Most Anticipated #NCBD Releases 6/25/14

Tomorrow is NCBD once again, and this week's list was TOUGH!  So many good titles coming out, and so many cuts still to be made. 

Since there are TOO MANY great titles coming out this week, I have to go with a Top 10. What? It's my blog, I can do what I want ;)

10: Amazing Spider-Man #3

Solid title, love Pete back in the Webs, and it looks like Felica will get some revenge in this issue!

9: The Flash #32

Venditti, Jensen, and Booth continue their epic run on the Flash, and this issue looks amazing! Loving all the Future Flash stuff going on here!

8: New Avengers #20

The Great Society storyline has been pretty awesome, and it looks like we will be getting some Dr. Strange BAMF-iness by the looks of it!

7: Saga #20

I'd be crucified online if I didn't include this title to any list whatsoever.  Flat-out one of the best titles on the market, and no way should anyone miss out on this one!

6: Justice League #31

Catching up after the end of Forever Evil, and we get to see the new Power Ring in action, plus more of Good Lex. Don't discount the beautiful pencils by Mahnke either, they look AMAZING!

5: New Avengers Annual #1

Why is this one higher than the regular issue you ask? Two reasons for me: Barbiere and Rudy!  I haven't even read it, but I know it'll be awesome, and am I the only one that thinks Rudy is the perfect artist for a Dr. Strange ongoing?

4: Deadly Class #6

I know what I said about Saga, but the same could easily be said about Deadly Class!  Reminder is in another zone when it comes to creator-owned stuff, and this is probably his finest work (for me, anyway!).  You gotta get this book, people, it's "killer" ;)

3: Solar: Man of the Atom #3

Or should that be WOMAN of the Atom? Barbiere and Bennett have blown me away with their first 2 issues, and the sky's the limit on this book...LITERALLY!

2: Ms. Marvel #5

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! Easily one of Marvel's best solo titles!  Strong female lead...CHECK! Great writing...CHECK! Beautiful art...CHECK!  What else do you need?

1: Superman #32

C'mon! You KNEW what would be at the top of the list for me!  As a life-long DC Fanboy, Superman has always been a favorite, and now his self-titled solo has a creative team that a hero of his stature deserves!  Johns + JRJr + Janson = Superman Dream Team!

Well, that's my (extended) list of books I can't wait to read tomorrow, what's on your pull list?

The Chopping Block 6/18/14

Hello again, folks!

We are now on week three of “The Chopping Block,” and thanks to the generosity of my twitter-family, I didn't have to cut everything this week. Thanks to all you cool cats that made my week a little bit better :)

Here’s my original pull for NCBD 6/18/14:

As usual, I'll start with the Marvel portion of the pull list.  As always, Marvel Unlimited will play a HUGE role in what books get cut, since I'll be able to go back and read any Marvel book after the 6 month moratorium has passed.

Here are the keepers and why (PS: HUGE thanks to Tom, Jason, and Chris! Your generosity is astounding!):

Avengers: Always a no-brainer with Hickman at the helm.  One of the most consistently amazing books I read each month, and throw in Yu art FTW!

Avengers World: Another no-brainer!  Avengers World focuses on some of the more obscure or under-utilized Avengers, and that's where some of the best stories come from, IMO!

Daredevil: Do I even NEED a reason?  No way this one falls to the wayside!  Best solo title out from Marvel right now!

Original Sin: A strong mini-series from a great team!  This one is really changing the landscape in the 616, and I LOVE it!

Silver Surfer: See DD above!  No way is this one getting cut, unless this team decides to pull a Beatles and split!

Thor: God of Thunder: If you follow me on twitter (and if you don't, you really should), you know that initially this book was one of the chopped.  Through some convincing, I read the books that I hadn't read yet, and boy, was I wrong!  The current story arc is AMAZING, and chopping this title would have been a HUGE mistake!  Thanks guys, you know who you are ;)

Next up, the Non-Big 2, where there weren't too many titles I read anyway:

Unity: One of Valiant's best titles, and part of the massive Armor Hunters cross over!  Can't let this one go!

