1_xhATADhlEngBIkdVLVLzM-YFr2DU3XKJD_9nCv9w-dp8arrTVyBy8PyswodjWKMg9RosEve-J_gsy4sZiu5IZOgc5hwsi93lpOFz6stx6FeRL7IzjFVSP60Ucc9mG9j_r-dbjA/s200/DoomsdayClock_12.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Whoa, Nelly. That about does it for this installment. Have a happy holiday season and I hope to see you next time. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-53379203394607144842019-12-15T16:28:00.001-08:002019-12-15T16:31:43.387-08:00Comics Lust 12/12/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/holiday cookie hoarder Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). It’s been a crazy week for work holiday parties and get-togethers, and the same is true of my puppy executive team and me. We too had a Donist World shindig of a holiday party where we listened to Prince songs between Christmas classics and sipped on mint-tinged hot chocolate with marshmallows and enjoyed frosted cookies after some carnitas tacos; it was all rather lovely. For those concerned, Tulip and Reverse Obie did not have any of the hot chocolate (you know, poison to dogs and all) but instead, each dog had mugs of beef bone broth topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with lamb-flavored kibble. Ghastly, I know, I tried it after they dared me to take a sip. Let’s just say I’ll stick to hot chocolate. Anyhow, take a breath, the end of the holidays is nigh, let your shoulders relax, grab some hot chocolate (add a shot of somethin’-somethin’ to it if that’s your thing), buy and hoard as many boxes of Trader Joe's “Dark Chocolate and Mint Stars” cookies as you can fit into your house, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
Not sure what “Comics Lust” is about? Take a look at the <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2017/08/comics-lust-8252017.html" target="_blank">Introduction</a> to “Comics Lust” post or take a look at the static “<a href="http://www.donistworld.com/p/comics-lust-table-of-contents.html" target="_blank">Comics Lust Table of Contents</a>” page to jump to a topic.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</h1>
<h2>
Comics Lust</h2>
<h3>
<i>Bingemode (Part 2)</i></h3>
<div>
For the “Bingemode” series of posts, I’ve been thinking of what constitutes binging a comic book series: how many issues qualify a comic as being a binge read, do I binge a specific title or does a binge reading cover a character across multiple titles, can a title/character cover multiple publishers, or can a binge cover multiple works by a particular creator. Now, I’ve pretty much been reading large-run, single series over the past year, but here’s what I’m thinking:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Binging a comic has to be greater than 12 issues (sorry, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=221301&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Squadron Supreme</a></i> by Mark Gruenwald and Bob Hall)</li>
<li>But, if I toss in the related <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=479561&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Squadron Supreme Death of a Universe</a></i> graphic novel, then that puts it in the running. (Dang, now I can’t wait to read those)</li>
<li>Some creators have a large body of work in shorter form factors. I’m thinking Jeff Lemire, or a bunch of Alan Moore stories, or whatever, just so long as those works exceed the equivalent of 12 issues</li>
<li>It probably won’t be a series you can read in a single weekend…unless you get sick or commit to doing nothing but hammering through a grip of comics</li>
<li>Heck, it can even be theme-based or something. Perhaps something like reading every comic book in existence that had an ostrich as the main character and I’m gonna tell y’all about it</li>
</ul>
<div>
Those are some basic rules that I will pretty much stick to. So, by all means, let’s proceed with “Bingemode”!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i>Ex Machina</i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Brian K. Vaughan, mostly illustrated by Tony Harris; inked by Tom Feister, colored mostly by JD Mettler; lettered by Jared K. Fletcher, published by Wildstorm Productions, a DC Comics imprint)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL37g-btSAUGQcbXvoNjEpWkZMYmB2YsVWg7hTejHiAQa54v5g387hm2uZF-VItn6WKOAaUFwKIw9eQtFmaJirFtznWuIpCQwPrpv3cSU94vaqjdJ71DhLABEHCX2lCwu4-gBb-YXsUd5/s200/ExMachina_01.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
Almost exactly nine years ago I talked about the release of the tenth and final volume of the amazing—and sadly all too politically relevant in today’s world—<i>Ex Machina</i>. I had started Donist World in March of 2010 and I reviewed <i>Ex Machina, Volume 10: Term Limits</i> by the end of that year. I had been reading the series in trade form since the release of the first volume back in 2005, and I loved each installment when it dropped. I remember the ache of the long wait between releases, and my satisfaction at reading that final page before sliding the book alongside its brothers and sisters on the bookshelf stashed away in the “Closet of Doom.” And there it sat for eight and a half years until we moved this past summer.<br />
After packing and moving a ton of books (literally?) and organizing my trades onto some new shelves that were not situated in a scary, hidden, dark cave of a closet but were now situated in plain view, I knew Vaughan and Harris’s compelling series was at the top of my reread pile. So, with a beer in hand, a patio lounge chair, and a large umbrella to break up the heat, I settled in for what ended up being a two-week journey.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhby4THiwAiLECWFGHqTSL4sf7_mhwubbuj13AQJ5P2zlZixOGwRe7q0Vk9EzKxruqo13T1V7l4kvlxQUzWcrre9x-Iz3O9Kp9IVLGFMwJEpSBXNreSnE_wZUku6FrJAuw5ksMTYYrfgoX6/s200/ExMachina_14.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<i>Ex Machina</i> is the story of Mitchell Hundred, a civil engineer in New York who is lead to a mysterious, green, glowing artifact affixed underwater to the Brooklyn Bridge. The item explodes, tearing away Hundred’s left ear and scarring much of the left side of his face. But the horror doesn’t stop there. Hundred immediately begins to hear the machines of the city talking to him and overwhelmed by trauma and the mechanical voices, he screams for them to stop, which they do as the entire city goes dark. Fast forward a little while later, Hundred has recovered from his injuries and after some plastic surgery is made to appear somewhat normal aside from a few strands a glowing, green circuitry clinging to the side of his head. Together with his friend Bradbury (the harbor patrolman who brought Hundred to the artifact) and his childhood father figure “Kremlin” (a surly, Russian immigrant and friend of the family who encourages Hundred’s use of his newfound abilities), he decides to become “The Great Machine,” a costumed superhero devoted to keeping the city safe for all. Unfortunately, superheroing is much more difficult than he ever could have imagined; he kind of sucks at it. Despite his troubles in the field, Hundred creates some truly spectacular sci-fi gadgets that come to him in his dreams but even having those at his disposal barely manages to keep him alive when bank robbers shoot his flight pack, or he tries to fly while carrying someone, or just straight misreads a tense situation. But everything changes after Hundred manages to save one of the twin towers after the 9/11 attack and he decides to run as an independent for mayor, which he wins. He trades in the helmet, leather, and flight pack for a suit and tie and a staff of aides as he combats union strikes, freedom of speech at an art exhibit, clashes with political opponents, attempts to calm panic over a killer roaming the streets, and everything else that might keep an elected official (at least the <i>good</i> ones) awake at night. Unfortunately, Hundred’s old life keeps calling as bizarre threats come out of the woodwork and attempt to claw him back into the quagmire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyKwhn3B6eqkVC02h4lzALRVBfOwbmq5mETvKKuNYwd_9c47vfjGOhDYMEaUe5Bt2Mq7jil4IXcOL6WVX6sFNWqsuahXGlYsTDH8-6o3Oqyxpo3mEupoc1PvGFJJmrfaf8Ki2Zc5IwCss/s200/ExMachina_42.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Although I remembered very little about this phenomenal series, picking it up and reading the first volume instantly reminded me of what a fantastic series this is. Much like he had done with <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PsfJZP" target="_blank">Y the Last Man</a></i> (definitely a future “Bingemode” installment), Vaughan instantly pulls you into the characters of the series and makes you love them, even when they make shockingly bad decisions or they fall victim to the whims of madmen. You feel the pain of not just an interesting character’s death, but the pain of those who loved that character; you know their loss. By the time you reach the final page of the final issue, it is safe to say you will gasp at the revelations as certain character arcs come to an end and you realize it was all rather inevitable as much as it all hurts. Harris’s photo referenced art (despite some of his questionable actions over the past few years) on both the interiors and covers is stunning and provides life and drama to this political thriller.<br />
I will say that binging this phenomenal series is the way to go as it keeps the narrative rolling and the intense and complicated situations top of mind as opposed to reading with lengthy gaps between releases. It also helps in that I did not want to put the book down to go to work or go to sleep or what have you. If I could have managed it, I would have read all ten volumes in one sitting, it just wasn’t physically possible. Given the dastardly turn of US and world politics, binging <i>Ex Machina </i>was an easy thing to do and had me shaking my head in disgust at some of the topics and subject matter that Vaughan thankfully does not shy away from.<br />
Now, to read this fine, must-read series you have quite a few options:<br />
<h4>
<b>Issues</b></h4>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina #1–20</a></i> (2004–2006, Wildstorm/DC Comics)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=625951&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina: Special #1–2</a></i> (2006, Wildstorm/DC Comics, guest illustrations by Chris Sprouse)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina #21–29</a> </i>(2006–2007, Wildstorm/DC Comics)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=698651&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina: Inside the Machine #1</a></i> (2007, Wildstorm/DC Comics)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina #30–39</a> </i>(2007–2009, Wildstorm/DC Comics)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=625951&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina: Special #3</a></i> (2007, Wildstorm/DC Comics, guest illustrations by John Paul Leon)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina #40–44</a><span id="goog_1785063312"></span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1785063313"></span></i> (2009, Wildstorm/DC Comics)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=625951&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina: Special #4</a></i> (2009, Wildstorm/DC Comics, guest illustrations by John Paul Leon)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=524271&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina #45–50</a></i> (2009–2010, Wildstorm/DC Comics)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=625951&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ogl8rd7RY1Tq0Vcc7sf_ofwygwn768WWLFA8RuwnuujdfNzmI0vWrlkZT7M0T3pHiBV-aoALZsBzUmQcTV8vEHW3ijR0FayxK-hXo5jc2w47xAHThLN-SW7szPjPJJl5Zv8l-KoyxfYz/s200/ExMachina_Special_03.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Hardcover Collections</h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=13909561&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina: Hardcover Deluxe Edition Volume 1–5</a></i> (2008–2011, DC/Wildstorm)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://amzn.to/38Ga5e7" target="_blank">Ex Machina: The Complete Series Omnibus</a> </i>(2018, Vertigo/DC Comics)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2sxPWXa" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="346" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7xFJMW946awOSXQIBc3GRrQ3K7fuScotVFblQam8GMBFitAyRKv_NBw41W2coOtU8h2ANT9taXDyAakK13j0SSVtTYA9zvjKr4X3iiPV1qQHswRF3YD5Yz8-TJHGKSwTzBkM9OP3lK0P/s200/ExMachina_Omnibus.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<h4>
<b>Trade Paperback Collections</b></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=691501&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><i>Ex Machina </i>Ten Volumes</a> (2005–2010, Wildstorm/DC Comics, this is how I read the series)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25092368&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina: Deluxe Edition #1–5</a> </i><b>(</b>2014–2015, Vertigo/DC Comics, these volumes appear to be out of print)</li>
<li><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50299037&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ex Machina: Compendium Volume 1</a></i> (2020, DC Black Label, coming out soon and looks to contain issues 1–25 and the first two specials)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=50299037&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuatJGEbUvQz-l0pvOQaWpOOYXPlc9DNtD7rPSAX6xJrX8ifsyh2tc-9dCp-aIcla4vEQsGzHy9_dd1v490AYktIFDA8cJrqOeDckTyaGMxpUEnf1npO4CeV4wZoykfTZ0EejYSf4cuvl_/s200/ExMachina_Compendium_01.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And there you have it, Denizens. <i>Ex Machina</i> not only stood up to the test of time, it greatly surpassed my expectations and is one I want Amy the Intern (my wife) to read so we can talk about it. Touching upon racism, gay marriage, abortion, sexism, and many other important topics, it is a superhero comic that greatly downplays the superhero aspects for that of a man trying to make the world a better place while trying not to sell his soul to obtain that which is greater than his ability to talk to machines: political power. For those who frequently utter the phrase <i>why’d he have to go and make this political</i>, this book is not for you…actually, very few of the best comic book series are. But for those with the intelligence (mental and emotional), the patience, and the love of a brilliant political drama, then <i>Ex Machina </i>is one you are going to want to own, place upon your favorite bookshelf, and return to often over the years. You simply must read this damn fine series.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See you next time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-55102478372697715892019-11-30T15:10:00.001-08:002019-11-30T15:10:23.540-08:00Slice of Heaven 11/30/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/Thanksgiving perseverer Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Thanksgiving is done. Black Friday is done. My puppy executive team and I were able to have a somewhat pleasant enough time as Uncle Billy Bob ended up arriving to our family event completely blottoed and was unable to voice any of the usual Faux News “truths” he has been steadily indoctrinated with over the past decade and a half. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a drink (you deserve it…unless that’s not your thing) and see if you can dig up some of those dark chocolate and mint cookies from Trader Joes, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br />
<br />
***Possible Spoilers Below***<br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ascender #7</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, lettered and designed by Steve Wands, edited by Will Dennis, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71lnLjy1raMgjc4FUukJljmgRg2FhW6zoDiV0JqfQMToAstdbdpofGBzZFm7PZhRQ9CEShyphenhyphenWIB4Z7tJMXNU8D2RML4s_ml88w9eJJXMkknZg1WgYokM4UulOMXFyKfprkHZsjaliYTwTk/s200/Ascender_07.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
I LOVE this fantasy adventure series every bit as much as I love Lemire and Nguyen’s first half in their saga, the epic space opera <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/34C9nfu" target="_blank">Descender</a></i>. We’ve been following the blue-skinned, fiery-haired Telsa since the very beginning years ago, and we’ve only just been introduced to Private Second Class, Helda Donnis who by the end of the issue is one of my favorite characters of the series. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise to <i>Descender/Ascender</i> fans; we can’t help but love nearly every character we meet. This month, the creators take us back to Telsa and Dr. Quon’s escape after the destruction wrought by the Descenders who have seemingly vanished forever. The pair disagree on what to do next and go their separate ways. Telsa later comes across former UGC member Helda and the pair team up over the years and witness the collapse of technology, the rise of vampires and other monsters, and they begin a new life sailing the seas…one of the few truly free places remaining. In a short span, we see their relationship grow while learning that Helda is a tremendous and fearless badass of the highest order. Although we barely see Mila, and Andy and Bandit are nowhere to be found, this gorgeously watercolored issue had me whipping through the pages and whispering “no” by the time I reached the end and knew there was nothing I could do about the long, painful, month-long wait until the next issue. <i>Ascender </i>continues to be my favorite comic on the shelves as <i>Descender</i> had been for the past few years. You will be hardpressed to find a comic with both a compelling story and transcendent art as this dang-fine saga.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Venom #20</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Iban Coello and Zé Carlos, colored by Rain Beredo, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyPNoTFSzANhaw1m2trGFm8roHJD0L9egpKZtJP2po4Bs3_ObaiHAZPHWu9Sm2oKyl5z7c6Hk3O4xLJkeXliAYXO2E9Q7ZQSkLB5iJ6WksJv3JEM4j7FxNL0_hTtg4fpq4rf7Wiik2Nd7/s200/Venom_20.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Absolute Carnage</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> might have ended, but this “tie-in” wraps things up on that event, while laying the groundwork of what’s to come. Here, we see Dylan Brock, who has just learned that Eddie Brock (aka Venom) is not his brother but rather his father. The whole sequence is only a few pages, but the rest of the issue—aside from some “previously” expository material and a one-page reveal as to the secret nature of the symbiotes, including Dylan’s revealed abilities—belongs to the Maker and those who he reports to. I will say that I am happy to see Venom’s story return to being contained in its own series as opposed to events/tie-ins/crossovers/guest-appearances/guest-writers/etc and with Knull traveling toward Earth I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’m not sure where we’re headed with <i>Venom</i>, but as long as Cates continues to write and Stegman continues to be the main artist, I’m firmly on board…I just hope there aren’t any other events for a good long while to muddy the flow of the story. You can easily catch up with <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2P4mwaq" target="_blank">Venom</a> </i>through the two available trades and the <i><a href="https://amzn.to/33Bl9oQ" target="_blank">Absolute Carnage</a> </i>trade (released early 2020) as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48008526&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Lazarus: Risen #3</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Michael Lark, colored by Santi Arcas with Tyler Boss, lettered by Simon Bowland, published by Image Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48008526&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrCoz1ds0KAbFWcrOrK1-gLSbGHq-NUt2bon6pIVHKF36_1fB0VCWVcmSb4ZviJKxD0r1l88Dnjc1CTb_HFhY19MJ-yvwIhqOsfPrjF5lPxWsEIq3Rq9hH4g6oIz6wGE-AfP2olEqYKlp/s200/LazarusRisen_03.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
