Comic Shop Corner: January 29, 2014

New comics are here yall!!

Dark Horse Comics

Serenity: Leaves On The Wind #1

Executive produced by Joss Whedon himself, and featuring the art of Georges Jeanty, artist for other Whedon properties at Dark Horse such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer! Malcolm Reynolds's crew shook the universe to its core when they laid bare the crimes against humanity undertaken by their sinister government-the Alliance. Always outlaws, Mal, a very pregnant Zoe, new pilot River Tam, and the other surviving crew members are in greater danger than ever. Meanwhile, everyone is asking the same question...

Also available: Conan And The People Of The Black Circle #4, Never Ending #3, Furious #1, Sledgehammer 44 Lightning War #3, and many more!


DC Comics

The Flash #27

The death of Barry Allen's mother has always been the Flash's driving force. In issue #27 The Flash faces a mystical serial killer who might be responsible for his mother's murder!

Also available: Damian: Son Of Batman #4, Justice League Dark #27, Earth 2 Annual #2, Teen Titans #27, Forever Evil A.R.G.U.S. #4, Superman #27, Dead Boy Detectives #2, Aquaman #27, Batman And Robin Annual #2, Red Lanterns #27, World's Finest Annual #1, Batman: The Dark Knight #27, Green Lantern Corps. Annual #2, All-Star Western #27, Fables #137, Catwoman #27, Green Team: Teen Trillionaires #8, Talon #15, Larfleeze #7, Smallville Season 11 Special #4, Adventures Of Superman #9, Beware The Batman #4, and many more!

IDW Publishing

Ghostbusters #12

The end of the year is a hectic time for most businesses, and the Ghostbusters are no exception. Beset from all sides by a surge in spectral activity over this particularly busy season, they're looking forward to a little bit of a break once the new year hits. But recent supernatural symptoms shown by the City that Doesn't Sleep are coming to a head, and the Bogeyman has arrived to take the city's future! Erik Burham has made a name writing high octane action books for IDW. This is a can't miss series!

Also available: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30, Mr. Peabody And Sherman #4, Transformers Regeneration One #98, The Other Dead #5, Star Trek #29, Godzilla: Rulers Of Earth #8, and many more!



Image Comics

Saga #18

Our heroes' stay on Quietus reaches its inevitable conclusion... Don't miss the exciting next chapter to Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Swamp Thing) epic saga "Saga" (See what I did there!) Featuring beautiful art from Fiona Staples (Criminal Macabre, Rat Queens) there is a reason this is among the most popular and critically acclaimed books of this generation!

Also available: Black Science #3, Thief Of Thieves #19, Five Weapons #6, Revival #17, East Of West #9, Invincible #108, Saviors #2, Witchblade #172, Bounce #9, Clone #14, Cyber Force #8, Super Dinosaur #21, and many more!

Marvel Comics

Miracleman #2

KIMOTA! With one magic word, a long-forgotten legend lives again! Freelance reporter Michael Moran always knew he was meant for something more -- now, a strange series of events leads him to reclaim his destiny! Relive the ground-breaking eighties adventures that captured lightning in a bottle -- or experience them for the first time -- in these digitally restored, fully relettered editions! Issue #2 includes material originally presented in WARRIOR #1-5, plus bonus material.

Also available: Superior Spider-Man #26, Cataclysm: The Ultimates' Last Stand #4, Guardians Of The Galaxy #11, Inhumanity #2, Uncanny X-Force #17, Night Of The Living Deadpool #2, Avengers Assemble #23, Revolutionary War: Knights Of Pendragon #1, Thunderbolts #21, X-Men Legacy #23, and many more!



