Comics

How confident are you that you can name 182 Marvel characters by sight?  What if you were limited to 15 minutes?

You will have to have fingers as quick as Quicksilver and a mind as fast as Reed Richards to meet the challenge.  Click on the link below and then let us know how Marvel-ously well you do.

We named 153 on our first go.

https://www.sporcle.com/games/MitchellGoosen/marveluniversepicturefind

It’s day 3 of our Summer Vacation Questions!

It’s New Comic Book Day! Along with all your new pick ups this week, Summer is a great time to catch up on your reading. What is on your backlog for reading this summer?

There is a new prize each week. The winner will be chosen by raffle at the end of the week.
Earn entries by doing the following:

Correct answer in the Facebook post – 1 entry
or
Correct answer in the comments section of the question on our website – 2 entries
Share the question on Facebook – 1 entry (Make sure your share is public so we can count you!)
Retweet the question on our Twitter – 1 entry
Answer daily before the next day’s post which will give you the answer. There is a new prize each week. Winners will be announced weekly!

Our prize this week is a high five from one of our staff!

It’s the happiest day of the week–WEDNESDAY!–when new comics line the shelves with the promise of escapism from the real world.  This week has a great mix of great new books from the big two and from independent companies.

This is John’s Top of the Stack, where he counts down to the book who rests atop his reading pile for the week.  Be sure to let us know what is on top of your stack as well.

Here are links to this week’s and next week’s pull list so you can see what will be awaiting you on the shelves and in your pullbox.

http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/newreleases/this-week

http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/newreleases/next-week

Wait, you don’t have a pullbox?  It’s an easy way to assure you don’t miss any of the great books that Brainstorm Comics and Gaming carries each and every week.  Not only do you have that assurance, but you only receive the following bonuses…..

20% off new comics

20% off graphic novels

20% off back issues

10% off graded books

10% off board games

Day Early access to sales

How much do all of those great benefits cost?  Absolutely nothing.  And Brainstorm Comics and Gaming only has a minimum of one monthly book for a subscription.  All we need is your name, phone number and a list of books you’d like us to hold for you.  So be sure to sign up for your subscription and begin saving money immediately!

And now, let’s begin the countdown to see what’s is King of the Mountain on this week’s edition of John’s Top of the Stack…..

12) Plastic Man #1

Plastic Man is a character that is almost always on the periphery of the DCU, but this 6 issue miniseries has two names attached that will hopefully elevate his profile a little.  The first is Gail Simone who is very well known and can bring the lighter element the character is known for (if you are new to comics or are unfamiliar with it, definitely check out her run on Secret Six). Honestly, though, the reason I’m looking forward to this book is Adriana Melo who I have always thought of as an underrated artist.  I’m looking forward to seeing what this duo produces.

11) Hawkman #1

Robert Venditti has been doing a great job on Hal Jordan, so I’m going to trust him on this one as well.  Bryan Hitch’s art looks as cinematic as always, giving the character some added gravitas.  The story for this is Carter Hall investigating his many different incarnations and the purpose of them.

10) Flash #48

Why am I looking forward to this one?  Simple–Flash War!  Plus we are rapidly approaching issue #50 which hints of a status quo change.  Joshua Williamson has been doing a great job.

9) Domino #3

Here is that name again–Gail Simone.  She has been doing a great job of making this one of the more enjoyable reads on the stands.  When I picked up the first issue, I had a very limited knowledge of Domino.  Simone made easy to jump into and care about the character.  Plus, David Baldeon’s art is an excellent companion to the story.  If you’re looking for a fun book without any baggage or crossovers, this is probably the book you’re looking for.

8) Stellar #1

This title spins out of a Pilot Season one shot that Robert Kirkman (maybe you heard of him?) wrote a while ago.  Stellar was abducted as a child and then transformed into a weapon whose purpose was to end an intergalactic war.  Now she is looking for redemption after all she has done.  This one has some excellent art provided by Bret Blevins with the story by Joseph Keatinge.

7) The Weatherman #1

Another Image number one, but this one was written by Jody LeHeup, the creator who produced Shirtless Bear Fighter.  Nathan Bright is at the center of this story but also the center of a terrorist attack the nearly wiped out all of humanity on Earth.  However, the weatherman of Mars has amnesia and can’t remember any of that.  Was he truly responsible?  I love mysteries that unravel slowly so I’m hoping this one lives up to its potential.

6) The Magic Order #1

While some will come on board due to the name Mark Millar attached to this book, I’m more enticed by the other name–Olivier Coipel.  The pages in this book are amazing.  This is the first of Millar’s Netflix deal, so we already know this one will end up on there as either a series or movie.  The premise is definitely interesting as there are five magic families who protect the world from danger.  In the solicits, it is described as magic meets the mob, so it has my attention.