As a side note: I plan to pick up Harbinger once the price drops, as I just picked up the missing issues during their 99-cent sale a few weeks back. Love those deals :) Same goes for Magnus. Due to funds this week, I was unable to pick it up, but I definitely plan to get it after the price drop.

Now the DC books (and a HUGE thanks to Ben! You ROCK, brother!):

Batman and Robin: One of the most underrated DC titles, and the most consistently GREAT books on the shelves!  Plus, it's Batman ;)

Batman Eternal & Futures End: See previous posts of "The Chopping Block"

Wonder Woman: I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that this is DC's strongest solo title!  Yep, I said it! Batman is great, but Azzarello's run has been one for the ages!

The Digital Firsts are the last to get cut since I usually don't see them until I log in to Comixology :P I was able to get the first 2 issues of Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse as well, so after I read those, I'll determine whether they get chopped or not:

Batman '66 Meets the Green Hornet: One of the best minis out right now!  Grab this one, guys, it's awesome :)

Hope you guys enjoy reading these!  It helps me come to terms with the cuts, so even if you don't, I'll still make them :P

See you guys next Thursday, on The Chopping Block!

Most Anticipated #NCBD Releases 6/18/14

Another NCBD is upon us, and it looks as if the comic book gods are relenting a little. 

I'm still decreasing my pull list, but even before the cuts, there would have only been 25 on my pull.  Here's my Top 5 (+1) for this week!

Wildcard: Original Sin #4

After the shocking events in last issue, I have a renewed interest in this event.  I do have to say, however, that Deodato is on the top of his game with this mine!

5: Silver Surfer #3

Slott & Allred's Silver Surfer is one of those books that I forget about until I see it on the new releases list, and then I'm over joyed and x-static ;) Excellent book so far!

4: Magnus Robot Fighter #4

The Gold Key revolution continues, and Van Lente & Smith are crafting one of the best! Every issue so far has been superb, and this issue looks to continue that trend!

3: Daredevil #4

Ever since the relaunch, Daredevil has been near the top of my pull list every month.  Waid and Samnee seem to NEVER have any drop in quality, and I'm curious to see where this storyline goes!

2: Avengers #31

As the Avengers continue their trip through time, Hickman and Yu continue to blow my freakin' mind!  I'm up for whatever trip these 2 have in store!

1: Batman and Ra's al Ghul #32

The Hunt for Robin concludes, and I cannot WAIT to read the conclusion!  For a character that started out with absolutely NO redeeming qualities, I grew to enjoy Damian, and upon his death, even missed the little devil.  I've enjoyed Batman's journey and hope that the conclusion is a good as the journey has been.

That's my list, what's yours?

The Chopping Block 6/11/14

Hello again, folks!

This is week two of "The Chopping Block," and I'm going to go into a little more why I kept certain books over others.  This is a fluid blog, things change on a whim (my whim) ;)

Here’s my original pull for NCBD 6/11/14:

And that was before I realized that Superman/Wonder Woman WASN'T on there :P

Let's start with the easiest cuts, Marvel. I've stated before that I'll just have to wait for them to come to Marvel Unlimited, since it's a service I already pay for, and is grossly underutilized.

As far as what books I kept and why, here's the run-down:

All-New X-Men: I've absolutely LOVED this book, especially since Battle of the Atom and the Guardians of the Galaxy cross-over.  It's nice to see a book that had what seemed to be a limited shelf-life, be able to mutate into something more lasting.

Captain Marvel: If you've read my blog before, you know that Carol is one of my favorite characters, and her run as Captain Marvel has been stellar! No way I could wait six months for this title!

Mighty Avengers: What seemed, at first, an arbitrary "Avengers" title, has grown to be one of my favorites to read each month!  The "Original Sin" tie-in is a bonus & Al Ewing has surpassed any expectations I had for the launch of this book.

New Avengers: C'mon! Did you REALLY think I'd give up arguably THE BEST AVENGERS BOOK?!? You must be crazy if you thought that! Hickman FTW!

