Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 018

This week: Star Wars FA revisited, the Oscars, Martian by Andy Weir, Matt Damon, Patsy Walker Hellcat, Vision by Tom King, Red Wolf, Marvel's diminishing returns, Web Warriors, Squirrel Girl, Tom King, Green Lantern, DC Bat Talent (James Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett, Genevieve Valentine, Steve Orlando, Brendan Fletcher), Gotham by Midnight, Gotham Academy, Peter David, Spider-Man 2099, Amazing Spider-Man 1.1 by Jose Molina and Simone Bianchi, Deadpool 3.1 by Gerry Dugan and Mike Hawthornw, Saga and Esperanto, Captain America, Paper Girls by Brian K Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, Mighty Thor by Jason Aaron, Russell Dautermann and Matt Wilson, replacement heroes, Nameless by Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham, and DKIII Issue 2.

Comics Countdown for 23 Dec 2015:
10. Star-Lord #2 by Sam Humpries and Javier Garron
9. Wild's End: the Enemy Within #4 by Dan Abnett, Nik Abnett, and Ian Culbard
8. Astro City #30 by Kurt Busiek an Brent Anderson
7. Daredevil #2 by Charles Soule and Ron Garney
6. Darth Vader #14 by Jason Aaron, Kieron Gillen, and Salvador Larroca
5. Gotham by Midnight #11 by Ray Fawkes and Juan Ferrera
4. Art Ops #3 by Shaun Simon and Mike Allred
3. Bloodshot Reborn #8 by Jeff Lemire and Jackson Guice
2. Deadly Class #17 by Rick Remender and Wes Craig
1. DC Comics Bombshells #7 by Marguerite Bennett and Mirka Andolfo

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 017

We talk Star Wars: Force Awakens (SPOILERS), sales figures for Nov 2015, Graphic Policy, Vision and Spider-Man/Deadpool, Captain America Sam Wilson, Sad DC Sales, Usagi Yojimbo, Stan Sakai, Omega Men, Metal Men, Firestorm, Sugar and Spike, Metamorpho, Bob Harras, Gene Yang, Free Comic Book Day offerings from Marvel (Avengers and Captain America), new Marvel Launches (Star Brand & Nightmask, Weirdworld, Squadron Supreme), Amazing Spider-Man, Mephisto, Mysterio, Star Wars Legacy.

Comics Countdown for 16 Dec 2015
10. Axcend #3 by Shane Davis
9. Mighty Thor #2 by Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman
8. Batgirl #46 by Brendan Fletcher, Cameron Stewart and Babs Tarr
7. Red Thorn #2 by David Baillie and Meghan Hetrick-Murante
6. Cognetic #3 by James Tynion and Eryk Donovan
5. Clean Room #3 by Gail Simone and Jon-Davis Hunt
4. Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #2 by Robert Venditti and Raul Allen
3. Klaus #2 by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora
2. Batman and Robin Eternal #11 by Scott Snyder, James Tynion, Ed Brisson and Fernando Blanco
1. Descender #8 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 016

This week: Top 10 Sales for Nov 2015 (DK3, Vader Down, Star Wars, Deadpool, Extraordinary X-Men, All New All Different Avengers, Uncanny X-Men, All-New Wolverine), Scarlet Witch by James Robinson, Vision, Civil War 2 by Bendis and David Marquez, Sam Wilson Captain America, Secret Wars, Batman vs. Superman Trailer, Civil War Trailer, X-Men Apocalypse Trailer, TMNT 2 Trailer, Supergirl, Intercompany Crossovers (Batman/TMNT by James Tynion, Star Trek/Green Lantern, Batman/Spider-Man, Superman/Spider-Man, Batman/Captain America, Batman/Grendel, Batman/Everyone!), Black Knight, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

Comics Countdown for 09 Dec 2015:
10. Symmetry #1 by Matt Hawkins and Raffaele Ienco
9. Grayson #15 by Tom King, Tim Seeley, Mikel Janin
8. The Violent #1 by Ed Brisson and Adam Gorham
7. Secret Wars #8 by Jonathon Hickman and Esad Ribic
6. Head Lopper #2 by Andrew Maclean
5. Ultimates #2 by Al Ewing and Kenneth Rocafort
4. Snow Blind #1 by Ollie Masters and Tyler Jenkins
3. Spider-Gwen #3 by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez
2. Batman #47 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
1. Harrow County #8 by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 015

Marvel Launches for 02 Dec 2015 (Guardians of Infinity, Red Wolf, Totally Awesome Hulk, Daredevil, Spidey, All-New Inhumans, All-New X-Men), Batman vs Superman trailer, Lex Luthor, Justice League, Man of Steel, Comic Movies in 2016, Minus 1 Flashback Issues, Teen Titans, Prez, Omega Men, Midnighter, Sales Tax, Klarion, Howard the Duck and Gwenpool, Haunted Mansion by Marvel and Joshua Williamson.

