Sunday 30 April 2017

Special: Free Comic Book Day 2017 Rankings

As the name implies, Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. This year it takes place on May 6, 2017 and I have you covered for all the books that will be available and what ones you should prioritize... On with the ranking!

49. FCBD 2017 BARBIE

Publisher: Papercutz
(W) Sarah Kuhn, Tini Howard (A/CA) Jules Rivera, Alitha Martinez
Barbie makes her triumphant return to comics with two all-new adventures. First, Barbie starts her new career in the fashion industry! But is working as an intern to top designer Whitney Yang what she always dreamed of? Then, Barbie is the space Princess Barbie as she heads on a Star Light Adventure! Soar off with Barbie and her friends as she saves an endangered eco-system on the planet Para-Den! Let Papercutz be your cosmic guides! [ALL AGES]

48. FCBD 2017 MONSTER HIGH

Publisher: Titan Comics
(W) Abby Denson (A) Arianna Florean
It's time for a school competition, and all of the ghoulfriends are excited about showing off their talents! But Clawdeen finds it challenging and runs away! Can her friends find Clawdeen and help her out? And who will win the competition? [ALL AGES]
47. FCBD 2017 LADY MECHANIKA

Publisher: Benitez Productions
(W) Joe Benitez (A/CA) Joe Benitez, Peter Steigerwald
Introduce new readers to this steampunk bestseller, which has been remarkably successful with female readers as well as fans of the popular steampunk genre, with this FCBD special that includes the original 14-page one-shot introducing Lady Mechanika, a young woman in Victorian England with mechanical limbs and no memory of how she got them, searching desperately for the secrets to her past, plus excerpts from the Lady Mechanika trades and comics! [TEEN]

46. FCBD 2017 STAR TREK TNG MIRROR BROKEN

Publisher: IDW Publishing
(W) Scott Tipton, David Tipton (A/CA) J. K. Woodward
Space... The Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the I.S.S. Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to conquer strange new worlds, to enslave new life and new civilizations... to boldly go where no one has gone before! Return to the Mirror Universe with the Next Generation crew in a way you've never seen them before in this prequel to the upcoming Star Trek: The Next Generation miniseries, Mirror Broken! Captain Jean-Luc Picard will stop at nothing to get his hands on the Terran Empire's newest starship, the Enterprise-D. And no one had better stand in his way! [ALL AGES]

45. FCBD 2017 DOCTOR WHO

Publisher: Titan Comics
(W) Alex Paknadel (A) Mariano Laclaustra (CA) Photo
Take a spin through the past, present, and future of Doctor Who universe, in the company of the twelfth Doctor and his brand-new companion, Bill! Featuring Bill's first Titan Comics appearance, this all-new story is an unmissable experience for fans new and old, with plenty of tantalising teases from Doctors past and present, including incredible clues to the year ahead for all of Titan's Doctor Who series! Keep your Sonic Screwdriver at the ready and unlock a world of adrenaline-fuelled time traveling adventure! [ALL AGES]

44. FCBD 2017 INCAL

Publisher: Humanoids
(W) Alejandro Jodorowsky (A) Moebius, Moebius
In its first ever FCBD offering, Humanoids presents one of the most influential and original comics in sci-fi history: The Incal. A full 30 pages of the seminal work originally published in Métal Hurlant and created by the artists' artist Mœbius and the avant-garde director, writer, mime and spiritual guru Alejandro Jodorowsky. A perfect introduction to Humanoids, and specifically to the "Jodoverse," an incredible and continually expanding sci-fi universe, full of love, revenge, intrigue, betrayal, and redemption. [MATURE]

43. FCBD 2017 STEAM WARS STRIKE LEADER

Publisher: Antarctic Press
(W) Joe Wight (A) Joe Wight
The Free Realms are crumbling under the Crimson Empire's mighty sky dreadnoughts. A small band of Free pilots have gathered for a desperate mission, but their bravery and skill is not enough.  They must use an untested, secretly developed fighter to strike back against these terrifying ironclads, or be crushed forever by tyranny. [ALL AGES]

42. FCBD 2017 Hostage/Poppies of Iraq

Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly
(W) Guy Delisle, Brigitte Findakly (A/CA) Guy Delisle, Brigitte Findakly
D+Q presents excerpts from two contemporary french language masterpieces, debuting in English in 2017. Guy Delisle's Hostage recounts the harrowing experience of a kidnapped man held in solitary confinement in the Caucasus region, while Poppies of Iraq is Brigitte Findakly's nuanced account of her relationship with her homeland Iraq, stretching from her childhood during Saddam Hussein's regime to the 2015 Paris attacks, as drawn by master cartoonist Lewis Trondheim. [TEEN]

41. FCBD 2017 CATALYST PRIME THE EVENT

Publisher: Lion Forge
(W) Christopher Priest, Joseph Illidge (A/CA) Marco Turini, Jessica Kholinne
A mission to save the world from a rapidly-approaching asteroid changes the lives of five astronauts forever, and begins the rise of superhuman beings on Earth. Catalyst Prime: The Event, written by Christopher J. Priest (Deathstroke, Black Panther) and Joseph Phillip Illidge (Solarman), with art by Marco Turini (Secret Wars: Battleworld) and Jessica Kholinne (Secret Wars: Star-Lord & Kitty Pryde)! This FCBD one-shot launches the much anticipated Catalyst Prime universe and lays the groundwork for what's to come! [TEEN]

