Book Club Picks for September: The Phantom Tollbooth and Faith: Hollywood and Vine

Happy first day of September! It's not even officially fall yet it's already cold and rainy outside. All the dreary weather aside, it time to post this month's book club picks.

Since, last month's pick for The Book Girl's Book Club was literature (I'm nearly finished reading it and will have the review up soon), I wanted to pick something different. I thought we could read The Phantom Tollbooth, a children's classic that have never read before.

Now for the Comic Book Club, I thought we could read Faith: Hollywood and Vine, it's a superhero miniseries that centers around the new hero, Zephyr.

I think both books will make for interesting read.


The Book Girl's Book Club Pick:

Book: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster with illustration by Jules Feiffer

Description:

For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams. . . .

Comic Book Wednesday: January 9th Picks

Happy Comic Book Wednesday!

Do you guys have any comic resolutions for this year? Perhaps it's finding new books or series to read or reading as many of one character's books as possible? or simply to tackle your To Be Read pile of books that some how keeps growing?

Well, that last one is definitely mine because my comics just keep growing and I also need to post my reviews for them. So I guess that means I have a lot of fun reading ahead for me.

As for this week's books, it's just my group of regulars but there is a new Spider-Man series Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man that starting today. It's not on my list because I'm going to wait to read the trade edition.


Boom! Studios

Book: Go Go Power Rangers #16

Description:

The Rangers have swapped costumes and powers...and nothing's working right! Can Trini step up to lead the team and stop Rita from acquiring the ultimate weapon?

Comic Book Wednesday: November 28th Picks

What's on everyone's list for Comic Book Wednesday?

I have quite a few of my regular books on today's list but I do have something new the DC Nuclear Winter Special with the stories set in a post apocalyptic world. Seems interesting hopefully the stories will be good. Although it's not my list there is a new Ironheart series by Marvel starting today it's written by Eve Ewing with illustrations by Kevin Libranda. I do want to read it but I'm going to pick it up when it's released in the trade edition.


Boom! Studios

Book: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #33

Description:

BEYOND THE GRID continues as an all-star team of Power Rangers struggle to survive a hostile new environment with diminishing powers and no allies. Meanwhile, Andros (Red Space Ranger) comes to terms with the lengths that he will go, and the lines he will cross, to reunite with his sister, Karone.

Comic Book Wednesday: October 31st Picks

Happy Halloween!

I hope there will be lots of candy, scary movies and fun times for everyone today! Whether you're dressed as monsters, superheroes or whatever you're wearing there are some good comics out today for Comic Book Wednesday which is great if you feel like staying in.

DC Comics has more Hanna-Barbera crossover books from Deathstroke to Superman teaming up with various cartoon characters. I also have the first issue of the new series Hex Wives on my list along with Batman Secret Files. Marvel has an Avengers Halloween Special and a What If? Magik issue.

Regardless of what books you pick up today, have a spooktacular time enjoying the day.


Archie Comics

Book: Archie Meets Batman '66 #4

Description:

In Gotham, it's Jughead vs. the Joker! Meanwhile, back in Riverdale, all the boys are under the spell of the mysterious new teacher. With the heroes in the throes of a death trap will Batman be able to save Riverdale before it's too late?

Comic Book Wednesday: September 26th Picks

A little late start to the morning but Happy Comic Book Wednesday! I love reading comic books and even though I mainly read superhero comics I like reading other genres as well. I was wondering what new books everyone was picking up this week?

Out of my usual group of books, I have two new miniseries on my list: Faith: Dreamside and Stranger Things.

Anyway, here's my list:


Archie Comics

Book: Archie Meets Batman '66 #3

Description:

The historic crossover mini-series rolls on! Gotham's villains have infiltrated Pop's Chocklit Shoppe to enact their plans of mind control! But when one of Pop's best customers sees the action taking place, will he be able to let the others know, or will the joke be on him?