Comics Countdown for 02 Dec 2015:
10. Unfollow #2 by Rob Williams and Mike Dowling
9. Gotham Academy #12 by Becky Cloonan, Brendan Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, and Msassyk
8. Totally Awesome Hulk #1 by Greg Pak and Frank Cho
7. Rowan's Ruin #3 by Mike Carey and Mike Perkins
6. Robin War #1 by Tom King and Khary Randolph
5. Nailbiter #18 by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson
4. Black Science #18 by Rick Remender and Mateo Scalera
3. Vision #2 by Tom King and Gabriel Walta
2. Batman and Robin Eternal #9 by Scott Snyder, Jackson Lanzing, Roge Antonio
1. Sheriff of Babylon #1 by Tom King and Mitch Gerads

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 014

Geekmom and Ray, Dark Knight III: Master Race, Brian Azzarello, Batman: Year One, All-Star Batman and Robin, All-Star Superman, Loise & Clark, Supergirl, Doctor Who, Batman Eternal, Robin War, Tom King, Marvel Events, John Layman, 52, Mark Waid, Ms. Marvel, Tom King, Marguerite Bennett, Scott Snyder, new Marvel Launches (Silk, Venom Space Knight, Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur), Super Dinosaur, Robert Kirkman, Invincible.

Comics Countdown for 25 Nov 2015:
10. S.H.I.E.L.D. #12 by Mark Waid and Joe Bennett
9. Fuse #15 by Antony Johnston and Justin Greenwood
8. Batman and Robin Eternal #8 by Genevieve Valentine and Scot Eaton
7. Groot #6 by Jeff Loveness and Brian Kesinger
6. Archie #4 by Mark Waid and Annie Wu
5. Ivar Timewalker #11 by Fred Van Lente and Pere Perez
4. Art Ops #2 by Shaun Simon and Mike Allred
3. Robin, Son of Batman #6 by Patrick Gleason
2. Ringside #1 by Joe Keatinge and Nick Barber
1. Fade Out #11 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 013

IF Anthology 2015 from Alterna, New DC Creative Teams (Aquaman - Abnett/Cifuentes, Suicide Squad - Seeley/Ferrera, Teen Titans - Pak/Rodriguez), we try to fix Teen Titans, Bloom and Dr. Death, Green Arrow, Catwoman, Forever Evil and Geoff Johns, Liz Allan, Spider-Man, Dan Slott, New Marvel Launches for 18 Nov (Uncanny Avengers Annual, Ms. Marvel, Mighty Thor, Spider-Woman, Black Knight, Star Lord), Cap Wolf!, Dark Knight IV, Before Watchmen, Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen and Jonathon Case, Jessica Jones, Marvel Netflix, Luke Cage, Cable & Deadpool Omnibus.

Comics Countdown for 18 Nov 2015
10. I Hate Fairyland #2 by Skottie Young
9. Vader Down #1 by Jason Aaron, Kieron Gillen, and Mike Deodato
8. Deadpool #2 by Gerry Duggan and Mike Hawthorne
7. Martian Manhunter #6 by Rob Williams and Eddy Barrows
6. Huck #1 by Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque
5. Secret Six #8 by Gail Simone and Dale Eaglesham
4. Clean Room #2 by Gail Simone and John-Davis Hunt
3. Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #1 by Robert Venditti and Raul Allen
2. Batman and Robin Eternal #7 by Genevieve Valentine and Alvaro Martinez
1. Mighty Thor #1 by Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 012

Hello everyone.  See below for show notes for episode 12.

Full sales charts for October 2015 (Invincible Iron Man, Amazing Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Karnak, Captain America Sam Wilson, Batman/Robin Eternal, Superman: Lois and Clark, Titans Hunt, Telos, Paper Girls, Black Magick, Grumpy Cat, Vertigo), Earth One Graphic Novels, Jason Aaron, Scott Snyder, DC Woes, Marvel Launches for 11 Nov (Web Warriors, All-New Wolverine, All-New Hawkeye, Illuminati, Ultimates, All-New All-Different Avengers, Carnage), Amazing Spider-Man #3 (Spoilers!), Spider-Man 2099.