Spotlight

2000 AD's Dredd Underbelly

The one-shot sequel to the critically-acclaimed movie! In the wake of Ma-Ma's death, other criminal gangs in Mega-City One are moving into the power vacuum, trying to fill the gap in the market left by the Slo-Mo drug. When a corpse dump is discovered in a rad-pit, the bodies are all revealed to be mutants. Could the dead be connected with an outfit smuggling illegal refugees into the city from the Cursed Earth? Dredd once again teams with Psi-Judge Anderson as they scour the underworld for the perps responsible, to bring them to justice! Any fan of Dredd or especially a fan of the hit movie staring Karl Urban needs to read this book! It's the sequel the movie studios won't let you see!!

FCBD Spotlight

Avatar Press' Uber

This is an ideal entry point into the world of Uber! Kieron Gillen and Caanan White electrified the comics community with their runaway hit, UBER in 2013. Now the creative team that revolutionized the super soldier genre is presenting a special Free Comic Book Day edition, Uber: The First Cycle! This is a history book told with the events of the first two story arcs woven into real-World history and with tons of all-new writing from Gillen, special new art and sneak-peaks of upcoming pages. This issue will bring readers new and old up to speed on the first two arcs of the Uber series, without ruining all the fun of reading the collected editions. It also serves as a direct teaser into the summer 2014 Uber story that promises to be the biggest and most shocking yet!

Special: 2013 In Review: Best Movies of 2013

Well here we are, the last Sunday in January means our last 2013 countdown special. This week me look at my favourite movies of 2013... This list will continuously be updated as I watch more as have my 2012 and 2011 lists. Now let's jump right in!

Last updated: February 14, 2016
Updates in BOLD

72. The Lords Of Salem (1/7)

71. Grown Ups 2 (2/7)

70. Only God Forgives (2/7)

69. Magic Magic (2/7)

68. The World's End (2/7)

67. Oblivion (2/7)

66. Movie 43 (2/7)

65. Prince Avalanche (2/7)

64. Small Apartments (2/7)

63. Texas Chainsaw (2/7)

62. Carrie (2/7)

61. Star Trek: Into Darkness (3/7)

60. Admission (3/7)

59. Escape From Planet Earth (3/7)

58. The Conjuring (3/7)

57. Gravity (3/7)

56. Warm Bodies (3/7)

55. The Heat (3/7)

54. Pain And Gain (3/7)

53. Escape Plan (3/7)

52. The To-Do List (3/7)

51. Mama (3/7)

50. R.I.P.D. (3/7)

49. The Frozen Ground (3/7)

48. Spring Breakers (3/7)

47. Turbo (3/7)

46. The Internship (3/7)

45. Gangster Squad  (3/7)

44. We're The Millers (3/7)

43. Runner Runner (3/7)

42. The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 (3/7)

41. Monsters University (3/7)

40. G.I. Joe: Retaliation (3/7)

39. Jack The Giant Slayer (3/7)

38. The Kings Of Summer (3/7)

37. Inside Llewyn Davis (3/7)

36. Pacific Rim (3/7)

35. Frozen (3/7)

34. Necessary Evil: The Villains Of DC Comics (3/7)

33. The Way Way Back (3/7)

32. Olympus Has Fallen (3/7)

31. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (3/7)

30. The Wolf Of Wall Street (4/7)

29. The Great Gatsby (4/7)

28. Prisoners (4/7)

27 This Is The End (4/7)

26. American Hustle (4/7)

25. Kick-Ass 2 (4/7)

24. 21 And Over (4/7)

23. 42 (4/7)

22. Oz: The Great And Powerful (4/7)

21. RED 2 (4/7)

20. Saving Mr. Banks (4/7)

19. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 (4/7)

18. The Call (4/7)

17. Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (4/7)

16. The Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug (4/7)

15. Thor: The Dark World (4/7)

14. The Wolverine (4/7)

13. 2 Guns (4/7)

12. Fruitvale Station (4/7)

11. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (4/7)

10. A Good Day To Die Hard (5/7)

9. Insidious Chapter 2 (5/7)

8. The Hangover Part III (5/7)

7. Now You See Me (5/7)

6. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (5/7)

5. Percy Jackson: The Sea Of Monsters (5/7)

4. Despicable Me 2 (5/7)

3. Iron Man 3 (6/7)

2. Evil Dead (6/7)

1. Man Of Steel (6/7)

Top 10 Countdown: January 25, 2014

10. The Downtown Fiction - Some Place On Earth
Last week: NEW!

9. Zebrahead - Sirens
Last week: 7.

8. Less Than Jake - My Money Is On The Long Shot
Last week: 9.

7. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nice To Meet You
Last week: 8.