Comic Book Wednesday: August 1st Picks

Wow, time just seems to be flying by, it's already August 1st. And not to be overlooked, it's Comic Book Wednesday.

I have a light list this time with only five books but I do have some good ones on it such as Captain America. So what's everyone picking up this week?


Boom! Studios

Book: Go Go Power Rangers #12

Description:

The Rangers team up with an unlikely ally to battle Rita's new monster as the Ranger Slayer inches ever further towards her goal...

Comic Book Wednesday: July 4th Picks

Happy 4th of July and Comic Book Wednesday!

I can't believe DC Comics with the help of The New York Times spoiled the ending for Batman #50. The only reason it's on my list is because I was already going to get it. I feel like DC Comics needs new management because they continue to make stupid decisions and not just with the Batman #50 spoiler. They purposefully marketed and promoted the Batman/Catwoman wedding but knew ahead of time that was not going to actually happen. Regardless of the spoiler that was released, DC Comics was planning on intentionally disappointing fans with the outcome of this issue.

I'm also tired of DC Comics okaying stories that continue to misuse and abuse Lois Lane. I have heard and seen nothing but negative comments about The Man of Steel miniseries and how Brian Michael Bendis not only went out of his way to exclude Lois from most of the story but also used her and her son Jon as a terrible plot device with them being missing. And during the minuscule time she was used, Lois was written out of character. Hiring Bendis to not only write this miniseries but to write all of the Superman books was another bad decision DC Comics made. They need to hire new writers instead of hiring the same old writers that keep being recycled throughout the industry.

Okay, rant over, I do have a few new books on my list: Captain America #1, Catwoman #1 and Marvel Rising: Squirrel Girl & Ms. Marvel.



Boom! Studios

Book: Go Go Power Rangers #11

Description:

While Matt puts his life on the line to get close to the Rangers, Kimberly must face the Ranger Slayer alone.

Comic Book Wednesday: May 30th Picks

Happy Comic Book Wednesday! What's everyone picking up?

My list is mostly filled with DC Comics/Hanna-Barbera Specials but I also have the 800th issue of The Amazing Spider-Man, Marvel Super Hero Adventures, Valiant High and more.

Even though I have The Man of Steel miniseries on my list, I'm on the fence about getting it because it appears that Lois Lane will not be featured as prominently as she should instead the writer will be showcasing new characters including one who is a female journalist. It makes no sense that Lois should be placed on the back burner (yet again) instead of being shown as the lead character that she is. It's as if the writer doesn't think more than one woman can share a space in the newsroom. I don't know, I'm still trying to decide whether or not to pick this up. I'll let you know if I do.


Archie Comics

Book: Jughead: The Hunger #6

Description:

The history of werewolves in the Jones family runs deep-but does that include Jughead's little sister Jellybean as well? It's a question good ol' Jug must answer before the Coopers or Reggie's new Pack get to her first!

Comic Book Wednesday: December 6th Picks

Happy Comic Book Wednesday, what's everyone picking up this week?

I have a lot of books on my list, and five are new including three Christmas/Holiday specials: Klaus and the Crisis in Xmasville, Rocko's Modern Life (new series), DC Universe Holiday Special, Sleepless (new series) and Faith's Winter Wonderland.

So here's my list:


Boom! Studio

Book: Klaus and the Crisis in Xmasville #1

Description:

An evil Santa from an alternate dimension has founded an evil soda corporation that uses Christmas and Santa as a marketing tactic to build their fortunes. Only Klaus can defeat the Pola Cola Corp and the zombie-like Santas that are in the evil Santa's thrall.

Comic Book Wednesday: June 7th Picks

Happy Comic Book Wednesday!

Surprise, surprise, I actually have something new on my list two special issues: DC Loony Tunes 100 page Spectacular and Wonder Woman: Steve Trevor. Well, other than that everything else on my list are my regular books. I didn't know The Flintstones comic book had been cancelled with today's issue being the last one. Um, I wonder why it was cancelled, if it was getting so much praise from fans. Who knows? Anyway, here's my list.