And the Comics Countdown for 11 Nov 2015:
10. Web Warriors #1 by Mike Costa and David Baldeon
9. Batman and Robin Eternal #6 by Scott Snyder, James Tynion and Tony Daniel
8. Harrow County #7 by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook
7. Secret Wars #7 by Jonathon Hickman and Esad Ribic
6. All-New Wolverine #1 by Tom Taylor and David Lopez
5. Descender #7 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen
4. Batman #46 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
3. Goddamned #1 by Jason Aaron and RM Guerra
2. Constantine: the Hellblazer #6 by James Tynion, Ming Doyle and Riley Rossmo
1. Justice League: Darkseid War - Green Lantern by Tom King and Evan Shaner

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 011

Show Notes for Episode 11:

Top 10 in sales for October 2015 (Marvel Sweep, Spider-Gwen > Secret Wars, Doctor Strange, Invincible Iron Man), Aquaman: Rise of the Seven Seas, Green Arrow, Howard the Duck, new Super-Girl comic series, Bob Harras, Axel Alonso, Monstress from Image, Extraordinary X-Men, Amazing Spider-Man, new Marvel Launches (Hercules, Nova, Drax, Vision), Dan Abnett, arch-nemeses for Flash, Superman, and Spider-Man, Severed and Ghosted from Joshua Williamson, James Bond by Warren Ellis and Jason Masters, EI8HT by Rafael Albuquerque and Mike Johnson, Rick Remender, Black Science, Tokyo Ghost, Deadly Ghost.

And the Comics Countdown for 04 November 2015
10. Vision #1 by Tom King and Gabriel Walta
9.  Batman and Robin Eternal #5 by Steve Orlando and Scot Eaton
8. Howard the Duck #1 by Chip Zdarsky and Joe Quinones
7. Detective Comics #46 by Peter Tomasi and Marcio Takara
6. Unfollow #1 by Rob Williams and Mike Dowling
5. Doctor Strange #2 Jason Arrow and Chris Bachalo
4. Survivor's Club #2 by Lauren Beukes, Dale Halvorsen, and Ryan Kelly
3. Extraordinary X-Men #1 by Jeff Lemire and Humberto Ramos
2. Nailbiter #17 by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson
1. Klaus #1 by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 010

Show notes for this week:
The Supergirl TV premiere, Arrow, Flask, the lack of a Supergirl comic series, Matt Fraction, Aquaman, Cullen Bunn, Peter David, Jeff Parker, Gail Simone, our favorite horror comics (Batman Endgame and Court of Owls, Severed, Death Note, Eerie/Creepy, Purple Man, Harrow County, Nailbiter, Ghosted, Locke & Key), Political controversy in recent comics (Captain America Sam Wilson, Prez), Runaways, Young Avengers, Jessica Jones.

The Comics Countdown for 28 October 2015:
10. Robin, Son of Batman #5 by Patrick Gleason
9. Batgirl #45 by Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, and Babs Tarr
8. Justice League: Darkseid War - Batman #1 by Peter Tomasi and Fernando Pasarin
7. They're Not Like Us #9 by Eric Stephenson and Simon Gane
6. Wild's End: Enemy Within #2 by Dan Abnett, Nik Abnett, and Ian Culbard
5. Rumble #8 by John Arcudi and James Harren
4. Book of Death #4 by Robert Venditi and Doug Braithwaite
3. We Are Robin #5 by Lee Bermejo and Jorge Corona
2. Black Magick #1 by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott
1. Art Ops #1 by Shaun Simon and Mike Allred

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 009

Show notes for Episode 9.

More Marvel launch announcements (International Iron Man by Bendis and Maleev, Punisher by Becky Cloonan and Steve Dillon, Hyperion, Nighthawk, X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever), Learning to Crawl by Dan Slott, Marvel Double Shipping, Empress by Millar and Immonen, various Star Wars titles, Green River Killer, Jessica Jones, Alias, Mattie Franklin Spider-Woman, Spider-Man/Deadpool by Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness, Miracleman/Marvelman, DC Dark, DC Edge, Young DC, Titans Hunt, Kaijumax, A-Force, Totally Awesome Hulk, Scarlet Witch, Omniboo and Absolutes.

