Honorable Mention Highlights: September 2021
Telepaths #1 What happens when everyone passes out and then immediately wakes up being able to read each other's thoughts? Sounds pretty awful, doesn't it? Well, Straczinsky has taken on exactly this concept. Not a ton happens in issue number one, mostly just covering the finer details of "why" and "how," but with there being nothing more personal than your own inner-most thoughts, I could definitely see this book getting into some nitty gritty of what it means to have personal space. Dark Ages #1 Oh look, Marvel has some sort of event going on. Been a minute since they've had one of those... That said, this event is actually kind of neat so far. It's an interesting concept: how would superheroes function in a world of no electricity. It really only works for Marvel too, seeing as how so much of the Marvel heroism is based in science and technology. In a word full of Marvel cash ins, I'm actually pretty stoked for this one. Search for Hu #1 Kind of like Pearl from Bendis, but set it inside a martial arts movie. There's some clichés, some "why did you never tell me" moments, some special military behind-closed-doors knowledge to be had - not a bad time, but not an exceptionally special one, either. It has potential, though, especially if you love a good "chosen-one" story. Nine Stones #1 I like the characters of this book. The premise isn't entirely new. The narrative plays out fairly predictably. But the writing of the characters is what really shines. They just feel cute and realistic, and I find myself wanting to see their love blossom. And in general it's nice to have an LGBTQ story that just feels natural and not forced. Maw #1 I have high hopes for Maw, but dang did the first issue not deliver. I get the message it's trying to say, but it's handling of that message is done with heavy hands. Like, filled with lead hands. That said, I dig the creepy atmosphere built around the self-help group/ cult, and the promise of body horror will always get me hooked. Corset #1 Man, you know I love a good steampunk story. This one has that distinct "Victorian-era but MACHINES" vibe, which can be done so well in comics. What's cool about this one is that the main focus is on fashion, which just makes so much sense in a steampunk environment. The characters are well developed, the story is very familiar and engaging (I see you, Beauty and the Beast) and the twist is just twisty-enough. I'm only sad it's a one-shot, because this title sucked me in for sure. 10 Years to Death (One Shot) This is another of those big, beautiful one-shot titles from Aftershock that we've been talking about a lot. This one is a horror title, but less gruesome than some of the others, and reads a little more like a supernatural thriller. The tale is told from the perspective of a now-grown man, retelling an experience he had as a kid with his uncle. It's well paced, spooky, and feels just grounded in reality enough to keep you sucked in the whole way through. Definitely worth picking up. Impossible Jones #1 She was a criminal, in it for herself and the score. Now, she finds herself with powers she didn't earn, and a nagging feeling of responsibility to be on the right side of the law. Sounds impossible? Nah, just Impossible Jones. Cute, colorful, creative use of some superhero tropes - I think this is going to be a super fun titles to follow moving forward. Unborn #1 I'm a sucker for a good "group of ragtag, brash yahoos out in space on some sort of dangerous mission for a corporation and/or to save the earth in a mundane way" kinda scifi story. If you feel the same, are a fan of the alien franchise, or just looking for some interesting sci-fi that is more of the "this spaceship runs on diesel" type, then this is a good choice. Unborn doesn't try too hard to break the mold, but instead chooses to tell a story about interpersonal relationships and coping with the past against a backdrop of clunky space mechanisms and regenerative alien bugs. Turbo Kid: Apple's Lost Adventure #1 This is apparently a prequel to a movie. If the movie is anywhere as balls-out bonkers as this book, I need to watch it. Turbo Kid appears to be one part Mega Man, one part Tank Girl, and if I need to say more than that then you just don't understand joy. Human Remains #1 So, the whole "emotions are bad" thing has been done before, but usually under the umbrella of government control. Here we have some sort of mysterious entities that teleport in and obliterate anyone feeling to strongly a certain way. Cool premise that I can't help but feel like is based on something. The entity attacks people playing outside, people at weddings, people congregating at church, people gathering for concerts and parties, people blowing off steam at a bar. Where we come in, everyone is pretty much forced inside and all the revelry of the social world is gone. Where have I seen that before? Frontiersman #1 I love a good superhero book with scruples. Frontiersman was not what I expected. After Image's recent tangles with the superhero being a bit lame (looking at you, Mr. Radiant Black), I expected this to be another run of the mill super story. What I got instead was a very natural feeling character in a slowly built world struggling with concepts like relevancy, climate change and the nature of social media martyrdom. It was a moderately paced, chill kinda read with some nice world building. I'm rooting for you, Frontiersman.
