June 4, 2023
Summer is here! I anticipate some big things when it comes with my comic reading. I hope to arrange some of these comics into their appropriate boxes. I have some things ready to go.
Last time I did a Comic Cavalcade, I mentioned that there was no Marvel comic issues at Comic World. I expected that after that Wednesday when there were no Marvels shipped that there would be arriving later that week. So, as of now, it was last Sunday (a week from today)I stopped by Comic World ready to pick up those missing Marvels only for Drew to tell me that the truck from Diamond had exploded and the comic issues were all damaged.
Excuse me?
I had a difficult time finding any specific details on the accident, but I did find info from Diamond which said the truck that was carrying the comics to the “Diamond Comic Distributors’ Plattsburgh Distribution Center” suffered a serious accident that led to the comics being damaged. “While some product may ship from reserves/backstock, some will need to be sent from the printer for a delayed release,” Diamond told affected retailers in an e-mail.
Apparently, there were some people hurt badly in the wreck too so all positive thoughts to anyone involved in the accident. It makes missing out on some Marvel books for a few weeks a little less important.
Marvel had some books this week…
Amazing Spider-Man #26. Written by Zeb Wells and pencils by John Romita Jr. John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz were the cover artists. This was the big issue that Marvel desperately tried to keep spoiler-free, but failed at miserably. When the word got out anyway, they just embraced the spoiler and announced that Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) dies in this issue and that is the big thing that sent Peter off the deep end. It was a good issue, but I do not like the killing of Kamala Khan even a little bit. Why? Because I know as I am typing this that she will not be dead for long. Heck, she may even be back in November when The Marvels comes out on the big screen. This feels like just another stunt that will not matter in six months to a year. I feel as if Ms. Marvel deserved better.
Nocterra: Val Special. Story by Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel and art by Francis Manapul. Look what I found. I had been having a conversation with Todd and another customer at Comic World about Nocterra and the customer referred to the series having two special issues. I knew of the Blacktop Bill special but I did not know of another. I wondered if it was missed when it came out. However, as I was looking through the ‘to be read’ pile (looking for Where Monsters Lie #1 which I cannot find. It’s in a box somewhere!), I found the issue. It was good as usual. I am glad I found it.
Starslayer: The Log of the Jolly Roger #5. Thanks to Todd for this one who gave this to me as a gift. While I just glanced at the Starslayer story (not very interested in it), the reason this is worthwhile is that there is a short backup story featuring the second appearance of Groo the Wanderer by Sergio Aragonés. It was fascinating how Groo was actually different in this story showing proof that even Groo has character development (or perhaps recession) over the years.
Deep Cuts #2. “Sorry, But I Can’t Take You” Written by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark and penciled by Helena Masellis. Cover art was done by Chris Brunner. The second issue of this series from Image featured a story rooted in Jazz music. Specifically a woman named Gail Geldstein, a singer tying to create a Broadway show about Jazz that was lacking one really great song. It is a solid read.
Local Man #4. Written by Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs and Tony Fleecs also did the art. The cover was done by Tony & Tim and Brian Reber. Jack Xaver, being chased by the police for being Local Man (a joke about Jack wearing the same coat as the pic of Local Man in the papers was great), found the hideout of Camo Crusader, a former teammate whose plans were less than super heroic. The Local Man series continues to be very entertaining.
Avengers Beyond #3. Written by Derek Landy and penciled by Greg Land. Land and Frank D’Armata did the cover art. The Avengers, who have nobly taken up the fight with the Dark Order and the Lost One, were desperately trying to keep the shield up around planet earth. The Beyonder, who the Lost One planned on destroying, had other thoguhts and betrayed the Avengers.
W0rldtr33 #2. Written by James Tynion IV and featuring art by Fernando Blanco. Siobhan Silk and Nicky Gallo arrive in the narrative, searching for answers about the case going on. To be honest, while I enjoyed reading this, I am not 100% sure what is going on. I am hoping I can make more sense soon. Perhaps I need a re-read on these. I love James Tynion IV though.
Captain America: Symbol of Truth #13. Written by Tochi Onyebuchi and drawn by R.B. Silva. The fourth part of the Cold War arc continued here as Steve and Sam go at it hard over a disagreement on what to do next about Bucky and Cap’s kidnapped son Ian.
Doctor Strange #3. “A Day with Dormammu” Written by Jed MacKay and art by Pasqual Ferry. The backup story featuring Nico Minoru was written by Amy Chi and drawn by Tokitokoro with a title “Close Encounters of a Strange Kind.” This was a neat issue with an encounter between Dr. Strange and Dormammu, one of the more original ways for arch rivals to face off.
Deadpool #7. “Heavenly Bodies.” Written by Alyssa Wong and art by Luigi Zagaria. Martin Coccolo & Neeraj Menon did the cover art. Deadpool and Valentine had their date crashed by assassins from the group named Atelier. Meanwhile, Lady Deathstrike is trying to dogsit Deadpool’s new symbiote dog, Princess. I have been liking this new series featuring Deadpool, who, in the comics, has been hit and miss for me historically.
Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #4. “Part 4: Demolition Man” Written by John Jennings and art by Valentine DeLandro. Taurin Clarke was the cover artist. I have not been a huge fan of this series so far, but I did think this one was a decent book. Things are coming to a head with the Strangers and Al Harper and the Surfer. This is the penultimate issue for this mini series.
EYG- Embrace Your Geekness 