I Read Comic Books discussion

February is has a LEAP DAY this year!!! Think of all of the extra comics you can read with one more day in the month!!

What comics, manga, comix, or webcomics are you reading this month? Pick up anything cool from the Library? Find something in a sale? Discover something on Hoopla? We want to know!

And don't forget to checkout what the IRCB folks are reading every week on our Top of My Pile posts!

Usagi Yojimbo Saga, Vol. 2
The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For

Knocking one out for the 2020 challenge: D.Gray-man, Vol. 1

Kyle wrote: "Knocking one out for the 2020 challenge: D.Gray-man, Vol. 1"

That's a different book. The one for the challenge is D.Gray-Man Reverse Vol. 1. I was looking for it earlier today and couldn't find it anywhere. I wish people would quit picking books that are impossible to find.

Chad wrote: "Kyle wrote: "Knocking one out for the 2020 challenge: D.Gray-man, Vol. 1"

That's a different book. The one for the challenge is D.Gray-Man Reverse Vol. 1. I was looking for it earlie..."

Oops! You'd think I didn't spend all my time reading. Yeah it doesn't look like they have Reverse on Shonen Jump.

Hey Chad and Kyle - that looks like a mistake on my part. The book Kyle linked is correct. My apologies.

I’ll update the reading challenge with the correct book!

Mike wrote: "Hey Chad and Kyle - that looks like a mistake on my part. The book Kyle linked is correct. My apologies.

I’ll update the reading challenge with the correct book!"

Thanks Mike! That's good news.

My reading week:

-Batman: The Man who Laughs #1
-Batman and the Mad Monk
-Batman and the Monster Men
-Dorohedoro, vol. 3
-Hajime no Ippo, vols. 72 - 75
-Harleen #1-3
-Hit Girl: Season 2 #12
-Naruto, vols. 11 - 15
-Sex Criminals #26
-Vampironica: New Blood #2

This month is going to be me hopefully finishing Geoff Johns's Flash run, I read Book Six and now I've just got two volumes and Flashpoint left to go.

I've also finally started my reading goal for 2020, reading Fantastic Four! I'm 8 issues into the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby run at the moment, it should be a fun time diving into these characters I've barely read before.

Taking advantage of the all new Star Trek IDW Comics Humble Bundle to get back into ST comics, starting with the IDW Kelvin ongoing series, but I may even revisit old DC comics classics, and I probably won’t resist checking this Star Trek animated / Transformers crossover.

Review of Kelvin timeline ongoing vol. 1 :

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Xavier wrote: "Taking advantage of the all new Star Trek IDW Comics Humble Bundle to get back into ST comics, starting with the IDW Kelvin ongoing series, but I may even revisit old DC comics classics, and I prob..."

How is that bundle? I thought about getting it myself.

Just got back from this week's comic book run:

Going to the Chapel #1
The Man Who Fucked Up Time #1
X-Men + Fantastic Four #1
Marauders #7
Daphne Byrne # 2

I finished Going to the Chapel and the The Man who Fucked Up Time. Both are excellent.

I’ve really just been focusing on re-reading Saga for the last bits of the new Patreon show and continuing through my massive dive into One Piece.

Both are very good.

So I am starting to upload my readings in bulk. Here are my books from the last few days

Ophiuchus (complete series OGN)

Runaways: But You Can't Hide (vol. 4)

Go Go Power Rangers V. 4

Death Note One Shot 2020

Marvel's Spider-man: City at War (adapted from the video game)

Locke and Key V.4: Keys to the Kingdom

Superman Action Comics V. 2: Leviathan Rising

The Midwinter Witch (Witch Boy #3)

Non-GN:

River Marked (Mercy Thompson 6)

Kris wrote: "So I am starting to upload my readings in bulk. Here are my books from the last few days"

How did you like Ophiuchus? I've had it on my shelf for awhile but hadn't gotten around to it yet.

So far this week I've read Bitter Root, Vol. 1: Family Business and Frank. Both somewhat disappointing in their own way, lol. I loved the art in Bitter Root but really lost the thread on the plot halfway through, and the single lineweight art in Frank made it look like a quick sketch in MS Paint, but I loved the colors and liked the story.

Erin wrote: "Kris wrote: "So I am starting to upload my readings in bulk. Here are my books from the last few days"

How did you like Ophiuchus? I've had it on my shelf for awhile but hadn't gotten around to it..."

It was alright, the colors and setting were amazing but the plot wasn't always cohesive with what was on the page.

Kris- Locke and Key is amazing! I look forward to seeing the adaptation of the series on Netflix today!

Nancy wrote: "Kris- Locke and Key is amazing! I look forward to seeing the adaptation of the series on Netflix today!"

OOH! I didn't realize Locke and Key were out this weekend.