6. Rescue Kid - Make You Mine
Last week: 6.

5. Simple Plan - The Rest Of Us
Last week: 5.

4. We Are The In Crowd - The Best Thing (That Never Happened)
Last week: 4.

3. A Day To Remember - Right Back At It Again
Last week: 3.

2. City Lights - See You At The Top
Last week: 2.

1. July - What We Signed Up For
Last week: 1.

Special: 2013 In Review: Best Albums of 2013

And here we are we only have one more Sunday in January so we are approaching the end of our 2013 In Review series of specials. But before we close it off let's look at my top albums of 2013, this was an incredibly difficult list to pair down to just 10 but without further ado the list...

10. The Story So Far - What You Don't See

With this album The Story So Far showed that they are not giving up an inch of ground they earned in the pop punk community after the release of "Under Soil And Dirt". Their mixture of upbeat pop punk elements are mixed with the rhythms of hardcore punk music make the band one of the least derivative bands in the pop-punk scene today. The biggest flaw in this album was the lack of variety we have in comparison to previous releases but that by no means makes this a bad album.

9. Paramore - Self-Titled

Although this album didn't sit very well with fans, the majority of the music industry enjoyed it. It was a departure for Paramore but I've long been a fan of bands maturing, and in fact my least favourite songs on the record were those that reminded me of the past (Still Into You anyone?) Instead of being content on being pigeon-holed into one genre, Paramore has expanded their horizons and had a blast doing it as you see very diverse musical abilities across this album.

8. A Day To Remember - Common Courtesy

Years from now no one will remember the lawsuit that came about from this album, but the songs will be remembered. This is the most complete ADTR album since Homesick as it features your hardcore favourites that will have you navigating through a heard of bro's in tank tops when you hear it performed live. You also have the pop-punk staples like first single Right Back At It Again and ADTR also delved more into slow accoustic songs for this album. The fact it came out later in 2013 likely kept it further down the list.

7. City Lights - The Way Things Should Be

If this was 2009, City Lights would've been huge. Everyone was trying to be the next Four Year Strong and Set Your Goals... However that was a while ago and both bands have taken step backs recently. City Lights however still brings out the best in a pop-punk album. Released a little indie label InVogue City Lights is easily the best band you don't know. They are gimmick free and they write pop-punk anthems like it's going out of style. Unfortunately with a late 2013 release it suffers the same fate as Common Courtesy.

6. Cartel - Collider

A lot has changed in the 4 years since Cycles was released. Cartel took their time to make a record right, they went the DIY route and the quality doesn't slip at all as this is easily one of their best releases to date. Though I'm sure Collider will never surpass the nostalgia feel I have with Chroma, Collider takes the best parts of their previous albums and cranks it up to ten on the album. It's an album about renewed hopes and dreams and most importantly fresh starts.

5. State Champs - The Finer Things

When they released the EP Overslept last year there were some expectations of what State Champs should be and what they can attain. With the fall's release of the appropriately titled "The Finer Things" they took those expectations and blew them out of the water. The chorus on Elevated is easily pop-punks finest moment from 2013, so much in fact that the Pure Noise Records signee album ranked higher than the more popular and more demanded album from fellow record label signee The Story So Far.