40. FCBD 2017 TEX PATAGONIA

Publisher: Epicenter Comics
(W) Mauro Boselli (A/CA) Pasquale Frisenda
Tex gets a letter from the other end of the world sent by an Argentinian army officer asking him for help in an extremely sensitive mission. Tex chooses to help a friend, but situation quickly escalates forcing him to make a difficult moral decision. Don't miss this international multiple-award winner! [TEEN]

39. FCBD 2017 DARK HORSE BRIGGS LAND JAMES CAMERON AVATAR

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
(W) Sherri Smith, Brian Wood (A) Doug Wheatley, Werther Dell'Edera (CA) Dave Wilkins
Return to the wilds of Pandora and the world of the Nav'i from James Cameron's groundbreaking film Avatar as Jake Sully connects with the flying Toruk, the majestic Great Leonopteryx, by remembering the depth of his bond with his twin brother and great partnerships of history and legend. Also included in this issue: Set in a secessionist community in rural America, Grace Briggs is trying to guide her family peacefully through trying times. But when confronted with armed milita running an opioid ring on her land, she must take commanding steps. Briggs Land is currently in development for television at AMC. [TEEN]

38. FCBD 2017 COLORFUL MONSTERS

Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly
(W) Anouk Ricard, Tove Jansson, Shigeru Mizuki (A) Elise Gravel, Tove Jansson, Shigeru Mizuki, Anouk Ricard (CA) Various
D+Q presents a giant sampler loaded with 64 pages of our most beloved comics for kids - delightful misadventures with Moomin and his family, strange and spectacular tales of Kitaro, and more hilarious antics from Anna & Froga. Enjoy a sneak peek into the rollicking sketchbook of cartoonist Elise Gravel, with colorful monsters, imaginary friends, and activity pages where readers can draw right alongside her! [ALL AGES]

37. FCBD 2017 MALIKA WARRIOR QUEEN

Publisher: Youneek Studios
(W) Roye Okupe (A) Ayodele Elegba, Chima Kalu (CA) Godwin Akpan
Recently featured on The Washington Post, Malika: Warrior Queen follows the exploits of queen and military commander Malika, who struggles to keep the peace in her ever-expanding empire. Set in 15th-century Africa, this is historical fantasy like you've never seen it before. It's African history mixed with action, drama, politics, betrayal, romance, and dragons! [TEEN]

36. FCBD 2017 MIRACULOUS ILLUS TALES LADYBUG & CAT NOIR

Publisher: Action Lab
(W) Bryan Seaton, Thomas Astruc, Nicole D'Andria (A/CA) Brian Hess
An all-new, never-before-seen, original illustrated story, featuring Ladybug and Cat Noir! This is the start of the all new illustrated monthly series of Miraculous by Action Lab. [ALL AGES]

35. FCBD 2017 TOKYOPOP DISNEY DESCENDANTS DCOM #1

Publisher: Tokyopop
(W) Jason Muell (A/CA) Natsuki Minami
Based on the beloved Disney Descendants! The children of the most frightening Disney villains (VKs) are invited to attend the elite academy of Auradon Prep to learn to be good. But the VKs have ulterior motives - to steal the fairy god mother's wand and free their parents. Join Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay on this epic Disney adventure. This the first chapter of the manga adaptation of Descendants. [ALL AGES]

34. FCBD 2017 BOOM FRESH OFF THE BOAT

Publisher: Boom! Studios
Boasting 10 million viewers, the critically acclaimed family comedy series Fresh Off the Boat (Tuesdays at 9pm on ABC) comes to the world of comics for Free Comic Book Day 2017! Fresh Off the Boat is the story of a Taiwanese-American family living in Orlando in the 1990s and comically explores themes of immigration, assimilation, and identity. BOOM! Studios teams with producers 20th Century Fox Television and the creative team of Fresh Off the Boat to capture the show's authentic spirit and humor in comic form.
Introducing the the Legion of Dopeitude! Tying into an episode of the television series airing in May, this Free Comic Book Day special reveals the characters created by Eddie and Emery for a comic book contest on the television show! Pick up a copy of this book on Free Comic Book Day and see what they created! [TEEN]

33. FCBD 2017 STREET FIGHTER V WRESTLING SPECIAL

Publisher: Udon
(W) Ken Siu-Chong (A/CA) Jeffrey Chamba Cruz
Let's wrestle! Street Fighter superstar Rainbow Mika and the ferocious femmes of the Iwashigahama Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling league headline the main event in this all-new story! Expect plentiful clotheslines, elbow drops, headlocks, and divebombs as these legendary ladies show why they're the queens of the ring! [TEEN]

32. FCBD 2017 BALLAD OF FRANKLIN BONISTEEL

Publisher: Z2 Comics
(W) Gabe Soria (A/CA) Warren Pleece
A prequel of sorts to Murder Ballads, Z2 Comics' biggest release of 2017! This book tells the story of Franklin Bonisteel, the legendary record prodcuer, and his misadventures in Los Angeles. Included will be an original song by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. [TEEN]

