Hey all, AICN COMICS Editor Ambush Bug here. Tomorrow is FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! Held on the first Saturday in May, FCBD has been around since 2002 and is basically like Christmas and Halloween for comic book readers. Stores across the country will have various events celebrating FCBD, so go visit your local comic book shop. My advice is to get to your store early and join in on the fun. You can find the closest comic store near you using the Comic Shop Locator by clicking this link.
This year, @$$Hole Reviewers Lyzard and Justin Burkhardt were able to check out a couple of handfuls of titles in advance of FCBD. Enjoy Free Comic Book day folks!
BETTY & VERONICA
Publisher: Archie Comics
Reviewer: Lyzard
BETTY & VERONICA is one of the strongest of the rebooted Archie series outside of the horror subset. Hot Dog is a much better narrator than REGGIE’s animal companion and the comic plays well with and against reader’s expectations. Best of all, it strays away from that pesky love triangle that non-fans always associate with the pair. Only the first issue to the new ARCHIE would be near to par as means bring in new readers.
BONGO FREE FOR ALL
Publisher: Bongo Comics
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
If I had to pick my favorite regular FCBD book, it would be Bongo’s entry. I really look forward to reading some adventures involving The Simpsons. This year’s book features 4 mini-stories: A Bart centric story, a Milhouse story, a Homer/Bart story, and a Rod and Todd Flanders story. The book also features an Angry Dad comic written by Bart, and an awesome little Futurama picture at the end. My favorite was the Rod/Todd story, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book across the board. I was a HUGE Simpsons fan as a kid. In fact, my family used to have all the early episodes on VHS which we taped of the TV. I’ve seen probably every Simpsons episode from the first 12 seasons or so at least 10 times (My favorite Simpsons Episode? Easy, “Homer At The Bat”), but I haven’t watch the show regularly since like 2003. The show has gotten stale, but I’m still excited when I get to read this book every year. I don’t know why I don’t subscribe to any Simpsons comics regularly, since they bring me more enjoyment than the show does these days.
RIVERDALE
Publisher: Archie Comics
Reviewer: Lyzard
If you’ve been keeping up with RIVERDALE then you can skip this issue, or at least the first half of it which features unsavory events already covered in the show. The first season ended last night and will probably find its way on to Netflix soon, so Archie Comics isn’t doing themselves any favors reminding us how weak the beginning of the series was. As for the second storyline presented, focusing on Veronica’s “Fall From Grace,” the publishers do well to highlight one of the characters best adapted in the show, not as a manner of fidelity but complexity. Do yourself a favor, just jump to page 11.
RICK & MORTY
Publisher: Oni Press
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
Who doesn’t love RICK & MORTY? No seriously, don’t trust anyone who doesn’t enjoy Rick & Morty. Being a fan of both Dan Harmon (#sixseasonsandamovie) and Justin Roiland, I am proud to say that I was on the R&M bandwagon from day one. I really couldn’t be happier too that it’s absolutely exploded in popularity. With the TV show’s popularity came the RICK & MORTY comic series from Oni. I subscribe to the on-going series, and also subscribed to the Lil Poopy Superstar mini series as well. I can’t say enough good things about the comic as it really feels like you’re reading episodes of the show. So while you wait for Season 3 to come out, it’s a series worth getting into. This FCBD is a reprint of the first issue of the series, so it’s a good jumping on point to find out what all the fuss is about. Those disappointed that it’s not a new story will be excited at the “RICK AND MORTY: POCKET LIKE YOU STOLE IT” preview. This is a preview of the new Rick and Morty miniseries based on the Pocket Mortys app.
BUFFY: THE HIGH SCHOOL YEARS and PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Reviewer: Lyzard
This year marks the 20th anniversary of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. Plenty of time has passed to allow for new iterations of the series. Yishan Li’s manga-style artwork brings a lighter touch to the franchise. So not as moody as where the TV series went in later seasons, but not as cheesy as the film either. Out of the tween selection presented on FCBD, I’d say the writing is probably some of the strongest. A bit bland with the expositional dialogue, but the one-liners would make Whedon proud. As for the PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES segment… I mean… it’s better than the Angry Birds movie (though that’s a rather low bar), so I guess kudos to Dark Horse for being able to convert a FTP mobile game into a coherent narrative.
I HATE IMAGE
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
Top to bottom, Image Comics is the comic publisher putting out the best stories right now, and I honestly don’t think it’s even close. One of their popular current titles is the black comedy I HATE FAIRYLAND, by Skottie Young and Jean-Francois Beaulieu. I will admit that I took the book off my pull-list after the first story arc ended. The story just wasn’t doing it for me anymore, even though I do love a lot of Skottie’s art. In this special FCBD issue, we find Fairyland’s main character Gertrude taking on the Image universe past and present. For those who don’t know, Gertrude is a young girl stuck in a magical land who turns violent after being there for too long. From SAGA to THE WALKING DEAD, many Image comic characters feel Gertrude’s wrath. Even Todd McFarlane isn’t safe from Gertrude in this violent and fun story. I really enjoyed her trips to THE WALKING DEAD and PAPER GIRLS universe. Skottie absolutely roasts many of these Image comics, and it’s refreshing to see Image not take itself so seriously with this book. If you’re a fan of/subscribe to Image titles, this is worth checking out (and obviously if you’re a Skottie Young fan).