A special return of the Red Alert this week!  Two titles earn the distinction: Wonder Woman and Teen Titans.

Comics Countdown for 21 Oct 2015
10. Titans Hunt #1 by Dan Abnett and Paulo Siqueira  
9. Batman and Robin Eternal #3 by Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley, and Paul Pelletier
8. Martian Manhunter #5 by Rob Williams and Eddy Barrows 
7. Gotham Academy #11 by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher, and Karl Kerschl
6. Invincible Iron Man #2 by Bendis and David Marquez
5. Cognetic #1 by James Tynion IV and Eryk Donovan
4. Secret Six #7 by Gail Simone and Dale Eaglesham   
3. Ivar Timewalker #10 by F red Van Lente and Pere Perez 
2. Fade Out #10 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
1. Clean Room #1 by Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt 

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 008

Here there be show notes.

Sales Figures for September 2015 (Star Wars, recent DC launches, Image #1s, Midnighter), Predictions for Oct 2015 sales, Dr. Strange #1, Invincible Iron Man #1, Amazing Spider-Man #1, Superman: Lois & Clark by Dan Jurgens and Lee Weeks, Injection TPB 1 by Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey, Captain America controversy, Mary Jane, Paper Doll, Jackpot, Phil Urich, Roderick Kingsley, Axis: Hobgoblin, Deadpool, Joe Kelly, Batman & Robin Eternal, Spider-Gwen.

And the Comics Countdown for 14 Oct 2015
10. Spider-Gwen #1 by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez
9. Chewbacca #1 by Gerry Duggan and Phil Noto
8. Batman & Robin Eternal #2 by Scott Snyder, Tim Seeley, and Paul Pelletier
7. Blood Feud #1 by Cullen Bunn and Drew Moss
6. Uncanny Avengers #1 by Gerry Duggan and Ryan Stegman
5. Superman: Lois and Clark #1 by Dan Jurgens and Lee Weeks
4. Ms. Marvel #19 by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
3. Batman #45 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
2. East of West #21 by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta
1. Sex Criminals #13 by Matt Fraction and Steve Zditko  


Links!
By the Numbers, Sep 2015: http://graphicpolicy.com/2015/10/20/by-the-numbers-september-2015/
rabbittstewcomics.libsyn.com Glenn's comic crossover: http://www.jennygormanart.com/#!Mini-Crossover-Comic-with-Glenn-Matchett-and-Jenny-Gorman/cxq3/561817290cf2c6c6436c85c8

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 007

Show Notes!

New York Comic-Con 2015 Recap: creative changes for Batman, Cup of Joe, Romita Jr on Dark Knight III, Seth Green and TMNT, DC Superhero Girls, Avengers event 'Standoff', Dark Horse's How to Train Your Dragon and Avatar, Ant-Man and the Wasp movie.  Other topics: Bad ideas that made great comics, Netflix, Marvel TV vs. Marvel Movies, the X-Men movies, new Marvel launches Amazing Spider-Man, Invincible Iron Man, and Dr. Strange, Secret Wars 6, DC launches Telos and Batman & Robin Eternal, creator-owned launches, market flooding, Sparks, Living with Death.

Be sure to check out the recent Glenn collaboration: http://www.jennygormanart.com/#!Mini-Crossover-Comic-with-Glenn-Matchett-and-Jenny-Gorman/cxq3/561817290cf2c6c6436c85c8

And the Comics Countdown for 07 October 2015:
10. Rowan's Ruin #1 by Mike Carey and Mike Perkins
9. Secret Wars #6 by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic
8. Jughead #1 by Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson
7. Paper Girls #1 by Brian K Vaughan and Cliff Chiang
6. TMNT #50 by Tom Waltz and Mateus Santolouco
5. Plutona #2 by Jeff Lemire and Emi Lenox  
4. Doctor Strange #1 by  Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo
3. Batman and Robin Eternal #1 by Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel 
2. Nailbiter #16 by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson
1. Southern Bastards #11 by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 006

Show notes for this week:

The new Black Widow series, Game of Thrones, Song of Ice and Fire, the Direct book market, Robert Kirkman, Diamond distribution, Fill-ins, Grant Morrison, Earth One, geekmom, graphic policy, Aquaman and Aquarape, Spider-Man, Hugh Laurie, Fantastic Four, Comedy Books (Squirrel Girl, Howard the Duck, Harley Quinn), Guardians of the Galaxy cartoon, Marvel/DC gearing more projects towards children, DC Superhero Girls.