31. FCBD 2017 ANIMAL JAM

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
(W) Fernando Ruiz (CA) Pete Pantazis (A/CA) Fernando Ruiz
National Geographic's Animal Jam, the online playground for kids to adopt and play with wildlife, is one of today's fastest-growing multiplayer games, with a whopping 55 million players worldwide! Now, Dynamite Entertainment is proud to welcome comic book fans of all ages to the fictional world of Jamaa, where zoological adventure awaits! In the comic book debut of Animal Jam, Clover Greenleaf, a friendly and curious rabbit, arrives in the colorful new habitat of Jamaa. During a celebration of her arrival, Clover accidentally stumbles across Graham the Monkey's scientific equipment and opens a portal to a fearsome new realm! Can the Alphas, the animal guardians of Jamaa, save Clover? [ALL AGES]

30. FCBD 2017 GRAPHIX SPOTLIGHT TIME SHIFTERS

Publisher: Graphix
(W) Chris Grine (A/CA) Chris Grine
When Luke investigates an eerie blue glow in the woods behind his house, he doesn't know what he'll find there. But a scientist, a robot Abraham Lincoln riding a friendly dinosaur, and a sassy ghost were the last things he could have imagined stumbling upon. Now, as Luke and his new companions are pursued by a bickering trio of bumbling henchmen who are after the strange device locked to his arm, he's forced on a crazy, headlong adventure in a parallel dimension! Will he find his courage in time to save the day and get home or will he be trapped in a weird alternate reality forever? [ALL AGES]

29. FCBD 2017 UNDERDOG

Publisher: American Mythology Press
(W) James Kuhoric (A) Bill Galvan, Dan Conner (A/CA) Adrian Ropp
There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! American Mythology is proud to announce our follow-up to the 2016 Pink Panther FCBD special with another beloved kids comic! Underdog is back and aimed at introducing a new generation of readers to all-ages fun! [ALL AGES]

28. FCBD 2017 HILDAS BACK

(W) Luke Pearson (A/CA) Luke Pearson
The last time anyone saw Hilda, she had lost all her clothes, turned into a troll, and woke up in a cave! (Her hair, thankfully, is still blue.) And while our fearsome young adventurer loves a surprise, she's still got school to worry about! With the help of her mom, magic and some new friends, our young hero will be home and human before she knows it. Hopefully, that is! [ALL AGES]

27. FCBD 2017 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #1

Publisher: Zenoscope
(W) Joe Brusha (A/CA) Anthony Spay
The world of humans has forever changed and the Grimm Universe has been shaken to its core. Now with the death of Sela Mathers, Earth's long time guardian, the Realms of Power have fallen into chaos. But Sela left behind one thing that may be able to save the world, her daughter Skye. Don't miss this new chapter in Grimm Fairy Tales that takes the series back to its roots. In this Free Comic Book Day special, Skye comes up against a power she has never faced before. A new evil is introduced to the Grimm Universe, a threat in which the Guardian of the Nexus might not be able to stop. [TEEN]

26. FCBD 2017 BAD MACHINERY

Publisher: Oni Press
(W) John Allison (CA) Sarah Stern (A/CA) John Allison
Catch up with the strange and delightful world of Bad Machinery for Free Comic Book Day 2017! Featuring an excerpt from The Case of the Forked Road, the seventh book in John Allison's award-winning Bad Machinery series, this issue introduces readers to the wonderfully surreal town of Tackleford and its resident adolescent mystery solvers. This story finds our young sleuths facing the intricacies of time and space itself. What is their science teacher hiding? Who is the mysterious Calvin, why is he dressed like it's 1960, and why is he obsessed with Communists? Can Shauna, Lottie, Mildred, Linton, Jack, and Sonny solve the case before time and the universe as they know it unravels? [ALL AGES]

25. FCBD 2017 BETTY & VERONICA #1

Publisher: Archie Comics
(W) Adam Hughes (A/CA) Adam Hughes
It's Betty vs. Veronica! Betty and Veronica are America's sweethearts... until they turn on each other! Pops' Chocklit Shoppe is being taken over by a huge coffee company. When Betty and Veronica go head-to-head over the issue, all bets are off! Friendships will shatter. Cities will burn. Nails will be broken. Betty and Veronica are back in this all-new #1 from comics legend Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman, Catwoman)! [TEEN]

24. FCBD 2017 CHAPTERHOUSE CAPTAIN CANUCK

Publisher: Chapterhouse Publishing
(W) Jay Baruchel, Kalman Andrasofszky, Dan Parent, Fernando Ruiz (A) Marcus To, Dan Parent, Fernando Ruiz (CA) David Finch
CAPTAIN CANUCK
"Sur Saray" is a Year One story set during Tom Evans' time serving in the Afghanistan war. Tom has returned to active duty after going AWOL to rescue his brother from Site ALEPH, but his unit, the PCE Squad is folded into an unscrupulous mercenary platoon. Frustrated by the injustices he's witnessing on a daily basis, Tom begins slipping away by night, using his new powers to right the street-level wrongs the military is too unwieldy to effectively address. This tale is the perfect lead-in to the much-anticipated return of Captain Canuck in his own regular series later in May 2017. [ALL AGES]
DIE KITTY DIE
"She's survived multiple attempts by her publisher to end her life. Now, Kitty Ravencraft is trying to relax and hold a summer BBQ for her friends, but who just crashed the party?"