DC Comics

Book: Aquaman #24

Description:

'CROWN OF ATLANTIS' finale!

Hopelessly at odds with the people of Atlantis, Arthur is finally stripped of his crown. In his place, and to Aquaman's horror, the previously imprisoned Atlantean fundamentalist Corum Rath is installed as the new king! Every step of AQUAMAN REBIRTH has been building to this!

Art of the Day: Zephyr (Faith Herbert)

Artwork: Zephyr by Protokitty

Comic Book Wednesday: March 1st Picks

Okay, I may not have watched one episode of Riverdale (at least not yet) but I do want to read this one shot comic. I also hear it will be getting an ongoing comic book series, that's interesting. Let's see what else is new on my list, the Rat Queens series is back and other than that the rest are my usual books.

Although it's not on my list (I'll be picking it up in the trade edition) the first issue of Miss America's new series America is out today.


Archie Comics

Book: Riverdale (one-shot)

Description:

A must-have one-shot! The perfect primer for the CW Riverdale series! Learn the secrets and hidden tales from the summer before the eternal love-triangle begins in this special issue, which features four short stories focusing on the major players and events in the Riverdale series: Spend some time at Archie's summer construction job and learn how it leads him to a fateful encounter with the alluring music teacher, Ms. Grundy.

Discover the truth about Betty's Los Angeles romance. Find out more about Veronica's mysterious life in New York, before the shocking event that would send her family scrambling. And meanwhile, there's Jughead, on the fringes of Riverdale, a witness to the terrible event that sets everything in motion: A tragedy that befalls Jason Blossom.

You dare not miss this special commemorative issue in advance of the upcoming ongoing Riverdale series, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and the writers of the CW Riverdale series with stunning art by Alitha Martinez!

Comic Book Wednesday: February 1st Picks

Happy Comic Book Wednesday and to the start of Black History Month!

So, what's everyone picking up this week? Surprisingly, there is nothing new on this week's list just my usual group of books. However, Ghostbusters Annual 2017 is (I hope) out today and well that's something slightly new.


Boom! Studios

Book: Goldie Vance #9

Description:

We're back for another arc with master teen detective Goldie Vance! This time it's a real 'fast-paced' mystery, as Goldie's investigations take her to the racetrack...and pit her against her rival, Sugar Maple!

Comic Book Wednesday: January 4th Picks

Today marks the first Comic Book Wednesday of 2017 and I have only one new book on my list: Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 (one-shot). With a new Justice League of America series to begin soon, DC Comics is releasing four one-shot of The Atom, Vixen, Killer Frost and The Ray to get readers ready for the new series.

The first issue of the new series The Unstoppable Wasp (Marvel) is out today but it's not on my list. I'm going to pick it up when it out in the trade edition, still trying to keep my weekly comic book expenses down.

What books are you picking up this week?

Anyway, here's my list:


DC Comics

Book: Aquaman #14

Description:

'THE DELUGE' part three!

No sooner has Aquaman found a lead on the location of N.E.M.O.'s secret headquarters than the United States sends a team of aquatically trained super-soldiers to take out the sea king. Behold America's Aquamarines!

Art of the Day: Zephyr (Faith Herbert)

Artwork: Faith by Jamal Igle

Comic Book Wednesday: December 7th Picks

Although they are not on my list there are two new books out today: Motor Crush (Image Comics) and Reggie and Me (Archie Comics). I plan to pick those two up in the trade edition along with a few more.

I do have something new that's on my list: Wonder Woman '77 Meets The Bionic Woman. Ever since the miniseries was announced I have been waiting to read it. I think it would be so awesome if Lynda Carter and Lindsay Wagner were signed on to make a TV movie. Who wouldn't want to see them reprise their roles onscreen or maybe in an animated movie? Either way wouldn't it be great.