SUPER HERO GIRLS
Publisher: DC Comics
Reviewer: Lyzard
I am obviously not the target audience for this issue, but if I were to decide on whether to pick it up the comic for say a young niece I’d…. reluctantly do so. Punny as it may be, the issue does well to establish basic characteristics for a whole cavalcade of DC characters. It works as an introductory issue that could then lead your children to a wider range of titles and TV shows by setting the groundwork for a decent comprehension of the DC universe.
FRESH OFF THE BOAT PRESENTS LEGION OF DOPE-ITUDE FEATURING LAZY BOY
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
That title is a mouthful, but it’s a comic book tie in to the hit ABC Show FRESH OFF THE BOAT. The comic ties into a season 3 episode titled “Pie vs. Cake”, and that may be a bit of a problem. I think those who aren’t familiar with the Huang family may feel a bit out in the cold when reading this book. Me? Well I watched a bit of the first season. I love the real-life Eddie Huang (The show is based off his memoirs) so I was a bit turned off when he trashed the series for being “unrecognizable”. I found the show harder to watch once I knew the person who lived the source material hated it. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say the season 1 “Shaq Fu” episode spoke to me. In the episode, a young Eddie really loves Shaquille O’Neal so much so that he gets a job so he can buy Shaq Fu the video game (I remember when I had to have Shaq Fu, I even go the soundtrack. What a weird, weird game). FRESH OFF THE BOAT is one of the shows I will likely binge watch one day on Netflix or something, because even though it’s not a must-watch for me, I did enjoy some of it. Like Eddie Huang said, it’s nice that people of his color are able to see a reflection of themselves through the show. Asian Americans are definitely not represented enough/accurately in TV or comics really. In this book from BOOM STUDIOS, the whole Huang family develops super powers. I think fans of the show will really enjoy this book, but I’m not sure if others who are unfamiliar with it will. The good thing is the episode in which the comic ties in just aired on Tuesday, so if you pick up the book you may want to find the episode and watch it first.
WONDER WOMAN: YEAR ONE
Publisher: DC Comics
Reviewer: Lyzard
DC seems intent on tanking their own film which, while only a month away, has received hardly any marketing attention. The issue for FCBD may not be much help either, repeating the origin story the few trailers have highlighted so well. The first issue of WONDER WOMAN: YEAR ONE, while only twenty-eight pages, never felt so long with its tedious set-up for both the Amazonian princess and Steve Trevor. This background does however lay a solid foundation for the mythos, so if you can get past the pacing, the back half does highlight the combination of Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott.
TMNT PRELUDE TO DIMENSION X
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
It’s a great time to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan. Sure Michael Bay’s movies have been pretty awful (though it was nice seeing Krang, and Bebop & Rocksteady on the big screen, even if the movie wasn’t good), but the most recent run of comics have been amazing. For quite a few years now, IDW is putting out some of the best TMNT stories ever written. I may seem a bit biased, especially since TMNT was the first property to get me both into comics and action figures as child. But honestly the books, both the on-going and mini series, are really that good. TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman has a lot of input in all of the IDW series, which is another reason why it’s worth checking out. This Free Comic Book Day, IDW is releasing TMNT PRELUDE TO DIMENSION X, which will set up the new all-ages series TMNT” Dimension X. That all-ages rating is important since the main ongoing IDW TMNT series can be a little adult and not really for kids. However, this book can be shared by father and son alike, which is pretty cool. The artwork is also a little grittier and doesn’t look as cartoonish as the Nickelodeon series. This story, which we find out why the Turtles will be going back to Dimension X in the upcoming series, is a great jumping on (or jumping back on) point for TMNT fans of all ages.
THE INCAL
Publisher: Humanoids Inc.