23. FCBD 2017 RICK & MORTY

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
(W) Zac Gorman, Tini Howard (A) CJ Cannon, Ryan Hill, Marc Ellerby, Katy Farina (CA) Maximus Pauson
Dan Harmon & Justin Roiland's hilarious hit Adult Swim animated show Rick and Morty has its own critically-acclaimed comic book series from Oni Press! Join degenerate superscientist Rick Sanchez as he embarks on all-new insane adventures with his awkward grandson Morty, his teenage granddaughter Summer, his veterinary surgeon daughter Beth, and his hapless son-in-law Jerry. Catch up on their escapades with this special Free Comic Book Day issue, which includes the story that started it all: Part One of "The Wubba Lubba Dub Dub of Wall Street." Plus, an exclusive first look at the upcoming miniseries Pocket Like You Stole It! [TEEN]

22. FCBD 2017 2000 AD SPECIAL

Publisher: 2000 AD
(W) Matt Smith, Pat Mills, Guy Adams, Dan Abnett, Kek-W (A) Phil Winslade, Kei Zama, Jimmy Broxton, Dave Kendall
The galaxy's greatest Eisner-nominated SF anthology returns to Free Comic Book Day with a 32 page, 40th anniversary special. Judge Dredd is confronted by someone with a personal vendetta in Forty Years of Hurt  from Matt Smith and Phil Winslade; the treacherous A.B.C. Warrior known as Blackblood faces off against a new nemesis named General Public from Pat Mills and Kei Zama; private investigator Mallory Hope encounters occult forces in 1940's Los Angeles from Guy Adams and Jimmy Broxton; Judge Anderson attempts to capture the alien bounty hunter known as Trapper Hag and his evil sister Skinner Hag in Hag Team by Dan Abnett and DaNi; and Judge Death attempts to disclose the identity of a murderer in Dreams of Deadworld by Kek-W and Dave Kendall. If that wasn't enough, this ghafflebette tome includes some exciting, free digital content! [TEEN]

21. FCBD 2017 LOOKING GLASS WARS CROSSFIRE

Publisher: Automatic Pictures Publishing
(W) Frank Beddor, Curtis Clark (A) Sami Makkonen (CA) Vincent Proce
Queen Alyss Heart of Wonderland faces great difficulty as she fends off assaults from rival suit families while struggling to prevent with the tribes of Boarderland. No longer sure whom to trust, she turns to disgraced rogue millinery Ovid Grey to uncover a conspiracy that threatens both Wonderland and our world. [TEEN]

20. FCBD 2017 KID SAVAGE

Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Joe Kelly (A/CA) Ilya
A mysterious wildboy becomes an unwilling guide to the dysfunctional "First Family in Space" when they crash land on his primordial and dangerous planet. "Kid Savage" must help a disconnect science-minded dad, his nervous son, and too-cool-to-care daughter survive the rigors of his world if he is to learn the true meaning of family and make amends for the sins of his mysterious past. Man of Action Entertainment (Ben 10, Big Hero 6, Camp Midnight, I Kill Giants) presents this epic all-ages adventure from the minds of Joe Kelly and Ilya. [ALL AGES]

19. FCBD 2017 SPILL NIGHT

Publisher: First Second
(W) Scott Westerfeld (A/CA) Alex Puvilland
It's the night of the Po-town Spill, and things are getting weird. Strange lights fill the sky, the house across the street is melting, and the neighbors are turning into meat puppets. Lexa's big sister and parents are gone, and all she has for company in this calamity is her rag doll, Vespertine. Luckily, since the Spill began Vespertine can talk, and has plenty to say. [TEEN]

18. FCBD 2017 LOUD HOUSE

Publisher: Papercutz
(W) Kevin Sullivan, David King, Jared Morgan, Miguel Puga, Ari Castleton, Jordan Rosato (A) Jared Morgan, David King, Kevin Sullivan, Miguel Puga, Miguel Puga, Ari Castleton, Jordan Rosato
The Loud House is Nickelodeon's big, new, #1 hit animated show! Learn from Lincoln Loud the ins and outs of living in a huge household with 10 sisters! Lincoln will teach you important life lessons such as how to always get the last slice of pizza, how to restore law and order to the living room, and how to properly dispose of poopy diapers! All this and more from Nickelodeon's first family-Lincoln and his sisters Lori, Leni, Luna, Luan, Lynn, Lucy, Lisa, Lola, Lana, and Lily! Featuring stories by The Loud House animation crew and show creator Chris Savino! [ALL AGES]

17. FCBD 2017 FANTAGRAPHICS WORLDS GREATEST (MR)

Publisher: Fantagraphics
(W) Noah Van Sciver, Simon Hanselmann, Jason, Ed Piskor, Liz Suburbia, Dash Shaw, Richard Sala, Emil Ferris (A) Noah Van Sciver, Simon Hanselmann, Jason, Ed Piskor, Liz Suburbia, Dash Shaw, Richard Sala, Emil Ferris
The Publisher of the World's Greatest Cartoonists has pulled out the stops for this year's Free Comic Book Day, commissioning all-new, exclusive work from the following comics heavyweights: Noah Van Sciver (Fante Bukowski), Simon Hanselmann (Megahex), Jason (Los Cat), Ed Piskor (Hip Hop Family Tree), Liz Suburbia (Sacred Heart), Dash Shaw (Cosplayers), Richard Sala (The Bloody Cardinal), Emil Ferris (My Favorite Thing is Monsters), and others. Each artist has created a new piece exclusively for Free Comic Book Day that relates to their latest book, making World's Greatest a must-have for Fantagraphics fans. [MATURE]