In their previous encounter with Family Vassalovka’s Lazarus, the homicidal monster known as the Zmey, Forever Carlyle and Sonja Bitner were soundly defeated, while a couple of Lazarus allies were killed and many soldiers lost. Today, the Zmey is on the hunt to end the life of a Vassalovka defector, but Forever and Sonja are ready for him. All this while the 14-year-old Forever clone struggles with her place in the world, but her trainer Marisol and her sister Johanna Carlyle look to open up the world to the exceedingly deadly girl. We might only be getting three issues a year, but when they have double the amount of pages and the story and art continue to deliver such high stakes and tension throughout, I’m happy to take what I can get. I strongly suggest reading through the <a href="https://amzn.to/2WT0fyC" target="_blank">five original series trades</a> first before jumping into <i>Lazarus: Risen </i>to become better acquainted with this grim world and the characters within it. This timely and all too relevant series needs to find its way into your hands before the television series drops on Amazon Prime at some point in the future.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Last God #2</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div>
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, illustrated by Ricardo Federici, colored by Sunny Gho with Dean White, lettered by Tom Napolitano, cartography by Jared Brando, published by DC Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBel19W3c8IiAjJKWTGxOrlvUfutdYbEW86q8vsprZsXxYT7aL8nJEcvg08WLAzDm_gKg76nPoU0T0UEJXPh_Z4u9znKYC86jYp1xMcneRNjcoOmk65WGFUiP-v-48irGUbgU0o6KvtljL/s200/TheLastGod_02.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Okay, I think I need to go back and reread the first issue of </span><i style="font-weight: 400;">The Last God</i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as I was a tad bit lost as to what was going on. Despite that, I loved every painstakingly detailed and gorgeously colored illustration in this recently released fantasy series that looks to be an epic in the making. This issue follows Cyanthe and looks at her historical introduction to the Plague of Flowers and the person she becomes 30 years later. Horrors abound afflict the world of Cain Anuun but even those are positively stunning when illustrated by Federici’s delicate pencils and brought to life by Gho’s otherworldly color palette. If you are looking for something to fill the fantasy void left by </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/33GaWYF" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, then look no further than the fascinating new world found in the pages of <i>The Last God.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=24082857&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">East of West #44</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Nick Dragotta, colored by Frank Martin, lettered by Rus Wooton, published by Image Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=24082857&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJR5eoe-ihEklqsP-HDo9ZpZlQmMVJ1Whib8qoK8RDG6LhWICVFI4aCbkNvJEkAMZeYsyRlr5BO4aiQFxGpGUwCKcDduiZz-t61h6NoJSeI9D81EkjJ00sFCcVbfa6FM7QxI5A5EicaJTW/s200/EastOfWest_44.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
Why, oh, why do Hickman and Dragotta have to mess around with the eyes? I mean, there were some earlier issues from a few years ago where we meet an oracle and her creepy-crawly eyeballs…let’s just say that stuff unnerves me somethin’ fierce. Anyway, Mao Xiaolian and her Dragons and Widowmakers are losing the war and when all hope seems lost, a horrifying creature—one we have not seen for a while—appears to change the tide. The three horsemen talk with Babylon about how to handle the boy’s father, and Death <gulp> meets the Oracle again where gnarly eye stuff goes down; you’ve been warned. So, two issues remain in this complex, post-apocalyptic tale where there are no <i>good guys</i> and although we’ve seen some lengthy delays between issues and although I honestly can’t tell you what happened ten issues prior, <i>East of West</i> continues to be a great comic and one I will need to binge after the final two issues have finally released. You can experience this incredible series through the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Pow53N" target="_blank">trades</a> or the <a href="https://amzn.to/2KPkk81" target="_blank">hardcovers</a> and catch up before it all comes to a tragic end.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
That’s it for this week, Denizens. I hope you’re recovering from eating too much food, drinking too much holiday spirits, and finally getting your version of Uncle Billy Bob out the door and on his way out of your life and back to his Faux News brainwashing. You did it. You made it. Might as well celebrate with some great comics. See you next time.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-60913325417757236982019-11-24T12:08:00.002-08:002019-11-24T12:08:13.464-08:00Slice of Heaven 11/24/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/turkey taster Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). It’s upon us. The holidays are here to stress out, depress, and inconvenience us all, but thank goodness we have plenty of comics to help us through these potentially trying days. Now, with that comment, you might be thinking <i>Donist, are you okay? Do you need help?</i> Don’t worry about me, I’m totally fine. I just know how difficult the holidays can be for many people. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***<br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">X-Men #2</a></i></h3>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Leinel Francis Yu, inked by Gerry Alanguilan, colored by Sunny Gho, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designed by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HZQ5lVfVmXwTvFB6__cEcxZmcoM4rJYWftHtOK6A-DSmHEFu9yese297d9G_XydvSvVtkCn3uLhVqNTkx_v0TBj7nf9HSZmGUv6sf9HV79BiYC9fkbLyXGHUsKHPdeXmvXU99yWNaMn8/s200/X-Men_02.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
A mostly-absent father decides to become more involved in his children’s lives by taking them on a grand adventure to a remote island. I know, it sounds like a holiday special that you would find on the Hallmark Channel, but I promise you we are indeed talking about the latest issue of <i>X-Men</i>. Here Cyclops enlists his children—Cable (not sure why he’s now younger) and Rachel (now called “Prestige?”—to investigate an island that has appeared and which has attracted the attention of Krakoa. On the island, strange monsters roam the land but the strangest inhabitant of all is an alabaster-white, naked, mutant who can call the creatures forth to protect what is theirs. Misunderstandings occur and a fight breaks out, but the Summers family uses the voice of reason to calm the situation, but this strange “Summoner” shares a link to Apocalypse that is sure to play out in future issues. After the seriousness of the amazing <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2qvalLP" target="_blank">House of X/Powers of X</a></i> event, Hickman lightens the mood with added humor and witty banter between the Summers family members that had me laughing throughout the issue while also keeping me on edge with the high stakes. I may not have a clue of where this series is headed, but if Hickman and Yu maintain the vibe of the first two issues, then I can see myself reading this X-book for a good long while.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48811233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice #4</a></i></h3>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Michael Walsh, lettered by Nate Piekos, published by DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics)</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48811233&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VCgUC6tP4aCmXZi1sc0vGLDiDQFdmQBLPRICRtfHwrSq5wWcVdoqwjzaYQuxVZsITuRMW7c_G5PHutSdBh9MgMq8bFz3LIkJUPPJqqjZKq2o3aZdIPAF_i8eCURoy0wsag0JkGCt3A0W/s200/BlackHammerJusticeLeague_05.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
On a whole, I really enjoyed this cross-company crossover event between the Justice League and the heroes of the Black Hammmerverse but the ending did not quite hit with the oomph I was hoping for. This is not to say that it was bad, but rather the ending seemed a shade rushed for my liking. I guess I would have preferred to have seen more of the characters adjusting to their new surroundings and interacting with the new locals with the story proceeding at more of the pace found in the main <i style="font-weight: bold;">Black Hammer</i> title. Still, the whole event has been loads of fun and if the final page is an accurate indicator, we hopefully haven’t seen the end of these two worlds colliding.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Last God #1</a></i></h3>
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, illustrated by Ricardo Federici, colored by Sunny Gho with Dean White, lettered by Tom Napolitano, cartography by Jared Brando, published by DC Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461550&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC9dbVkVDve-xWhvYaPA3oSuf_7FaEAIJquTYmogrdmbLz2zPjuQ418RekvJ8ARJ2v7Iko6HNFFrpq_NvyLqMdP76us8ViqYWU9exzXS85m0NazWLiTuMniXcx25qw_FEM5xGhLl6Y_Re/s200/TheLastGod_01.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
I missed this title on new comic day a few weeks ago, but my LCS loves me and was able to finally track down a copy. I am so glad they did. Our comic stores need way more fantasy titles on the shelves and this new Black Label title looks to fill that void. The Plague of Flowers once ravaged the world of Cain Anuun, turning the living into terrifying monstrosities until the day a group of godlike heroes stood against the God of the Void, but it was a mortal man who slew the God and who has ruled as king these past 30 years. Unfortunately, the lore surrounding the eradication of the Plague of Flowers might not necessarily be completely accurate. Gods, warriors, monsters, battles, and a rich new world brought to life by Federici’s oh-so-lovely artwork left me excited for more and reminded me of the best fantasy stories of the ’70s and ’80s. The good thing about getting ahold of this issue so late is that the next one will be available to read all the sooner. I can’t wait to see what comes next for what is one hell of a good start to a new fantasy title. This series was absolutely made for me.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Absolute Carnage #5</a></i></h3>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates; illustrated by Ryan Stegman; inked by JP Mayer and Jay Leisten; colored by Frank Martin, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWiyJDLVP7-0bR8FdN4VsIi62YHzD52cmZfcwP2Ad0xittmsXOKWJSHQT4eAPVoBrcc2QMotLEDAqA93ct2xdI6q8JCs_T8Oj4uByLF2w93D6-5NqnoWYhn9G4WzzEqPwwAFfAXGzmcIY/s200/AbsoluteCarnage_05.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Ok. <i>That</i> was a quick five issues. I was definitely hesitant to jump on board with this event once it became clear that it was going to not only run alongside <i style="font-weight: bold;">Venom</i> but that it was going to spill over into a mess of one-shots and miniseries in a way similar to what drove me away from event comics in the first place so many years ago. I didn’t pick up anything other than this and <i>Venom</i> and, thankfully, I was able to follow along with the whole event no problem. Overall, it was fun. However, <i>Absolute Carnage </i>would have been better served as a 12 or 18 issue story that was allowed to breathe and one that played out only in <i>Venom</i> with “guest-appearances” limited to just the Peter Parker and Miles Morales Spider-Mans. Cletus Kasady is a terrifying villain and given his new, horrid makeover (is he on the Keto diet? Dang, that waistline!) it would have been so cool to have seen him lurk in the background for a while as disturbing things happened to those with a symbiote codex and Brock tried to solve the mystery of who was committing the gruesome murders. Anyhow, Carnage looks to be toast—at least for a little while—and everything appears to be relatively back to normal as if…nothing…ever…happened. Still, I’m glad I read it.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #27</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Al Ewing; illustrated by Joe Bennett; inked by—here we go—Ruy José, Belardino Brabo, Marc Deering, and Sean Parsons; colored by Paul Mounts; lettered by VC’s Cory Petit; published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHZSb78EpeGGnuW1aWLXRPsfrfMMB2frS6NcmohNB6CvQnYzHSrrcP7X1cY171-2GMd0w5Q6owZMWU22dMOgmxBSO7Xj5YTFerps6avFX1JYzCHPxo5euWd6D2MONvHHSX2l4farf5To3/s200/TheImmortalHulk_27.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This was the last comic I read on New Comic Wednesday before going to bed. My eyes were heavy before I even picked up the book and I was passing out while reading it. By the time I got to the end, I had no idea what I read and I was shocked that I thought I didn’t like the issue. The next morning, I got up and reread the issue with new eyes. Boom! It was as amazing as ever. It just goes to show you that a fresh mind makes all the difference. This issue is three stories occurring through a six-panel layout: Roxxon corporate headquarters with the Minotaur at a board meeting, The Hulk at Shadow Base, Roxxon West Data Center where one guard tests the loyalty of another. The craziest part is when the Hulk teleports to the Data Center and two of the three stories collide with Bennett’s highly structured layout falling to chaos as the panels are broken and disjointed with the tremendous fight. Ewing’s story is compelling and Bennett’s art (with its four inkers…ay caramba!) and the tension rattling layouts is absolutely stunning in another great issue of this fantastic series; just be sure you are awake enough when you start reading </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/34l8esw" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">to enjoy it properly.</span><br />
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49772736&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Family Tree #1</a></i></b></h3>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
</h3>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Phil Hester, inked by Eric Gapstur, colored by Ryan Cody, lettered by Steve Wands, edited by Will Dennis, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49772736&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRt-3CRaQRxpeArw6MEyu1ToWSTuqy-U56gCgOWIRQKah1IhNPhy6VUj-DHsTl2Cd6M2hxux9Z1aMhLIeEPG2OR-OgvHJkOeHC2fIZNQLmPb02FbLEgcxgJZCMPrLkM9GqSGLer93YKD8r/s200/FamilyTree_01.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
How could I ever pass on a new Image book from Jeff Lemire? <i>Family Tree </i>follows the Hayes family: single mother Loretta, her high schooler Josh, and her young daughter Meg. Loretta works hard at her low-wage job and has to frequently deal with Josh getting in trouble at school, but life goes from difficult to startlingly strange when her daughter starts growing bark on her skin and branches start to grow off of her body. And the weirdness doesn’t stop there, as a group of creepy bald men armed with blades tries to abduct the family only to be stopped by someone Loretta has not seen for a long while. Dang, Denizens, am I glad I didn’t pass on this one. If you are a fan of Lemire and/or slow-burn horror stories, then jump on now for what is sure to be a wild ride.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