Secret Avengers: Kot and Walsh have rejuvenated this ailing "Avengers" franchise and breathed new life into it.  Seriously, any book with MODOK can't be missed!

She-Hulk: Soule can do NO wrong, in my book!  This is, by far, his strongest title (and I LOVE his DC work!), of course it could be due to his intimate knowledge of Jennifer's profession ;)

As usual, the Non-Big 2 are the next to get chopped. Here's the books I kept and why (taking into account that this is where Vertigo and Icon books would be as well):

Armor Hunters: First off, it's only a mini. Secondly, it's Kindt, Braithwaite, and Valiant, so a no-brainer for me!  I'll continue to get all Valiant books, but this is one that I'll get without the price drop (on NCBD).

Manifest Destiny: Possibly my favorite Image book (right there with Deadly Class).  No way I could trade wait this bad boy!

The Royals: Masters of War: Another mini that's almost over, but even if it were an ongoing, it would stay because of the quality storytelling and the compelling subject matter.

Star Wars: Soon to be gone, this book is.  Keep it I must. Enjoy this book, I have.

Our next cuts come from the DC camp.  Here are the books staying alive on my pull list:

Batman Eternal: A weekly series that I'm fully vested in. I'm in for the long haul!

Detective Comics: Fantastic art, compelling writing, and, let's be honest: it's Batman.  Not going 

anywhere.

Green Lantern Corps: Jensen has recharged this title, and the current "Uprising" cross over with Green Lantern has been awesome!

Justice League United: I'm a sucker for team books, and Lemire and McKone have been doing a fantastic job so far with this fledgling title! Sticking with this one for the foreseeable future.

The New 52: Futures End: Another weekly series that I'm all in for!  Fantastic writing, interesting characters, and great art!  No stopping until it's over.

Superman/Wonder Woman: You know that I love Soule's writing, and this is probably his strongest DC title!  Pair that with stunning art by Daniel, and you have a must read book!  Superman: Doomed has also been a pleasant surprise!

Final cuts come from the Digital Firsts.  These books are usually forgotten about until I get on to Comixology to get my new books.  Since they aren't listed on the normal pull list, the only books that I WOULD have gotten are the Original Sin Infinity books.  I might get them sometime down the road, just not now.

Of course, as you saw last week, Batman '66 isn't going anywhere!  Love this digital title, and I'm on for however long they want to make it!

Well, I hope this helps shed some light on my cuts, and the method to my madness that is comics!

See you next week, on The Chopping Block!

Most Anticipated #NCBD Releases 6/11/14

Tomorrow is Wednesday, so that always means NEW COMICS!!! 

I'm continuing my journey to a smaller pull list, and with a list that would've been over 30 again, I'm trying to pare it down.  Here's the Top 5 (+1) books that I'm looking forward to the most this week!

Wildcard: Armor Hunters #1

Let me show you an equation to comic book greatness:

Venditti + Braithwaite x Valiant = AWESOME!!!

I'm trying not to put #1 issues as my most anticipated, since we don't know what to expect, but with this team, and a company-wide crossover at Valiant, you can't miss!

5: Captain Marvel #4

One of the few Marvel books that I can't wait for on the Marvel Unlimited front!  Carol is one of my fave Avengers, DeConnick is rocking on this title, and this book deserves a NCBD read, for sure!

4: Superman/Wonder Woman #9

Soule and Daniel alone has made this book a "must read," but add the surprisingly good "Superman: Doomed" storyline and a little Red Lantern Supergirl, and you have "can't miss!"

3: Star Wars #18

Wood has done a superb job with this "Galaxy Far, Far Away," making it feel truly linked to the original trilogy!  Sadly, Dark Horse's epic run of Star Wars titles will be ending soon, but I have faith that Marvel will maintain the quality that Dark Horse has been known for.

2: Green Lantern Corps #32

"Uprising" has been one of the best storylines in the GL corner of the DCU, and that's saying something!  Jensen and Venditti have crafted an amazing story that has me eagerly anticipating each chapter!