Anyway, here's my list:


Boom! Studios

Book: Goldie Vance #8

Description:

To unravel the mystery of the lady astronaut suddenly appearing on the beach, Goldie must dive deep--to a secret underwater base, that is!

Comic Book News #13: A New Vampirella Series, Comixology Publishing Comic Books and More

I'm happy to post new Comic Book News for everyone, here are some books to look out for:



- Dynamite Entertainment will be publishing a new Vampirella series in 2017. It will be written by Paul Cornell with illustrations by Jimmy Broxton.

According to reports, Cornell said “I’m delighted to be writing a Vampirella that takes onboard everything she’s been and moves it forward into a new setting, where the gothic meets science fiction. I’m also delighted to be working again with my old friends, the incredibly talented artist Jimmy Broxton, and the incredibly talented editor, Matt Idelson."

“I’m hoping especially to find a female audience,” said Cornell. “The character’s often been regarded as a nostalgia item, cheesecake, and we’re building on previous efforts to keep moving away from that to something more interesting. I’m excited to be building a whole new world, I’m loving what Jimmy’s art is doing (Barbarella! Hepburn!), and I hope that excitement communicates itself to the reader.”

I'm not sure how I feel about this new take on Vampirella because I never regarded the character in a bad way. I always thought she needed a new costume which she recently got but I really don't want to see the character turned in a clone of Audrey Hepburn, Barberella (who is also getting a new comic book series in 2017) or some sort of fashionista. She's a butt kicking vampire and I hope that doesn't change.

- Digital comic provider Comixology will be publishing their own comic books. The comics will be co-published with companies such as Boom! Studios and Valiant and the first three digital books to published are Adventure Time Marshall Lee Spectacular (One Shot), Valiant High and Marley's Ghost. Valiant High will be a four issue miniseries follows the characters as high school students and Marley's Ghost is going to be a modern take on Harvey Kurtzman’s unfinished graphic novel of Marley's scenes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Since Amazon.com purchased Comixology in 2014 you can also pre-order (or buy when the comics are available) from the retailer.

I've said this before, I don't really like to buy digital comics (unless there is no other option available). However,  I am interested in reading all three of these books and I already added them to my wishlist.

- DC Comics is bringing back the comic book series WildStorm with an imprint series. Warren Ellis will write the main series but will edit or curate the other books associated with the series.

WildStorm will be published in February 2017 with a monthly comic to be titled The Wild Storm. The series will be written by Warren Ellis with art by Jon Davis-Hunt. The series will reboot the WildStorm universe while also introducing "newly" created WildStorm characters: Grifter, Voodoo, The Engineer, Jenny Sparks and more.

According to reports, The Wild Storm is set to launch several future series: Michael Cray, WildC.A.T.S. and Zealot. So far no creative teams have been announced yet for those books.

- This December Image Comics will be published a new series titled Rockstars, it will be written by Joe Harris with illustrations by Megan Hutchison. Although the series will take place in the present it will focus on the unsolved mystery surrounding the murder of groupies that occurred during the 1970s. The first issue will be in comic book stores on December 14th.

Comic Book Wednesday: September 14th Picks

I'm a little conflicted for this Comic Book Wednesday because as a book reviewer, should my feelings about a book matter? I say that because the second issue of Superwoman is out today and I'm trying to see if I should read the issue or pass on it. I was disappointed with the first issue especially in regards to how Lois Lane was treated.

The author of the series Phil Jimenez recently pretty much stated in an interview that he had no interest in writing about Lois and his main interest was Lana Lang. My question is why didn't the author just write a series about Lana instead of using Lois as bait to reel in fans for sales? The description for the second issue seemed to have made Lois an after thought since there is no mention of her.

So as a reviewer should I put my feelings aside and continue to read the series to see if it improves or simply let it go? See my conflict.