16. FCBD 2017 ATTACK ON TITAN

Publisher: Kodansha Comics
(W) Jody Houser (A) Emi Lenox (CA) Paolo Rivera
A brand new, never-before-seen story set in the world of manga megahit Attack on Titan, written by Jody Houser (Faith, Orphan Black) with art by Emi Lenox (Plutona, EmiTown)! Plus, information about the highly-anticipated season two of the anime and more exclusives! [TEEN]

15. FCBD 2017 BOOM STUDIOS SUMMER BLAST

Publisher: Boom! Studios
(W) David Petersen, Sam Sykes, Liz Prince (A) David Petersen, Selina Espiritu, Amanda Kirk (CA) Kyla Vanderklugt
BOOM! Studios Summer Blast is jam-packed with three stories of mice, monsters, and one supernatural punk band. In an original Archaia short story of David Petersen's Mouse Guard, a pair of youngfurs learn a lesson from a grizzled guardmouse on what it means to be a hunter. Next, get a sneak peek of the upcoming KaBOOM! series Brave Chef Brianna. To prove herself as a great chef, Brianna starts her own restaurant... but the only town she can afford to set up shop in is Monster City! Finally, the Lumberjanes introduce your new favorite BOOM! Box series Coady and the Creepies. Coady and her sisters are members of a band heading for the gig of their lives... so long as no one realizes that Coady is actually a ghost! [ALL AGES]

14. FCBD 2017 VIZ LEGEND ZELDA TWILIGHT PRINCESS OCARINA TIME (Net)

Publisher: Viz Media
(W) Akira Himekawa (A/CA) Akira Himekawa
Once upon a time, wizards tried to conquer the Sacred Realm of Hyrule. The Spirits of Light sealed the wizards' power within the Shadow Crystal and banished them to the Twilight Realm beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Now, an evil menace is trying to find Midna, Princess of the Twilight Realm, and the fragments of the Shadow Crystal to gain the power to rule over both the Twilight Realm and the World of Light. This FCBD special features excerpts from the manga adaptations of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. [TEEN]

13. FCBD 2017 DARK HORSE ALL AGES BUFFY HIGH SCHOOL & PVZ

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
(W) Kel McDonald, Paul Tobin (A) Rachel Downing (A/CA) Yishan Li
In our 2017 all-ages offering, you'll thrill to a monster-slaying, citizen-saving adventure with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Sixteen-year-old Buffy is still learning her trade, and sometimes battles with demons and bad luck can erode a girl's confidence - and her ability to have high-school fun.  #SlayerStruggleIsReal. Then, your favorite plants and zombies will take a time-traveling journey to the past, where they run into a devious sheriff. If they have to work together to rise to the sheriff's challenges, can they do it? It's Plants vs. Zombies vs. Sheriff Tarnation! [ALL AGES]

12. FCBD 2017 VIZ DRAGON BALL SUPER & BORUTO

Publisher: Viz Media
(W) Akira Toriyama, Masashi Kishimoto (A/CA) Akira Toriyama, Masashi Kishimoto
Dragon Ball Super: Ever since Goku became Earth's greatest hero and gathered the seven Dragon Balls to defeat the evil Boo, his life on Earth has grown a little dull. But new threats loom overhead, and Goku and his friends will have to defend the planet once again in this continuation of Akira Toriyama's best-selling series, Dragon Ball! Boruto: Years have passed since Naruto and Sasuke teamed up to defeat Kaguya, the progenitor of chakra and the greatest threat the ninja world has ever faced. Times are now peaceful and the new generation of shinobi have not experienced the same hardships as their parents. Perhaps that is why Boruto would rather play video games than train. However, one passion does burn deep in this ninja brat, and that is to defeat his neglectful father! [TEEN]

11. FCBD 2017 KEYSER SOZE THE RIFT

Publisher: Red 5 Comics
(W) Paul Ens, Don Handfield, Richard Rayner (A/CA) Livia Pastore, Leno Carvalho
Red 5 Comics and Bryan Singer's Bad Hat Harry Productions present a tale featuring the early years of one of cinema's most mysterious villains, Keyser Soze. Also included is a new time travel adventure featuring a displaced WWII pilot entitled The Rift presented by Jeremy Renner. [TEEN]

10. FCBD 2017 X-O MANOWAR SPECIAL

Publisher: Valiant Comics
(W) Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire (A) Doug Braithwaite, Ryan Bodenheim, Mico Suayan (A/CA) Tomas Giorello
First: The biggest Valiant debut of all time begins with an all-new prelude to X-O Manowar from visionary storyteller Matt Kindt and blockbuster artists Tomas Giorello, Doug Braithwaite, Clayton Crain, Ryan Bodenheim, and Mico Suayan! Then, comics superstar Jeff Lemire begins the march toward Bloodshot Salvation with the first appearance of A Major New Character! Plus: Faith, Harbinger Renegade, Ninjak, Psi-Lords, Secret Weapons, Shadowman, and surprise revelations for Harbinger Wars 2! [TEEN]

