izombie # 1 (Plus Variant Thoughts)

Writer: Chris Roberson
Artists: Michael Allred
Colors: Laura Allred
Publisher: Vertigo
Published: May 2010

This is an intriguing story. Gwen is a zombie. By day she works as a grave digger. By night she solves mysteries with her ghost gal pal Ellie. Oh, and the these mysteries are instigated by Gwens meals, namely, newly dead folks brains. Umm!

The art is great, and the premise is promising...it'll be interesting to see where this one goes.

Also check the variant cover by one of my favourite artists, Darwyn Cooke.

I really don't like the whole variant cover thing going these days. Usually the art is pretty fantastic, but still...

Take for instance, the variant for this particular issue (see just below). It's fantastic. Probably one of Cookes finest, but what I'm not a fan of is the cover price. This issue was priced at $1, which is an introductory price for the first issue. Great. However, at the comic shop I go to, the Cooke variant cover was marked up to $10! That's a 1000% markup! As much as I love Cooke's work, I can't justify spending $10 for a 30 page comic. There are some some shops in Toronto that mark up all variant covers to $20, which is even crazier!

I wonder if retailers actually sell any of these variants. They must, considering how many are being produced these days. While I'm not 100% familiar with the economics of comics, I have a few ideas as to why variants are so pricey.

1) They're considered 'rare' as retailers have to purchase a certain amount of comics before they can receive a variant.
2) They usually have stellar artwork for the cover. Usually.
3) They have to be pricey so retailers can make up costs for the extra issues they had to purchase just to get the variant.
4) Hardcore fans and collectors will buy them.

Whatever the reason, I just can't get behind buying a variant cover with a cover price of $10 to $20 bucks. That's just too much. It would be better if variants were treated like rewards instead of priced up comic books. The loyal fans who really want a variant would make sure they were the first in line on new release Wednesdays. It's a win-win. The store gets customers in regularly, and fans pay regular price for a variant cover. Anyway, here are some variant covers that are awesome, and I'll never own.

All Star Superman # 10

Writer: Grant Morrison

Artist: Frank Quitely

Colorist: Jamie Grant

Publisher: DC

Published: May 2008

All Star Superman is probably one of the finest stories to emerge in the last decade. I was reminded of this particular issue after reading an interview with Grant Morrison. (It is a great interview, and I highly recommend it.)

Issue 10 has Superman continuing his journey to make things right and do as much good as he can before his inevitable demise due to solar poisoning. In this issue Superman creates life, frees an imprisoned nation, cures all disease, and in one of the most touching moments in the series, saves a life.

With one page, broken into 5 panels, Morrison, Quitely, and Grant reminded me why I love comics. As Morrison states, one of the things he hoped readers of All Star Superman would take away with them was that a few words and some figure drawings would have the ability to "make you cry, make your heart soar,..."

Well I nearly lost it in this issue. I've been feeling glum as of late. Very glum. But after reading this issue I feel a little better. This is going to sound weird, but I really like that Superman chooses to save us not because he can, or because he needs to, but because he wants to...(alluding to Mark Waid)...it's nice to know that Superman believes in us. That we're worth it.

Batman and Robin # 1

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC
Published: June 2009

From the imaginations of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely comes an unlikely duo: Batman and Robin!

Well, I guess it is far from unlikely, but nevertheless, Morrison and Quitely are teamed up once again, but this time instead of tackling a 'strongman in tights' they're diving into the Batcave. (ooh that sounds bad.)

The players are the same, Batman and Robin, but this time things are vastly different. Batman/Bruce Wayne is gone/dead. Now you may ask: "gee Comix 365 guy, who ever could be Batman and Robin then?" Being a gentlemen, this would be my answer: "a Batfan never tells."

Anyway enough of that. There are 5 reasons to get this issue:

1. The art is beautiful, and the sound effect captions are particularly nice.
2. The new Batman opens a world of new possibilities.
3. Robin is bad ass.
4. They have a Hover Batmobile.
5. The villain is creepy. Real creepy.

So go get it!

All Star Superman # 1

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
Colorist: Jamie Grant
Publisher: DC
Published: November 2005

This is Morrison's definitive take on the Man of Steel. In 12 issues alone, Morrison is able to deliver all the greatest elements of Superman. Everything from the bumbling Clark Kent, his folks, Lois Lane, Bizarro, Krypto, and even Joe Shuster are present. All Star Superman is absolutely amazing as far as I'm concerned.

Issue 1 begins the end of Superman. Dr. Leo Quintum and his team of scientists are trying to capture a bit of the sun. Their exposition is sabotaged by a clone of Lex Luthor, which will soon destroy their vessel and them. Thankfully, Superman races to the rescue, defeats the clone, and brings home Quintum and his team. However, after the rescue Superman is diagnosed with one year left to live. Since Superman is a living solar panel, during his rescue mission he was over exposed to the Sun's radiation. This overdose of radiation has provided Superman with increased strength and additional powers, but also ensuring his cells a slow death. Let the awesomeness begin.

American Virgin # 1

Writer: Steven T. Seagle
Artist: Becky Cloonan
Colorist: Brian Miller
Cover: Frank Quitely
Publisher: Vertigo
Published: May 2006

American Virgin # 1 introduces us to Adam Chamberlin, a teen Christian preacher who's main message is of abstinence till marriage. He is young, idealistic, and very strict on himself to follow his pledge of abstinence. Needless to say, the entire series is focused on Adam's exposure to various forms of sexuality, surrounded by a large crowd of "depraved" characters. The first issue has Adam kidnapped by his cousins. Their goal is to have Adam lose his virginity to a stripper. Adam is able to talk his way out of the situation by staying true to his pledge and God. The issue ends with Adams long term girlfriend (who is in Africa as a Peace Corp) being beheaded. And so the journey begins...

This series is extremely compelling. There are plenty of cliffhangers, action, drama, and of course sexual situations. But the most interesting element is Adam. His pledge defines his positive moral character, but at the same time, ensures his world will be filled with temptation. The mystery of his girlfriends murder further complicates his strict moral being. Does he now forever deny himself the most basic of human expressions because his one soul mate is no longer alive? Or does he rationalize the event? It's these questions that torment Adam and make American Virgin such a great series.

Some links on abstinence pledges:

Abstinence Pledge on Wikipedia
Medical News Today
Purity Ball article on Glamour
Article on Time.com