That’s it for this installment as we head into a week of turkey, gawd-awful travel, and dealing with the psychological rollercoaster that is family; with any luck, Uncle Billy Bob and His “But Her EMAILS!!!” and “Climate change is a fabrication!!!” having ass decides to cancel. Best of luck, it will all be over soon…that is until Christmas rolls around. Thank goodness we have tons of great comics to read. See you next time.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-19841742577912029422019-11-21T08:30:00.004-08:002019-11-21T08:30:48.280-08:00Comics Lust 11/19/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/desperately need some R&R Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). I guess we need to accept the fact that we are probably not going to maintain an exactly weekly schedule with our posts, but we will continue to attempt to do so. Tulip and Reverse Obie will always be working behind the scenes to maintain Donist World’s standing as a Fortune 320,000 company. I, on the other hand, will continue to create content about our great passion (y’know…comic books) while juggling life, work, relationships, and creating my own works, including the follow up to <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2rblyB4" target="_blank">Kibbles ’n’ Bots</a></i> (which is done) as well as its follow up. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
Not sure what “Comics Lust” is about? Take a look at the <a href="http://www.donistworld.com/2017/08/comics-lust-8252017.html" target="_blank">Introduction</a> to “Comics Lust” post or take a look at the static “<a href="http://www.donistworld.com/p/comics-lust-table-of-contents.html" target="_blank">Comics Lust Table of Contents</a>” page to jump to a topic.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</h1>
<h2>
Comics Lust</h2>
<h3>
<i>Bingemode (Part 1)</i></h3>
<h1>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s been a hot minute since I last posted to “Comics Lust” but I needed a bit of a break to come up with some new topics. This week happened to have some great new comics, but they were mostly ones that I’ve been talking about for months on end. Thus, I present “Bingemode!”</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">As comic book readers, that usually also means we identify as comic book collectors. We have our books on our desks, stashed in closets, many are bagged and boarded, some are grouped and sorted while others are like a deck of shuffled cards. Then there are the trades and hardcovers and, if you are like me, that fabled bookshelf, the granddaddy of them all, where you prominently display your most prized books, the ones that will be buried with you in your tomb as if you were a fancy-pants king/queen; who says you can’t take them with you, by golly?! Again, you are a collector…your wife/partner/friends/colleagues/etc think so, too, only the word they use is “hoarder.” That’s cool. As long as they leave the sacred organizational system alone we’re all good; that </span><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49463469&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ms. Tree One Mean Mother TPB</a> </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">is sitting there for a perfectly good reason, don’t touch it.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Then Wednesday arrives.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">With each Wednesday comes a new assortment of comics and the collection grows. We usually read those new comics over the next couple of days, but that leaves a bunch of days in the week with no new comics to read. Whatever is a comic fan to do? Why, reread those favorites from the past, of course! Yes, there are certain comic series that I read on an every-other-year (or so) cadence (</span><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49463469&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Micronauts</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/332UJfu" target="_blank">Preacher</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2qizzgo" target="_blank">Miracleman</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/37o5XPo" target="_blank">Swamp Thing</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, etc), but there are others that see a much greater expanse of time pass before I revisit them. It’s those comics that I will touch upon in these installments as I pick a series and hammer through from beginning to end. Do they hold up? Do they thrill as much as they did the first time through? Did I notice anything new? Time will tell, so let’s get our Bingemode on.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</h1>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19541804&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Sweet Tooth</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Mostly everythinged by Jeff Lemire with guest-artists Matt Kindt, Nate Powell, Emi Lenox; colored mostly by Jose Villarrubia and Jeff Lemire; lettered by Pat Brosseau; published by Vertigo Comics, a DC Comics imprint)</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19541804&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjk26aZxgyEW2innvfLHUex3iURO-35NQWqVtoLCZZpHV9P0ONwn3kSOG0E1R3ozw2qyQjSXXclyXJ-3YGPJdJkHCBsLU1mkxJv8_R8dsFkkugoN7TtxUdsr7B6jUhvUxm_JQRsgIc8Tf/s200/2BA8FDBC-7360-499A-801D-25A05DFC1955.jpeg" width="126" /></a></div>
I’m fairly certain that <i>Sweet Tooth</i> was my introduction to Lemire’s work, but I was initially hesitant to dive in. In 2009, Vertigo had already lost much of its allure for me in the wake of <i>Preacher </i>ending nearly nine years earlier. I remember seeing <i>Sweet Tooth #1 </i>on the shelf at my LCS on the day it came out and the Vertigo label caught my attention. Here was a brand new Vertigo series and it was only $1. I didn’t recognize the name of the creator and after flipping through, I decided it was a pass. Within a few months, it began to settle in exactly how big a mistake I had made as podcasts, review sites, and LCS workers sung <i>Sweet Tooth</i>’s praises. So, I bought the first trade.</div>
<div>
Yes, I’m ashamed to admit that Lemire’s art did not capture me at first glance, but by the fifth or sixth page, it clicked. Lemire is a master storyteller and you cannot help but empathize with his characters. When Gus is alone and afraid, you feel that very same isolation. When Jepperd’s eyes burn with fury, you feel that great, seething anger build, but most importantly, when those angry, hate-filled eyes meet Gus’s in the second issue and they soften for what must be the first time in years, you can’t help but lose yourself in the characters, the world, and the masterfully told story. I had initially dismissed this comic as looking overly simplistic, rough, and even rushed, but that is not the case. Lemire’s style with its economy of line tells you everything you need to know about what is happening on the page through both action and drama. Oftentimes, you don’t need words to follow along with the story. Your eye flows from moment to moment as you absorb the emotions of the scene, but it’s the words…the words are what will move you through intense imagery to utter fear for a character’s wellbeing, or from the sadness of a panel to complete and utter heartbreak; Lemire’s books often bring this Donist to tears, which is not an easy thing to do, and I absolutely love him for it all the more.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19541804&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosYrwuytiL0AkipgPXl6jFQr5HrPouIG10vMuqzV09gA5DW8ddWctGKEbYItJr1WyihdOJPHxgtM_-Qq7cwfQnDwHn3b84WTTJk6QCxooiiyrMQl3XTfxeAMOtRkqw7UdDLRcu2Syu56M/s200/A391E5BC-C2E3-41F8-A8CA-18DD733FBDFD.jpeg" width="128" /></a></div>
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world wherein much of the population has succumbed to the Affliction, an incurable, fast-spreading disease that will eventually claim the rest of humanity that has somehow survived the past seven years. But that is not all that the Affliction has done. All births from the time of its arrival and ever since has resulted in the birth of animal/human hybrid babies. Enter Gus. Gus looks like an average young boy, perhaps a bit skinny, but were it not for the slope of his nose, the long horizontal ears, and the nearly foot-long antlers jutting from his temples, he would pass as human. Sadly, Gus’s father has died of the Affliction and the boy soon ignores his warnings of venturing too far away from their isolated cabin. Inevitably, Gus catches the attention of some poachers desperate to trade him for food, bullets, or whatever they can get. When all seems lost, a mountain of a man named Jepperd arrives and easily kills the poachers and promises to take Gus to The Preserve, a place of safety for all animal hybrid children. But neither Jepperd or Gus knows that Gus just might hold the key to what caused the Affliction and his body might possibly hold the cure. Their journey leads them across the country where they meet terrifying enemies, other hybrid children (both friendly and deadly), conflicted scientists, monstrous men, new friends, shocking secrets, and hidden histories.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19541804&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8dmAZrLv6IzSJTpHK5C2qwcwiOQBOERwHnuYFVJYN3rzH7BcDt8ZlAdRYSmojJSA4VYQHI4ZWCXaGqNOzZflxVpcN-GFaKVg3z09smKkIeYnfWJQOlO-Q4GKnoTh3kGyeyAiTGMV73cT/s200/97383810-DCA5-4F17-9941-F1AFDC7E3541.jpeg" width="128" /></a></div>
<i>Sweet Tooth</i> ran for forty issues with no annuals or one-shots or crossovers of any kind, ending in early 2013. Every issue was written by Lemire with most of them illustrated by him as well. A handful of issues see other artists fill in and expand the world with those issues focusing on providing key background stories on the main characters of the series and end up being crucial to the experience as a whole. Returning to this phenomenal, heartbreaking yet uplifting tale was an incredible experience that was only heightened by the six and a half years it took me to once again pick up that first trade and read all 40 issues back to back. I at no time wanted to put the book down or “take a break” and found myself wanting nothing more than to read the entirety of the series in one sitting and ignore the demands of work, sleep, food, or what have you. I still got tearful with the end of issue 39 and was held in awe of the final issue as it continues the story, leaps into the future, and leaps again even further in time. With the final page I was again tearful but for very different reasons as the story definitively concluded, leading me with a sense of wonder and hope in the face of the great tragedy of the Affliction.<br />
<i>Sweet Tooth</i> is a powerful comic book series and one that I will return to often, not necessarily every year or two, but probably every five or six or so. Fans of Lemire, post-apocalyptic stories, and good stories in general MUST read this beautiful and compelling book. You will love almost every character you meet within the pages of this can’t-put-it-down treasure, including many of the most monstrous ones once you learn their history and motivations…or at least you will understand them. There are currently four ways to experience this must-read series:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19541804&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The 40 individual issues</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=19824444&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The original run of six trades</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/35k4SWT" target="_blank">The three recent, economically collected trades</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2D6LUqK" target="_blank">The three beautiful hardcover collections</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
I didn’t realize how much I had missed Gus, Jepperd, Wendy, Bobby, and the rest of the characters from this harsh world, but I am so happy to have reconnected with them after all this time. <i>Sweet Tooth</i> Not only aged well, it was better than I remembered. This brilliant, beautiful series simply must be part of your collection.<br />
<br />
<br />
That’s it for this installment, Denizens, and I will see you next time. Thank you for reading.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2rbmaqm" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfeNO4xZiCznpzDpRL51shS2mBTYjHWCHRG4TNwgFfCpukTiPeNwdXq43gi89TOlmgRaJk_ezqSON8sMeG-i-w5MYRxwh34gtjHxRfPCYH2KGe_Ip847-EiEHs8c9DvxXRyiqeh8EgQce/s200/CB9B35B4-B6B1-4DF8-83B0-179A7F87BF73.jpeg" width="125" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-19422558847676888752019-11-09T12:29:00.002-08:002019-11-09T12:29:12.799-08:00Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 11/08/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/too much happenin’ all the time Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Cutting the intro short as we missed last week’s post because of a wedding party up north we had to attend. But my puppy executive team and I are back with monster-sized post! Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48662227&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Silver Surfer Black #5</a></i></b></h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Tradd Moore, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48662227&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj461AFLbZD84z18jh6tlUh3PinFpjeue5qvpq2Gtij9o_ggon1qbeiutu0v_KyXsqXMvvbNsn7g6YCT_BBFJrp28vezjprxnbeufZUL8vNozIpN0Oe9wMn_y9Y-AxrB2U4DTRJJfMecb5S/s200/SilverSurferBlack_05.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
No doubt, this is the stuff that transcendent comics are made of. From the start, <i>Silver Surfer Black</i> has been a trip and a half from beginning to end in both story and oh-so-gorgeous art. Cates gives us a time-traveling jaunt that sends the Surfer, who is quickly being consumed by poisonous darkness, billions of years into the past where he enlists a young Ego the Living Planet in a desperate battle against Knull, god of the symbiotes. Norrin Radd is even forced to decide whether or not to end the life of an incubating Galactus before he transitions into the devourer of worlds. Without art, this story is an experimental success the likes of which I hope to see much more of from the House of Ideas, but with art…oh…my…stars…and…garters. Moore’s trippadelic imagery—beautifully pushed to heavenly realms by Stewart’s vibrant, flat colors—is what will catch your eye and keep you transfixed for every single stunning page of this tangentially <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/asarconti/mike-hinge/" target="_blank">Mike Hinge</a>-esque work. The five-issue miniseries is over, which is 95-issues short of what I wish we could have, but, hey, I will take what I can get. I am definitely excited to get ahold of the <a href="https://amzn.to/2CwRimo" target="_blank">Treasury Edition</a> that drops late December, but even this enlarged form factor is not going to be enough for this magnificent, must-own work of art, but I guess a book the size of a door would be a bit unwieldy.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49465349&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Fantastic Four Grand Design #1</a></i></h3>
(Everythinged by Tom Scioli, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49465349&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mUcEpDMBTTtXxuQKhkzhyphenhyphen9ivWgSe01vvI305aCLv76jT_9ZR5Jxjyjyh8thKOWc74FLmRy2QoeMgndzSzfZLHFcrisxsGdTSUuWuDprIFco56VLInt7NWMulof8EmvGM0T_P7oacJHlq/s200/FFGrandDesign_01.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
I’m gonna go ahead and say that I’m already bummed that we’re only going get two of this. At least Ed Piskor’s recent <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2CpNIdU" target="_blank">X-Men Grand Design</a></i> series saw six lovely oversized issues, but the Fantastic Four definitely has a history that is as rich as that of everyone’s favorite mutants. But whatchagonnado. Here, Scioli utilizes a 25-panel grid layout to relay much of the beginnings of not only Marvel’s first family but also Galactus, the Inhumans, Namor, and others from the very early years. Even with smaller-than-you’re-used-to-seeing panels, Scioli delivers a beautiful look that is equal parts a love letter to Kirby and a style that is his own. As for how Scioli intends to wrap up the remaining 40 years of FF history in one 48-page comic is beyond me, but I will 100% be there to see how it goes. My only gripe for this book is that the cool marbled paper was a bit too dark in places, making the art and lettering a little difficult to read. Regardless of my printing quibble, this wonderful experimental comic (Yay, Marvel! Keep it up!) comes…</div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49773745&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Undiscovered Country #1</a></i></h3>
(Written by Scott Snyder and Charles Soule, illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Daniele Orlandini, colored by Matt Wilson, lettered by Crank!, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49773745&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvv8wCPWye7nSi6MSzrWcomzDXfB7Ue5A5JEVr2W3YmW4pgQxW7B0wmvgsWidiSzrvUx21EUlsaM968-gKx_Wx0up5OuhZG7Q97zNoBuKkMirktZTXNEOCDZNf3-cQ3tzbvOC0k4SnE0t/s200/UndiscoveredCountry_01.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
