Like I said this past Wednesday, my comic store’s shipment was lost. They finally received it on Thursday, but I wasn’t able to pick it up until today. What’s awesome about that is it happens to be in the middle of their 35th anniversary sale. Including last week’s comics at a discount, I picked up $150 worth of comics, with hardcover collections and a few classic comic bundles for just over $50. Also, now that I’ve finally read last week’s comics, here are my thoughts. I won’t bother with full reviews since it’s a bit late.I might as well touch on my writing for a bit too, since I’m writing an extra blog post anyway.
I’m mainly focusing on short stories this month, writing one or two short stories a day (depending on work and other distractions). What’s weird is that so far, I’ve written one short story for each novel gap in my main series. The first was a complete rewrite of a story that takes place before book 1, and then I edited one that takes place between 1 and 2 that same evening. Then came a short story between book 2 and 3, and you get the pattern. Today it’ll be a short story between book 6 and 7 and I won’t be surprised if this one ends up being close to novella length.
I’m also planning my Nanowrimo books. The first will be book 9, and it’s by far the most political book in the series I’m writing. The second will be a remake of a story I wrote in high school, for a much needed break from the Blood Rage series. Depending on how quick I finish those books in November, I’ll either write short stories for the rest of the month or tackle a novella that takes place between book 8 and 9. I won’t spoil much about the novella since it’ll spoil pretty much the entire series up to that point (and I haven’t even released book 1 yet – still hunting for literary agents). I am willing to say it’s called “My mom is a vampire”, and it’ll kind-of be a young adult novella. It’s an experiment I’m looking forward to writing.
Anyway, onto last week’s comics.
Age of Apocalypse 3 is great. Writer Fabian Nicieza is really capturing the mood and themes of the original story, while also creating something new. Not only is this an Age of Apocalypse story, but he’s also bringing in several other major plotlines from the 90’s. Cypher is a great main character and his language abilities add a lot of depth to the storytelling. This issue’s ending is an intense cliffhanger that is such an Apocalypse moment, and it could mean the death of everyone in the final issue. The art by Gerardo Sandoval and colouring by David Cliriel give this a distinct 90’s feel. Some people won’t like it, but it’s well done. Fans of the original story should be picking this up.
Thors 3 is brilliant. Much of this issue is taken up by Ultimate Thor interrogating Loki, and their conversation feels perfect for brothers who don’t remember each other. Well … Thor doesn’t remember, but Loki seems to. Jason Aaron’s writing is spot on here, as is the art by Chris Sprouse, Goran Sudzuka and the colouring by Marte Gracia and Israel Silva. Although this isn’t continuing Aaron’s Thor run directly, fans of Aaron’s Thor should at least give this a chance.
We Stand On Guard 3 is good. The background of the futuristic war between Canada and the United States is explored more, and a good chunk of this comic shows a part of the Americans’ perspective on the story. The character development is also starting to shine through. I’ve never read anything by writer Brian K. Vaughan but if this is anything to judge by, I’m curious to try more of his work. The art by Steve Stroce and colouring by Matt Hollingsworth is also good. Canadian comic fans, or those who are interested in a war between our friendly countries, should check this out.
DC Comics Bombshells 2 is fun. I enjoyed the first issue but somehow forgot that this was to be released last week. Anyway, it’s a fun alternate universe take on various DC Superheroins. The first part of this issue focuses on Wonder Woman, with a touch of Mera from Atlantis. The second part of the comic is about Soviet Supergirl, continuing where issue 1 left off. The third part showcases a Nazi Zatanna and Joker’s Daughter. Marguerite Bennett’s writing is fun and the characterization is good. The art is by a bunch of different people, and it’s all well done.
healed1337 
AoA was good. A fun story with a great cliffhanger. Got a little much into exposition about the past, maybe.
Thors was good. Fun. Loki was really fun. And given last issue’s glorification of police brutality – the Thor Corps rounding up and pounding on large numbers of people who they had no real reason to believe were involved in Beta Ray Bill’s death – it was nice to see this issue move away from that a bit, with Ultimate Thor saying torture doesn’t work.
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