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Kids... In... SPAAAAACE...
Weekly Pull Highlights: September 8, 2021
We've got a big theme of space in this episode, from the movie-in-a-comic in Deadbox, to the Space Case-meets-Alien vibe in Bountiful Garden, to the endless void built from grief in Mazebook. It's a lot, but it's really good, promise.
Honorable Mention Highlights: June 2021
Crush & Lobo #1 Crush is a fun character. Lobo is also a fun character. While this comic is steeped in a bit of recent history, it seems like it's gonna be a fun ride. Also, we might find out more about Crush along the way, which would be a cool edition to the DC mythos overall. Out of Body #1 A weird and funky world of astral projection that follows one man's simultaneous journey of self discovery and a desperate fight for his life. This book had some shaky points, but overall is a very nifty concept with just enough magical elements to add some spice. Freak Snow #1 What? What is happening? This book is absolutely b-a-n-a-n-a-YES. We follow a crazy man in the snow. That's about it. We don't know why there is snow. We don't really know who he is. But he's crazy and there is snow. It's a trippy, cold world with splashes of color and I truly, truly love it. Compass: The Cauldron of Eternal Life #1 A delightful bit of historical fiction that blends multiple cultures into a tale of treasure hunting and treachery. This book reads like a modern adventure book but feels like a old-school pulp serial. It's refreshingly straightforward in it's plot set up and ha a unique cast of characters. Batman Reptilian #1 Garth Ennis's Batman is weirdly passive aggressive and incredibly meta. He understands that people know the "rules" of Batman and uses that to his advantage. This book is easily set up to be a new entry in the Batman Dark Works of Art Hall of Fame alongside titles like Arkham Asylum or Long Halloween. Liam Sharps painted pages are profoundly peculiar, overflowing with the dark and gruesome world of Gotham like it's rarely been seen. Vinyl #1 I love Vinyl. Hands down. I love the Suicide Squad of weird serial killers that is being advertised. I love the cult shit. I love that it starts smack in the middle but fully includes the ready in events that happened elsewhere. I love Walter, so much. This book is gory good fun and should be on everyone's list (check out Plastic, too - another fun serial killer romp). United States of Captain America #1 A bit of a clunky start to the premise, but a fun idea. Cap and Falcon suiting up on a meet-and-greet-and-protect-from-assassins road trip is a cool idea, and this will be a great book to introduce more characters that people can feel represent them - more than many other heroes can. If you like to spec, might be a book to look into to, as any of these characters have major TV or possibly even movie potential. Darling #1 This book is going to make you feel some kind of way - maybe sad, maybe fascinated, maybe concerned - but you will definitely feel it. Taken from the author's real pain about a brother he lost to drugs, and put to page like street art in a cover, you definitely know it's the 80's and that things just aren't going to end well for anyone involved. Barbaric #1 It's not at all what you're expecting, and that's what makes it fantastic. A drinking, debaucherous barbarian is cursed to only do good - which is a lot less fun than his original plan. Plus, when you have a bloodthirsty talking axe coming along for the ride, everything gets a lot more metal. It's a good time, for sure. 
But if Bruce and Tony didn't pay for everything, then... how?
Weekly Pull Highlights: May 26, 2021
It's pop culture references, denied sneezes, and a very hungry Chris for this week's episode! Oh, and we talk about some excellent new books, too. But I mean, you're really here for our dissertation on how much less Clark must make than Lois, right? 