9. FCBD 2017 SPONGEBOB FREESTYLE FUNNIES

Publisher: United Plankton
(W) Jay Lender, James Kochalka (A) Jacob Chabot, James Kochalka (CA) R. Sikoryak
It's No Charge Funny Book Day in Bikini Bottom, and Mr. Krabs leads SpongeBob and the entire Bikini Bottom gang through adventure and peril on a quest for free items! But will Mr. Krabs learn the true meaning of No Charge Funny Book Day? Also: Mermaid Man on patrol!
Plankton explores a new world! And facts about waterspouts - the ocean's tornados! All with a wraparound cover tribute to Famous Funnies #1 (the first comic book ever made!) by Eisner nominee R. Sikoryak. [ALL AGES]

8. FCBD 2017 BONGO COMICS FREE-FOR-ALL

Publisher: Bongo Comics
(W) Matt Groening (A/CA) Matt Groening
Get in line for the foremost Free Comic Book Day four-color giveaway of the year! When Bart injures his back and has to use a rolling backpack, he turns weakness into strength as the "Leader of the Backpack Pack." Then, Homer and Bart pull an all-nighter and put themselves on high alert to prevent a potential home invasion. Rod and Todd Flanders get separated from Ned Flanders in downtown Springfield and find themselves on an odyssey fraught with many mostly imagined dangers. All that and much, much more, and it's all free! [ALL-AGES]

7. FCBD 2017 I HATE IMAGE (MR)

Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Skottie Young (A/CA) Skottie Young
Gertrude has been stuck in Fairyland for decades when she finally hears of a secret passage that may be her way back home. But reaching it is easier said than done as she crosses the border into IMAGE where she'll have to chop her way through you favorite characters from Saga, The Walking Dead, Savage Dragon, Spawn, Descender, Black Science, Southern Bastards, and any other character I can add to make sure the original art for this issue sends my children to college! [MATURE]

6. FCBD 2017 WONDER WOMAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION (Net)

Publisher: DC Comics
(W) Greg Rucka (A) Nicola Scott
New York Times-bestselling writer Greg Rucka and fan-favorite artist Nicola Scott weave the definitive and shocking tale of Diana's first year as Earth's protector. Paradise has been breached, Ares stirs, and the Amazons must answer with a champion of their own... one who is willing to sacrifice her home amongst her sisters to save a world she has never seen. Wonder Woman's journey begins in this epic origin story! [TEEN]

5. FCBD 2017 ALL NEW GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #1 (Net)

Publisher: Marvel Comics
First, blast off with Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon and Groot as they head for the stars and right into an all-new ongoing series! Creators Gerry Duggan, Aaron Kuder and Ive Svorcina bring you over-the-top action and out-of-this-world adventure as the stage is set for May's highly anticipated All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1! As this unlikely band of misfits returns to outer space once more, nothing will prepare them for their first run in with the new Nova Corps!
Then, head back down to Earth and the mean streets of Hell's Kitchen as the blockbuster creative team that brought you Civil War II, Invincible Iron Man and Ultimate Spider-Man bring you their next explosive epic in...The Defenders! Superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez and Justin Ponsor unite Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist as they go head-to-head with the new criminal element in the Marvel Universe. What new player is running things in the underworld? Find out here with a 10-page tale that leads directly into The Defenders #1 this June! [TEEN]

4. FCBD 2017 THE TICK

Publisher: New England Comics
(W) Jeff McClelland (A/CA) Duane Redhead
The Tick celebrates FCBD 2017 with 32 pages of full-color fun! In the all-new 15-page lead, "Happy Birthday, Tick!", The Tick throws himself the ultimate super-party! But he invites both good guys and bad guys, figuring everyone can be pals in the interest of birthday celebrating! Party plans may go awry when The Terror attends along with his ninjas! Backup story: the presidential election saga, "Civic Duty", previously only seen in a limited convention special. 29 pages of FCBD fun! This is going to be a BIG year for The Tick with the new Amazon TV show! [ALL AGES]

3. FCBD 2017 RIVERDALE (Net)

Publisher: Archie Comics
(W) Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Brian E. Paterson, James DeWille (A) Elliot Fernandez, Thomas Pitilli (CA) Francesco Francavilla
Learn the secrets and hidden tales from the summer before the eternal love-triangle begins in this special issue. Featuring two short stories focusing on the major players and events in the Riverdale series: Spend some time at Archie's summer construction job and learn how it leads him to a fateful encounter with the alluring music teacher, Ms. Grundy. Find out more about Veronica's mysterious life in New York, before the shocking event that would send her family scrambling. You dare not miss this special FCBD version of the commemorative one-shot issue that serves as a prelude to the CW Riverdale TV series! [TEEN]

2. FCBD 2017 SECRET EMPIRE #1

Publisher: Marvel Comics
(W) Nick Spencer, Chip Zdarsky (A/CA) Andrea Sorrentino, Paulo Siqueira
The Marvel Universe is under siege from the greatest threat it has ever known! Everything has been leading to this as Nick Spencer and Andrea Sorrentino bring the entire Marvel Universe together for the highly-anticipated SECRET EMPIRE series! UNITED THEY STAND against a common foe, the Avengers, the X-Men, the Defenders, the Champions, the Inhumans, Spider-Man and more must hold together as an unwavering front! Yet even their combined might may not be enough to withstand the awesome power of Hydra!