A few years ago, Image seemed to put out a monumental new series every other week, but for the last year or so, fewer new titles have grabbed my attention. <i>Undiscovered Country</i>, however, spoke to me. In this world, we step in three decades after the United States literally walled itself off from everyone and ceased all communications. The rest of the world continued on, but all seems lost when a recent deadly plague threatens to kill them all, until the long-dormant US reaches out to offer a cure as well as permission for a select group to come inside its mysterious borders. What could possibly go wrong? The story immediately sucked me in and the storytelling of the art kept me whipping through the pages. Most importantly, this outstanding first issue did its job perfectly: it left me desperate for more more more. <i>Undiscovered Country </i>is the dystopic comic for those who want to torture themselves and who are nervous about the direction our Dumbass-In-Chief and his lackeys seemingly want to drive us toward.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Venom #19</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Iban Coello, colored by Rain Beredo, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">The “Absolute Carnage” event continues as we get a few pages of flashback—for those not buying </span><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Absolute Carnage</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">— and some fight stuff that is cool as some heroes faceoff against the symbiote-infected Maker, but the main draw of this issue is the mystery of who and what Dylan actually is. We also finally get to see a bit more of Sleeper, which is exciting. I’m still enjoying the event playing out over these two titles, but I will say that I am eager to see Knull return to cause some havoc.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkgsiKfxGJQT-tI1-T6Ve-q_X1RDzazYl2dFeWc4lsWHB7CFjS4uzJQmKbQSalZMQ24bi2-9E2I_tySzvq__VwjfTVr3xNIHoPT6FsFeRcx-2HwljEC5CQuCJpq-gagnfOVQzdMvciDLN/s200/Venom_19.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637330&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Conan the Barbarian #10</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jason Aaron, illustrated by Mahmud Asrar, colored by Matthew Wilson, lettered by VC’s Travis Lanham, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
We have been teased with the b-story of Conan’s death to appease a death god since the first issue and now we finally begin to see it all play out as the “B” becomes the “A.” The Crimson Witch and her diabolical brood are fairly horrific, especially as Conan battles the evil woman with her head barely affixed to her body by grotesque sinew. Yup, it’s pretty disgusting and I love every panel of it. Aaron and Asrar continue to make <i>Conan the Barbarian</i> a compelling read as heck read.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637330&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1oY4Cnwy5L-UOlnvP4R6bYw4PKq3CEpfN7a7q-4hIq3xAXBEsEm1hF8yNtfhtbYpu6rSx47ZrTElkmYldY1nlQocB2HJWv6lJNsTB1kpFw9ny6quTVfPsr5Vo2SY9LSCOFJnITCaMqBF/s200/Conan_10.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461431&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Joker: Killer Smile</a></i></h3>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, colored by Jordie Bellaire, lettered by Steve Wands, published by DC Comics)</div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This is my first DC Black Label comic and I’m not going to ding it for being $5.99 and only 32 pages; some regular issues are still $2.99 (I think) and those have 20 pages each, so…math. Yes, it’s a bigger form factor so you get to see some bigger art and the coverstock is thicker, but the story is going to have to be good to pull me in. Thankfully, it is. I trust the Lemire/Sorrentino team (</span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2K7tQ3v" target="_blank">Green Arrow</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Cs922r" target="_blank">Gideon Falls</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">) to deliver and they definitely do so on this first issue in a three-issue miniseries about a psychiatrist who thinks he can <i>cure</i> the Joker. Because of these two creators and the slow-burn, unease they bring to this crime/horror psychological thriller I will see it through to the end and can say it comes…</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49461431&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISKHpEkXAWsQLr2DkBppRRQv1fAOz70-WadabuQLrhPQwxsRQqBayqVWTjefPWMDiXvECvEKBPwhRc7Zw2zir3LaXs6xEAFuUfQAcbZg8j4lKMx-qhv8ITT18PbJjkqluI_NC32PDEd7H/s200/JokerKillerSmile_01.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49784082&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Green Lantern: Blackstars #1</a></i></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">(Written by Grant Morrison, illustrated by Xermanico, colored by Steve Orliff, lettered by Steve Wands, published by DC Comics)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Much like </span><i><a href="https://amzn.to/32vC7oq" target="_blank">The Green Lantern</a></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, which I adore primarily because of Liam Sharp’s glorious art, Morrison’s story leaves me scratching my head often as events jump around and omit possibly cool things like seeing the Blackstars bring Mongul to his knees. Oh well, seeing Paralax and the unnervingly sexy Belzebeth take down a tongue-headed monster will bring me back for the next issue. If you are a fan of </span><i style="font-weight: normal;">The Green Lantern</i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, then you need to jump in on this three-issue miniseries as it is a bridge between the “first season” and “second season” of that weird and visually stunning Green Lantern title.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49784082&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-RgtXHSZGZp4WG8elofelxFE7bY5uoxrocvi8fIOHysGY9C2D1kFTH6DwHLHRXR7gITUA5Bzn9h6ELw6_e41gZtx9_TxbfWu-FWVZwu72Td5wnlXxZPQBM31ea4RzWyEI83Ow0ylaT9H/s200/GreenLanternBlackstars_01.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022137&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Death or Glory #6</a></i></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">(Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Bengal, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Briah Skelly, published by Image Comics)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I think it’s been just over a year since we last saw an issue of <i>Death or Glory</i> but the creators waste little time in bringing us back up to speed as Glory Owen—whose family and friends live “off the grid”—seeks to get her uninsured father into Mexico so he can receive a desperately needed liver transplant. Unfortunately, the organ smugglers who previously “owned” said liver want revenge and send a germaphobe assassin, a luchador death dealer, and two Dutch murder twins after them. Remender’s story is thrilling and Bengal’s art is equally beautiful whether depicting the characters, the vehicles, or the intricate backgrounds. A very welcome return indeed.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022137&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkDt6UNGJplskAe5IrydWaNpXQRXK-80B3yzaagCyytZvIwtEEHLrZdWWSkmMkNfmMK_bTN1HiymMSXBRHXdYs8k-qf-jPy4OJ5r1j4DX2loCqQAcwDvX3j4kuFE8WhDebRdLezvaKRW0/s200/DeathOrGlory_06.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49460866&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Grendel: Devil’s Odyssey #2</a></i></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">(Everythinged by Matt Wagner, except colored by Brennan Wagner, lettered by Dave Lanphear, published by Dark Horse Comics)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Oh. Dang. I never covered the first issue of this exciting eight-issue series from Donist World Darling Matt Wagner, but let’s briefly correct that by saying if you are a Wagner fan and have previously steeped yourself in the darkest reaches of his Grendelverse, then this title is a no-brainer. Grendel Prime, a deadly cyborg, has headed off into space in an attempt to find a new planet for humanity’s dwindling populace to reestablish itself. Unfortunately, Grendel Prime is the equivalent of using a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame when it comes to building relations with a planet’s current inhabitants. Seeing Wagner bring his creation back into the spotlight with his beautiful linework and designs is a joy. Although this series reads well enough on its own, you’ll be happier if you catch up with Grendel through the four <a href="https://amzn.to/36Yt8j0" target="_blank">Omnibus</a> editions.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49460866&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuledOmZvE4BPl0LIflmCnnAw5KrQp2T_2xBB93QMxaBrR9Y2dMdC3bOXlbsoVXaD81VnrxRfhKAGVlmigYLtgJi4Xbb45pPiQHGg3pil_erj4R-ECcRHSGTDRGYu4JxQ0zv4oSxNZTwi1/s200/GrendelDevilsOdyssey_02.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #26</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Joe Bennett; inked by Ruy Jose, colored by Paul Mounts, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
Hot DANG! That’s what I’m talking about! This dang series, Denizens. I don’t know what’s going on after the cosmic weirdness of the previous issue, but here we have an incredible issue that is all talking and not a single punch is thrown. Heck, Ewing and Bennett made this an amazing issue with the first-page splash where Bruce Banner states to the world what almost happened to him and who was responsible and then states problems brought about by our government and how the Hulk means to set things right, in other words, Hulk Smash the corporations! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2NSgGbI" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk</a></i> just keeps getting better and better.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xFq4xpfe15ZV2-X2N27HjFv-6ITjepOf6VQUvlkNEdUtQx1kG4HXahxOLbaw2Xyh0Y3EIsxNt5jT-d2fC07nXV26yoYu2qMP5fHQG4H_eP5Jb5m4QR5nJJkO65w1GZ_QruNqYoFMMLM0/s200/TheImmortalHulk_26.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25139426&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Deadly Class #41</a></i></b></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Wes Craig, colored by Justin Boyd, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Briah Skelly, production by Erika Schnatz, published by Image Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
I am definitely still loving this series. This month, Saya is brought back to the school and is labeled a “Rat” which looks to make everyone’s life more difficult. I’m still pissed that the television show was not given the chance it so richly deserved, but we thankfully have this excellent series everyone should be reading. If you are interested in a story about the students who attend a high school for assassins then you should definitely check out the <a href="https://amzn.to/2NvznDa" target="_blank">eight trades</a> or the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PYnMy6" target="_blank">two oversized hardcovers</a>.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25139426&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_NMI_e-K2r1VNuV24oDYT16_wIl7NVUxxZMskrNr0nvmthFuS_A059sGlEw7imRvkKHDv-GZUK8DNcWRg-2nXe-JVFGefzD0mocORxYjySyEh871hQ7jbUv7OMGEmySfDCdMqj4pKCk5/s200/DeadlyClass_41.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<Phew!> That’s it for this whopper of an installment. Donist needs food. Badly. See you next time. Thank you for reading.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-287796967155723352019-10-27T17:43:00.001-07:002019-10-27T17:45:59.293-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 9/25/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/she who watches the <i>Watchmen</i> (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Cutting it very short as I am late and I have the new episode of <i>Watchmen</i> to watch. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ascender #6</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, lettered and designed by Steve Wands, edited by Will Dennis, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNDTohweK1C82d73WTsZSma-O-yMtcIPybPDHI9p4ofII_jYP2uhUaHX76WP62esjzYHfyfu6h6clWlRjEkJT2g0VgFijghH472PLCW6gt9aFaUPkN-Ywb1q7Xj3wmZuGgCWmNY3jR9Fe/s200/Ascender_06.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Andy yet lives despite being grievously wounded, but he might wish he had died when faced with what Mother has in store for him. Meanwhile, as Bandit’s batteries run dry, Telsa and her ship’s crew search for a way to get Mila off-world and away from the diabolical Mother; too bad the ocean holds terrors of its own. What more can I say about <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=27224876&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Descender</a> </i>and <i>Ascender</i>? They are each gorgeously watercolored sci-fi/fantasy adventure comics with characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Lemire and Nguyen put Andy, Mila, and Telsa through some terribly trying times, but it is that love of these characters and the concern for their wellbeing that make each issue so impossible to put down. We are on the second arc of <i>Ascender</i> (<a href="https://amzn.to/2BMAhVh" target="_blank">the first trade is already available</a>) and if it is to mirror the format of <i>Descender </i>with a run of <a href="https://amzn.to/31M2TZa" target="_blank">six trades</a>, then we can rest assured that some great yet difficult journies await us over the next two or three years. I cannot wait to see how it all plays out in this emotionally-charged series that has been a Donist World darling since it first began back in 2015. Just be sure to start with <i>Descender </i>before diving in on this followup epic.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #25</a></i></h3>
(Written by Al Ewing, illustrated by Germán Garciá and Joe Bennett, inked by Ruy Jose, colored by Paul Mounts, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDTT5B1_8PsseOep6IYXnuqvgOiM9kyS2mJPuqLXiUvZJtj_TCE6rGhQhI0yDb2XYu7UqF9Qa9MiNpGqhwAojt5zkiLOBKndEO_XdvqTd03v-AdviKk6vraAUjXZIESxkYjEghQSajIdB/s200/TheImmortalHulk_25.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
Okay, if you’ve been reading the best horror comic Marvel has published in a good, long while, then this issue might have thrown you for a bit of a loop. It’s a double-sized issue that costs a whopping $5.99, Bennett only illustrates two pages, and the majority of the issue follows a strange alien being as it explorers a universe of the distant future in a search for some form of life that has not been eradicated by The Breaker of Worlds. Take a guess who that is. The Hulk goes full-on cosmic in an issue that is more akin to something I would have read in an issue of Heavy Metal Magazine back in the ’70s. This is a huge compliment, but I can understand if those who have been reading this I-can’t-believe-Marvel-is-letting-these-creators-do-this comic are left confused by the (mostly) missing body horror and monster stomping of the previous 24 issues. I also have no clue as to where the heck we might be heading, but I can wholeheartedly say I will be along for the entirety of the ride. There’s a reason why <i>The Immortal Hulk </i>is on most reviewers’ “best of” lists. You need to be reading this series, Denizens, and it doesn’t matter if you are following along with the <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">individual issues</a>, the “<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Director’s Cut</a>” expanded reprints, the available <a href="https://amzn.to/342q032" target="_blank">four trades</a> (soon to be five), or the recently-released <a href="https://amzn.to/2WhFGwQ" target="_blank">heavenly hardcover</a>. That said, hey, Marvel, stay weird, babe, we absolutely love ya for it.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i>Watchmen</i></h3>
(Streaming on HBO Now/Go)<br />
Now, here is something I don’t do often: go into a small amount of detail about something not in the printed format. But, I was so completely blown away by HBO’s new <i>Watchmen</i> series that I felt it necessary to mention it here. I should also mention that I bought the entirety of the <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=181461&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">12-issue comic book maxiseries</a> when it first debuted back in ’86 and even though parts of it were a bit beyond me at the time, I knew I was reading something monumental from creator Alan Moore, who had already changed the way I read comics with his work on <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/32Y3c4I" target="_blank">Swamp Thing</a></i>, <a href="https://amzn.to/32SiOXi" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Miracleman</a>, and later <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/341oIW6" target="_blank">V for Vendetta</a></i></b>. Between Frank Miller’s <a href="https://amzn.to/31Sx7tz" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Batman: The Dark Knight Returns</a> (from a little earlier in 1986) and <i>Watchmen</i>, those two series completely altered the shape of an industry by setting a tone and look that—for better or worse—still resonates strongly today. Since then, I greatly regret selling those issues, but I have a well-worn <a href="https://amzn.to/2WnkdCD" target="_blank">trade</a>, I have the <a href="https://amzn.to/32W0f4s" target="_blank">motion comic on DVD</a> (which I have not yet watched), and I have seen in the theater and bought the Blu-ray of the Zack Synder <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2BMeDQL" target="_blank">Watchmen</a></i> (which I actually like…not at all sorry, haters). I will admit that I have not read the supposed mixed bag that is the <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2qPpE1D" target="_blank">Before Watchmen</a></i> books from a while back, not because of any “loyalty” to the source material, but because of time; I’ll get around to those someday. So, yes, I was there from the beginning and I have been a fan ever since.<br />
With HBO’s <i>Watchmen</i>, I loved every moment of this new show that takes place over 30 years after the events of the original series.<br />
