The Longbox Short-List - Week of August 10, 2016

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Submitted by Mike 'Ace' Maillaro on Tue, 08/09/2016 - 08:22

Welcome back to Critical Blast’s weekly look at what new comics you should check out each week. Just a warning, I make these picks pretty much a week BEFORE I actually get to read any of these comics, so if something is a stinker, I take no blame on that. Let's get to it!

Comics shipping this week

Last week, my friend John Babos had asked if I only was getting one DC book because the only book I had commented on was Suicide Squad Rebirth. I explained that I only pick a handful of books to talk about each week…mostly because I am worried about being repetitive. There is only so many ways I can say “I love Ms Marvel” each month. But starting in this week’s column, I am going to post the rest of my pull list each week, even the books I don’t have comments for.

ALL-STAR BATMAN #1 – I think calling this book ALL-STAR is a bit misleading, since All-Star has a specific connotation of an “Ultimate-like” book set out of continuity. Instead, this seems to be an in-continuity Batman story by Scott Snyder with some great artists. Don’t get me wrong, I am actually looking forward to this book, I just think it’s a strange choice of titles.

NEW SUPER-MAN #2 – Not sure of the continuity of this series. I was expecting “the Chinese Super-Man” we saw from Super-League, but this seems to be a different character entirely. What happened to the other guy? First issue was decent, but the rest of the Superman books have been so good, it’s easy for this one to get lost in the pack.

RINGSIDE #6 – Image’s look inside the dark world of professional wrestling is back. I like that Image gives some of its books breaks until the creator is ready to do another story. It’s been than filler issues just to ensure you get an issue each month. Kind of like the BBC model of television. I will take shorter seasons to ensure more quality in each issue.

FLASH #4 – A few weeks ago, I heard someone compare this current “lots of people in Central City got the speed force” arc as being Spider-Island. I think that’s a vast oversimplification. I’ve really enjoyed this arc, though part of me would prefer to see more of him teaming up with Batman to figure out what the hell is wrong with the DC Universe.

VAMPIRELLA #6 (of 6) – I had no idea this was a mini-series until Matt pointed out the listing. Not sure if that was the plan all along, or maybe this is just a typo. I had not heard that it was a mini-series. I am hoping that this is just the end of the arc, and the series will be on-going. Kate Leth has done a great job with this series.

SUPERWOMAN #1 – Another Super-series. I know that this is Lois Lane, but not sure which one. New-52 Lois, Pre-Flashpoint Lois, Crime Syndicate Lois, something else entirely. But for the most part, DC has been doing a great job with the Super-characters. So, I will checking this one out no matter which Lois it is.

BLACK-EYED KIDS #5 – This book is so damn disturbing. Horror comics are such a rarity these days, and it’s been great to see some good ones from Aftershock. Black-Eyed Kids is probably my favorite!

HOUSE OF PENANCE #5 – Speaking of good horror books. Dark Horse has blown me away with this book. After every issue I’ve felt completely creeped out. We need more unique comics like Black Eyed Kids and House of Penance.

OLD MAN LOGAN #10 – Old Man Logan has been a real surprise. It felt like a way to cheat and keep Wolverine around after death, but this has provided a very unique take on the character. I really enjoy this book, and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to pick it up initially. Glad for this impulse buy.