The Movement DC Comics Written by: Gail Simone Art by: Freddie E Williams II Cover by: Amanda Conner If Gail Simone’s name is on a title you must read it. Let’s just get that out of the way. She’s pretty much the perfect comics writer. She’s taken on so many books and characters and been able to craft epics. Her fan base loves her and she loves us back. Her writing can back up that love too. “The Movement” is a prime example of Simone’s excellence in comics. First issues can be tricky. If it’s too slow or not enough information it can lose a reader immediately. But some writers know how to grab that reader with just a snap. Simone is one of...

You know what everyone loves? Star Wars. And Kittens. And laughing. There are four books by one man, Jeffrey Brown, that encompass the absolute best of all of those featured subjects. Jeffrey Brown is one of the most prominent indie creators for quite a while. His unique art style make his work stand out and pull in eyes. Sometimes it takes a genius to put two obvious things together. Jeffrey Brown did just that with his “Star Wars” inspired series. Starting with “Darth Vader and Son,” We get a bunch of little comics between Darth Vader and an adolescent Luke Skywalker. They are adorable and hilarious as the Dark Lord of the Sith takes his...

Relaunches of titles are a great way to boost sales for no reason. Most of the time it’s just a change of creative force or a “Bold New Era” that is strikingly similar to the first verse. “Avengers” is a prime example of how that is not true. Launched with the Marvel Now initiative, it brought in a new team of creators and a bold new era. Only this time it’s done right. Jonathan Hickman is the genius behind books such as “Secret Warriors,” “Fantastic Four,” “The Nightly News,” and “the Manhattan Projects.” I use genius because that is exactly what he is. His stories are filled with original ideas in a world where original ideas are nearly...

The Archaia booth, yes you must go. We know. You’ll head to the Marvel booth. You’ll get your t-shirts at that giant square shirt stand. I’m sure you’ll pick up your Pocky at any Japanese candy table. Do not forget to go into Artist Alley. But what you might not expect is the can’t-miss Archaia booth. Lets start with the obvious. They’re books are amazing. Absolute works of art. For over a decade Archaia Entertainment has provided incredible alternatives to the typical. The quality of their work is always the top of the scale. Predominantly, their books are in graphic novel form. That is not to be said there aren’t monthlies. “Fraggle Rock”...

Chances are you’ve heard of her. She’s a tough secret agent who became an Avenger. Now she’s one of the premiere female superheroes not just at Marvel but in comics today. She had her own series, and while it only lasted seven issues, they were seven epic, thrilling, incredible issues. Her life in and out of comics have been some of the craziest and most reconned of all characters. During the event “Secret Invasion” she was replaced by the Skrull Queen. Upon her return she is met with unfounded mistrust and distance by her teammates. So when she gets an offer from Agent Brand of S.W.O.R.D. (Don’t worry about the acronym, it’s for...

Shane-Michael Vidaurri Archaia Archaia is well known for the quality books it releases. Wonderful story mixed with vibrant, often unique art are commonplace for the entertainment company. Keeping with the grand tradition of brilliance is the subtle “Iron or the War After.” An unnamed war has past in this world of constant winter. The characters, all depicted as different types of anthropomorphic animals, have all been scarred in some ways. Many dealt with their pain poorly, some refuse to acknowledge it, while others just keep reliving it. A group of aging “anarchists” continue to rebel against their leaders through bombings and the like....

Wolverine #1 Marvel Comics “Remember the 90’s?” That’s not usually an encouraging statement when talking about a comic book. However, one thing the 90’s did brilliantly is flat out super-hero stand-alone comics. While this is the first part of the story, it stands on it’s own. Taking all the best part of the hero books from the shunned era and combining them with the raw talent of two of the best names in comics and “Wolverine” comes out as one of the most readable and enjoyable books released in a while. A battle at a mall between Wolverine and a normal middle-class father? Oh, with a giant crazy looking blaster gun. Wolverine has to come...

This interview is in issue 50 of Crimespree Magazine Scott Snyder. He is arguably the biggest name in comics right now. His books are flying off the shelves, delighting critics and igniting fire under the asses of fans. I was lucky enough to have an interview and learn about his books, his process, and what’s coming next.   Jo Schmidt: What drew you to Batman? What’s your big inspiration; what made you make “Batman” as amazing as it is?   Scott Snyder: I’ve been a fan of the character since I was born, pretty much, and he’s one of the few characters that grows up with you. I remember being a little kid and watching “Scooby Doo”...

Something I often get asked (that’s a lie) is “What’s the coolest comic of all time?” And I, being a source of all knowledge of cool and comics in the world, (two whoppers of lies there) easily answer, “why it’s nearly impossible to say! But if I was to, it would be “NEXTWAVE!” (Not a lie) See “NEXTWAVE”(!) is so cool that before the first issue was released there was an awesome theme song created! (Easily findable on the interwebs and the youtubes) And now the title cannot be uttered without shouting it (he’s right) Simply because “NEXTWAVE” (!) is way too cool not to be shouted about. Take five B-listers on their brightest, most...

Justice League of America #1 A bold new era! Or something like it. This week we get the launch of a new Justice League book, one with a more focused mission. A darker team. It’s been hyped to the tails, can it live up to that hype? People really responded to the very random assortment of cast members when it was released.Mainstays like Hawkman and Green Arrow to new visions like Katana and Vibe, to newbies such as Stargirl and Green Lantern Baz. What possibly could bring these characters together? Turns out it’s the American Government. Amanda Waller (who, I’m sorry, is just not as formidable since they made her skinny)...