In the span of an hour, I was educated about the events of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 (and horrified by what I saw) during the opening sequence, and I was put immediately thereafter on pins and needles when the masked officer pulled over the 7th Cavalry piece of trash. From there, meeting the new characters, including the handful of masked heroes who would be looking to take on the racists terrorists that are the 7th Cavalry, I was transfixed. I watched the episode twice within a two-day span and I have been thinking about it ever since. I have no idea of what to make about the rain of squids or the weird servants of Jeremy Irons, who <i>might</i> be Ozymandias in hiding. I am also thoroughly baffled by the ending scene and the old man in the wheelchair, but I imagine the answers will come as the weeks go by. I will be eagerly awaiting each and every new episode of this striking new series, but the thing I am curious about is what people who have never read the comic and possibly have never even seen the movie (which has a HUGE departure from the comic) think of this debut episode. I am deeply familiar with the source material, but can those who have not read what is one of the most important comic series of all time be able to follow along? Will they be pulled in and possibly seek out the original comic to better understand what led to this world where technology has not advanced as much as in our own and where a squid storm is a common occurrence? Time will tell for them, but I am in 100%. Oh, goody, look at the time. Only an hour and a half until the second episode is available to watch. I can’t wait!<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
* Side note: I have seen the efforts of those to rating bomb this phenomenal series, which is both sad and laughable (yes, I know, I say “phenomenal” based off of one episode). If any of these poor rating “reviews” had issues with problematic pacing, cinematography, characterization, poor acting, or the like, then I could possibly understand where they are coming from. But what I am seeing are “reviews” using the same tired refrains saying the series is made for “social justice warriors” or that the creators had to “go and ruin things by making the show political.” Complete and utter bullshit. Did these brainiacs actually read <i>Watchmen</i>? It was one of the most political comic books of the time. The world was on the brink of nuclear war, the heroes were anything but heroes, having given up or turned into monsters themselves. Rorschach was a racist, misogynist, homophobe with a severe mental illness who only read ultra-rightwing propaganda. The thing was that his particular paranoia just happened to lead him to learn of a darker plan to stall the death of the world at a tremendous cost as designed by an ultra-leftwing capitalist. The world of the Watchmen was a scary, fucked up place in the ’80s. Now, in the television series, the threat of nuclear war might be a thing of the past, but the threat of domestic terrorism is very real and both sides—the evil and the good…or at least the not as evil—wear masks; the world is still a scary, fucked up place. Being “political” is about economic policy, government spending, and world diplomacy, but being anti-racist is not political, it is about being a human being.<br />
<br />
See you next time, enjoy this week’s <i>Watchmen.</i><br />
<br />
<br />Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-5556016692583106662019-10-20T10:54:00.004-07:002019-10-20T10:56:13.326-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 10/19/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/jet lag hater Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Yup. I missed a post last week. Why? Well, my two bosses and I (from the job that actually pays me) flew out to Orlando, Florida for a conference and I was gone for almost a week. The conference was tremendous (saw Jerry Seinfeld do a comedy routine, Lin-Manuel Miranda was interviewed by Soledad O'Brien, we went to Islands of Adventure and rode Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, went to an afterparty at Universal Studios Orlando with free food and drinks, and met tons of nice people. But, there was another purpose: my puppy executive team stowed away so we could set up a Donist World mini-conference of our own on the third floor of the north side of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. There Tulip, Reverse Obie, and I held sessions to discuss our plans to take Donist World from a Fortune 320,000 company to a Fortune 310,000 company and to tell of how comic books will save our future from the perils of the orange imbecile. Unfortunately, our location by the closed restroom didn’t do us any service as far as foot traffic goes. Oh well, at least we got some gourmet chocolate mint popcorn, coffee, and a bunch of various types of sliders. Despite that, the entire trip was a complete success. So, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, readjust to your time zone, grab a refreshing beer and some tacos, hit the hot tub, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X #6</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by R.B. Silva and Pepe Larraz, colored by Marte Gracia and David Curiel, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designed by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E3So_GLarR6qJVyKWBASH1dR9el10OOYZuwwsA_0A8o0KggfpuM_ZBVDUleaDyqO27ip1wjx6dOTzypdJnhKWwYOWj0EwJAUqBmu92s_U33C5gPpAoIKAGWQNuRodgC_B9wgSxEbEHcZ/s200/PowersOfX_06.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div>
This issue continues and concludes the thrilling mystery and mindbending exploration of Moira MacTaggart’s attempts to solidify a future where mutants avoid being eradicated by humanity. We learn of the missing chapter that is her sixth life as well as the potentially last attempt at ensuring mutantdom’s survival as orchestrated by Moira, Magneto, and Charles Xavier and that the odds they are fighting against are tremendous. And with that, the event comic that succeeded in making me excited to be reading an event comic comes to a close. Was it all worth it, though? Hells yes, it was worth it. The only question remaining as to my thoughts on the <a href="https://amzn.to/32yxESq" target="_blank">hardcover collection</a> arriving in mid-December is not one of whether or not I will be double-dipping and buying the book but rather do I want the regular cover version or the direct market version? This maxiseries is the real deal and one that all comics/X-Men fans need to read.</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">X-Men #1</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Leinel Francis Yu, inked by Gerry Alanguilan, colored by Sunny Gho, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designed by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49464233&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0 margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36GlXU0xnSVIY104SoObReZWU-6c-PDvqIh2jQkVwwcXN-Vzova8IhZww-T8HgVw09R7jBbhTD-Sa3iw2CXq02O-cBIFBuFB6BobKnP98YdzoFbarfbsn0_99GNltkJPGCqIJ_6MIQt0Y/s200/X-Men.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div>
With the end of <b style="font-style: italic;">HoX/PoX</b>, the X-Men launch into their own new comic series, one which I intend to be reading for as long as Hickman remains on the title. In this issue: Cyclops proves to finally be the leader he was always meant to be, Storm overextends herself for the sake of Xavier and Magneto’s dream, and Magneto proves exactly why he is a force to be feared and reckoned with. But it’s not all intense fighting and the reassertion to certain humans that mutants are gods who walk the earth, Hickman and Yu show us some of the quieter moments in the Summer House—which has a very unique location—and succeed in delivering some moments that not only made me smile but laugh out loud at some of the funnier situations. The shift from R.B. Silva and Pepe Larraz’s art to that of Yu’s is a noticeable one but within a few pages, I was right back into the flow of things and becoming more of a Cyclops fan with every page. You can definitely jump into <i>X-Men</i> without having read <i>HoX/PoX</i>, but that series is so rich with content and themes that are sure to unwind in this series, as well as the many others that are going to follow, that you are doing yourself a disservice by not going back and reading that fantastic event before things really get rolling in this new series. All of that said, I am more excited to be reading a comic about Marvel’s mutants than I have been in almost two decades.</div>
<div>
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Absolute Carnage #4</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Donny Cates; illustrated by Ryan Stegman; inked by JP Mayer, Jay Leisten, and Ryan Stegman; colored by Frank Martin, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpjiqLKy40g2_-Ku2uZfufU40rnfh4_s9zvk-UJ-UODkb_tknoY5PU9oeSVGcHgfuaXd1IxGFrIipgPMs_1NAesbXnfMcXyTH3RBN3rBPam1K-GsEMTzsD-dc6cDjyRAovnbR9nhujgvT/s200/AbsoluteCarnage_04.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div>
Venom Hulk? Miles Morales a thrall of Carnage? Eddie Brock abandoned by his Symbiote? Brock versus all the symbiotes with only a couple of superhero weapons at his disposal? I know, it’s all rather insane, but it’s this insanity that keeps the heart racing with the ever-increasing stakes as Carnage continues to accomplish his diabolical goals. The action and story are great for the second Marvel event that I am currently enjoying, and this series—as well as <b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Venom</a></i></b>—are well worth your time, but I will say that this five-issue miniseries might have benefited by having another one or two issues to allow the story to breath more as it all seems a bit rushed. Regardless, <i>Absolute Carnage</i> is a fun series and one that all Venom/Spider-Verse fans should give a shot.</div>
<div>
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy #10</a></i></h3>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Cory Smith, inked by Victor Olazaba, colored by David Curial, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKe8fxdR4wIPAj6ucRqxC9OJ8DWeo275WJ1jKhEUlQZPkO3w0I0jp7u6zuHBVI7gbgsHX4EbK7kdzoD8TZRclia3GpBDmsTCS5cNMhelY-7QlqDi53_FwAOtIXkqGnhwJ_sxzFQY7Heog/s200/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy_10.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Alright, I know what I’ve been saying over the past couple of issues. That I had a certain degree of…apprehension…toward Cates’s decision to bring the child version of Magus, Adam Warlock’s darker incarnation, into the Guardians of the Galaxy fold. I thought this <i>kid</i> would be used to introduce a degree of humor and a lack of seriousness to the book and that doing so would be a HUGE turnoff to me. But this is Cates. I should have known better. I actually love this version of the Magus. He is not cute. He is not comedic relief. He actually annihilated an entire sect of anti-Universal Church of Truth members known as The Order of Healing Truth. Magus had good reason to do what he did, The Order had tried to kill him after all, but it is interesting to see this kid skirt the lines between minding his own business and falling into the malevolence of one of his possible future selves. Oh, yeah, the Drax stuff is weird, but kind of cool at the same time. There was no need to worry about the path this story is going to take, we’re in good hands.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48811233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice #4</a></i></h3>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Michael Walsh, lettered by Nate Piekos, published by DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics)<br />
We learn the identity of the mysterious stranger who caused the Black Hammer group and certain members of the Justice League to switch places as John Stewart, the Flash, and Colonel Weird confront the person behind their woes. In order to set things right, a simple, yet insurmountable task must be achieved. The odds don’t look good. I am still loving the series that I never thought I would ever see, but <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2W2pGP5" target="_blank">Black Hammer</a></i> </b>is one of the best comics of the past decade, and this is one you surely don’t want to miss.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48811233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiQuRBUntsUhMsv7Fh8yWIB02rJre7Pr830YvbooAfi-o_V6XIu4YG9dLwMazeeOIabqoZYQkrgFiEquD6P1r5_o6Kf6bWsXEiDExWkLwhfUHKtNyYUr16fZlM6gIF6rXKmR8bGmj_YyW/s200/BlackHammerJusticeLeague_04.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=45666968&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Gideon Falls #17</a></i></b></h3>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered and designed by Steve Wands, published by Image Comics)<br />
I continue to not fully understand what the hell is going on in this psychological horror comic and I continue to absolutely love every page of it. Sorrentino’s art has much lighter linework in this issue than I am accustomed to seeing in his illustrations but the technique is a brilliant way to shift the tone of various scenes and serve as a cue to let you know that things will most likely be getting weird. <i>Gideon Falls</i> will someday soon become a television series and you should definitely get caught up with the soon to be <a href="https://amzn.to/32x2ivF" target="_blank">three available trades</a> worth of mindbending and awesome horror.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=45666968&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2EeOLQHEsaPa-2A9JoGD8AvRJ_ljOG3Qd6363Bebo-Vy4xqWgDngBqWHb-gTaS8QORq4I5LrRKNH_wqU6juoOJmn7NglQpLvfEkGfgmmluFawZwnBet8jMlMohgPBwOo5gA4QfymTRL5/s200/GideonFalls_17.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=24082857&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">East of West #43</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Nick Dragotta, colored by Frank Martin, lettered by Rus Wooton, published by Image Comics)<br />
Here is another Image title wherein I don’t really know what is going on. Unlike <i>Gideon Falls</i>, this is not by design, but rather because the last issue of <i>East of West </i>came out back in April. I don’t remember how things left off. Anyhow, I still really enjoy this complex, post-apocalyptic story that will soon be concluding. Once all is said and done, I will definitely have to do a reread from the beginning and on through to the end to pick up on everything I missed the first time through. You can experience this incredible series through the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Pow53N" target="_blank">trades</a> or the <a href="https://amzn.to/2KPkk81" target="_blank">hardcovers</a> and see how it all plays out.<br />
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=24082857&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFTmCb_dbSwN9QhXeLYke1I6mrX1IIIN2vIDESUByiFwmacY7g3ShGtyVcu2WWhMmzZob5wC4yO_Fen06lCw0VsYRmV-bHCB-yWqPJR3Qo7O9Cr0SVUGARqjhIyJn5Y4CLE0Hx1OhIJ5d/s200/EastOfWest_43.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That’s it for this installment, Denizens, and I hope to see you here next time. Pleasant readings!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-11531770715299685692019-10-06T09:57:00.002-07:002019-10-06T09:57:43.160-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 10/4/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/pumpkin-spice-is-nice Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday dear Donist. Happy birthday to me. Care to take a guess as to whose birthday it is? Yup, you guessed it, it’s mine. Once again, I have turned 29 years old. I think I’ve had like five, or ten, or twenty 29 year old birthdays, but who’s counting. Last night, Amy the intern (my wife), Tulip, and Reverse Obie and I celebrated with some fancy-pants sushi and a barrel-aged pumpkin ale from Bottle Logic which was kind of mind-blowing. All in all, it was a pretty dang good day…until I received a fraud alert that someone was trying to order $53 worth of food with my credit card number from a place called The Shake Shack in New York. <sigh> F_ those D_bags. Anyhow, I won’t let that stop me from living it up. So, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing beer (or 15+ beer samples) and some tacos, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">House of X #6</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Pepe Lara’s, colored by Marte Garcia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designs by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9RsIvN5kY0SLv350zdH-ku-B9SpecU3rMIUqp2Is-x7CcPlHD88ne5WHq-BWANb5gJSoqH0bXR21taFP5KR_jjWRQkxNC_6h23bLiZ_z7wf4fKDazigkHAhIfewdAw1O-fQRP0jpLYKC/s200/HouseOfX_06.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Dang, it feels like this event only just began and after reading this penultimate issue (the final issue of <i>House of X</i> with this week’s final issue of <i><b><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X</a></b></i> being the conclusion of both that series and the event) I can already say I’m going to miss it. Hickman’s story has not only been compelling enough to make me buy a weekly comic but one that brought me back into the X-Men fold while making me want to continue along the journey for at least one or two of the many titles to come in the aftermath of whatever happens this Wednesday. And I CANNOT WAIT to be there for it all. Here, Xavier, with Magneto and Moira at his side, tells the world’s humans of the wondrous offerings he has for them…and the price humanity must pay to attain them. It’s not a great price, but it is a price none-the-less. We also see the first meeting of the Quiet Council of Krakoa, with all but one member—the mysterious “Red King”—in attendance, as they draw up their first laws and pass down their first judgment for a grievous crime. Then, the mutants celebrate. Not a single punch is thrown, not one mutant power is fired against another mutant or human. It is almost all talking and revelry and because of Hickman’s masterful pacing and characterizations, senseless brawling would have greatly diminished the impact of this issue. During Xavier’s address to the world, I could not help but mutter aloud “Oh my god, what?!” as I could not believe what was actually going down and that Xavier was the one actually leading the charge. I can’t remember the last time a Marvel comic has left me pondering the transpirings within its pages and, man, do I have questions: Who is the Red King? Why has Moira been so utterly quiet for the past few issues after being such a major component of the first quarter of the event? What happened in Moira’s 6th timeline? Why do we continue to not see Xavier’s face? Has Doug Ramsey somehow <i>infected</i> Krakoa with technology? What about Krakoa’s sibling and the original Four Horsemen? I’m sure I will have other questions come to mind and ideas as to what has happened and what is going to happen as I go about the days leading up to new comic Wednesday, and that is where the true power of this series lies; it remains with you long after setting the book down. I can already imagine December’s <a href="https://amzn.to/30TCPe6" target="_blank">hardcover collection</a> sitting upon my favorite shelf.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #24</a></i></h3>