And the Comics Countdown for 30 Sep:
10. SHIELD #10 by Mark Waid and Javier Pulido 
9. Sons of the Devil #5 by Brian Buccellato and Toni Infante
8. Zodiac Star Force #2 by Kevin Panetta and Paulina Ganucheau
7. Revival #33 by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton
6. They're Not Like Us #8 by Eric Stephenson and Simon Gane
5. Batman Annual #4 by James Tynion IV
4. American Vampire: Second Cycle #10 by Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque 
3. Archie #3 by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples
2. Book of Death: Fall of Harbinger #1 by Joshua Dysart and Kano  
1. Sandman: Overture #6 by Neil Gaiman and J. H. Williams

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 005

Show Notes for this week:

We celebrate Batman Day with a look at our favorite Batman writers and artists (along with some key storylines). Writers include: Scott Snyder, Jeph Loeb, Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Bill Finger, Chuck Dixon, Ed Brubaker, Frank Miller. Artists include: Tim Sale, Greg Capullo, Jim Aparo, Bruce Timm, Dustin Nguyen, David Mazzuchelli, Gary Frank, Norm Breyfogle, Brian Bolland, Lee Bermejo.

We also ramble a bit about Dark Knight III: Master Race, the price point of All New All Different Marvel, Image prices, Invincible, Southern Bastards, Shutter, Nailbiter, Brian Michael Bendis, and Jessica Jones.

And, of course, the Comics Countdown for 23 Sep 2015.

• 10. Book of Death #3 by Robert Venditti and Robert Gill
• 9. Weirdworld #4 by Jason Aaron and Mike Del Mundo
• 8. Grayson #12 by Tim Seeley and Mikel Janin
• 7. Tithe #5 by Matt Hawkins and Rahsan Ekedal
• 6. Inhumans: Attilan Rising #5 by Charles Soule and John Timms
• 5. Invisible Republic #6 by Gabriel Hardman
• 4. We Are Robin #4 by lee Bermejo and Rob Haynes
• 3. Manhattan Projects Sun Beyond the Stars #3 by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra
• 2. Negative Space #2 by Ryan Lindsay and Owen Gieni
• 1. Wild's End the Enemy Within #1 by Dan Abnett and I.N.J. Culbard

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 004

Show Notes!

August 2015 Sales Figures; Secret Wars Tie-Ins; Flashpoint; Star Wars; DC Bombshells; Grim DC Sales and Cancellations; Green Lantern; Legion of Super-Heroes; Jonathon Hickman; Vandal Savage; Batman Beyond; DC Weeklies; Earth Two; Omega Men; Martian Manhunter; Midnighter; Steve Orlando; LGBT Characters; Hellblazer; Doctor Who; Star Trek/Green Lantern; Lumberjanes; I Kill Giants

And the Comics Countdown for 16 Sep 2015
10.  All-New Hawkeye #5 by Jeff Lemire and Ramon K. Perez
9. Martian Manhunter #4 by Rob Williams and Eddy Barrows
8. Southern Cross #5 by Becky Cloonan and Andy Belanger
7. Bloodshot Reborn #5 by Jeff Lemire and Butch Guice
6. Black Canary #4 by Brendan Fletcher and Pia Guerra
5. Rat Queens #12 by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Stjepan Sejic
4.
3. Secret Six
2. Sex Criminals
1. Fade Out

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 003

Another great episode this week. The best so far in my not so humble opinion.

Some quick show notes:
Gwenpool; Harley Quinn; Spider-man 2099; All New All Different (?) Marvel; Mary Jane and Tony Stark; Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows; Black Cat; Catwoman; Mary Jane (again!); Amazing Spider-Man: Spiral by Gerry Conway; Scarlet Spider (Kaine); Carrie Kelley; Batman #44 by Scott Snyder, Brian Azzarello and Jock; 8house #3 by Brandon Graham and Xurxo Penalta; COWL TP 2 by Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel, Rod Reis, and Troy Peteri; Ghosted by Joshua Williamson; Bryan Hitch's Justice League; and the sad sales for DC Comics.