4. Fall Out Boy - Save Rock & Roll

Very few of us were lucky enough to grow up with Fall Out Boy, from the opening riffs of Take This To Your Grave to the closing of Foile A Deux. As I grew so did Fall Out Boy, content to walk away from the game after the latter's release we all felt that part of us was missing, but in secret FOB would not disappoint releasing one of the best albums of the year. The album is haunting and melodic, and then boom you're left dancing with yourself before moving into a fast paced mosh. Further proving FOB will always be a part of me.

3. Silverstein - This Is How The Wind Shifts

There is a lot to like about this record. Silverstein has constantly evolved while at the same time being true to what got them there in the first place. The idea that a situation can be changed completely based on something as trivial as which was the wind blows is a strong one that Silverstein toys with on this album. While similar bands beside them perish, Silverstein has always found a way to endure, and get better in the process. So no matter which was the scene shifts next year you can bet Silverstein will still be there.

2. The Wonder Years - The Greatest Generation

I believe in The Wonder Years, which is why I continue to place unreasonable expectations upon them with everything they do, and yet somehow, someway they always meet those expectations. Only time will tell if this record holds up as well as Suburbia but the songs on this one are better at first glance as Suburbia had amazing songs surrounded by filler. TGG brings great songs across the board, most years this would be #1 but...

1. The Summer Set - Legendary

Along came The Summer Set and they released a near perfect pop record. This is the bands real natural follow up to the hit album Love Like This and although Everything's Fine was a hit with critics it was difficult for their fan base to adore. Legendary is about knowing who you are and where you want to be, but enjoying the moments in between. Full of catchy hooks and beautiful lyrics, this album is the perfect soundtrack to a summer night.


As I previously said, this was a hard list to pear down to 10 albums so here are some honourable mentions:

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Pardon My French
Man Overboard - Heart Attack
Relient K - Collapsible Lung
Tonight Alive - The Other Side
Transit - Young New England
The Swellers - The Light Under Closed Doors
Mayday Parade - Monsters In The Closet
Zebrahead - Call Your Friends
July - Self-Titled*

*Note: This album would've made the list but I didn't give it serious consideration since it is just their previous 2 EP's combined onto an album this year. Though if you don't have the EP's I highly recommend you get it now.

Top 10 Countdown: January 18, 2014

10. Anberlin - Dead American
Last week: 10.

9. Less Than Jake - My Money Is On The Longshot
Last week: NEW!

8. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nice To Meet You
Last week: 9.

7. Zebrahead - Sirens
Last week: 2.

6. Rescue Kid - Make You Mine
Last week: 7.

5. Simple Plan - The Rest Of Us
Last week: 6.

4. We Are The In Crowd - The Best Thing (That Never Happened)
Last week: 5.

3. A Day To Remember - Right Back At It Again
Last week: 4.

2. City Lights - See You At The Top
Last week: 3.

1. July - What We Signed Up For
Last week: 1.

Comic Shop Corner: January 15, 2013

New comic book day is here! Time to strap on your capes and fly down to your local comic book shop...

Dark Horse Comics

Skyman #1

After an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Captain Midnight, a drunken Skyman accidentally kills an innocent man! Needing a new face for their initiative ASAP, the Skyman Program turns to US Air Force Sgt. Eric Reid: a wounded veteran on the ropes, looking for a new lease on life. Coming from the pen of Marvel's Ultimates writer Joshua Hale Fialkov looks to expand his roster with a new exciting superhero series!

Also available: Star Wars: Dawn Of The Jedi Force War #3, B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth #115, Strain The Fall #7, Kiss Me Satan #5, X #9, Star Wars: Darth Vader And The Cry Of Shadows #2, S.H.O.O.T. First #4, Clown Fatale #3, and many more!


DC Comics

Constantine #10

Ray Fawkes continues his run on everyone's favourite anti-hero! Brought low by the evil of Blight, Constantine struggles to rally his mystical allies and turn the tide of battle. Only one thing stands in his path: the righteous wrath of The Spectre! Continued in Trinity Of Sin: Pandora #7!