(Written by Al Ewing; illustrated by Joe Bennett; inked by Ruy Jose, Belardino Brabo, Marc Deering, and Roberto Poggi; colored by Paul Mounts, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfB2BNrGSAQzSK9TAo6jxEo0et-BCKW06oEeh0UCRIbkUfAqZyJQYpE2foBJNQWlb5hy1XPQ0d_Eg2wxVbKiJcQCWYCw759OEVnteLKBDs56PWod-wbzQ6zuR6s8AqCP_c74-VBaqBkEa/s200/TheImmortalHulk_24.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<i>The Immortal Hulk</i> is still my favorite current Marvel series. If you had told me I would be saying that a few years ago, I would have laughed in your face. “Ha ha ha, look at me, I’m laughing in your face!” In fact, a few years ago, I wasn’t buying <i>any</i> Marvel comics. None. Now, I’m grooving with The Hulk, The X-Men, Venom, The Guardians of the Galaxy, The Silver Surfer and I am loving them all. <i>The Immortal Hulk </i>is everything and more that Ewing promised before the first issue debuted: a supernatural, horror-tinged comic about a former “superhero.” This title is unnerving from one moment to the next as it embraces legitimate scares and even body horror as The Hulk combats General Fortean who has been fused into the body of The Abomination to form an acid-spewing, hands-for-a-face…well, Abomination. The fight is as brutal as it is disgusting as The Hulk tears away his melting flesh and flings the caustic bits at the hapless enemy soldiers. That said, this isn’t usually the type of thing I like or enjoy seeing despite my love of good horror, but Ewing perfectly fits these gross-out moments into various scenes and does not linger or go overboard on them. Something shocking happens. You gasp. The story moves on before you have time to dwell. And nothing gives these sequences more intensity than Bennett’s oh-so-gorgeous art. Not even four inkers—yes, I noticed variations in the slightly different look of the pages—can detract from the beauty (even during the more grotesque imagery) of his storytelling, designs, and character acting. One word of warning: When you get to the page with the credits, this is not the ending. You still have a few pages of disturbing visuals and moments leading into the next chapter of this amazing comic that I still cannot believe Marvel allowed to come into being. Thank goodness they did. You can and should catch up with the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Vf4Onw" target="_blank">four available trades</a> or the <a href="https://amzn.to/2MgnT4F" target="_blank">soon-to-be-released hardcover</a>.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47299738&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Green Lantern #12</a></i></h3>
(Written by Grant Morrison, illustrated by Liam Sharp, colored by Steve Oliff, lettered by Tom Orzechowski, published by DC Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47299738&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhCduMXE0fDBBewegDGiUrX1PX-o9wzsM72TaK-fEsyyg4eTpxQXqHcmmoG12-iTkvLLT3Y3tMZW97MR_TIhsXaMFCiJzs6zTHgQWhVCvVsJoEwhXzViUNTVNtQQGNMi9xpjaEWBJhyphenhyphen7H/s200/TheGreenLantern_12.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
Yup. I’m not completely certain of what the hell is going on in this comic. I’m still really liking it, though. As far as I can tell, this “Qwa-Man” monstrosity is an anti-matter universe version of Hal Jordan and the only reason our Hal Jordan doesn’t explode upon contact with this adversary is because of his power ring’s shield. There’s an anti-matter, good guy Sinestro (who’s still kind of a dick), imposter Green Lanterns, and a giant guy roaming around killing alternate universe heroes…or something. Oh, then Hal Jordan gets rescued by the Blackstars but, unfortunately, Hal is dying because of his injuries and his only hope of survival is to embrace the wish of Controller Mu. Ummm, okay, sure. Sharp’s tremendous art continues to be the main draw of the comic, as the vast amount of detail in both foreground and background is stunning and reminds me of the best times of ’80s-era <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?tid=170811&pgi=51&AffID=644543P01" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Heavy Metal Magazine</a> art. Anyhow, I’m still digging whatever is going on in this comic and will be there for the six-issue <i><b>Blackstars</b></i> miniseries and for the second season of <i>The Green Lantern</i> whenever it returns. If you are down with some truly senses-shattering art and a mind-bending story to boot, then you should pick up the first of <a href="https://amzn.to/2nl4A1u" target="_blank">two hardcover collections</a> and see if you can grock what is going on better than I do.<br />
<br />
<br />
That’s all for this week, Denizens. I have a month of birthday festivities ahead of me and they simply will not wait. See you next time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-87269932358490494202019-09-28T10:57:00.001-07:002019-09-28T10:57:40.269-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 9/28/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/brewpuppy Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). It was a fairly slim new release week at the Donist World corporate office (Mom’s basement) this week, but what we lacked in quantity of comics, we more than made up for with quality and what quality there was! We’re also excited for our favorite month of the year. Not only because next week is my birthday, but it is the month of pumpkin-flavored everything (thank you, Trader Joes!) including pumpkin ales/porters/stouts, scary comics and movies and television shows, and (hopefully) a cooling off of the weather. It also means that it’s time for me to bust out the <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2mHfDlp" target="_blank">House of Mystery Bronze Age Omnibus</a></i> I have been patiently waiting to read for this very season. Do you have a special Halloween-time comic you are waiting to read? If so, which one(s)? Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing beer (or 15+ beer samples) and some BBQ, sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X #5</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, written by R.B. Silva, colored by Marte Garcia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designs by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr624mT0tFhzY1Il4F3Pm08wGIDLG404E2z98zy_Gaqrae2richHxJQ9JZCB5M3R8DYnBDWQKwaxu0nntY9MsLJo1VJDFzbFVP_U-hR_12K5kBl2Z9MRbuDkVJDBTdSFcr82rPPrC2PH6D/s200/PowersOfX_05.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
I can’t believe there are only two issues remaining of this amazing Marvel event that looks to not only restart the X-verse, but also bring this Donist back into the fold on at least a couple of titles that drop before the dust has a chance to settle. I’m still on shaky ground with the X<sup>3</sup> moments (that’s 1000 years in the future from the time the story takes place), but the other time periods—X<sup>0</sup>, X<sup>1, </sup>X<sup>2</sup>, or rather year one, year 10, year 100—continue to rock my world. As I keep mentioning, the revelations of Moira MacTaggert’s mutant ability have been playing through my mind for well over a month now, and last week’s revelation behind Professor Xavier’s project involving the “Five” also sent my mind on a trip of wonderment that I haven’t yet had time to recover from. Now, here, Hickman hits us with the Cerebro/Xavier system of backing up mutant minds and although it is bonkers insane, it is somewhat steeped in reality in regard to how data files are backed up incrementally and as a whole. Here Xavier works with Forge to hammer out a system to back up the minds of every mutant in the world and it is fascinating in what is necessary to pull off such a venture. The twists don’t stop there as Xavier, Magneto, and Emma Frost devise a distribution system to distribute Krakoa-created pharmaceuticals that the non-mutant populace will forever need, as the trio, more importantly, devise a council of 12 mutants who will be the first government of Krakoa; we learn of four of the mutants who will have a seat while gaining a glimpse at one or two other possible future members. Everything is painstakingly thought out by Hickman and expertly brought to life by Silva and Gracia is both compelling storytelling and dramatic scenes. One thing you do not see much of in <i>HoXPoX</i> is mutants punching mutants/villains/heroes/etc., which is certain to turn off some readers as will the complexity of the mutliple storylines and timelines and mysteries as to what has happened, what is happening, what will happen in the future, and where it will all lead, but for readers like myself, I am loving every moment of it all. If you aren’t buying the 12 issues and are waiting to purchase the <a href="https://amzn.to/2nr4VQ6" target="_blank">oversized hardcover</a> (I will be double-dipping) come December, just know that eight X-Books are set to release upon completion of <i>HoXPoX</i> and it’s looking like having a handle on these events in this maxiseries will be helpful before diving into what is to come. Plus, it’s really damn good.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=24852593&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Black Science #43</a></i></b></h3>
(Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Mateo Scalera, colored by Moreno Dinisio, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Briah Skelly, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=24852593&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xeJy1ZM-iySrPF6nwSbJs9zO1u70IHYCiZWDZ-24bMcD64J4n2NxtoXDiisGDgk0pTNERwk52odJxo8c5t4HCPnVJW2Bk44wAnai3-EAJrHKW1LSfwlm0PQnU-EyBRtGkM22RFFp-_gE/s200/BlackScience_43.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
And with that, <i>Black Science </i>comes to its conclusion. The series first appeared in November 2013 (or thereabouts) and was one that instantly pulled me in with the promise of travel to strange, parallel worlds, but it quickly morphed to be about family and the baggage we carry with us that we allow to harm ourselves and our relationships as we rinse, recycle, and repeat, seemingly unable to break the negative cycles that plague us. Never fear, though, there are plenty of death cult millipedes, trolls, monsters, and time travelers with rayguns to keep things exciting. I’ve enjoyed the series from beginning to end and although some issues and arcs had greater high points than others, the journey was worth it. Scalera’s art took me one issue to get used to—Grant’s super-pointy nose—but I was in love by the time issue I had issue two in my hand and now worship ground/page the man’s pencils/inks touch. If you never read this thrilling series from Remender and Scalera, then you can easily read the entire shebang through the <a href="https://amzn.to/2nuHPYH" target="_blank">nine trades</a> (<a href="https://amzn.to/2mD90Ax" target="_blank">ninth</a> drops near the beginning of November) or wait until you can find a copy of the hardcovers).<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25139426&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Deadly Class #40</a></i></b></h3>
(Written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Wes Craig, colored by Justin Boyd, lettered by Rus Wooton, edited by Briah Skelly, production by Erika Schnatz, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25139426&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3V-8ft7jKNVo4nv4i3qoODeaF3thT14WvAcWQ4UP9WouaUhXTGuITjrZPCPtPDLyKJgmVefQ-sCSoJJinWLlQBoVesN87Mjb1Pl5TxdHpVzWlZN2n-MZmj8pawt5es_IpzBtSv2UYx_i/s200/DeadlyClass_40.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Maria and Saya reunited! Master Lin knows Saya lives! That alone is reason enough for <i>Deadly Class </i>fans to pick up this issue, but that’s only the first seven pages. The rest of the issue follows metal-head Helmut and skate-rat Tosahwi as they go to find Helmut’s deceased girlfriend Petra’s parents in hopes of discovering what it is they did to her to cause her so much emotional damage. Spoiler alert: the pair kind of find out and it isn’t pretty. This issue kicks off a new and exciting story arc that Helmut fans like myself will love, especially given the insanity of what Helmut and Tosahwi find out in the quiet suburbs of Petra’s hometown. <i>Deadly Class</i> continues to be a blast and if you are as devastated by the cancelation of the television show after one season as I am, then there is no better remedy than reading this always great comic. You can, as of this writing, pick up the <a href="https://amzn.to/2lUQe7j" target="_blank">eight available trades</a> or supersize on the <a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=25139426&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">two hardcovers</a>, just be sure you read this series in one form or another.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
That’s if for this week, Denizens, my puppy executive team and I are off to hit up the California Brew and BBQ Festival today before coming back to dive into some great comics. See you next time and thanks for reading!<br />
<br />Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-39523730518899621952019-09-22T11:32:00.002-07:002019-09-22T11:32:39.278-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 9/20/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/snapping out of the bummers Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). We’re going to keep today’s intro short as it was kind of a weird week. Nothing bad happened, but nothing good happened either. It was mostly a thing of feeling overwhelmed and reading too much into things that weren't a real thing both in home life and work life. Who knows, maybe it was the flu shot I received or maybe it’s that I haven’t had more than a couple of days off this year where I could totally relax mentally and physically. I think my puppy executive team and I deserve a vacation…someday…soon. Anyhow, get out of your head, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">House of X #5</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Pepe Lara’s, colored by Marte Garcia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, designs by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOg4PvxHzS-Qqoj9K9_naSEgMYjAq99cv1Me-TC-yZUMrtB8guYlzkZ9_Q42bW6xgqjnPrE1cALhtIbdGxaK5qHJQHRei0JQhluMT-yd0dE2aX2WPLeSeiXDQHrZ6ttvLIRv03hy_wQ_IR/s200/HouseOfX_05.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
This one was promised to be a major turning point in the <i>House of X / <b><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X</a></b></i> event and boy howdy is it ever. We already had the revelations stemming from Moira MacTaggert’s newly revealed mutant power—a mutant power that still has my thoughts whirring with what would I do if I had this ability?—and now we finally understand what we first viewed back in <i>House of X #1</i> when Professor Xavier (if it actually is him) stands amongst a group of naked mutants newly hatched from golden eggs. Boom. Bop. Pow. My mind is blown yet again and I absolutely love this new revelation. Now, I’m not going to spoil exactly what is going on with this major plot point—it seems every comic site on the internet is all too eager to do that—but I will say that seeing Apocalypse come into the fold was both shocking and exciting and succeeded in raising my interest in continuing with the X-Men after this fantastic event concludes. I’m also somewhat traumatized by the supplemental material (which you absolutely should NOT skip) regarding Proteus and what it costs him to be part of Professor Xavier’s plan; it’s kind of messed up. Only three issues are left and I am dying with anticipation of how this is all going conclude, and that <a href="https://amzn.to/31JWqPd" target="_blank"><b><i>House of X/Powers of X</i></b> hardcover</a> that drops in December is looking to be a must-have for the ol’ favorite bookshelf. Can I be any clearer on how much I am loving this event comic, Denizens? If you are a Jonathan Hickman fan and are excited by a complex, intense, and thought-provoking X-Men comic, then you simply must read this excellent series.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Absolute Carnage #3</a></i></h3>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Ryan Stegman, inked by JP Mayer, colored by Frank Martin, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DAboOzlu4SfAwd6KryGISHW600zeIGTQHc9Ya1WijOjIHmLCHjjhF8ofuBcJxaGKCyhyphenhyphenmFw4Jw_OrqJhxCMuMH9rYCb_3Um-2-bcw2ZNs_T3ZUZGkmOiSTI9wpZ4MS9ZVEHKvn_DgBM0/s200/AbsoluteCarnage_03.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
I’m a bit confused by the turn of events when someone amidst the group of gathered superheroes turns out to be Carnage in disguise. Maybe I missed a clue from a previous panel or maybe a hint was dropped last issue, but, hey, you sometimes just have to go with the gooey symbiote flow. Anyhow, <i>Absolute Carnage</i> is still a blast and I’m eager to see how the final two issues wrap things up. Stegman’s art continues to be heavenly with pulse-raising action, tense dramatic sequences, and legitimate moments of horror. I also have to make a correction to an earlier post where I mentioned that Sleeper is a new character. It turns out that he appeared a few years ago and was actually fairly heroic; that said, I have no idea how he became a cat in the three panels in which he actually appears. So, yes, I am still enjoying this fun event book and if you have been loving Cates and Stegman’s <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/31DqSdP" target="_blank">Venom</a></i></b> then you definitely should be reading this five-issue miniseries.<br />