And the Comics Countdown for 09 September 2015:
10. Outcast #12 by Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta
9. Diesel #1 by Tyson Hesse
8. Siege #3 by Kieron Gillen and Filipe Andrade
7. Ms. Marvel #18 by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
6. Gotham Academy #10 by Becky Cloonan and Karl Kerschl
5. Renew Your Vows #5 by Dan Slott and Adam Kubert
4. Harrow County #5 by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook
3. Fuse #14 by Antony Johnston and Justin Greenwood
2. Head Lopper #1 by Andrew MacLean
1. Batman #44 by Scott Snyder and Jock

Direct link below:

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 002

Episode Two!
Show notes for this outing: Plutona, Jeff Lemire, Image Comics, Invincible, Walking Dead, Lawsuits, Len Wein, Lucius Fox, X-23, Tom Taylor, Gail Simone, Secret Six, Editorial Mandates, Gotham Academy, Harley Quinn, Genres in Comics, Garth Ennis' Punisher, Geoff Johns' Flash, Justie League, New Gods, Kingdom Come, Mark Waid, Daredevil, Ron Garney, She-Hulk, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Inhumans, Miles Morales, Kamala Kahn Ms. Marvel.

And the Comics Countdown for 02 September 2015.
10. Detective Comics #44 by Brian Buccellato and Fernando Blanco
9. The Empty #6 by Jimmie Robinson
8. Lazarus #19 by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark
7. 8house #3 (Kiem Part 1) by Brandon Graham and Xurxo G. Penalta
6. Daredevil #18 by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee
5. Miracle Man by Neil Gaiman and Mark Buckingham #1
4. Thors #3 by Jason Aaron and Chris Sprouse
3. Woods #16 by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas
2. Plutona #1 by Jeff Lemire and Emi Lenox
1. Dying and the Dead#3 by Jonathon Hickman and Ryan Bodenheim

Rabbitt Stew Comics Episode 001

The first episode of the new Rabbitt Stew Comics podcast is now live!

You can find us on libsyn at rabbittstewcomics.libsyn.com or probably on any podcatcher. Alternatively, you can listen via the embedded player below

Show notes!  (these are those things that we discussed, naturally)

Avengers by Kurt Busiek and George Perez, Fantastic Four, current state of the Marvel Universe, lamentation of editor's notes, Secret Wars, One Year Later, Hush, Heart of Hush, House of Hush, Batman Eternal, Sean McKeever, Daniel Way, Scott Snyder, Superman, Detective Comics, Wytches, Captain America White, Captain America Sam Wilson, Teen Titans, Grayson, more Batman Eternal, animated Killing Joke.

And the Comics Countdown for 26 August 2015
10. Star Wars: Lando #3 by Charles Soule and Alex Maleev
9. Low #9 by Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini
8. Zodiac Star-Force #1 by Kevin Panetta and Paulina Ganucheau
7. We Are Robin #3 by Lee Bermejo and Rob Haynes
6. Secret Wars: Civil War by Charles Soule and Leinil Francis Yu
5. Batgirl #43 by Cameron Stewart and Babs Tarr
4. They're Not Like Us #7 by Eric Stephenson and Simon Gane
3. Lumberjanes #17 by Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh
2. East of West #20 by Jonathon Hickman and Nick Dragotta
1. Magneto #21 by Cullen Bunn and Paul Davidson

Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

September 1963

Now that we've reached the launch of The Avengers title, I'll be dialing back the synopses of the individual titles (Journey Into Mystery, Tales to Astonish, Tales of Suspense).  These will be much quicker overviews, highlighting any notable events.

Journey Into Mystery #96

Writers: Stan Lee and R. Berns
Artist: Joe Sinnott
"Defying the Magic of Mad Merlin!"
Synopsis: The crypt of the magician Merlin (he of King Arthur's court) is discovered in England and sent to the New York Museum for some experts to study.  Unfortunately for our scientists, Merlin awakens from his slumber (which was apparently some spell he cast).  We learn that Merlin is actually a mutant.  And we learn that he wishes to take over the world.  First stop, President Kennedy (there's some nice Camelot parallels here).  Meanwhile, Don Blake and Jane Foster bicker, followed by Thor racing off to battle Merlin.  After a brief battle, our hero defeats Merlin and convinces him to cast a new spell to return to his comatose state.