Reviewer: Lyzard
If you’ve seen the documentary, Jodorowsky’s Dune, then you have a pretty good idea what THE INCAL is all about. While I would have preferred Alejandro’s film version, at least his vision wasn’t completed wasted as it gave birth to the Jodoverse. The translation feels a bit stunted, but who needs words when you have Moebius’ drawings. All too often FCBD previews stop short of any real development or action. THE INCAL is jam-packed, with story, world-building, color, everything, on every single page, and in every individual panel.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
It should be no surprise with the release of the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie, that there is a ton of Guardians comic books out/coming out. You have individual members’ solo books, a guardians book based on the new Disney ride (Guardians have replaced the Tower of Terror), and even a guardians book based on the telltale video game. So there’s a Guardians of the Galaxy overload going on right now, but hey that’s Marvel for ya! So what’s a guy/girl to do if they want to simplify their lives and stick with just one Guardians comic? I’d say pick up this FCBD GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1, because it sets the stage for the “ALL NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY” series coming from Marvel. This Guardians crew looks and feels looks most like the crew from the movie, which I think was Marvel’s intent. It’s really a perfect jumping-on point for those who love the movies and are looking to jump into the comics. The book has solid artwork too, so that’s an added bonus. Another added bonus? Well if you don’t like the Guardians of the Galaxy, this issue also has the debut of “THE DEFENDERS” comic series from Marvel. This DEFENDERS story is a lot different than the lighter tone of the Guardians comic before it. Fans of the Netflix show will want to check this out, especially while they wait for The Defenders series to drop. When Marvel announced THE DEFENDERS comic series, I wasn’t that excited. I figured I would just wait for the TV series, but I may have to reconsider. I liked this THE DEFENDERS preview more than I thought I would. I also like the return (in comic form at least) of a villain I loved in the LUKE CAGE TV series. This book is definitely worth picking up because I think you’ll enjoy at least one of the stories. While you’re at it, pick up another copy if you can for that friend who loves the Marvel movies and Netflix series but isn’t really into the comics (because you may just get them hooked)
STAR TREK: MIRROR BROKEN & STAR TREK: BOLDLY GO
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Reviewer: Lyzard
I suspect this comic will be popular purely based on the cover which has already gone viral. MIRROR BROKEN allows Trekkies to read fresh material given the alternate universe plot-point. They may find fault in the Tipton’s writings, which relies on humor much more than the early season of Next Generation’s techno-babble dialogue. The tone is similar to that of John Scalzi’s REDSHIRTS, which found a way to parody and praise the franchise. J.K. Woodward’s artwork reminds me of those full motion video cutscenes that would have been in vogue around the time of Next Gen, but the book is all the better for it. BOLDLY GO is only a three-page preview of a series based on the new Star Trek universe. Not even worth giving a three-sentence review. Yet somehow the cross-over with GREEN LANTERN does a much better job of utilizing the new franchise in just the same amount of time. WAYPOINT is just as short, but having read the series already, I’d say it’s one of the more faithful TV to comic adaptations.
KEYSER SOZE: SORCHED EARTH
Publisher: Red 5 Comics
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
One of my all-time favorite movie revels is finding out that Kevin Spacey is Keyser Soze in THE USUAL SUSPECTS (No spoiler alert, because seriously if you haven’t seen it by now, I don’t feel bad). This book, announced about two years ago, finally gets its release and it tells of Soze’s origin. The story is set nine years before the film as a younger Soze is creating his drug empire. It takes place during the time of Iran-Contra and we will learn how Soze first came to the attention of the government. I’m not sure what took the book so long to be released, but it’s definitely an interesting take on his origin. This FCBD by RED 5 comics is definitely movie themed, as there’s an additional story called “THE RIFT” which is presented by Academy Award Nominee/Avengers’ Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner. THE RIFT is about a single mother and her son who witness a WW II pilot from 1941 crash in present day Kansas. I don’t think I’ve ever read any comics from the published RED 5 before, but I think they could definitely draw some interest in terms of their Hollywood ties. I’m not sure I’d read anymore of THE RIFT, but I’d definitely consider checking out more of the KEYSER SOZE story. That series releases sometime in June I believe, but in the meantime movie buffs should at least check this FCBD title out to see if they’re interested.
GRIMM FAIRY TALES
Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment
Reviewer: Lyzard
The GRIMM FAIRY TALES FCBD issue contains four previews. Individually they vary in quality, but as a whole they do well to introduce audiences to what the Zenescope franchise is all about: busty, bad-ass women fighting variants of classic fairy tales and legends. CRYPT OF THE SPHINX highlights the series writing, especially when it comes to the fracturing done with the source material. JUDGEMENT RISING and THE WRATH OF THE SNOW QUEEN set-up how the universe interweaves itself between titles, while LEGACY… shows very little, unlike their clothing.
THE TICK
Publisher: New England Comics
Reviewer: Justin Burkhardt and @justinburkhardt on Twitter
I’ve always liked The Tick, and how can’t you? I mean the character started as a mascot for a comic bookstore, which turned into numerous comic book series, which turned into an awesome animated series and a cult live-action show. The Tick is just a fun and zany comic that I enjoy reading from time-to-time, especially when it’s offered on a Free Comic Book day. It’s also a timely releasing being that Amazon has a new live-action TICK series coming in August. I don’t know how I feel about that show, especially since I loved the old live-action show (I know it was only nine episodes, but Patrick Warburton was perfect). This comic is a good refresher in terms of the character and should get folks interested in the show. It has two stories. The first being “Happy Bithday Tick” which has The Tick throwing himself a party with both his friends and enemies. It’s an all-age tale for those who enjoy absurd humor. The second, story “Civic Duty” touches on the presidential process in a way only THE TICK can. Pick this book up to get familiar/or catch back up with The Tick before the new show!
That’s a lot of great books! Get out and support your local comic book store tomorrow for Free Comic Book Day!