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy #9</a></i></h3>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Cory Smith, inked by Victor Olazaba, colored by David Curial, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bbWnDl0wQag0yRVGvgCqKyko7Hxl3q_dJPG8-jCtEFzy7ez9Xb1ZowExwIhPtAlTLunadxnLWoNAx8Hqh2lwZmhTIiHJyI8Xik9Iy25hheR7vmy4IWizohcvGpLAQIG5-Xb_rJfbMqFz/s200/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy_09.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
What do you know…I only bought three books this week and all three were Marvel and I liked them all. Prior to the past two years, months would go by with no new Marvel comics gracing my pull list. Now, nary a week goes by without one. And for good reason. Cates’s <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> has been a groovy ride since the first issue and I am currently loving the return of the Universal Church of Truth and Rocket Raccoon’s plight but I do have some reservations concerning what is about to happen now that Kid Magus has made his appearance. I’m never a fan of when characters become kidicized, and I was really hoping to see Adam Warlock/Magus (the adult version) make an appearance, but we all know I ain’t gonna leave this book anytime soon; I trust Cates to deliver a dang fine GotG book. There’s also a huge final page reveal regarding who is in the main cocoon that was being raised by the Church of Universal Truth…I’m also not certain about this either but, again, In Cates We Trust. If you are a lapsed <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Od6ZX0" target="_blank">Guardians</a></i> fan or are interested in the current state of Marvel’s cosmic comics, then you can and should catch up with the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Od6ZX0" target="_blank">first trade</a>.<br />
RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
That’s it for now, Denizens. This slug is heading out to go for a run and shake off the doldrums of the past week. Heck, I might even set aside a few hours today to continue my reread of the tremendous <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2Qolmuy" target="_blank">Chew</a></i></b> series from Image. Thank you for reading.<br />
<br />
<br />Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-72160892138217811562019-09-16T19:09:00.001-07:002019-09-16T19:09:26.617-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 9/13/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/three-day-weekend thriller Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). We are a bit late, later than usual that is. Not only are we nowhere near Friday, it’s past Saturday and Sunday even. The truth is that my puppy executive team and I are taking a three-day weekend and closing the Donist World corporate office (Mom’s basement) this Monday so a handy can come and fix three doors and do some of the much-needed maintenance that we would definitely bollocks up if we attempted to do the upkeep ourselves. We are corporate masterminds, Denizens, the idea-men (and woman). Our strengths lie not in the practicalities of real-life situations that could potentially keep us alive—like being able to actually make the damn stuck door close—we traverse in the worlds of the mind and of corporate strategy…yeah, I’m not buying that nonsense either, in a zompacalypse we would be toast. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X #4</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by R.B. Silva, inked by R.B. Silva and Adriano di Benedetto, colored by Marte Gracia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, design by Tom Miller, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlUttV4sKfPcGwVJTSj-KDu9xNcC_jSqfE2rUVXPnvF8SY44KN2jadBJHON6HynZaqhS5ze9YL-5zZs40DrMCbxmQV0-5UovaXN1T9dFHie1xpQxevo2tYXdZ_YvhQ6C_O2zeXhp39qK2/s200/PowersOfX_04.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Once again, we get a non-red timeline issue in Hickman’s tremendous <i>Powers of X</i> and <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">House of X</a></i> mutant event run that seems pretty dang important to the X-Men’s world to me. Which means that this coming week’s <i>House of X #5 </i>will most likely rock our collective worlds. Here we learn that Krakoa has a sibling locked away somewhere along with a group of guardians long since thought gone; this can’t be good. We also see Xavier and Magneto’s first meeting with Mister Sinister and how they succeeded in bringing the ethically-challenged, mutant geneticist into the fold. Years later, Xavier arrives on Krakoa with Doug Ramsey, aka Cypher, so the younger man can use his powers and converse with the living island, continuing to move Moira MacTaggert’s plans for her 10th life along while hopefully saving mutantkind. As for the X<sup>3</sup> distant future timeline, I’m going to have to read all of that again and again and again to hopefully figure out what the heck is going on there. So, yeah, I’m still thoroughly invested in what is—shockingly enough to me—an event book I am not only enjoying but one that has me counting the days to the next new comic book day. With only four issues left and the next supposed to be a doozy, I am thrilled to say I have no idea how this is all going to wrap up and that is a fantastic place to be. If you are waiting for a collected edition of this grand epic, or if you are like me and are excited to double-dip for a <a href="https://amzn.to/2Lx1gtA" target="_blank">hardcover edition</a> for your favorite bookshelf, then you are going to have to wait until the end of December to make it a truly Merry X-Men X-Mas.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48662227&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Silver Surfer Black #4</a></i></b></h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48662227&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd84-XdbuAh5qLOFXZRtAGa6OwCC5zatotDiqWfbIjob6eolF4uexnDx2lGCjm4vwA2dR2CnXPpVTvYxK2qMhFEPeXVJus6voBITN1pwFZrwr90v-Iq5tfGoG9XkvAigW_7rG7ApaTidPb/s200/SliverSurferBlack_04.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Tradd Moore, colored by Dave Stewart, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
This penultimate issue of the exciting and gorgeous <i>Silver Surfer Black </i>has one glaring, soul-crushing problem: it is the penultimate issue. I love this book. I love this book. I love this book. Five issues will nowhere be enough to satisfy my need for more of Marvel’s experimental, groovy, mindbending, tripadelic journey through the cosmos. The Silver Surfer still needs the help of a young Ego the Living Planet in his quest to stop Knull, the God of the Symbiotes, but he will first have to extract a certain “malady” from Ego’s core else there will be no Ego to provide any form of future aid. Unfortunately, what lies at Ego’s core will torment the Surfer with one of the direst decisions of his entire existence. I would buy this book and love its weirdness on Cates’s story alone, but oh my goodness gracious this is one of the most visually magnificent comics currently hitting the stands. Moore’s art is something that has to be seen to be believed, and once you actually see it, it will send you on an optical trip, unlike anything you’ve been on before. This is also due in no small part to Stewart’s vibrant flat color schemes which are certain to amaze. <i>Silver Surfer Black</i> is going to be another X-Mas time beauty that will spring to life as an <a href="https://amzn.to/2NZOnKd" target="_blank">oversized must-have collection</a> that will need to be displayed front and foremost on your favorite bookshelf. That said, don’t wait, buy the issues before the collection drops, you won’t be sorry you did. And, again, we need some dang Tradd Morre Silver Surfer blacklight posters, by golly.</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="font-weight: 400;">
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48811233&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice #3</a></i></h3>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Michael Walsh, lettered by Nate Piekos, published by DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48811233&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERFi080Z8vjufHqJUxrpQCAiUncKSnDwl-DbnsYxvXnrwJEieNyw-8F1IuNI4rXPBO-z2RP-Ngkv1l3LM0BiWtV15-u2PIQ_ABZzLi-TfFFyu8KTT52Nc_aSIhfOV_SwuyrIa8w8OWwjf/s200/BlackHammerJusticeLeague_03.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
This is 100% the book I never knew I wanted and it is 100% the book I need. Black Hammer/Justice League is so very odd and contrary to anything I can imagine DC actually allowing to happen. But the thing is, they and Dark Horse have had some equally insane intercompany crossovers in the past and in Lemire and Walsh’s very capable hands this swapped worlds superhero tale hits on every level. I especially love the moments when Golden Gale hits on the various members of the Justice League and how uncomfortable they are with it. Equally fun are John Stewart and Colonel Weird working together to try to save a JL member at risk of making a terrible, life-threatening mistake. The ending couple of pages, however, sealed the deal by eliciting an audible gasp from me and now I nervously await the next installment of this five-issue miniseries. If you’ve never read the Donist World Darling that is <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/303VVlo" target="_blank">Black Hammer</a></i> then you best get on it, as it is one of the best series to drop in the past decade. That said, this is one oddball event you should not miss.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Venom #18</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Iban Coello, colored by Rain Beredo, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IdV2C3tGjpUU6_v7jdpOcXbMT40cF-suwlZH7FH0IDZ28IFht8VdZYgiA7LL1u5ho3oMMDxDjfu1kXy77dU-XpWiEJDttoJ80Uf_SqPopEa67xaokkms3N3BKiN-oKn-mKEFw_rXsf0U/s200/Venom_18.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">This issue briefly dips its big toe into the pool that is the origin story of the new symbiote on the block: Sleeper. Sure, homie shows up outta nowhere from the depths of outer space to journey to Earth to meet the arrival of Knull the God of the Symbiotes and to aid in his defeat. The character is cool and expertly designed by Coello and I am not going to spoil this character’s secret identity other than to say it’s completely messed up; I would expect nothing less from yet another great Cates’s story. Anyhow, yes, this is an </span><i>Absolute Carnage</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> tie-in, but it doesn’t completely feel like it is as neither the title character nor the main adversary ever show up, not even once. But that is fine. I’m still enjoying both this comic and the event quite a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">That’s it for this late installment of your friendly neighborhood Friday Slice post, but I will definitely see you next time. Thank you for reading. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-87697407214094577352019-09-07T12:59:00.002-07:002019-09-07T12:59:42.551-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 9/7/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/friend of the four-day weekend Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). For a three-day workweek, this past week was pretty darn hectic, so we’re going to keep the intro short as we need to get some grub for the corporate office (aka…Mom’s basement). Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">House of X #4</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Pepe Larraz, colored by Marte Gracia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, design by Tom Muller, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW_hCWJp6YHDeSyLCAS6mPSsS9z2N2hCe-wP_3fllh5VFQ1PLY8pEWeps0hCTiffWbP5JV9-QKDRiyvS5GlUMv4CQybV-fJvpiSBDKNNrJX077FM3pZRI-zEx9SsTrmWDbjKUVblYWZm_/s200/HouseOfX_04.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
I am still immensely captivated by this 12-issue Marvel Comics “Event” series. We have moved into the second half of the story with no drop in quality, no expansion into dozens of other—and oftentimes unrelated—titles, no ever-changing artist lineups, and not a single delayed issue. Yeah, I’m as confused as you are, but why question a good thing? And what a good thing this event is. Now, at the back of each issue is a “Reading Order” page that also highlights three key issues in red: <i>House of X #2</i> (and boy howdy did this one rock our socks off), <i>House of X #5</i>, and the final issue in the event <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X #6</a></i>. What is shocking to me is that after reading this issue, it kind of seems like it should have been one of the red-highlighted issues, as some unexpected and brutal things happen. There’s no way I’m going to spoil it for you—it’s only the seventh issue in the event, after all—but if Hickman doesn’t count this as a major occurrence, then I’m positively terrified of what <i>HoX #5</i> and <i>PoX #6</i> have in store for us. Anyhow, you need to be reading this event and I can’t wait to binge read the entire series again once it concludes on October 9th. I’m really hoping the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PUWKcC" target="_blank">hardcover collection</a> is oversized so I can slide it onto my favorite bookshelf come December.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=44942612&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Doomsday Clock #11</a></i></h3>
<div style="font-weight: 700;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">(Written by Geoff Johns, illustrated by Gary Frank, colored by Brad Anderson, lettered by Rob Leigh, published by DC Comics)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=44942612&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbec5Hk2PAOtESYm6eJf1h7Yc7sKHoyuEzvhGrkMYbSATCoQxskS6a59Qcw7sQ75r-409O3QzbDU5DPmBQyGzNvL77zxjWL-oPgfpgFLmeZzKafHWOd3iyVm_wQgKaoQD3lPNLtTCFCtzm/s200/DoomsdayClock_11.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: 700;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">After what happened in the previous issue, I…wait a minute…what <i>did</i> exactly happen in issue #10? I honestly don’t really remember. Sure, I know I absolutely dug it, but the particulars completely escape me. Something happened to Superman in that issue, but for the life of me, I have no idea what that was. It was almost three months between issues and we had just moved to our new home, so it’s all a big blank. I could go back and read the issue, but I’m going to hold off on a big reread until after the final issue drops…hopefully before the end of 2019. As for the story, Ozymandias reveals quite a bit of what he has been up to, Lex Luthor is figuring out what has gone wrong, Mime and Marionette finally reappear, as does Rorschach, Black Adam arrives at the White House, and Superman and Dr. Manhattan meet. I’m still loving every bit of this series and this issue does not disappoint in either Johns’s story or Frank’s lovely art, and even with the lengthy delays between issues and my memory gaps regarding what has happened from issue to issue, the revelations, intensity of the situations, and my need to see how it all ends has me eagerly awaiting the final issue.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 700;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 700;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: 700;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Absolute Carnage #2</a></i></h3>
<div style="font-weight: 700;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></div>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Ryan Stegman, inked by JP Mayer, colored by Frank Martin, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
Phew! That wasn’t that long of a wait. I think my LCS was shorted most of the copies of Marvel’s other “Event” comic that I am totally enjoying—although, this one does branch out into a bunch of other series and one-shots that I am not reading. Stegman’s art is off-the-charts gorgeous especially when things get downright scary for Venom, Spider-Man, and especially for Mac Gargan the Scorpion. I love the vying for control between Carnage and Norman Osborn and this much-touted event leaves me desperate to see what happens next as Carnage continues to claim Codex after Codex.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=49019776&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIOwMcKcm8Re0EtynfjU3DG1sH-NaSZ19lTc_o4ZELEnChEtu-wxpeeC4fohYQGEu6UbnQV9GMO98NR0H-z0g-WJGF4mLCnAvFeOqWcTg9V5ZS5J5ZP1i8OXx3peiDAkb3QJ4WVqDa3bJ/s200/AbsoluteCarnage_02.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Immortal Hulk #22</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</h3>
(Written by Al Ewing; illustrated by Joe Bennett, inked by Ruy José with Belardino Brabo, colored by Paul Mounts with Matt Milla, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit; published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
General Fortean has become the new, new Abomination and although it’s only him and some of his highly trained forces against the Hulk, his crew of Gamma “friends,” and some of the members of Alpha Flight, the scales are very much tipped in favor of the bad guys. The Hulk is a f_ing monster that is certain to give you nightmares—dang, that final full-page splash—and this series continues to get better and better. Plus, what the hell is the deal with this ghastly version of Rick Jones that is floating around and melting things with his gamma-irradiated hands? Even if you’ve never been a fan of the Hulk, you need to be reading this thrilling horror comic and you can do that with the <a href="https://amzn.to/2LxYGSP" target="_blank">soon-to-be four available trades</a>.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46194594&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30UNJ20eoZnXDGfupQmAX7iDsRtBtTCagmJoebLOe8kfX5wufzFQ6ftp9LtykHj0YGlHukpJc7bCeYn9p0OJFk3mgfmV6sTtqdvLjHUcKLzasPPmS8R5RCOHVRjq8F2Kx_mvjhNPiKjPx/s200/TheImmortalHulk_23.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47299738&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">The Green Lantern #11</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Grant Morrison, illustrated by Liam Sharp, colored by Steve Oliff; lettered by Tom Orzechowski; published by Marvel Comics)<br />