1: Manifest Destiny #7

Thanks to my Twitter-family (you know who you are), this title has blazed a trail to the top of my read pile each month it's released!  This is one of the best works of historical fiction that I've ever read!

Well gang, what's on you pull list tomorrow?

The Chopping Block 6/4/14

Hello folks!

I'm starting a new feature this week, showing the books that I had originally planned to pick-up this week, but due to extenuating circumstances, was unable to get.

I know, not the best of subject matter, but a necessity nonetheless.

First off, here's my original pull for NCBD 6/4/14:

A damn fine list, am I right?  Unfortunately, I can't get them all right now, so some sacrifices had to be made.

Most of the Marvel titles would have to fall to the wayside for now, but fear not, true believers, I have Marvel Unlimited!  I can pick up where I left off on these titles with my subscription when they hit 6 months from now!

Safe Marvel books: Avengers World, Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man, Miracleman, Original Sin

I then turned my eye toward the non-Big 2 books (Image, Dynamite, Valiant, etc).

These cuts were a little easier, since the books just started, so I haven't become too attached to them yet. Chaos #2 and Rai #2 had to be cut by necessity, but definitely plan to go back and pick them up later (maybe when Comixology has a sale). The one exception to the would be Nailbiter. The 1st issue really hooked me, but it can still end up on The Chopping Block at some point (you never know).

Safe Indie books: Five Ghosts, Nailbiter, Quantum & Woody

Now, when it comes to DC, I have a soft spot, so I'm less willing to make cuts, but some sacrifices still had to be made.  Again, as with the indie titles, I'm willing to pick them up during a digital sale or after the inevitable price drop, but just had to chop them now: Aquaman and the Others, Batwing, Justice League 3000, Swamp Thing, and The Wake.

Safe DC books: Action Comics, Batman Eternal, Earth 2, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, & The New 52: Futures End

Of course, as a digital comic reader, there is one more category to take into account when culling your pull list: digital firsts!  But once again, since the only digital first I'm getting this week is the amazingly AWESOME Batman '66 Meets the Green Hornet #2, there was not chance that it would be cut!

Safe Digital Firsts: Batman '66 Meets the Green Hornet

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little trip through a conflicted comic-lover's mind.  It's always tough to make cuts to the pull list, and no one wants to have to put any titles on The Chopping Block!

Most Anticipated #NCBD Releases 6/4/14

Another NCBD is upon us, and here's my weekly run-down of my Most Anticipated NCBD Releases.

With some unforeseen medical bills creeping up on me, I've decided that this was the best time to pare down my list.  I WOULD have 33 books this week, but I'm gonna try to cut it to a more manageable 13-15 (depending on what I can afford).  With the cut, many Marvel books are getting the ax.  I know, "why don't you cut DC, DC sux!"  But you know me, I'm a DC Fanboy through and through, so they will always be the LAST books it cut.  Anyway, here's my Top 5 (+1)

Wildcard: Nailbiter #2

Issue 1 was good, and I've heard that issue 2 is even better, so I'll pick it up for sure!

5: Green Arrow #32

Hands down, the best book you probably are NOT reading!  Lemire and Sorrentino are one of the best creative teams around, and their run on GA has been EPIC!

4: MIracleman #7

I know that it's a reprint of a book that came out almost 30 years ago, but it's new to me, and I'm LOVING it!

3: Avengers World #7

It seems like there are a thousand Avengers books, but Avengers World has been one of my faves, and this issue focuses on the break-out star from Captain America 2, Falcon!

2: Green Lantern #32

GL is a MUST-READ, people!  Uprising has been phenomenal, and with the return of...you know who, it looks to be heating up!

1: Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #2

After that cliff-hanger of an ending in issue 1, there is absolutely NO WAY that this wasn't gonna be #1 on my list!  There are few things I can go without when cutting back, but Miles is on the "do not cut" list!

Well, that's my list, what's on yours?