Commuter Comics

by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, & Jon Sibal

Hot on the heels of their acclaimed run on Action Comics, superstars Geoff Johns and Gary Frank reunite to present a 6-issue event that spells out the definitive origin of Superman for the 21st century – and it all starts with a gigantic 48-page issue! Chronicling Clark Kent’s journey from the cornfields of Smallville to the skyscrapers of Metropolis, you’ll witness a whole new look at the beginnings of Lex Luthor, the Legion of Super-Heroes, Lois Lane, Metallo, Jimmy Olsen, the Parasite and more! It’s a look at the mythic past of the Man of Steel with an eye toward the future!

by Keith Giffen, Howard Porter, & John Dell

Introducing the latest member of the Justice Society of America to break out into his own monthly series! Tired of chafing at the restraints that being a member of the JSA put upon him, Magog decides to take justice into his own hands and track down who’s behind the dealing of high-tech arms to lowlife scum around the DC Universe! Be here as the hunt starts Magog on the path to discovering his own unavoidable destiny thanks to writer Keith Giffen (Justice League International, Doom Patrol) and artists Howard Porter and John Dell, the acclaimed team behind JLA!

by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost

Emma Frost’s secret dealings with the Cabal come to light, and her life will never be the same.

By Dave Bowen

For weeks the comic fandom web has been a-twitter with rumors and suggestions about how Marvel would make national news on Monday, June 15th with an announcement about “Reborn,” the somewhat mysterious title solicited to comic shops with virtually no ordering information.

Two of the more popular rumor/theories about the implied return of Captain America were:

1. Isiah Bradley, the black (original) recipient of the Super Soldier serum from 2003’s Truth: Red, White & Black would recover from his current “all messed up” state and take up the shield.
2. Marvel would reveal a “big name” actor (speculation included Will Smith) who had been cast as Steve Rogers in the upcoming Captain America movie.

An article in the New York Daily News broke the ice with the revelation that Steve Rogers would be returning as Cap, despite his “death” in Captain America 25 some two and a half years ago.

No specifics on how Marvel will pull this off, although Captain America 600 (in some comic shops as early as Monday, June 15th) contains a clue about the less than completely gun-like nature of the gun Cap was shot with in issue 25.

Editor Tom Brevoort drops an intriguing hint about the return of Steve Rogers, “[But that all] assumes Steve will come back hale and hearty and fit for duty, both physically and emotionally, and that may not be the case. All during these months, while the world thought him dead, Steve’s been on a metaphysical journey of his own, and the experiences he’s lived through during that time are going to have a profound effect on his state of mind.”

Brevoorts’ comments are part of a follow up article on the Marvel site. There’s also a Reborn trailer (see below) which tells more.

Art (below) for the Joe Quesada Variant cover to Captain America Reborn 1 (APR098376). The variant is scheduled to arrive in stores July 22nd, and is limited. You may want to put in a request with your comic shop now.

This month, in honor of the Fourth of July — that historic date when our nation’s founders told the King of England that we weren’t going to be a part of his Empire any longer — we turn a spotlight on some of our favorite independent comic releases for the month.

Now, this is by no means a slight against any of the many titles in PREVIEWS not listed here, these are simply a rough sampling of the many different titles we offer each month; titles we felt deserved your attention. We’re pretty lucky to live in a country, and a world, where so many different voices and viewpoints are there for all to experience… all we need do is pick them up and give them a read.

So, in this month of July, 2009, we ask you to open your minds to new visions and new concepts, and Celebrate Your Independents!

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Glamourpuss #9
Aardvark-Vanaheim
24pgs, B&W   $3.00
Frequency: Bi-Monthly

After completing his epic, 300-issue series, Cerebus, Dave Sim took some time off. When he returned to comics, he did so in the form of Glamourpuss. A complete departure from Cerebus, Sim’s new series parodied the look of fashion magazines, while also serving as a super-hero tale and a treatise on the photorealist style of comics developed by Alex Raymond and carried on by the likes of Al Williamson. Sim fills each issue of Glamourpuss with humor, beautiful art and, on some issues, variant Zombie covers. Something for everyone, indeed.