5) Titans Special #1

Spinning out of the events of the No Justice miniseries, Nightwing must reassemble the Titans.  There are sudden fluctuations in the metahuman powers which is threatening people around the globe.  Those who have grown up with powers are relied upon to help those with these out of control abilities.  Dan Abnett is a name that’s always trusted by me, ever since his amazing work on Legion of Super-Heroes (check out that run as it is being collected in trade paperbacks right now).

4) Thor #1

Jason Aaron continues his run on the book with grand style.  He is joined by Mike Del Mundo to provide a story that is as visually appealing as it is appealing to read.  Thor’s first challenge?  The Juggernaut!  Plus, there is a back up story by Aaron with art by Christian Ward that introduces a new character who will no doubt get people’s attention.

3) Oblivion Song #4

Robert Kirkman is delivering a great series about a man’s search for family in the aftermath of a terrible invasion.  While the government has given up hope, Nathan cannot and will not.  If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, then this is definitely a book you should check out.

2) The Man of Steel #3

Brian Michael Bendis has been doing a great job of providing some small moments while also illuminating an unknown part of the destruction of Krypton.  I was one of those who were skeptical about him taking Big Blue, but so far he has done an admirable job.  I’m looking forward to seeing where all of this leads.

And, sitting on Top of the Stack this week is…..

1) Venom #2

I know, you’re shocked that a Donny Cates book is in this position.  Stegman and Cates had an amazing opening issue introducing a deeper past to the alien symbiote known as Venom. If you like horror, if you like Venom, if you like Spider-Man or if you just like great stories, definitely give this one a look.  You won’t be disappointed.

Covers of the Week

4) Detective #982 by Mark Brooks

I’ve been a fan of his for quite some time, starting when he was doing work on the all ages books for Marvel.  As I say all the time, I love covers that tell a story and this one does so perfectly.  Plus, it’s one of those virgin covers!

3) Old Man Logan #41 by Mike Deodato

Almost every cover that Deodato has done for this series has been stellar.

2) Hawkman #1 by Stjepan Sejic

This cover just screams the potential of the character.  After this series captures that and raises him to the next level.  And it’s another one of those virgin covers!

1) Flash #48 by Howard Porter

This one is probably going to surprise people as I think this one is superior to the Mattina B cover.  I think what truly makes this cover for me is the villains watching as the two are being judged.

That’s it for this week.  Let us know what is on Top of YOUR Stack!

It’s the happiest day of the week–WEDNESDAY!–when new comics line the shelves with the promise of escapism from the real world.  This week there are six legitimately great books that could have easily been on Top of the Stack.  Did you choose the same one?  Let us know.

Also, we are doing a special pricing on Immortal Hulk #1.  The retail price is $4.99 but we have it marked at $3.50, for a 30% savings.

This is John’s Top of the Stack, where he counts down to the book who rests atop his reading pile for the week.  Be sure to let us know what is on top of your stack as well.  The two books at the Top of the Stack this week have John’s Money Back Guarantee as well!  In addition to that, the number one book has an added discount, so keep on reading to see what has him so hyped for this week’s books.

Here are links to this week’s and next week’s pull list so you can see what will be awaiting you on the shelves and in your pullbox.

http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/newreleases/this-week

http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/newreleases/next-week

Wait, you don’t have a pullbox?  It’s an easy way to assure you don’t miss any of the great books that Brainstorm Comics and Gaming carries each and every week.  Not only do you have that assurance, but you only receive the following bonuses…..

20% off new comics

20% off graphic novels

20% off back issues

10% off graded books

10% off board games

Day Early access to sales

How much do all of those great benefits cost?  Absolutely nothing.  And Brainstorm Comics and Gaming only has a minimum of one monthly book for a subscription.  All we need is your name, phone number and a list of books you’d like us to hold for you.  So be sure to sign up for your subscription and begin saving money immediately!

And now, let’s begin the countdown to see what’s is King of the Mountain on this week’s edition of John’s Top of the Stack…..

10) Sword Daughter #1

Brian Wood is one of those creators who always brings something fresh to the comics industry.  One of my favorite books that he wrote is Briggs Land, the story of a secessionist movement in the United States.  This book, Sword Daughter, is a Viking revenge drama by way of those classic samurai movies.  Everyone in a village has been killed except for Dag and his daughter Elisbeth.

9) Deathstroke #32

Priest continues the Batman vs Deathstroke story line.  The solicits for this one promises a dark turn in the story and with the two characters involved, who knows what limit they will push.  With Batman being a component, this is definitely in the upper echelon of my to read stack.

8) Deadpool #1

The series relaunches with a new writer–Skottie Young!  He already pushes the limits in his comedy I Hate Fairyland for Image, so I’m sure he’ll be at home writing this series.  This is a character I’ve always shied away from, but I’ll give it a chance with Young at the helm.  According to the solicits, Wade is back to trying to make ends meet by mercing for money. And there’s a planetary threat that only Deadpool can handle.