Also available: Justice League Of America #11, Nightwing #27, Injustice: Year Two #1, Batgirl #27, Justice League 3000 #2, Astro City #8, Superman/Wonder Woman #4, Green Lantern Corps #27, Coffin Hill #4, Suicide Squad #27, World's Finest #19, Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #4, Superboy #27, Batman: L'il Gotham #10, DC Universe Vs. Masters Of The Universe #4, Scooby Doo: Where Are You #41, and many more!

IDW Publishing

The X-Files: Conspiracy #1

I teased this last week but the event of the year begins here! When The Lone Gunmen discover Internet files from future, they learn that a plague will soon wipe out most of humanity. With Agents Mulder and Scully working one lead, the Gunmen must spring into action and investigate several urban legends: a group of ghost-hunters, mutant turtles that live in the sewers, shape-changing alien robots, and a vengeful spirit from beyond the grave!

Also available: Black Dynamite #1, Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #25, Illegitimates #2, G.I. Joe: Special Missions #11, Mr. Peabody And Sherman #3, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #15, Gate-Way #1, Powerpuff Girls #5, Maxx Maxximized #3, Popeye Classics #18, Ben 10 #3, and many more!

Image Comics

Prophet #42

The thing I'm told the most about my Comic Shop Corner's is that I don't talk about sci-fi books enough. Granted I'm not much of a science fiction kind of guy but this isn't about me, it's about you and one of the hottest Sci-Fi books out the last couple years, Saga not included, is Prophet, the most unlikeliest of super heroes. In this issue the Prophets learn more of the mysterious creatures that threaten them while Troll bonds with one of the greatest forces in the universe. 


Also available: Alex + Ada #3, Egos #1, Velvet #3, Rat Queens #4, Protectors Inc. #3, Ghosted #6, Velvet #3, Peter Panzerfaust #16, Carbon Grey #2, and many more!

Marvel Comics

Wolverine MAX #15

Although new series are beginning we are also seeing the end for some. Wolverine MAX included... In this series finale we see if Logan will get the answers he's looking for, or just more questions? And at the end of everything, he makes a decision that will change his life forever.

Also available: Miracleman #1, All-New X-Men #21, Night Of The Living Deadpool #1, Superior Spider-Man #25, Disney Kingdoms: Seekers Of The Weird #1, Fantastic Four #16, Cataclysm: The Ultimates #3, Secret Avengers #14, Inhumanity: Superior Spider-Man #1, Thunderbolts #20, Amazing X-Men #3, Daredevil #35, Revolutionary War: Dark Angel #1, X-Men Legacy #22, Marvel Knights: Hulk #2, Thor: God Of Thunder #17, Uncanny X-Force #16, Nova #12, and many more!

Spotlight

Action Lab's Princeless Encore Edition #2

If you missed out on reading the adventure the first time, you're in luck. Action Lab is re-releasing it's award winning Princeless in a new encore edition perfect for you collectors out there, or simply those of you that missed this great adventure the first time around. That's right now's your chance to experience Adrienne's Eisner-nominated first adventure again or for the first time. Adrienne is determined to save her youngest sister Appalonia, but to do so she's going to have to raid her own family's castle and face the scariest guardian of all - her father!





FCBD Spotlight

Valiant Comics' Valiant Universe Handbook #1

Not much has changed in comics in the last decade, DC and Marvel are still the big two. Some of the 2nd tier players are higher up now (Image) than others (Dark Horse, IDW) but it's the 3rd tier that has become interesting. It's pretty much been Dynamite and Archie alone with no one even close, but that has changed a lot. Boom Studios is getting huge thanks to their successful licenses (Adventure Time, Regular Show) but consider Valiant, the Image to Boom's IDW. Valiant is making it's own universe and it is doing it amazingly. What beter way to jump in to the next hottest publisher than picking up their handbook? The Valiant Universe from A to Z! Discover for the very first time the untold origins and secrets of Valiant's heroes and villains, all in one place! Everything you need to know about the Valiant Universe in 2014 and beyond can be found right here in the first official Valiant Handbook release... ever! Featuring artwork from a "murderer's row" of comics brightest talents: Doug Braithwaite, Bryan Hitch, J.G. Jones, Esad Ribic, Clayton Crain, Clayton Henry, and more!