Strangers in Paradise Omnibus L.E. HC
Abstract Studio
HC, 7×10, 1074pgs, B&W     $159.95
Frequency: N/A

Terry Moore’s long-running, award-winning series of love, intrigue, sorrow and joy is now collected in one massive hardcover edition — but for a limited time only. Katchoo loves Francine; Francine considers Katchoo her best friend; David loves Katchoo; Casey loves David… and somewhere in between all of the intrigue, murder and non-linear storytelling, love finds a way. This is the ultimate collection of Terry Moore’s series, and one that is definitely for the die-hard fan or recent convert.

Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer GN
Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics
SC, 6×9, 128pgs, B&W          $10.95
Frequency: N/A

Pinocchio Kills Vampires. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?!” concepts. And writer Van Jensen and artist Dustin Higgins beat us all to it. And what they’ve done… brilliant. When the puppet-boy witnesses the death of his beloved “father” Geppetto at the hands of vile vampires, he becomes a one-puppet army, armed with an endless supply of lies and stakes, and a mission: destroy the vampires, save humanity, and maybe become a real boy in the process.

Vampirella: The Second Coming #1
Anarchy Studios/Harris Comics
20pgs, FC        $1.99
Frequency: Monthly

Created in 1969 by Famous Monsters editor, Forrest J Ackerman, Vampirella, the vampire girl from planet Drakulon (ret-conned later as a plane of Hell), fought Earthly vampires in our defense. Now the iconic heroine is the focus of a new beginning, a Second Coming, set in a world where arcane events unfold in our nation’s capital, and a group of women compelled to idolize Vampirella may be our last hope… and the key to her return. Phil Hester and a quartet of talented cover artists usher in a new era for the iconic character!

Soulfire Vol. 2 #0
Aspen MLT, Inc.
24pgs, FC        $2.50
Frequency: Monthly

Michael Turner was taken from us far too early, but his legacy continues in a new volume of the fan-favorite fantasy series! Writer J.T. Krul, and artists Marcus To and Saleem Crawford carry on the saga of Soulfire, following Turner’s original vision as their roadmap. Filled with beautiful, detailed art and big sci-fi-meets-fantasy concepts, this #0 issue is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of Soulfire, and to prepare you for August’s Soulfire Vol. 2 #1.

Chronicles of Wormwood: The Last Battle #1
Avatar Press
32pgs, FC        $3.50
Frequency: Monthly

Warren Ellis is one of comics’ most prolific, original and dangerous voices. And his body of work with Avatar Press definitely falls under the “dangerous” header these days. Sci-Fi, Horror, Dark Fantasy… Ellis’ imagination knows no boundaries, and his Chronicles of Wormwood returns with a new chapter this September. If you’re a “mature reader” then you’ll want to check out this story of Danny Wormwood, the Anti-Christ himself, who in his last story arc averted the Apocalypse, and got rid of the ever-feuding God and Devil. Where does one go from there? Back to Hell, to take care of the new “landlord”…

Rasl Volume 1: Drift TP
Cartoon Books
SC, 9×12, 112pgs, B&W        $13.00
Frequency: N/A

What do you do after chronicling the adventures of a funny little critter and his friends for over 13 years, spanning 50 issues and numerous collected editions? If you’re Jeff Smith, you drastically shift gears from the kid-friendly Fantasy-Adventure of Bone to the harder-edged Sci-Fi drama of RASL. On the surface RASL is about a time-traveling thief… but there’s far more to it below the surface; Other travelers, a lost love who lives on in alternate dimensions, and the rigors of dimension-hopping on the mind and body. Yep. This is definitely not Boneville…

Aya: The Secrets Come Out HC
Drawn & Quarterly
HC, 7×9, 140pgs, FC  $19.99
Frequency: N/A

You don’t get much farther from the “mainstream” than a graphic novel series set in Africa’s Ivory Coast of the ’70s. But the Aya series, written by Marguerite Abouet and illustrated by Clement Oubrerie, is a slice-of-life series following the day-to-day of a young African girl, her friends, and family. Abouet, herself a native of the Ivory Coast (and who later moved to France at the age of 12), fills these stories with humor, pathos, and a level of loving detail that only someone who lived there could.