Is it just me or do other people feel like they are only getting part of the story here and they are scrambling to catch up? Morrison moves fast from scene to scene with all of these fascinating Green Lanterns from parallel universes but I, for one, could use a little decompressed storytelling to better understand just what the heck is going on. For instance, I’m still grooving on the hippy Magic Lantern from last issue and I can’t help but imagine how great it would be to have a one-shot—or better yet, a 12-issue maxiseries with each issue focusing on one of the 12 Green Lanterns—to better bring us all up to speed in some areas and embellish in others, but whatcha gonna do. Regardless, I’m still loving this comic and mostly from the must-see-to-believe, jawdropping art from Sharp who I want to be drawing ALL the sci-fi superhero books (pretty please, Thanos and Warlock on the other side of the Big Two!!!).<br />
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47299738&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMCFaPjnXRsVfXvcgogmulXw_MENtMcbTsgjgbdiaG3LohFP8iwVPP9-2knMTkj8_2tSO5xTk0R2S8Af05LMCziC80K6fioOWlqSQEjhbN0y6Dfx6y4pc3VddZm5bEJBbeikaLUh6H2yq/s200/TheGreenLantern_11.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637330&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Conan the Barbarian #9</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Jason Aaron, illustrated by Mahmud Asrar, colored by Matthew Wilson, lettered by VC’s Travis Lanham, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
We creep and we crawl towards the death of Conan prophesied way back in the first issue of this glorious series. This is fine. Just so long as the kick-ace Conan stories continue to flow. Each issue has tended toward done-in-one stories of Conan’s adventures with each one having a page or two that leads him ever closer to his confrontation with the death god Razazel. Here, Conan finds himself facing enemies and monsters from his past (from back in the ’70s?) as he tries to lead a stranded group of people away from the perils of leech-men and the dreaded God Below. It’s that final panel on the final page that made me gasp. You can and should catch up with <a href="https://amzn.to/2LCmdlu" target="_blank">the first trade</a> and see what all the fuss is about with the tremendously exciting Conan from Aaron and Asrar.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637330&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTGvw0fo3WQnGMXqSJQ37KYWlriafXls0rF16cwEuSXA9rbZuWCHj538mTwRBs4ukW607E8JOQDVZ_pRypLgaN9KIkbPJvnyBviptj-cbG-dsynfJliWnjh8J1kdKyL2Yj0Sqko3Dq2D9/s200/ConanTheBarbarian_09.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That’s it for the amazing new comics from this week, Denizens. Have a great weekend, stay groovy, have a burrito and a nice cool beverage, and Tulip, Reverse Obie, and I will see you next time.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</h3>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-64102759534594330002019-09-01T16:23:00.003-07:002019-09-07T11:04:45.581-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 8/30/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/friend of the four-day weekend Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). I won’t lie, it was an insanely busy and nervewracking week this week and it’s taken me all of yesterday and half of today to finally chill. Thank goodness my puppy executive team and I have a ton of comics to help us finally begin to unwind, so we are going to keep this intro short. Anyhow, take a breath, let your shoulders relax, grab a refreshing water (or a beer or two) and some kale chips (or delicious tortilla chips and salsa), sit back, and afterward check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Ascender #5</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, lettered and designed by Steve Wands, edited by Will Dennis, published by Image Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48174931&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDfAQ-dnUPCdKAvmbMova7pFWwJnGQ1QJgNeYGn0E2VH6LGDvKzvX7qk18qpdgoOEOkvTF1CRkxAXgdgVTosssr785c7_YX9ODXuhyphenhyphenlF8ZBUVI3m6osYk0ktloNm17n4hMwxCnGWQT4dp/s200/Ascender_05.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
I love this comic. Dang, how I love this comic. If you’ve been following Donist World for any length of time, then you know that the first half of this epic tale, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NMpAZU" target="_blank">Descender</a></i>, was a Donist World Darling from the get-go. Now, with <i>Ascender</i>, and its shift from sci-fi/adventure to fantasy/adventure, I am loving it every bit as much. This month, we learn that failure to Mother mean very very bad things for those who underperform, that Telsa is now the captain of her own fleet of oceangoing ships, and, most importantly, that readers of this damn-fine series need to keep turning those solid black pages after the brutal and shocking event that I will in no way spoil. I will say that I was tempted to throw the comic across the room in anger, but that is the beauty of Lemire and Nguyen’s tremendous comic: they have made me fall completely in love with all of the characters to such a degree that I cannot abide bad things happening to them. Nguyen especially over-delivers on the lovely watercolored imagery in this first arc’s concluding issue with amazing emotional moments and the shocking red of Telsa’s much shorter hair. Heck, even the monstrously disgusting punishment that Mother inflicts upon her lackeys is lovely in its grotesqueries. So, yes, this issue continues to be a highly entertaining and rewarding tale that will keep you desperate for more. I’m not sure if the creators are taking a month or two hiatus before issue six comes out, but I promise I will be there on the day of release desperate to see what happens next. You need <i>Descender/Ascender</i> in your life and you can do this with the <a href="https://amzn.to/2NMpAZU" target="_blank">six available trades</a> of the former before picking up the <a href="https://amzn.to/2MNTo8I" target="_blank">first trade</a> of the latter come October. So damn good.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">House of X #3</a></i></h3>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by Pepe Larraz, colored by Marte Gracia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7UFkRrwi0KC-o_bLHQgbllqahu9Vw0pJgznOKE2lq2t3Ptu85rKGhbpV9c44Zrls02Q-CK0w8grc8rLA5Yq8B2mjliRNv2hrJajFT2zXAsogyIwDxlTmUXY39j9DYzVuzhyphenhyphenlH9Aub-nR/s200/HouseOfX_03.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
After reading this issue, we are now at the halfway point of this fantastic Marvel Comics event. I know, I know, I can’t believe I am referring to a Big Two event as a “fantastic event” without making the “fantastic” part an adverb describing a string of derogatory words. Nope. In fact, I positively love this event. <i>House of X</i> is the half of the maxiseries that takes place in the present, whereas <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X</a></i> jumps from the past to the present to the future to the distant future, and this issue sets us squarely along the path of Moira MacTaggert’s 10th life. If none of this makes a lick of sense, then you need to get out there and buy all three issues of each series (don’t forget <i>House of X #4</i> this coming Wednesday!) so you can get caught up with the intense, complex, and captivating exploits of the X-Men. In this issue, the mutant island known as Krakoa is established as a sovereign nation, thus providing diplomatic immunity to all mutants who call it home…including some fairly nasty ones. While that happens, Cyclops leads a team of X-Men off world to destroy a Mothermold (a factory that spits out Mastermolds, which produce the dreaded sentinels) hidden in outer space and the issue ends with a veritable bang. I will be at my LCS as soon as I can make it there this coming Wednesday. I already have my sights on the <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZD8Zy8" target="_blank">House of X/Powers of X</a></i> hardcover that drops right before Christmas.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Venom #17</a></i></h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
</div>
</div>
</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div>
<div>
<div style="font-weight: 400;">
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Iban Coello, colored by Rain Beredo, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=46022174&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJADK2l7QzVE4Dx8UfcS2OlptndUbdSseqyjLTTKOiyCl4R8HS8MVgPnq1_odlTfvHcrg1fZ5F0-iLwJL0pEfBTn2wUaSLuY9qNFU1xUWL5i-ZdU5FQfgq2-9eG8INZFw5bh3j9NCNxreP/s200/Venom_17.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Okay, now I’m mad. You see I took a chance on the first issue of </span><i>Absolute Carnage</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and then I get to the LCS and they are sold out of the second issue; I had forgotten to put it on my pull. Now, I think the reading order is shot as that book preceded <i>Venom #17</i>. Still, I couldn’t resist reading <i>Venom</i> out of order, order be danged. Anyhow, Coello steps in as guest artist for this event and his art is the perfect fit for this horror-tinged, superhero versus symbiote slugfest. At its core, it is a spinetingling zombie flick, only instead of zombies we get creepy-as-f_ Carnage monsters swarming the city in search of anyone who has had contact with a symbiote. We also follow Eddie Brock’s son and Norman Osborn’s son who are both being watched by the Maker, who is trying to find a way to extract the symbiote codex from them before the monsters come calling…although I suspect the arrogant Maker has his own diabolical plans for the symbiote goo. And the hits keep coming when four symbiotes—who I have no idea of who they are—arrive to cause all manner of malice only to be thwarted by…Sleeper! Yeah, not a clue who Sleeper is and it looks like this character might be brand new but it doesn’t matter to me, he looks cool, promises to kick some ass, and Cates leaves me desperate to get that dang <i>Absolute Carnage #2</i> in my hands ASAP!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">That's it for this installment, Denizens. I’m off to ride the Taco Train to Beer Town. See you next week.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</h3>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1558000761377199900.post-42242631762957858852019-08-25T11:52:00.001-07:002019-08-25T11:54:47.543-07:00Friday Slice of Heaven, Slice into the Woods 8/23/2019Welcome back, Donist World Denizens! For those of you new to our site, I’m Donist, and I am joined by Donist World CFO the Reverse Obie* (my friends’ Boston terrier whose fur recently swapped colors) and by our marketing director/administrative assistant/party planner/sleepwalker Tulip (my dog, Reverse Obie’s sister). I ain't gonna front; it was a long early, early morning. You see, Tulip, Amy the intern (my wife), and I went out to Telegraph/Epic Brewing for some amazing beers to enjoy with the sandwiches we brought. Afterward, when we were moments away from heading home, Reverse Obie (and his owners) called and asked if we wanted to meet them over at Third Window Brewing. Yeah, we went there. Anyhow, a Walkabout chocolate and orange stout followed by a lovely and powerful The Next IPA and this Donist was positively floating on air. Amy the intern was the responsible one and got us home safe and sound, where we had an after-dinner Founders KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout). That did it for us and we slept like babies…until the junkyard neighbors’ Rottweiler began barking at the top of its substantial lungs. This would have been around 4:15 am and he didn’t stop until around 5:30. I assumed no one was home until I heard a ruckus and saw an old man leave the massive Winnebago parked near the two giant boats that are all surrounded by many other vehicles and broken, mismatched junk. The dude was there the whole time!?!? ARGGH! I’m just going to go with him being deaf, heavily medicated, or both. Still, that’s total bullshit. I’m sure everyone within a four-block radius is just as sleep-deprived and upset as we are, and if they are nursing a hangover like yours truly, then I know they are indeed in bad shape. Morons. Complete and utter morons. So, before you put the light shield over your eyes and affix the noise-canceling headphones and catch those missing Zs, take a sip of calming tea, sit back, and check out some great comics. Thank you for reading!<br />
<sob><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magics mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.</span><br /><br />***Possible Spoilers Below***</sob><br />
<h1>
Friday Slice of Heaven</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Powers of X #3</a></i></h3>
<div>
(Written by Jonathan Hickman, illustrated by R.B. Silva, inked by R.B. Silva and Adriano di Benedetto, colored by Marte Gracia, lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865709&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQT1880debjnU-iZkjV8z3KamWLBxjafnsDDXkd9Y78GvJryTqgWswxlmodOu3-7ZWGslVHI4VexBl5Zaj8hAH_GxQoCwtR66DYG5bNTbBYn47l1Isvau1-C6rYJ-mpgj6gQzifxhv3y0l/s200/PowersOfX_03.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Discounting some pretty egregious typos and grammatical errors, this week’s Hickman X-Men offering is all sorts of kickass awesomeness that provides some clear answers to quite a few of the questions the previous issues have raised. This is also the first week that has not seen the series alternate from <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=48865703&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">House of X</a></i> to <i>Powers of X</i> and back. The book is also different in that we stick within Year 100 for the entirety of the issue. Here, we learn the identities of Apocalypse’s newest Horsemen with a 2nd Generation Chimera, two “Pureblood” Mutants, and a…well, you’ll have to read this fine issue to discover the identity of the VERY cool tree guy with the blood-red hands. The remnants of humanity are involved in all sorts of nuttery—when aren’t they?—and are challenged by most of the few remaining mutants. This is meant to draw the attention of Nimrod the Lesser away from Apocalypse’s true goal, which I absolutely did not see coming and which is beautifully played out on that shocking last page. Now, Hickman has me thinking again about timelines and a certain mutant ability while leaving me hoping for more adventures from this killer mutant lineup on this devastatingly bleak world. Hopefully, we will get to see more someday and hopefully, it will be brought to us by Silva and Gracia who give us the best-looking issue to date, especially on the scenes involving Nimrod the Lesser. However, as much as I want to see more of Apocalypse’s team, I more than anything need to see what happens next in <i>House of X #3 </i>this coming week. I can definitely see picking up the <a href="https://amzn.to/321om0H" target="_blank">hardcover collection</a> as soon as this fantastic event wraps.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" target="_blank">Guardians of the Galaxy #8</a></i></h3>
(Written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Cory Smith, colored by David Curiel, lettered by VC’s Cory Petit, published by Marvel Comics)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=47637865&AffID=644543P01" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ2uPwk-AgRG0gcIDV_6wIwZv515UMyMKH9VS_-P1QQYVDfrvNCxXIyjeQWIqIxecMUpyeACkhxeTN2pih1b_Nlqb1wjpzP_TmHgCRgHhCAfYZYvAFA7bFJy8C4n_XKj9EdJjNGghIdT3/s200/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy_08.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Last issue left us with a bleak look at how Rocket Racoon has been doing. It ain’t pretty. This issue lets us know how Rocket got to his current condition through a quick origin story that starts off as heartbreaking and ends as devastating. Then, the Patriarch of the Universal Church of Truth (Peter Quill’s father) reveals one (or rather <i>many</i> given that final page) of the methods through which he hopes to spread the Church’s evil influence. Given that the UCoT is involved, I’m hopeful to see Adam Warlock (one of my favorite Marvel characters) and/or Magus appear at some point and to hopefully play a prominent role in this great space opera. Time will tell, but I will say that I saw a solicit that looks to feature a kid version of Magus, which makes me a little nervous. I am NOT a fan of when comics make characters kids, but, again, time will tell. Cates has been rocking the Marvel books for a while now, and he continues to do so with <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i>. You can and should catch up with the <a href="https://amzn.to/33WDCOd" target="_blank">first trade</a> if you aren’t already reading this fine series.<br />
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!<br />
<br />
<br />
Sorry, Denizens, I gotta keep this one short and go lie down. I would have probably talked about <i style="font-weight: bold;">Criminal #7 </i>but unfortunately it didn’t make it in my pull, dagnabbit! Don’t let the dogs keep you awake and I’ll see you next time.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Don McMillanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871624966586083665noreply@blogger.com0