Picks of the Week

 MYSTERY MEN #1

The series explores the pulp-infused era of the early 1930's. Given that Timely Comics didn't debut until 1940, it's a time Marvel's books have rarely explored before. The Mystery Men are a gathering of pulp-influenced heroes. Marvel's description lists The Surgeon, The Operative, Achilles, The Revenant, and The Aviatrix as members.

IRON AGE ALPHA #1

The one true Dark Phoenix returns to the Marvel U with a vengeance!  As the earth is destroyed, Iron Man is swept into the time-stream where the only chance for survival is to gather the greatest heroes from across the eras and change the course of history! The Avengers, Fantastic Four, the X-Men and more will join Iron Man for this trip through all the ages of Marvel! Rising stars Rob Williams (DARK WOLVERINE) and Rebekah Issacs (MS. MARVEL) team up for the century-spanning epic that takes you through the Marvel Universe's greatest moments...and maybe to
its last

And because you asked for it, more of the world that is Flashpoint

One Man's Fight Against Destiny

Kidnapped as a child and trained by a band of magicians in an isolated stone fortress, Drazen is destined to seek out and defeat his own father, the renegade magician named Lancaster.

There are few villains in graphic novels who know how to make and execute a plan well.  When they do, it is certainly something to behold.  Not to tip their hand too much, but Lancaster is one of those villains.  If this were all Day of the Magicians had to offer, it would have been a decent read.  Fortunately for you, La Neve and Nizzoli brought a lot more to the table than just an intelligent villain.  There is a believable human quality in each of the main characters in this story. Their emotions, motivation, and reactions are honest and compelling.  Take the journey with Drazen as he approachs the most important day in his life.

Recommended for fans of Fables, Unwritten, and Magus

*Ryan

King, Warrior, Magician, Cursed....

Elias the Conqueror has an unquenchable appetite for power, one that will cost him everything, including his own face.  The search for his old self will bring many a parade of fantastical characters his way, both good and evil...

There are only a few things graphic novels need to earn a place on my book shelf; a solid story, dynamic characters, beatiful artwork, and well-executed scripting.  Bonus point are available for comedy, epics, martial arts or sword and sorcery. This book manages to have it all in less than 200 pages.  Do yourself a favor and flip through this book.  Everything good I could tell you about this beauty is evident regardless of which panel you turn to. 

This book is for fans of Conan, Hellboy, Northlanders, or any of their ilk

Ryan

It's International Week at Laughing Ogre!

The world is shrinking, thanks to the internet.  One of the great benefits of the Information Age is access to the creative output of other countries.  For those who have not ventured outside of the US in your reading selection, Laughing Ogre has taken this week to put together a few stops on your graphic novel travel log. 

Allison's Pick of the Month

30 Days of Night Vol. 1

This is the beginning of the groundbreaking saga! This edition features an Ashley Wood cover gallery, multi-page previews of two of the 30 Days of Night sequels by Niles and Templesmith, and much more. Experience this classic horror tale that inspired the film!

The reason I picked up this book a few years back was because of the art. Ben Templesmith is fabulous, & I was surprised by how amazing the story is. Steve Niles really hits the mark. Vampires, blood splattered snow, & characters you actually like (on both sides of the coin). Fantastic all around! If you have seen the movie and liked it, pick this up. If you have seen the movie and hated it; this is different, it’s much better, and well worth giving the series another shot. Niles made me a fan, and Templesmith just fed the fire with splattery, sketchy, terror. This is a great beginning to an amazing series.

Picks of the Week

 Fear Itself #3

The blockbuster Marvel event of the year continues!

Sin leads the most audacious attack on American soil the world has ever seen as global panic sets in and we fall sway to the power of fear itself. On Asgard, Loki hatches the scheme to end all schemes. And everywhere, the Serpent's presence is felt...never moreso than when a major Marvel hero falls at his hands. The shock ending to end all shock endings...as the cycle of evil stretching millennia is at last completed. 

Flashpoint #2

The world-changing miniseries continues! Where are the World's Greatest Super Heroes? Barry Allen is on a mission to find out or die trying - and that may be what's happening as he tries to make lightning strike twice! Meanwhile, around the submerged Paris, the pirate Deathstroke confronts Emperor Aquaman!

Delve further into the world of Flashpoint and follow your favorite characters in these Flashpoint Tie-Ins:

50 Girls 50 #1

Hot on the heels of his blockbuster New Ultimates run, FRANK CHO teams with Co-writer DOUG MURRAY (The 'Nam) and artist AXEL MEDELLIN (ELEPHANTMEN) to unleash a new universe-spanning sci-fi epic! Join in the fantastic voyage of the Space Vessel ESS Savannah and her beautiful crew as they fight their way from hostile aliens and exotic worlds, searching for the wormhole that will take them to their ultimate destination: Home.

Meghan's Pick of the Month

New Mutants Vol 1: Return of Legion

When their oldest and most powerful foe returns, the original New Mutants must reunite! Cannonball, Sunspot, Magma, Magik and Dani Moonstar race to the rescue of Karma. But Legion has her right where he wants her: locked inside his schizophrenic mind! It's classic mutant action the way you like it! Plus: the return of the beloved Warlock. But if he's so beloved, why does he have that weird look on his face?!

Return of Legion is a fun, perfectly paced story in what’s becoming one of my favorite series. It’s always a blast seeing inside of Legion’s fractured mind, and I loved how his multitudes of personalities were illustrated. I’m also a fan of New Mutant’s team outsider, Illyana Rasputin, who’s tough, detached, mysterious and does what she wants regardless of what her team thinks.