Then, after his globetrotting adventures Spider-Man has returned to his friendly neighborhood as Chip Zdarsky and Paulo Siqueira present a sneak peek at PETER PARKER: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN! A new companion series to the best-selling Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker is back in the Big Apple he's brought the Ol' Parker Luck with him! Don't miss your first taste of this back-to-basics and high-flying ongoing series!  [TEEN]

1. FCBD 2017 TMNT PRELUDE TO DIMENSION X

Publisher: IDW Publishing
(W) Tom Waltz (A/CA) Cory Smith
Prequel to the upcoming TMNT: Dimension X 5-week event this August! Krang was defeated by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and now awaits trial in Dimension X. Little do the Turtles know that Krang hired an assassin to destroy everyone who might testify against him, including themselves! This issue introduces a deadly and weird new villain, and begins the biggest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles adventure in space ever! [ALL AGES]

Saturday 29 April 2017

Top 10 Countdown: April 29, 2017

10. Run The Jewels - Legend Has It
Last week: NEW!


9. Four Year Strong - Men Are From Mars
Last week: NEW!


8. Like Pacific - 22A
Last week: 9.


7. Less Than Jake - Bomb Drop
Last week: 3.


6. The Summer Set - Jean Jacket
Last week: 7.


5. Taking Back Sunday - Call Come Running
Last week: 6.


4. The Maine - Bad Behavior
Last week: 5.

3. Pierce The Veil - Floral & Fading
Last week: 4.


2. As It Is - Hey Rachel
Last week: 1.


1. New Found Glory - Happy Being Miserable
Last week: 1.

Sunday 23 April 2017

Special: Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Logan, CHiPs Mini-Reviews

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Synopsis: The human race's last hope against apocalyptic obliteration is super soldier Alice (Milla Jovovich), but she's been stripped of her psychic powers. She must form alliances and rally survivors in Raccoon City for the climactic battle against the Umbrella Corporation and its ravenous hordes of the undead. This sixth installment of the video game-inspired franchise is directed by Paul W.S. Anderson

My thoughts: A fitting end to the series(?) it brings back all the favourites but in the end, this is a Resident Evil movie, it doesn't do anything special to separate it from the others but in the end if you are a fan of the franchise this movie will be more than good enough as a swan song(?). The action sequences were tight but the budget obviously took a hit.

Final verdict: 4 out of place BMW Motorcycles out of 5.

Logan:

Synopsis: t's 2029. Mutants are gone--or very nearly so. An isolated, despondent Logan is drinking his days away in a hideout on a remote stretch of the Mexican border, picking up petty cash as a driver for hire. His companions in exile are the outcast Caliban and an ailing Professor X, whose singular mind is plagued by worsening seizures. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy abruptly end when a mysterious woman appears with an urgent request--that Logan shepherd an extraordinary young girl to safety. Soon, the claws come out as Logan must face off against dark forces and a villain from his own past on a live-or-die mission, one that will set the time-worn warrior on a path toward fulfilling his destiny.

My thoughts: Speaking of swan songs, they couldn't have given Hugh Jackman's Wolverine much more than this. It was damn near perfect even if they obviously were stealing some of Deadpool's thunder.

Final verdict: 5 albino mutants out of 5.

CHiPs:

Synopsis: Dax Shepard (Hit & Run, TV's Parenthood) and Michael Peña (Ant-Man) star in the action comedy CHIPS, directed by Shepard from his own script. Jon Baker (Shepard) and Frank Ponch Poncherello (Peña) have just joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Los Angeles, but for very different reasons. Baker is a beaten-up former pro motorbiker trying to put his life and marriage back together. Poncherello is a cocky undercover Federal agent investigating a multi-million dollar heist that may be an inside job--inside the CHP. The inexperienced rookie and the hardened pro are teamed together, but clash more than click, so kick-starting a real partnership is easier said than done. But with Baker's unique bike skills and Ponch's street savvy it might just work...if they don't drive each other crazy first.

My thoughts: Better than I expected... But that's not saying much. Typical dumb comedy fare but I at least laughed a handful of times to offset the cringe-worthy moments.

Final verdict: 3 accidents out of 5.

Saturday 22 April 2017

Top 10 Countdown: April 22, 2017

10. With Confidence - Long Night
Last week: 10.


9. Like Pacific - 22A
Last week: NEW!


8. Mayday Parade - Black Cat
Last week: 4.


7. The Summer Set - Jean Jacket
Last week: 8.


6. Taking Back Sunday - Call Come Running
Last week: 7.


5. The Maine - Bad Behaviour
Last week: 6.


4. Pierce The Veil - Floral And Fading
Last week: 5.


3. Less Than Jake - Bomb Drop
Last week: 3.


2. New Found Glory - Happy Being Miserable
Last week: 2.


1. As It Is - Hey Rachel
Last week: 1.

Monday 17 April 2017

Special: Best of March 2017

Best Theatrical Film:

Logan

My fiance's choices largely dominated what I got to see in March, and sorry people going crazy over Beauty And The Beast... It just wasn't that great. The other choice for this spot was CHiPs which was better than expected but nowhere near as good as Logan was, which was the perfect swan song for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.

Best Rental Film:

Moana

Fear not Disneyphiles, I won't shut out the company completely since Moana is by far the best film to hit movie rental shelves last month. Sing was another great Family option, if you're looking for something more adult I'd suggest the horror Incarnate or one of the many Oscar films to hit the shelves (Fences, Jackie, Passengers) along with a slew of big budget films that came out around Christmas that I mostly missed (Why Him?, Fantastic Beasts, Assasin's Creed).