West Coast Blues HC
Fantagraphics Books
HC, 7×10, 80pgs, B&W         $18.99
Frequency: N/A

The late Jean-Patrick Manchette was one of France’s most celebrated crime novelists, credited with reinventing and reinvigorating the genre during the’70s and ’80s. Jacques Tardi is one of France’s most prolific cartoonists, whose adaptations and original works have been translated and published around the world. Best known for his heroine, Adèle Blanc-Sec, it is his crime fiction that often gets the most attention. And that notice is most deserved for his adaptation of Manchette’s 1976 novel, West Coat Blues. Tardi’s loose style infuses Manchette’s dark story of a young executive who witnesses a murder and is trapped in an ever-tightening web of danger and violence from which the only escape is to become the aggressor… Classic noir at it’s best.

Alec: the Years Have Pants (A Life-Size Omnibus)
Top Shelf Productions
SC / HC, 7×10, 640pgs, B&W           $30.00 / $49.95
Frequency: N/A

Since the ’80s, Scottish-born writer/artist Eddie Campbell (Alan Moore’s From Hell) has chronicled his own life in a series of semi-autobiographical stories filtered through the alter ego of “Alec MacGarry”. The slice-of-life Alec stories follow him from the pub-rat to family man, with each chapter tempered by the author’s uncanny eye for irony and wry self-awareness, making even the smallest occasion an opportunity for wit and wisdom. If you’re new to Eddie Campbell’s Alec, you’re in luck: this omnibus collects all of his previously published Alec strips, plus an all-new 35-page book, The Years Have Pants.

by Geoff Johns & Francis Manapul

It’s the return of one of DC Comics’ longest running books and one of its greatest modern-day heroes – Conner Kent! In our first heroic issue, Superboy can’t wait to jump back into his life – but which life will it be? With a clarity he’s never had before, Conner makes a beeline for the greatest place on Earth…Smallville?

Plus, in the wake of Final Crisis: Legion Of Three Worlds, Starman heads off on an all-new mission in the present. And it’s one that will not only impact Superboy, but the future of the DC Universe itself. Fortunately, the off-kilter Legionnaire won’t be dong it alone! And in the upcoming months of Adventure Comics look for Lex Luthor! Brainiac! Lightning Lad! Superboy’s pal Simple Simon! Sun Boy and Polar Boy! Ultra, the Multi Alien! Wonder Girl! Black Lantern Alexander Luthor! And many, many more new and familiar faces!

by Ray Bradbury & Tim Hamilton

Fifty-five years ago, Ray Bradbury envisioned one of the world’s most unforgettable dystopian futures. Thinking is dangerous; trust only the state; turn in your neighbors; and, most important, burn all books. The world of Guy Montag, a career fireman for whom kerosene has become perfume, has been translated by Tim Hamilton into unforgettable full-color art that uniquely captures Montag’s awakening to the evil of government-controlled thought and the inestimable value of philosophy, theology, and literature.

by Mike Johnson, Tim Jones, &David Messina

From Star Trek writer/producers Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman and the creative team behind the best-selling prequel comic Star Trek: Countdown comes an all-new story set within the events of the hit film! Not an adaptation, this exclusive story follows the villainous Nero as he seeks to destroy the Federation. Don’t miss this essential chapter in the rebirth of Star Trek!

by Mark Millar & Carlos Pacheco

Guess who’s back!! That’s right, kids, Mark Millar (The Ultimates, Wolverine: Old Man Logan) and superstar artist Carlos Pacheco (Avengers Forever, X-Men) blast into the Ultimate Universe for a mind-blowing, heart-pounding and gut-wrenching event of epic proportions! When a highly-classified secret threatens Captain America, only the newly-returned Nick Fury has the tools to bring ‘em in! As the first of a series of blockbuster arcs begins: Project Avengers is a go!