Special: 2013 In Review: Best Comic Series of 2013

At the blog I slave week in and out to make sure you have knowledge of all the hottest books. But what were the hottest of the hot books in 2013? We’re about to find out as I used an expert mathematical formula consisting of what I like most to rank my Top 10 comic series of this past year. On to the list before Shia Labeouf can plagiarise any more of my intro…

10. Batman & Robin

Publisher: DC Comics

Issues released last year: #16 – #26, 4 Villains month issues and 1 Annual

Why: Although the recent Batman And Two-Face arc left me mostly uninterested, even with the addition of Carrie Kelly, there was still a lot of great moments in this title over the last calendar year. The Batman and Nightwing issue as well as #18 were two of the best single issues DC released all year as #18 started the mourning period of Damian Wayne while issue #24 (Batman and Nightwing) finally gave Bruce a bit of closure with the death of his son (Not a spoiler, it happened forever ago) Not to mention it had 4 of the strongest Bat-verse villains month issues.

9. Amazing X-Men

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Issues released last year: #1 and #2

Why: Okay, granted it’s only 2 issues in. It’s still a really exciting book and features the return of everyone’s favourite fuzzy elf. That alone gets it on this list, add the fact that X writer extraordinaire Jason Aaron is writing with beautiful art from veteran Ed McGuinness and this book looks poised to take a top spot on 2014′s list.

8. Double Jumpers

Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment

Issues released last year: #4

Why: And you thought a 2 issue release was bad, in 2013 we saw only the conclusion to the Double Jumpers saga, and boy was it worth the wait. If you’ve never heard of Double Jumpers you can read about it right HERE  courtesy of your friends at Big B. It’s definitely worth your time.

7. Earth 2

Publisher: DC Comics

Issues released last year: #8 – #18, 2 villains month issues and 1 annual.

Why: Had you of told me this time last year Earth 2 would have cracked my top 10 I would have scoffed since I was on the verge of dropping the title after I was left disappointed with the Grundy arc, but between The Tower of Fate and James Robinson’s exit arc, that’s exactly what happened. Now with Tom Taylor (Injustice: Gods Among Us) on board as the regular writer the title has actually gotten better! We know this isn’t the Earth 2 of yesteryear but it’s doing just fine presently.

6.  Afterlife With Archie

Publisher: Archie Comics

Issues released last year: #1 and #2

Why: This is getting ridiculous isn’t it? How could a couple of issues on one series beat out an entire year’s run? Easy. Afterlife With Archie takes two things that are currently overused in the market, Archie Comics and zombies, combines them together and delivers the 2nd most original story of the year. We’ve talked about Earth 2 not being the same as it once was, well this definitely isn’t your grandma’s Archie. This book also had the honour of being the subject of my first Big B Article.

5. The Red Ten

Publisher: ComixTribe

Issues released last year: #0, #2 – #5

Why: Derivative? Yeah it is. Is that a bad thing? Not at all. The Red Ten takes ten Justice League clones and places them in the centre of an Agatha Christie novel. The Alliance is brought to a mysterious island to investigate the death of one of their own, Red. Red was assumed murdered by Oxymoron, longtime nemesis to The Alliance and Red, but when he turns up dead and teammates around them start to perish the remains of the team is left scrambling to discover the secret of the island, and Red herself, before they meet a similar fate.

4. Sex Criminals

Publisher: Image Comics

Issues released last year: #1 – #3

Why: Remember earlier when I said Afterlife With Archie was the 2nd most original book this year? That’s because Sex Criminals takes the cake, and I’m not the only one that thinks so since it was recently named the best comic series of 2013 by Time magazine and is at or near the top of virtually every year-end list. This series is so good, the Big B writers couldn’t talk about it just once but twice.

