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The Pull List: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #6, DAY MEN #1, CONAN THE BARBARIAN #18 & More!

Check out what I checked out this week.

Whether the comics are inspiring or disappointing, I read them all.

Welcome to The Pull List.

And, as always…Spoilers ahead!

Red Sonja #1 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Walter Geovani
Colors: Adriano Lucas
Letter: Simon Bowland
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $3.99

Gail Simone is one of the more respected names in the industry whose reported firing from DC Comics’ Batgirl title sparked such fan outrage that she was hired back a few days later.

Simone’s take on the red-headed She-Devil generated a lot of buzz going into this past Wednesday.

After journeying through twenty four pages of superb storytelling and fierce imagery, I’m here to tell you, believe the hype.

Red Sonja’s slightly refreshed origin story wastes no time in setting up a plot where the beautiful barbarian is charged with repaying a life debt.

What makes this moment poignant is how Sonja is portrayed as an unapologetic badass.

There was a fun moment where three would-be thieves attempt to pillage Sonja’s belongings. She is completely unfazed by this and draws the ire of the more daring thief by refusing to engage the trio because she doesn’t want to get blood on her horse. The blood splattering artwork of Walter Geovani shows how exquisite a sword through the head can look. “I can teach them tactics. I can’t teach them WAR” is Sonja’s motivation as she serves the king who granted her salvation in order to prevent the slaughter of a kingdom. In my humble opinion, there aren’t enough comic books featuring female leads.

This ongoing series is another great example of why there should be more, and the talents of Gail Simone is the perfect archetype to improve a glaring need.

Grade: A

Conan the Barbarian #18
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Davide Gianfelice
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $3.50

Brian Wood’s impeccable knack for storytelling has made Conan the Barbarian one of the best comics in the game today.

The fact that fans have a love for this character is something to be admired considering the state of the film franchise.

Conan lives the life of a warrior, but what if he retired with family and a house in the burbs?

A potent yellow lotus puts the Cimmerian in a dream state that shows him what that life would be like.

This is a fascinating story on multiple levels because it’s an existence we’ve never pictured Conan living.

Despite the beautiful surroundings and the peaceful nature of their home, Bêlit and their children are loving life while Conan is always looking over his shoulder and feels it’s all too good to be true. There are some occasions where he lets loose a little, but even those moments are rife with precaution and dread as he builds a boat with his son but insists that soldiers will one day come to take what they have. Davide Gianfelice’s illustrations and the color treatment of Dave Stewart perfectly illustrated this pristine island life that would make anyone jealous.

The splendor of it all augments Conan’s despair because you just want the guy to enjoy himself. This may sound like a yawn of a tale considering who the titular character is, but don’t let that deter you. This is a well-produced book that takes a break from adventure and journeys into the soul.

Grade: B+

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Villains Micro-Series – Alopex #4
Writer: Brian Lynch
Artist: Ross Campbell
Colorist: Ross Campbell & Heather Nunnelly
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $3.99

The villain’s micro-series has done a great job of exploring the back story of the turtles’ most deadly foes.

The previous installments showed characters such as Krang and Old Hob who were abused are tormented into the evil they have become. Alopex’s story goes down a different path because she was mutated and eventually rescued by Shredder.

Brian Lynch starts off examining Alopex’s deep rooted commitment to her master.

Everyone has their breaking point, but Lynch makes you believe that Alopex doesn’t have one until a Foot Clan ritual conjures up memories of the past. Ross Campbell illustrated some awesome panels during the moment of realization as an angry Alopex attacks Shredder until she is put down by a vicious knee to the stomach that hurts just to look at.

This heightened the character development by displaying how dangerous they are because, while Alopex was beaten with one shot, she drew blood on Shredder. That is something no one, not even Splinter, has been able to do in the series. This issue not only provides you with a wealth of knowledge concerning arctic fox fatale but makes you excited for her involvement in the future of the TMNT on-going series.

Grade: A-

Justice League of America #6
Writers: Geoff Johns & Jeff Lemire
Artists: Doug Manhnke, Christian Alamy, Keith Champagne & Tom Nguyen
Colorists: Gabe Elaeb & Nathan Eyring
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99

The Justice League and The Justice League of America are duking it out in the desert after Superman accidently killed Dr. Light.

Geoff Johns’ go big or go home writing style coupled with Jeff Lermire’s carefully crafted storytelling presents problems that provide high hurdles for both leagues.  When you compare the names Superman and Batman compared to Martian Manhunter and Green Arrow, most would easily assume that the latter duo will prevail. That was one of the problems in taking the JLA seriously as each member was chosen as a foil for a specific JL member.

Vibe’s encounter with the Flash leaves the Scarlett Speedster beaten and overwhelmed with the residual aftermath. This moment proves that Amanda Waller and Steve Trevor assembled their team wisely. Superman’s imprisonment brings abouts several levels of tension. Batman fears for his friend while Wonder Woman fears for her lover, and then you have those who are concerned because their big gun is down.

Of course, there are a few who feel the big gun should be kept down, for good.

What makes Trinity War so exciting, two issues in, is that every character is being used in an important manner even if they don’t share as much page time as the big dogs. The issue’s finale will get readers giddy with excitement as the Justice League Dark enters the fold to investigate the magical element that the other leagues are not equipped to handle.

Grade: A-

Star Wars: Dark Times – A Spark Remains #1
Writer: Randy Stradley
Artist: Douglas Wheatley
Colorist: Dan Jackson
Cover: Benjamin Carré
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $3.50

A Spark Remains brings about the ultimate plan to assassinate Darth Vader.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that we’ve heard assassination plots ad nauseam through the years via various releases by Dark Horse.

What makes this different from all of the other attempts on the Dark Lord’s life, including the current series titled “The Ninth Assassin” is that Randy Stradley’s writing shines as the ragtag crew of the Uhumele are assembling the plan.

They have one Jedi in their pocket, but they need the help of Dass Jennir, a Jedi who survived Order 66 and is the main stay of the Dark Times series.

The discussion among the conspirators excellently conveys the seriousness of why Vader needs to be eliminated before the Empire gains a firm grip on the galaxy. Douglas Wheatley’s artwork is always money and this issue is no exception. The series of panels where Dass Jennir declines the assist provided some great reactions since the offer is too good to pass up. Jennir’s reason to not join is good as well which makes you wonder what will be the straw that eventually breaks the camel’s back.

Grade: B

Day Men #1
Writer: Matt Gagnon & Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Brian Stelfreeze
Colorist: Brian Stelfreeze
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Price: $3.99

With vampires being extremely popular these days and every medium taking a stab at the genre, the question becomes how to you deliver a fresh take on the mythology?

Matt Gagnon and Michael Alan Nelson answer that question with Day Men.

In fact, the Vampires almost take a backseat in this equation as it is the humans in their employ that take center stage. The title of the book pertains to mortals comprised of a network that act on behalf of Vampires during the daytime.

The story follows David Reid, who is new to the game as we see him run odd jobs that reveal what Day Men duties entail such as picking up organs and blood. Brian Stelfreeze’s artwork highlights the dark world of this particular type of daylight employment.

This first installment is off to a great start and the mystery of it all will bring you back next month.

Grade: B-

Here are some titles that didn’t make the list but may tickle your fancy

Adventures of Superman #12 (DC Comics)
This digital delight what it is like to be the mother of Earth’s greatest hero.

Deadpool #13 (Marvel Comics)
Hilarity ensures as Wade Wilson’s 1970’s exploits are exposed.

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