I mean, buying SOME stuff is okay...
Weekly Pull Highlights: February 17, 2021
This week might be a quickie, but we're sharing some excellent new titles, one of which takes a horror-filled looked at the evils of consumerism and corporate commercialism. ...did we mention we have new merch?! Visit https://teespring.com/stores/coverbpodcast to get yours today.  We interrupt your standard broadcast... for turkey.While there's plenty of interesting books this week, nothing had us chomping at the bit to talk about - and with it being a holiday weekend, we figured we could all use a break. So instead, here's a handful of our recommendations for the week, and we hope you had an excellent Turkey Day!
Honorable Mention Highlights: November 25, 2020
The Red #1 The musical side of Equilibrium. The writing is at times a smidge on the machismo-fantastic side, what with hot, creative men demolishing the barriers of successful women with nary a stray glance and all, but the concept is dystopian enough to be interesting and a smidge relatable. In a world where emotions are treated like contraband, where is there any room for art or music? I Walk with Monsters #1 A very interesting concept that feels one part Hack/Slash and one part Something is Killing the Children. A mysterious girl and her male partner (who may be some sort of werewolf or demon or both) travel the country eliminating those who would prey on the young and vulnerable. The first issue is good and introduces an interesting thrust, but leaves a lot of questions on the main characters. Kaiju Score #1 You know, when it's a heist book that centers around giant mythological creatures, I guess I was just expecting... I don't know... more giant mythological creatures? Cool concept, interesting execution, I just think it could be more - maybe even better as a movie (which is not something said lightly). Power Pack #1 Admittedly, this was feeling more like a Marvel: Action title until I realized where Ryan North was going to take this rambunctious group of youths on the very last page. I appreciate the irony this book is going to take Kamala's Law - when kids are fighting aliens in space, can you really consider them too young to fight at home? The Other History of the DC Universe #1 A much needed retelling of the glorious rise of heroes from a less glorified perspective, this book retells the golden age of comics from Jefferson Pierce's, Black Lightening's, perspective. Detailed, ambitious and not even a hint of holding back, I think it should be the goal moving forward to tell more of these stories with more voices. John Constantine: Hellblazer #12 Damnit, Spurrier, I'm not ready for it to be over. While there's plenty of books I look forward to, there's been something special about this run that has left me consistently putting the new issues at the top of my read pile. If you didn't pick this book up from the beginning, do yourself a favor and go get it now. Plus, there's been a big honkin' twist this issue that MORE than makes it worth it. 
A brief history of the Warhammer universe... very brief.
Weekly Pull Highlights: October 14, 2020
WOWZER that's a lot of heckin' books! And we don't even cover everything that came out this week! Some cool new stuff, including the new Rorschach from Tom King, and Kieron Gillen taking on Marvel's first foray into Warhammer 40K, and you've got a week primed for a visit to your LCS. Oh, and what's the deal with superhero costumes anyway? 
Cover B's back... tell a friend!
Weekly Pull Highlights: September 23, 2020
And now back to your regularly scheduled programming! We had to take a couple weeks off thanks to a big move (new place is shaping up great though!), but now we're back and ready to read with some very exciting new titles. She-Hulk died, the X-Men are bringing weird Marvel organizations back from the dead... it's a lot. Let's get into it! 
But can we all agree that, objectively, Batman is ridiculous?
Weekly Pull Highlights: August 19, 2020
I mean, I know we mentioned this last time, but like, why are there so many vampires right now? It's like every new round of books includes at least one vampire-focused title! At least this week has a ton of options for folks who love vampires, folks who don't! 
Once you see CGI vampire eyes, you're never the same.
Weekly Pull Highlights: August 5, 2020
Look at all these re-visited IPs! From video games, to classic films, to a new title in an existing comic line, we help guide you through these new books and give some insight into the worlds they come from. Maybe instead of all these movie reboots, we can just have brand new comics instead? |
Cover B PodcastChris & Tee host this weekly comic-focused show, providing insight on new comics, entertainment news and more. Archives
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