Captain's Picks 8.30.2017
DC Pick of the Week:
Darkseid Special #1
$4.99
What Previews said:
(W) Mark Evanier, Paul Levitz (A) Scott Kolins (CA) Chris Burnham
Mark Evanier, longtime Kirby associate and biographer (Kirby: King of Comics), tells a tale starring one of Jack's greatest villains. The latest daring escape from the orphanage of Granny Goodness leaves an infuriated Darkseid determined to capture and punish the escapees. The Lord of Apokolips puts his best hunter on the case, but one of Granny's students is unlike anyone he's encountered before. Plus, an untold tale of Omac by Paul Levitz and Phil Hester. This issue also includes the stories "The All-Seeing Eye," from TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED #12, with art by Jack Kirby, and "Raid from Apokolips," from FOREVER PEOPLE #6, written and pencilled by Jack Kirby.
What Red Shirt Comics said:
Monday would have been Jack Kirby's 100th birthday. Not only did he help create most of Marvel's original line up, but he moved on to DC and created the New Gods, establishing what would be known as the Fourth World. Without Kirby, there's no Darkseid, no Anti-Life Equation, no Mister Miracle. The list goes on and on and on. So sit back and enjoy yet another of this Kirby tribute specials before diving into the classics and pronouncing "Hail to the King"!
Marvel Pick of the Week:
Secret Empire #10
$4.99
What Previews said:
(W) Nick Spencer (A) Steve McNiven (CA) Mark Brooks
Can there be any redemption for Captain America as the SECRET EMPIRE starts to crumble? Rated T+
What Red Shirt Comics said:
So here it is, the FINALE of Secret Empire. The Main Event, as they say.
For all the early online criticisms and denouncements this series received (most of which were before a single issue hit the stands) this book has been well crafted and well received by the many Red Shirts reading it.
These major events are planned and plotted up to 3 years in advance of release. This story probably wouldn't have made as many waves if we weren't living in the times we are. The fact that life can imitate art so precisely is why art is made in the first place, to give us that mirror to look inward and see our true selves. And that in turn is why superheroes were invented, for all the times we didn't like what we saw and looked elsewhere for the hope to overcome.
Other Pick of the Week:
Star Wars - Jedi of the Republic: Mace Windu #1
$3.99
What Previews said:
(W) Matt Owens (A) Denys Cowan (CA) Jesus Saiz
For over a thousand generations, the Jedi have been the peacekeepers of the galaxy...but now, at the dawn of the Clone Wars, they find themselves in a new role: generals in the Army of the Republic. As Mace Windu, one of the Jedi's greatest warriors, leads a small unit of Jedi into battle shortly after the war begins, the Jedi must make peace with their new role, or be lost to the violence around them! Rated T
What Red Shirt Comics said:
Who wields a purple lightsaber and is a jedi mentor to all the younglings?
"Mace!"
Damn straight! He's one bad mother-
"Watch yo mouth!"
But I'm talkin' bout Mace??
Mace Windu was expertly played by the talented Samuel L Jackson. He's probably the Council Jedi with the most dialog (aside from Yoda) and the least amount of backstory. He seemed far more complex than Lucas's jilted dialog really conveyed but I've long been fascinated by what made him tick and what exactly was bubbling beneath the surface. This book keeps up the Star Wars brand with great art and style to match the line, and a really strong handle on the character's voice, which is so key for this franchise. You won't be disappointed.
Other Pick of the Week:
Batvark #1
$4.00
What Previews said:
(W) Dave Sim, Sandeep Atwal (A) Gustave Dore (CA) Bob Kane (A/CA) Dave Sim
Two-part "Secret Origin of Batvark"; "Batvark's Credo" and finally an answer to "Is Batvark a Homophobe?" Plus reprints of the earliest Cerebus in Hell? online strips (6/24/16 to 6/30/16): first appearance of Fredric Nietzsche; King Solomon writes his lawyer; Literalistic Limbo; first appearance of Jingles, the world's greatest collector of CGC-graded Dog Comics; Avengers movies remade with an all-Kardashian sister cast; Life With Archie Civil War; and more!
What Red Shirt Comics said:
Dave Sim continues to entertain by combining biting parody with deeply sincere characterization. Bear in mind that some send ups tend to more the former than the latter... If you love comics, you should already know Cerebus. If you're new to the game, just strap in and have fun with this one. You're in for a treat as Sim rips into current pop trends.