Plan for February

Finished:- Will Eisner’s Life On Another Planet
Reading:- Saga vol. 3
To read:- Saga vol. 4 5 6, Alan Moore’s The Lost Girls and Daniel Clowes’s Patience and Mister Wonderful

Nancy wrote: "Kris- Locke and Key is amazing! I look forward to seeing the adaptation of the series on Netflix today!"

I watched the trailer and it looks good. I'll be watching it.

Nancy wrote: "Kris- Locke and Key is amazing! I look forward to seeing the adaptation of the series on Netflix today!"

The first episode was superb! I am looking forward to watching the rest of the episodes.

Well, I couldn't finish the first episode. They changed too much for me.

Forthencho Pacino wrote: "Mike, will it count in the 2020 reading challenge if I'm already on the latest chapter of D-Gray Man?"

Goodreads challenges can't tell which book you add - so as long as you add a book to your challenge shelf between 2/1/20 and 12/31/20, it will count towards your total. I don't see why you couldn't use a more recent chapter if you've already read the first!

Forthencho Pacino wrote: "Mike, will it count in the 2020 reading challenge if I'm already on the latest chapter of D-Gray Man?"

If you've already read the chapters in D-Gray Man Vol 1, then it definitely counts!

Whitney wrote: "Well, I couldn't finish the first episode. They changed too much for me."

Oh no! Sorry to hear that. At least there's the comics to fall back on -- I'm planning to do a big re-read in the next month or so. :D

I tried reading the first two chapters of Mashle: Magic and Muscles, couldn't get into it :(

The Man Who Effed Up Time #1 was a pretty solid read. Time Travel basics, but I'm waiting to see how Layman and co. flip the script.

Nancy wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Kris- Locke and Key is amazing! I look forward to seeing the adaptation of the series on Netflix today!"

The first episode was superb! I am looking forward to watching the rest of th..."

Whitney- I was ok with the changes. Joe Hill himself helped write the script. I do miss Gabriel Rodriguez's art though.

Nancy wrote: "Kris- Locke and Key is amazing! I look forward to seeing the adaptation of the series on Netflix today!"

Yeah it is! Enjoying my re-read, as I first read it when it was coming out in singles.

Mike wrote: Oh no! Sorry to hear that. At least there's the comics to fall back on -- I'm planning to do a big re-read..."

That's why I'm not upset. The comics are just so good.

Nancy wrote: "The first episode was superb! I am looking forward to watching ..."

Interesting. Thanks for letting me know. That makes me feel better about the show. I hope it does well and makes people want to read the comic.


My reading week: Got side-tracked playing Banished on my PC.

-Plunderer (omnibus), vols. 1 & 2
-Monster (omnibus), vol. 4
-Naruto, vols. 16 - 26

My comic book reading so far in February -

Invisible Kingdom, Vol. 1

Giant Days, Vol. 10

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

I'm also excited for the Locke and Key show, so glad to hear it's good!

A few weeks back I got an urge to dig out and read Frustration by Claire Bretécher. I looked high and low on all my shelves and couldn't find it.

This morning, I learned that she died on Tuesday. Moving my eye from the computer to a crate of books, I see the book I couldn't find staring me in the face! So I guess I'm meant to read it now!

I once took an advanced class in French based around comics. We used Les angoisses de Cellulite among other things. That isn't available in English, to my knowledge, but a few other things are.

Bretécher was a pioneer of comics, and will be missed by many.

https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/bre...

Continuing my reading of Star Trek Comics old and new. Added review of vol. 4 of IDW’s Kelvin universe ongoing.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Just finished The Flash, Volume 2: Speed of Darkness and am currently reading Batgirl and the Birds of Prey, Volume 2: Source Code.
Used to read this series two issues at a time then got tired of waiting until I got to a comic book store. And thanks to the new movie coming out, they had a brand-spanking-new Volume 2 at my college book store! Whoop! So glad to finally get back into reading about my favorite team.

I've recently had enough time on my hands to go through the books I already have (such as Wonder Woman, Volume 1: The Lies, which is next on my list). But I also had to talk myself down from buying a bunch of comics at once when I found DCBS and In Stock Trades- which means that there are a ton of new additions to my to-read list, including some new series.

Jessica wrote: "I've recently had enough time on my hands to go through the books I already have (such as Wonder Woman, Volume 1: The Lies, which is next on my list)."

Rucka's latest WW run was collected very strangely. To meet the biweekly schedule, Rucka alternated between two different stories with two different artists. So when DC went to collect it they collected the odd numbered issues in one trade and the evens in another. However, the stories play off one another and I think the story is best read in the order the issues were released.

Chad wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I've recently had enough time on my hands to go through the books I already have (such as Wonder Woman, Volume 1: The Lies, which is next on my list)."

Rucka's latest WW run was co..."

Yeah, I noticed that when I first bought it and got the first two volumes together in order to read in order of release (I did, however, forget about that when I made this comment, lol). I never actually knew why they collected the volumes like that- it's good to know there was a method to the madness! I forget how long ago I got them but it did make me start checking every TP to make sure it wasn't the same way.