Tales of Suspense #45

Writers: Stan Lee and R. Berns
Artist: Don Heck
"The Icy Fingers of Jack Frost"
Synopsis: With this issue we are introduced to two long-standing Iron Man supporting cast members: Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan.  Happy enters our tale when Tony crashes a race car and Happy jumps in to rescue Tony.  With an enormous sense of gratitude, Tony offers Happy a job as his chauffeur/bodyguard.  Happy is introduced to Pepper Potts (whose name may actually be Kitty if this issue is to be believed) and she introduces him to a very cold shoulder.  Thus begins a long sub-plot of bickering/flirting between the two of them and a love triangle (along with Tony, of course).  A bit later, Iron Man discovers an employee trying to steal from Stark.  The man is fired, but don't worry, dear reader, he returns in short order as "Jack Frost", now with a freeze gun ala Captain Cold.  Iron Man defeats the enemy fairly quickly, mostly by using heat.

Tales to Astonish #47

Writers: Stan Lee and HE Huntley
Artist: Don Heck
"Music to Scream By"
Synopsis: This month, Ant-Man and Wasp run afoul of a man named Trago with a magical trumpet.  When played correctly, the trumpet can hypnotize whomever hears it.  After our heroes fall under the sway of the trumpet, their friendly ants drag them away to safety.  Armed with some ear discs (which block the sound, I suppose), Ant-Man and Wasp prevail and manage to trick Trago into playing the wrong tune, which casts amnesia upon the player.  Yup.

The Avengers #1

September 1963
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist: Jack Kirby
Inker: Dick Ayers

"The Coming of the Avengers"

Thor!
Ant-Man!
Hulk!
Iron Man!
Wasp!

(well, the cover unfortunately omits a declaration of the Wasp, but I felt I should rectify that)

After a few years of telling the tales of individual heroes, Stan, Jack and Marvel Comics deliver the first issue of The Avengers (a formula that Marvel Studios would replicate 50ish years later).  I doubt I'll go too deep into synopsizing this first issue, as I suspect that most know the details already.  Either way, here we go.

Our story begins with the villain of the piece, the lord of mischief, half-brother to Thor, the deceiver himself: Loki.  We open on Asgard, where we last saw Loki in the pages of Journey Into Mystery, in chains and plotting vengeance upon Thor.  While peering in upon his brother, as Loki is wont to do, he notices Hulk leaping through the air.  Deciding that he has found an unwitting pawn, Loki frames the Hulk for an attack on a train.  News spreads quickly and Hulk becomes (once again) wanted by the military.  Fortunately, for the green-skinned one, he has a friend named Rick Jones, who knows the Hulk must be innocent.  He puts out a call to his Teen Brigade (after failing to contact the Fantastic Four).  Loki siezes another opportunity and diverts the call for help to the radio of Doctor Donald Blake.

Blake quickly takes action and changes into the powerful form of Thor.  He takes off to meet Rick Jones.  And he isn't the only one.  Ant-Man, Wasp, and Iron Man all hear the message, as well.  All four arrive (just after Rick gets off the phone with Mr. Fantastic - apparently the FF are just too busy).  Despite the fact that Loki only wanted Thor, he continues his plan apace.  A mental image of the Hulk appears.  Thor flings his hammer at the creature.  Immediately after Mjolnir flies through the image, Thor decides Loki is to blame and flies off to Asgard to have words.  Meanwhile, Iron Man, Ant-Man and Wasp look for the real Hulk (who is now working at a circus and calling himself Mechano - no kidding - his clown makeup is great).



Ant-Man and Wasp discover the Hulk and engage him in battle.  It's a pretty short battle and the Hulk emerges victorious.  He has very little time to gloat, however, as Iron Man attacks.  Our scene shifts to Asgard, where we find Thor pleading to allfather Odin.  Odin grants him permission to visit Loki on the Isle of Silence.  The journey there is quite treacherous and traps aplenty beleaguer our hero.  Eventually he finds the villain (then knocks out a Troll).  Thor brings Loki to Earth.

Back on Earth, the battle between Iron Man and Hulk continues.  After nearly destroying an auto manufacturing plant, Iron Man defeats the green giant, trapping him in a metal cage.  At that moment, Thor arrives with a captive Loki.  Loki bursts free and is moments away from defeating the trio (by turning himself radioactive), when the diminutive duet of Ant-Man and Wasp save the day by trapping Loki in a lead-lined tank.

With the day won, the quintet decide to join forces, for then they would be unbeatable.  Thus, the Avengers are born.









Next month: The Space Phantom!