3. Deadpool

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Issues released last year: #4 – #21 and 1 annual

Why: As a bi-weekly title, Deadpool had all the chances to run away with the top spot if it could remain consistently good by way of sheer numbers alone. Unfortunately we took some bad with the good, although the latter outweighed the former by a wide margin, it was enough to keep it behind two great monthly titles.  Deadpool’s 2013 highlight was The Good, The Bad and The Ugly arc which seen him team up with Wolverine and Captain America to save his supposed daughter and her mother. Hey! There’s also an article on that arc HERE! Hooray! I also did a little something on the annual right HERE.

2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Issues released last year: #18 – #29

Why: I’ve talked about how great City Fall was and that was the major point of the TMNT storyline in 2013. But it was wedged between the almost as impressive Krang War arc and the just started Northampton arc which sees the Turtles recovering from the events of City Fall but will they ever be the same? We’ll just have to watch what 2014 brings our heroes in a half shell.

1. Batman

Publisher: DC Comics

Issues released last year: #16 – #26, 4 villains month issues and 1 annual

Why: 2 words: Zero Year. Scott Snyder’s re-imagining of Frank Miller’s classic Year One story has been the best thing to happen to DC Comics in 2013. Snyder has been on a roll and one has to wonder when this run of excellence will end. After crafting a historic opening arc with The Court Of Owls, he tackled the Joker in the 2012/2013 Death Of The Family arc before Zero Year completely took over explaining The Dark Knight’s origin in this new 52 universe which Snyder and artist Greg Capullo make all their own with effective pace, vibrant colours and great storytelling.

So those are my top 10, I’m anxious to hear what you guys have been digging so comment below so on my next trip to Big B Comics in Niagara Falls I have some new titles to look into.

Top 10 Countdown: January 11, 2014

Another Saturday is here so let's listen to some music and cheer!

10. Anberlin - Dead American
Last week: NEW!

9. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nice To Meet You
Last week: 10.

8. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! Haters Gonna Hate
Last week: 3.

7. Rescue Kid - Make You Mine
Last week: NEW!

6. Simple Plan - The Rest Of Us
Last week: 8.

5. We Are The In Crowd - The Best Thing (That Never Happened)
Last week: 6.

4. A Day To Remember - Right Back At It Again
Last week: 5.

3. City Lights - See You At The Top
Last week: 4.

2. Zebrahead - Sirens
Last week: 2.

1. July - What We Signed Up For
Last week: 1.

Comic Shop Corner: January 8, 2014

Dark Horse Comics

Star Wars #13

Brian Wood's writing of this new Star Wars series has been excellent from the first issue. After a defeat by Rebel forces and the escape of prisoner Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader decides to clean house. From one end of the galaxy to the other, Vader's "new broom"-a squad of elite stormtroopers backed by the Dark Lord's own lightsaber-is sweeping the ranks of the Empire!

Also available: Abe Sapien #9, Halo: Escalation #2, Shaolin Cowboy #4, and many more!

DC Comics

Detective Comics #27

The original Detective comics #27 saw the debut of Batman, now DC Entertainment presents this mega-sized issue featuring an all-star roster of Batman creators past and present! Don't miss a modern-day retelling of The Dark Knight's origin by the incredible team of writer Brad Meltzer and artist Bryan Hitch! Plus, all-new stories by Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy, Peter J. Tomasi and Guillem March, Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen, Gregg Hurwitz and Neal Adams and more! Also in this issue, John Layman and Jason Fabok kick off the new storyline "Gothopia"! It's a bright, shiny, happy place where dreams come true... As long as you don't look at things too closely.

Also available: Green Lantern #27, Batman/Superman #7, Action Comics #27, Forever Evil: Arkham War #4, The Vampire Diaries #1, and many more!