Best album:

Raekwon - The Wild

Raekwon’s stamp on rap comes from his one-of-a-kind writing style, and his pen is still sharp on The Wild, more than 20 years into his career. His novelist-like attention to detail and his linguistic mastery are still one of a kind.

Best Graphic Novel:

Batgirl, Vol. 1: Beyond Burnside (Rebirth), by Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque

Batgirl’s reinvention as a younger, hipper hero began prior to DC’s latest reboot, and writer Hope Larson continues that here in a volume that’s simultaneously a good starting point for new readers and a continuation of the things that have been working so well for the character over the last few years. As the title implies, she’s stepping out of Gotham’s trendy Burnside neighborhood to train with some of the world’s greatest fighters in the far east. Of course, she finds enemies all along the way.

Best Video Game:

MLB: The Show 2017 (PS4)


Top 10 Countdown: April 15, 2017

10. With Confidence - Long Night
Last week: NEW!


9. The Menzingers - Lookers
Last week: 5.


8. The Summer Set - Jean Jacket
Last week: 9.


7. Taking Back Sunday - Call Come Running
Last week: 8.


6. The Maine - Bad Behavior
Last week: 7.


5. Pierce The Veil - Floral And Fading
Last week: 6.


4. Mayday Parade - Black Cat
Last week: 2.


3. Less Than Jake - Bomb Drop
Last week: 4.


2. New Found Glory - Happy Being Miserable
Last week: 3.


1. As It Is - Hey Rachel
Last week: 1.

Saturday 8 April 2017

Top 10 Countdown: April 8, 2017

10. All Time Low - Dirty Laundry
Last week: 10.


9. The Summer Set - Jean Jacket
Last week: NEW!


8. Taking Back Sunday - Call Come Running
Last week: 9.


7. The Maine - Bad Behavior
Last week: 8.


6. Pierce The Veil - Floral & Fading
Last week: 7.


5. The Menzingers - Lookers
Last week: 3.


4. Less Than Jake - Bomb Drop
Last week: 5.


3. New Found Glory - Happy Being Miserable
Last week: 4.


2. Mayday Parade - Black Cat
Last week: 1.


1. As It Is - Hey Rachel
Last week: 2.

Sunday 2 April 2017

Special: Best of February 2017

I know we're late with this but that's what happens when the March Madness Bracket takes up all the Sunday specials. Speaking of which in the final showdown everyone's favourite superhero archer took down a bunch of lawyers by only 2 votes leading to Arrow being the winner of this years bracket. On with the list!

Best Theatrical Film:

The Lego Batman Movie

February was a surprisingly strong month which featured surprise hit Get Out and surprise sequel to a hit John Wick: Chapter 2 but Lego Batman stole the spotlight from both those releases in my eyes. It's funny, it's beautifully animated and a mess of family friendly fun. It's the Batman spoof we didn't know we wanted for the hero we deserve.

Best Rental Film:

Justice League Dark

Sure there were lots of films released on DVD/Blu-Ray in February but I decided to give the nod to JLD in sticking with the DC Comics film theme. You really can't go wrong picking up one of the many Oscar nominated films to hit the shelves in February (Arrival, Manchester By The Sea, Moonlight, Hacksaw Ridge, Loving, Nocturnal Animals) or one of the big budget blockbusters (Trolls, Dr. Strange) but in the end the JLD was just a bit more likable.

Best Album:

The Menzingers - After The Party

Man this was the toughest category. Anyone who follows my Top 10 Countdown (posted on Saturday's - shameless plug) knows the kind of music I enjoy and knows that a lot of those bands released new music in February, including Carousel Kings, Less Than Jake and my favourite song writer Andrew McMahon (now "In The Wilderness"). But I have to give it to The Menzingers at this writing, maybe it's just because I spent more time with it being released the first week in February but this may be The Menzingers growing up and all that, After The Party puts an exclamation point on the band’s remarkable run of poignant and genre-defining punk rock and boldly catapults the band into the next chapter of their careers.

Best Graphic Novel:

Deadpool & the Mercs for Money, Vol. 1: Mo’ Mercs, Mo’ Monkeys, by Cullen Bunn and Iban Coello

Wade Wilson’s taken on a new job, this time as leader of a super-team. Which is a terrible idea. The team’s first paying job is an assignment to take out some radioactive villains, including Negasonic Teenage Warhead. Unfortunately, only Deadpool himself is immune to radiation. Details, details. I love Cullen Bunn, I love his Deadpool stuff even more. This is a must have for me and many other Deadpoolites.

Best Video Game:

Halo Wars 2 (PC & X-Box One)

Saturday 1 April 2017

Top 10 Countdown: April 1, 2017

10. All Time Low - Dirty Laundry
Last week: NEW!


9. Taking Back Sunday - Call Come Running
Last week: 10.


8. The Maine - Bad Behavior
Last week: NEW!


7. Pierce The Veil - Floral & Fading
Last week: 9.


6. The Summer Set - The Night Is Young
Last week: 3.


5. Less Than Jake - Bomb Drop
Last week: 7.


4. New Found Glory - Happy Being Miserable
Last week: 5.


3. The Menzingers - Lookers
Last week: 1.


2. As It Is - Hey Rachel
Last week: 4.


1. Mayday Parade - Black Cat
Last week: 2.