7) The Unexpected #1

This title is part of the New Age of Heroes line and spins out of the Dark Nights Metal miniseries.  Firebrand had her heart replaced with the Conflict Engine which requires her to be in a fight every 24 hours.  Two characters are drawn to the Conflict Engine, the Bad Samaritan and Neon the Unknown, but each has a different motive for doing so.  This one sounds interesting, but it is artists Ryan Sook (loved his Spectre work from long ago) and Cary Nord (amazing Daredevil work) that have me on board.

6) Batman #48 and Prelude to the Wedding: Nightwing vs Hush #1

This is a special twofer since we are ramping up to the comic book wedding of the century!  Joker intervenes in this issue and whenever Joker shows up, we know something really, really bad is going to happen.  Meanwhile in the Prelude special, Dick Grayson needs to get to the wedding, but Hush shows up with other plans.  Hush has always been an appealing character to me, so I’m excited about this special.

5) Death or Glory #1

Sometimes we are put in untenable situations; Glory was put in one of the worst ones.  Her father is dying and unable to pay for the medical bills.  That put her on the path of crime to save him.  The first target?  Her ex!  In this issue, she realizes what she stole from her ex and what the repercussions will be (hint: he has a criminal empire at his disposal).  The first issue was awesome.  Written by Rick Remender, this is definitely one you’ll want to check out.  And the art by Bengal is gorgeous.

4) Justice League #1

After his run on Batman and Dark Nights Metal, we all know that Scott Snyder does nothing small.  Now he has the entire Justice League at his disposal, so we can only imagine what sort of situations he’ll put the group into.  The solicits promise a cosmos-shattering mystery that will bring out all of our favorite baddies.  As great as Snyder is, I’ll have to admit, it’s Jim Cheung’s art that pushes this book to the next level for me.  His work is always a treat.

3) Doctor Strange #1

Mark Waid has a tough act to follow.  Jason Aaron and then Donny Cates strung together almost 3 years of amazing stories for the Sorcerer Supreme.  I was a little nervous at first for this one, not because I doubt Mark Waid’s writing ability, but because I’ve never been a fan of taking characters out of their element and placing them in space.  However, after reading the book, I can say Waid found a character hook that made this work for me despite my trepidation.  Stephen Strange has lost his connection to the magical world.  He can no longer see the unexplainable things that the rest of us can’t.  In a bout of depression about his new state of existence, he seeks out help to restore his second sight.  As good as the story was, I have to tell you that Jesus Saiz’s art is simply phenomenal.  This book has consistently been one of the best on the shelves for years now and this team has managed to change trajectory and still maintain the quality.  Definitely check it out.

2) Man of Steel #2

The 6 part weekly series by Brian Michael Bendis continues on with the second part this week.  Issue number one had some of the great trademark small moments that Bendis excels at.  In this issue, the question of where Lois Lane is dominates the story as the curiosity of one of the Daily Planet’s reporters gets the better of her.  Continuing from issue one, we also find out that the demise of Krypton may not have occurred as we were led to believe.  Bendis is constructing a very solid Superman story.  If you liked his work over at Marvel, you won’t be disappointed as his style has seamlessly blended with the Man of Steel so far.

This brings us to the number one, otherwise known as the Top of the Stack……

1) Immortal Hulk #1

I have been looking forward to this book since it was announced.  This is the Hulk reimagined as a horror title and it works beautifully!  Al Ewing is a writer I’ve never really followed before but may need to go back and check out some of his other works.  In this issue, Bruce Banner does what he used to do–hide his identity, traveling around, trying to stay under the radar.  But he always has a monster that follows him wherever he goes.  Bruce gets caught in a robbery gone wrong and ends up dying in the process.  But no worries.  Remember, this is called the IMMORTAL Hulk.  At night, the monster awakens to seek vengeance.  There are some callbacks to the 70s television series as we have a reporter named McGee following the monster.  Joe Bennett has some great page spreads in the book as well.  The monster is awakened.

COVERS OF THE WEEK

People who know me are going to be shocked by my cover of the week.

4) Deathstroke #32 by Francesco Mattina

Mattina continues to hand in some amazing DC pieces.  The virgin covers for the company continue to impress as well.

3) Batman #48 by Frank Cho

The sketchy covers that Cho does are some of his best.  And again, here’s that virgin style cover by DC.

2) Green Lanterns #48 by Warren Louw

Another virgin cover by DC Comics.  This cover is simple and I think the coloring is what really makes it for me.

And my favorite cover of the week is….

1) Nightwing #45 by John Romita Jr

Romita Jr has never been a favorite of mine.  Something about his style just doesn’t appeal to me.  But I love this cover and honestly I can’t even figure out why.

That does it for this week.  Let us know what’s on the Top of YOUR Stack!