IDW Publishing

The X-Files Season 10 #8

Don't miss this prequel to the upcoming crossover X-Files Conspiracy which will feature appearances by Ghostbusters, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Crow! With hints of a new conspiracy bubbling to the surface, and whispers of a new 'Syndicate' organization in the wings, a secret from the past poses a threat that only Agents Mulder and Scully can tackle. But what does the former fixit man-and long-deceased informant-named 'X' have to do with it?

Also available: Star Trek: Khan #4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics Volume 2 #3, and many more!


Image Comics

Minimum Wage #1

After a nearly 15-year hiatus, Bob Fingerman's edgy, critically-acclaimed title returns as a monthly. When last we left Rob and Sylvia they were exchanging vows at the altar. Three years later (in Rob's world), much has changed. Rob has a cell phone. He's 25. And oh yeah - spoiler alert - he's single again... Oops. Living again with his mom, it's get-back-on-the-horse time as the daunting prospect of dating looms large as a horny Kraken.

Also available: The Walking Dead #119, Sex Criminals #4, Fatale #19, Manifest Destiny #3, Morning Glories #36, Three #4, Spawn #239, Five Ghosts #8, Hoax Hunters #13, Invincible Universe #9, Drumhellar #3, Elephantmen #53, Aphrodite IX #7, and many more!


Marvel Comics

Daredevil: Dark Nights #8

Daredevil's in the islands... And he brought the streets with him! Matt Murdock and Misty Knight are the only thing standing between a ruthless crime boss and justice. Marvel Knights legend Jimmy Palmiotti along with frequent callobarator Amanda Connor (Harley Quinn) and rising star Thony Silas (Vemom) bring you the rollicking conclusion of "In The Name Of The King"

Also available: Avengers World #1, Cataclysm: The Ultimates Last Stand #3, Black Widow #1, Avengers A.I. #8, All-New X-Factor #1, Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #4, Deadpool #22, Infinity: Heist #4, Inhumanity: The Awakening #2, Savage Wolverine #14, Revolutionary War Alpha #1, Young Avengers #15, and many more!

Spotlight

Zenoscope Entertainment's B.A.R. Maid #1

Yes, this is not a fairytale! That sentence might not make sense to most on the fringes of the comic book world, but those of us entrenched in it know that Zenoscope's calling card for the longest time is fairytales but they finally stepped out of the comfort zone with B.A.R. Maid! Taken in and trained by her uncle to be a freedom fighter after her parents were murdered, Cassidy O'Hara leads a dual life in the mountains and forests of Manchuria. Part time guerilla, part time saloon girl, Cassidy is about to be pulled into a plot that will affect the outcome of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the very outcome of World War II.




FCBD Spotlight

Marvel Comics: Rocket Raccoon

Spotlighting Marvel's BIGGEST star! No, we're not talking about Iron Man! Not Captain America! Not Thor! It's Rocket Raccoon! The madcap mammal takes on the cosmos in an all-new FREE COMIC BOOK DAY adventure! This is Marvel's All-Ages book for the upcoming FCBD so get your kids hooked on this crazy animal before seeing him on the big screen this summer!

Top 10 Countdown: January 4, 2014

Happy New Year to all my readers! Now let's get on with the countdown shall we?

10. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nice To Meet You
Last week: NEW!

9. The Swellers - Got Social
Last week: 9.

8. Simple Plan - The Rest Of Us
Last week: NEW!

7. Polar Bear Club - Blood Balloon
Last week: 7.

6. We Are The In Crowd - The Best Thing (That Never Happened)
Last week: 8.

5. A Day To Remember - Right Back At It Again
Last week: 5.

4. City Lights - See You At The Top
Last week: 4.

3. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - Haters Gonna Hate
Last week: 1.

2. Zebrahead - Sirens
Last week: 3.

1. July - What We Signed Up For
Last week: 2.