Aside from that is there anything new? Well, it's not really new but Gotham Academy is changing slightly by transitioning to Gotham Academy Second Semester. A book that's finally back is Southern Cross, it's been a while since the last issue was published back in December 2015. Finally, today marks the last issue of Teen Titans, this was the second New 52/DC You attempt at reviving the series. I forgot today is also the last issue of the Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy miniseries.

Well, here's the rest of my list: 


Boom! Studios

Book: Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy #4

Description:

Final issue! Just as business booms, George Joyner's private life begins to implode, with devastating, life-threatening consequences for everyone he seems to have come into contact with.

Comic Book News: #1

Even though I had been posting Comic Book News for a while, I had a bright idea to start numbering them. So today is the official first Comic Book News post, I don't know why I didn't decide to do this sooner. 


- Some good news for us fans of the Legend of Wonder Woman miniseries, DC Comic will be publishing a second volume of the popular series. The digital first comic which has been a hit with readers, can also find the first six print issues (out of nine) at your local comic book store. So far, no additional information about the second volume has been released. The series is written and illustrated by Renae De Liz with color by Ray Dillon. Dillon sent out a special tweet thanking fans for helping make this series a success.

That's cool, I'm already enjoy reading the print issues of Legend of Wonder Woman and I can't wait to see what the duo will do in the next group of issues.

- IDW Publishing will be publishing The X-Files: Origins, it's a four part miniseries that will introduce readers to a teenage Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Mulder and Scully will star in separate tales depicting their teen years.

It will be digital first but according to Comic Book Resources, the miniseries will have a relatively narrow digital-to-print window. It will be released in weekly online installments, with the print version arriving in the same week as the last digital chapter included in each issue; with the exception of issue #1 since August is a five-Wednesday month.

The series will be written by Jody Houser and Matthew Dow Smith with illustrations by Chris Fenoglio and Corin Howell.

Book: The X-Files: Origins #1 (of 4)

Description:

Before the FBI, before the X-Files, they were just two teenagers in search of the truth. On Martha’s Vineyard, a young Fox Mulder investigates something strange happening on the island, while in San Diego, 13-year-old Dana Scully looks into the shocking murder of her teacher. Two kids, two mysteries, one conspiracy that threatens the future of humanity.



- Earlier this week DC Comics introduced their new logo, what do you think?

- Valiant Entertainment will be publishing seven new series starting with an ongoing series for Faith in July. The others books to be published are: Generation Zero, Britannia, Blood Shot U.S.A, Harbinger Renegades, Savage and Divinity III. For more information about the upcoming books, please read Comic Attack's article "Seven New Titles Announced at Valiant Summit!".

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #54: Faith vol #1

By time I'm able to buy books again my wishlist is going to be through the roof. I tried to buy the single print issues of Faith at the comic book store but it's always sold out. So I figured I would wait for the trade edition.

Book: Faith volume #1: Hollywood and Vine (issues #1-4) by Jody Houser with illustrations by Francis Portela and Marguerite Sauvage

Publication: July 12, 2016

Description:

VALIANT'S MOST DEMANDED HERO STEPS OUT OF HARBINGER…AND INTO AN ALL-NEW ADVENTURE!

Orphaned at a young age, Faith Herbert - a psionically gifted "psiot" discovered by the Harbinger Foundation - has always aspired to greatness. But now this once ordinary teenager is taking control of her destiny and becoming the hard-hitting hero she's always known she can be - complete with a mild-mannered secret identity, unsuspecting colleagues, and a day job as a reporter that routinely throws into her harms way! Well, at least she thought it would… When she's not typing up listicles about cat videos, Faith makes a secret transformation to patrol the night as the City of Angels' own leading superhero - the sky-soaring Zephyr!

But flying solo is going to be tougher than she ever thought when Zephyr uncovers a deep-rooted alien conspiracy. Two-bit burglars and car thieves are one thing, but when the world needs a hero to stave off an full-blown extraterrestrial invasion, will Faith find herself in over her head…or ready for her biggest challenge yet?