Merry Christmas, Comic Peeps!
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By CHRISTY BLANCH
First off, IDW’s Locke & Key: Small World #1, by Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez, Jay Fotos and Robbie Robbins. I have been patiently, well maybe impatiently, waiting for this book since they announced it. I LOVE Locke & Key — I think I have every version of it. It’s just so good. This was a wonderful return to the world of keys. I love the idea of the small world they came up with, but I’m not saying too much because Spoilers.
If you are a fan of the series — which, why wouldn’t you be — you will love this story. I’m not only hoping that they keep going with the comics, I’m really excited for the Locke & Key television show! The biggest decision I had today was picking what cover I wanted to put on my personal shelf. After some deliberation, I decided on the David Petersen cover. I’m a huge fan of his and I just loved the cover. However, they are all amazing!
Next, Nicole Perlman, Marco Checchetto and Andres Mosa bring us Marvel’s Gamora #1. I wasn’t sure if I would like this book and I was was right. I LOVED it! Gamora is a teen and this book explores her life and her relationship with Thanos and Nebula. It’s a tale of revenge and healing and really wacked-out families. If you think your family has issues, read this to feel better!
Some people may think this book reflects the characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy movie too much, but let’s face it. These characters were awesome in the movie. Besides Thanos, many people didn’t even know these characters until the movie. So, let’s just enjoy this series and love these characters! And speaking of Guardians, I cannot wait for Guardians 2! That trailer was terrific! James Gunn has not disappointed.
Finally, The Art of Archer, by Neal Holman (HarperCollins) is amazing and it was my birthday present to myself! I love the show and everything about it so this was a no-brainer for me. When I went through a bad breakup (it’s all good now) this show got me through some very long nights. And I was lucky enough to collaborate with Sam Ellis, one of the lead designers for Archer, on a Monster Dojo story for Action Lab (yes, that IS a shameless plug!). Now, I have this beautiful book to go along with my passion for the show. Ask your local comic shop for this book and you won’t be sorry. It’s SO good!!! But don’t leave it laying around because that’s how you get ants!
Lightning Round! DC’s Justice League vs. The Suicide Squad #1 by Joshua Williamson and Jason Fabok is A LOT of fun. Marvel’s Amazing Spider-Man #22 by Dan Slott, Christos Gage, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jason Keith and Cam Smith explains A LOT about Ben Reilly and his big realization is, pardon the pun, amazing. Slott just keeps the hits coming! And Boom’s Klaus and the Witch of Winter by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora is a one-shot that is perfect for this time of year. Or really, any time of year. Grant and Dan work so well together and this is for sure one comic to not miss!
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I hope all of you have a very happy holiday whatever you celebrate or even if you don’t celebrate. Remember to thank all those who don’t have the holidays off and to treat each other with love and respect. Maybe we can take the love we feel this time of year and keep it going all through 2017.
Until next week, keep reading comics and visiting your local comic shops!
Toodle-Pip!
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Columnist Christy Blanch writes LAST WEEK’S COMICS TODAY for 13th Dimension. She also operates Aw Yeah Comics in Muncie, Ind.