Ant on Comics: New Comics PREVIEW for 12/11/13

Hello, comic friends! I am here to discuss comics that will be released this Wednesday, December 11th, 2013. If you want to hear my reviews on the comics I picked up last week, you can check them out on the Ant On Podcast on iTunes!

Now, if I had the wallet of guys like Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark… I would honestly buy one copy of every comic book that comes out. But, alas, I’m not a jewel thief like Catwoman and can’t phase through the floor of my local comic book store like Kitty Pryde to grab every comic book created. So instead I look through the list every week and pull the ones that interest me the most.

All book premises are in quotes and brought to you by TFAW. The rest is all me, friends! For a complete list of releases you can visit Comic List.

THIS WEEK’S PICKS:

Superman Wonder Woman #3

“Zod unleashed! Can Superman and Wonder Woman stop this madman before he gains full power under the Earth’s yellow sun? Guest-starring the JLA, and featuring a shocking conclusion that could mean the end of Superman and Wonder Woman together!”

Superman and Wonder Woman started off the series questioning their relationship, where Wonder Woman wanted it to be more public, while Superman likes how it’s their secret. They are alerted of a terrible storm to save a plane, and thats where they run into Doomsday. Doomsday came and went, and I honestly don’t really remember what happened in issue 2.

I am really enjoying the art in this book and that might be what saves it for another purchase this month. The first issue was really good, the second issue was good, and now I was really questioning if I would pick the third issue up.

I’ve never been a huge reader of DC Comics, though I enjoy the characters in film and cartoons. I’ve really tried to jump onto some series, but they just don’t have the storytelling appeal that Marvel gives me when it comes to superhero comics.

Alex + Ada #2 (of 15)

“Alex struggles with figuring out what to do with Ada, his new android, before anyone finds out about her. She is not what he expected.”

I am a huge fan of the creator, Jonathan Luna, so when I heard about this series I was instantly subscribed without knowing anything about it. The first issue didn’t disappoint.

Alex is a lonely guy, living in a future time setting, and is gifted with a robot girlfriend.

The art in all of the books created by The Luna Brothers is very consistent, and that is what I love. I know what to expect every time I pick up an issue of any given series they have placed their creative touch on.

Other titles I suggest of this same nature of storytelling and art are: The Sword, Ultra and Girls. I have yet to check out Whispers. I was late in the game of ordering when this was coming out but will wait for the trade and purchase it immediately when it is available.

If you love one book from these creators, you’ll basically love every book. That’s what I think at least.

Krampus #1

“Meet the Secret Society of Santa Clauses. For centuries, Father Christmas, Ded Moroz, Hoteiosho, and others have magically distributed Christmas cheer to children around the world. But when the source of their power is stolen, a desperate Society turns to an usual source for help: the dreaded Krampus, child-punishing demon of holiday lore. Free of his cell for the first time in decades, will the Krampus uncover the truth behind the Santas’ depowering or leave his jailers to their ultimate fate? It’s Snake Plissken by way of the Grinch as the darkly comedic adventure begins here.”

Christmas is upon us, and what better way than to celebrate with a book like this? I saw this in the monthly Previews magazine and was intrigued by the cover. I have absolutely no idea what I am about to get myself into beyond the description given above, but I needed some holiday cheer in my life and this seemed like the most obvious place to start.

It also has the ingredients of being a number one issue of a new series from Image Comics, and that’s basically all it takes for me these days. I’ve really been loving non-superhero books, and this one could make it to my subscription list. We’ll find out on Wednesday.

Lazarus #5

“NEW STORY ARC! ‘LIFT,’ Part One Following Jonah’s betrayal, Forever is beginning to question the nature of family, in particular her own. Waste from all over the Carlyle domain travel to Denver in hopes of improving their lives.”

In a futuristic time period, the world has been divided where the families with the most money have the most power. Each family elects a warrior, encoded and built with the training for fighting, to represent themselves… a Lazarus.

The first four issues were the first arc of the series, and I absolutely loved it. There’s not much I can reveal to keep it spoiler free because it’s very early on to get into this book.

This is a great new series that I am basically in for the long haul. Creator Greg Rucka had an excellent explanation across several pages at the end of issue one talking about how the idea came to be and his long-term vision for keeping this story going. It’s a really good read, and reading his passion really helped sell what is to come in the future.

The Amazing Spider-Man #700.2 & #700.3

“One year after his death at the hands of the Superior Spider-Man–PETER PARKER IS BACK! Acclaimed novelist David Morrell (First Blood) and legendary comics icon Klaus Janson (DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS) team up to kick off this celebration of the world’s greatest super hero! With a blizzard crippling New York City, Spider-Man must protect the city–but Aunt May’s life is in danger!”

We are almost at one full year from when Doctor Octopus swapped bodies with Peter Parker, leaving Peter to die in Ock’s dying body, and taking over as The Superior Spider-man, with nobody knowing. I am absolutely loving The Superior Spider-Man and was very intrigued when I saw The Amazing Spider-Man title (which ended with issue 700 last December) come back to the shelves with an interesting new numbering system.

For a span of five issues we will get this brand new story that does not take place in current continuity. I read #700.1 last week and really enjoyed it because I am a fan of Spider-Man. For a new reader, there really wasn’t much there for someone to grasp onto because there was no central villain other than the above mentioned blizzard.

With five issues total for this mini-series, perhaps we will get a villain this week. If you’re not a Spider-Man fan, this book probably won’t make you one from the first issue alone.

This week we get two installments. I just found this out when looking at the release list.

 

Conclusion:

My podcast, Ant On, is available on iTunes (with links above and below this post), and I do several episodes focused 100% on comic book previews and reviews.

I also do a comic book segment on my first podcast, AB Conversation, in which I will highlight just a few of the books, leaving reason to check out the Ant On Comics podcast as well for the full feature. The AB Conversation covers movies, television, comics, video games, food and the internet every Sunday morning.

I always like to support my local comic book shop. Pre-orders are key. If you purchase the monthly Previews guide located at your store, you can browse upcoming titles and set up an order and/or a pull-list with your store so they order the items that you are interested in.

There are several online sites to shop from too. Things From Another World and Midtown Comics are two that I like to frequent.

If you are into digital comics, then simply go to Comixology or the individual websites and apps for the publishers you purchase from.

Are there any titles that you are excited for that I didn’t talk about? Contact me and share your non-spoiler suggestions! If you don’t agree with what I have to say, I apologize and hope you are enjoying the comics you read, because I am definitely loving mine.

This is the Ant-Man signing off… I’ll see you between the panels!

My podcasts on iTunes: “AB Conversation” & “Ant On“

My podcast websites: http://www.abconversation.net & http://www.antonpodcast.podomatic.com

My film-making website: http://www.bartonheights.4t.com

My Twitter: @anthonylaatsch

What are you picking up? Let us know in the comments!

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