Review Aquaman #6

An enjoyable issue, Aquaman #6 has an action-oriented

agenda that has little to do with delving deep into angsty character development and more to do with finally returning to the sea. And that's just fine.

The issue closes the first arc with action in the form of Aquaman fighting Superman, as Arthur takes out his considerable frustration regarding his treatment by the surface world on Clark. Ever the gentleman, Clark takes best shots from Arthur and Mera in this issue and gets knocked on his rear. But there is a limit to Big Blue's patience, even though Arthur is right in his assertion that he was framed and something much more awful is really orchestrating events.

For more on this fun book, check out my review for Comic Book Resources.

Show Guide 2017

If you're a subscriber to Vintage Truck, Antique Power, or Vintage Fire Truck & Equipment, you receive the annual Show Guide as a supplement. (Non-subscribers can order a copy.) The Show Guide is a compilation of shows around the country (and Canada) that are devoted toward or simply welcome antique tractors or trucks or fire trucks and related equipment.

What's so special about that?

Event organizers can submit the information for their show for FREE! And if you've ever tackled the Herculean task of putting on a car show, antique power show, or service vehicle show, you know that every source of free publicity is a welcome relief for promotion budgets that are never big enough.

You can place your show in the 2017 Show Guide now. The deadline is November 4, so don't delay and please spread the word to other show organizers you know. Submit your information HERE. It's easy, and it's free.

September Truck-Friendly Shows

My latest blog post for Vintage Truck Magazine is live HERE.

Sorry not to have posted this sooner, there were some great shows around the country over Labor Day Weekend, and I hope you were able to attend one. Winter is coming, so get out and enjoy events with your club while you can.

Review Wonder Woman #4

The "Year One" storyline continues in Wonder Woman #4 as writer Greg Rucka reinvents the Amazonian games that produce the island's champion. And while the winner is no secret to readers, longtime fans will appreciate the script's fluid efforts to incorporate prior tellings of Wonder Woman's origins. Rucka has included nods to the golden and silver age, the television show, and the works of fan-favorite creators, including George Perez, Phil Jimenez, and Brian Azzarello.

Nicola Scott's art is a study in character development. Themyscira itself is a fully realized character, and Scott's thoughtful depictions of Amazonian society create a more comprehensive picture than has ever been attempted before. Why is that so vital to the story? Because the champion of the Amazons will not simply be chosen to return Steve Trevor to his people--once she leaves the island, she can never return. 

My full review is live on Comic Book Resources.

Review Scarlet Witch #9

The relationships between siblings in comics are often strained, and in Scarlet Witch #9 writer James Robinson and artist Joelle Jones use the events unfolding in "Civil War II" to push Wanda and Peitro to their breaking point.

Beautifully rendered by Jones and deftly scripted by Robinson, Wanda has emerged as her own person. And she'll make her own decisions as to whether or not to join in on the mayhem. The series has been one large journey of personal healing and discovery for Wanda, and with this issue, she demonstrates a new level of self-acceptance and self-confidence that she quickly puts to good use.

My full review is live at Comic Book Resources.

Comic Book Resources Reviews for May 11, 2016

I'm thrilled to be writing reviews for the good folks at Comic Book Resources, and I should be cranking out two reviews per week. I'll try to post them here. Clicks are appreciated and I'd love it if you'd share these via your social media outlets. (There are buttons at the top of the reviews for that.)

For the books that debuted May 11, I reviewed:

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 and
 Guardians of the Galaxy #8

More updates next week!

DC Comics Reveals Details of "Rebirth"

DC Comics unveiled its plans for Rebirth, and it starts with "DC Universe: Rebirth" an 80-page one-shot from Geoff Johns that hits shelves on May 25.

It's no secret that the publisher's sales numbers are lagging far behind those of industry-leading Marvel Comics. Just take a look at the latest figures on Comichron. January is always a tough month, but Batman was the only title to sell more than 100,000 copies. Clearly, the publisher needs to kickstart interest in its titles.

Rebirth will rearrange the DC lineup of comics. Interestingly, all comics will have a price of $2.99. But many will move to bi-monthly publishing schedules, which will likely have an impact on sales. Action Comics and Detective Comics will return to their previous numbering systems -- and the New 52 numberings will become an interesting asterisk for the folks at the Overstreet Comic Book Guide to deal with, I'm sure.

HERE is the full press release from DC Comics.