Jessica wrote: "I forget how long ago I got them but it did make me start checking every TP to make sure it wasn't the same way."

It's a special kind of madness DC reserved for the first 4 volumes of WW Rebirth.

Trying to get through chapter 200 of One Piece this month. I'm a little behind, but luckily this manga is SUPER easy and fun to read!

Currently reading the last volume of Chew. Havent read anything like this one before, hoping to find more by the author!

Will wrote: "Currently reading the last volume of Chew. Havent read anything like this one before, hoping to find more by the author!"

John Layman just released a new book 2 weeks ago. I liked the first issue. The Man Who Effed Up Time #1

My reading week:

-Birthright #41
-Death Note One-Shot
-Dorohedoro, vol. 4
-Naruto, vols. 27 & 28
-Outcast #43, 44
-Star Wars: Dark Maul
-Star Wars: Obi-Wan & Anakin
-Undiscovered Country #1-3

The stack of library books grows ever higher, and the days remaining on my January Hoopla borrows grows ever shorter - I've got a lot to catch up on!

Recently, I've read New World by David Jesus Vignolli - I felt like this had a decent amount of hype (or at least, I was seeing it e v e r ywhere), and while it was enjoyable it wasn't outstanding, though the art was really pretty!

I also read Normandy Gold which was pretty alright - the clothes were super cool. As part of the Popsugar reading challenge I read Algeria Is Beautiful Like America which I liked a lot! I knew basically nothing about Algeria as a country going into it and I feel like I do have some basic knowledge now.

Also trying to catch up/re-read Rat Queens in anticipation of Volume 7 - currently on Volume 4 - while Gieni is definitely a talented artist, the art no longer has that whimsical Rat Queens vibe I really liked in previous editions (though obviously I understand why the artist was switched out!) and some of the characters are totally unrecognizable.

I went on another binge over the holiday weekend.

Teen Titans/Deathstroke: The Terminus Agenda★★★★
Teen Titans Vol. 2: Turn It Up★★★★
The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 6: Absolute Carnage★★
The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 5: Behind the Scenes★★★
Captain Midnight, Volume 1: On the Run★★★
Mata Hari★
Sir Edward Grey, Witchfinder: Omnibus Volume 1★★★★★
Rise of the Black Panther★★★
Ether Volume 2: Copper Golems★★★
Champions, Volume 3: Champion for a Day★★★
Champions, Volume 4: Northern Lights★★★★
Lost★
Zatanna & the House of Secrets★★★
Hawkman, Vol. 2: Deathbringer★★★★
Bone Parish, Vol. 1★★★★★
Bone Parish, Vol. 2★★★★★
Bone Parish, Vol. 3★★★★

Chad wrote: "Will wrote: "Currently reading the last volume of Chew. Havent read anything like this one before, hoping to find more by the author!"

John Layman just released a new book 2 weeks ago. I liked the..."

Thanks for the heads up!

Sara wrote: "I'm reading The Witcher: Fox Children (Volume 2). I just finished Fables: Animal Farm and adored it!"

Fables is an all time favorite.

Sara wrote: "I'm loving it Chad!"

I'm not surprised in the least. There's a bunch of spin off series that are good as well, plus a novel as you get further in.

Roku, a stand-alone spin-off of Ninjak from Valiant entertainment. Written by the great Cullenn Bunn, of Harrow County fame. It’s a self contained mini.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Xavier wrote: "Roku, a stand-alone spin-off of Ninjak from Valiant entertainment. Written by the great Cullenn Bunn, of Harrow County fame. It’s a self contained mini.

That looks interesting! I've never really read any Valiant, but hearing how much hype it gets on the show makes me curious. I took a peek at your profile, I'm in HR too! (though not French) :)

Erin wrote: "That looks interesting! I've never really read any Valiant, but hearing how much hype it gets on the show makes me curious. I took a peek at your profile, I'm in HR too! (though not French) :)"

Valiant is one of my favorite publishers. Their first few years of comics are especially good. It's all available on Hoopla if you want to check them out. Duane Sweirzynski's Bloodshot run would be a good place to start with the movie coming out next month. I'll warn you though, it's real easy to get hooked on their comics.

I don’t read much Valiant either, because I already buy more comics than I read. But what I’ve read, I’ve mostly enjoyed.

Here is another one

Fear Agent: Final Edition vol. 1 by Rick Remender and Tony Moore.
A fast paced, fun, non stop sci-fi graphic novel remindful of old pulp stories.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Chad wrote: "Valiant is one of my favorite publishers. Their first few years of comics are especially good. It's all available on Hoopla if you want"

Nice! I heard there's a big Bloodshot Humble Bundle out right now too - I read Secret Weapons a few years ago for the reading challenge and absolutely loved it, I need to give them more of a shot :)

Erin wrote: "Nice! I heard there's a big Bloodshot Humble Bundle out right now too"

That's a great deal for $15. If I didn't have all those already I'd buy it in an instant.