Number One Comic Books

 Brian, Joe, Rebekah and Rod are talking about some new #1's: Death Or Glory, Avengers, Red Sonja and The Mainstream.                                     

(Rod's Pick) The Mainstream from ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT Written by Michale Dolce and art by Talent Caldwell                        

There are people on this Earth that do not belong. It's up to a Chicago detective and a covert, interdimensional police force to send them back where they came from! Don't miss this brand new five issue mini-series from the creative minds of Michael Dolce, Talent Caldwell, Tony Moy, and Darren Sanchez.                          

(Rebekah's Pick) Red Sonja & Tarzan from DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT Written by Gail Simone and art by Walter Geovani                                  

The She-Devil with a Sword meets the Lord of the Jungle!
Eson Duul is an evil man. The mere mention of his name makes powerful quake with fear. He has no regard for life, including that of man. But he may finally have met his match when he finds himself up against Red Sonja and Tarzan!
Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Red Sonja) and Walter Geovani (Red Sonja, Clean Room) reunite to bring us the crossover event featuring two of fiction's greatest heroes side by side at last!                                            

(Joe's Pick) Avengers from MARVEL COMICS Written by Jason Aaron and art by Ed Mcguinness                           

Thor Odinson. Steve Rogers. Tony Stark. The Big Three of the Avengers are reunited at last! And just in time to save the world from total annihilation at the hands of their most powerful enemies yet: the 2000-foot-tall space gods known as Celestials. Behold the coming of the Final Host. Who will answer the call to assemble for a wild new era of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes? Hint: one of them has a flaming skull for a head. And what strange, world-shaking connection exists between the Final Host and Odin’s ancient band of Prehistoric Avengers?                                               

(Brian's Pick) Death Or Glory from IMAGE COMICS Written by Rick Remender and art by Bengel                                        

Meet Glory, raised off the grid in a convoy amid truckers—the last men and women fighting for true freedom on the American open road. Now, in order to pay for her beloved dying Father’s surgery, Glory has three days to pull off four dangerous cross-country heists with mob killers, crooked cops, and a psycho ex-husband all out to bring her in or die trying. The new ongoing series by New York Times bestselling author RICK REMENDER and legendary French superstar BENGAL brings you a high-speed chase across the American West that examines our dwindling freedoms and the price paid by those who fight for an untethered life, in this special double-sized first issue with 40 pages of story!

Welcome to Issue #4 of Number One Comic Books and we are going to go over Marvel's Domino, The Dead Hand, Skyward and Crude.                                     

(Rebekah's Pick) Crude from IMAGE COMICS Written by Steve Orlando with Art / Cover: Garry Brown, Lee Loughridge                                             

Killers once feared Piotr Petrovich. Now, they’ve sent his son home to him—in a body bag. Haunted by his failures, Piotr journeys across 
Russia to learn what type of man his son really was, while hunting the bastards who killed him. And once Piotr finds them, they will learn to fear
 him once more…. GLAAD Media Award-nominated writer STEVE ORLANDO (VIRGIL, Midnighter) and artist GARRY BROWN (BLACK
 ROAD) deliver an emotional, bone-shattering account of murder, masculinity, and mayhem.                                           

(Rod's Pick) The Dead Hand from IMAGE COMICS Written by Kyle Higgins with Art by Stephen Mooney and Jordie Bellaire                                               

 "COLD WAR RELICS," Part One Carter Carlson was a highly decorated operative during the Cold War. But in the fall of 1991, as the Soviet
 Union collapsed, Carter discovered a secret that not only changed his life…but also altered the course of history. Now, as the mysterious 
“Dead Hand” threatens to end the world once again, the only thing standing in its way is the relationship between an old spy and a little boy.                               

(Brian's Pick) Domino from MARVEL COMICS Written by Gail Simone with Art by David Baldeon Cover Art by Greg Land                                  

 Impossible curves. Impossible shots. Impossible targets. Marvel’s #1 soldier of fortune is back in an explosive new ongoing series! 
The product of a failed super-soldier program, Neena Thurman always made her own luck as the sharpshooting mercenary known as 
Domino… but what happens when her own powers betray her? The hunter becomes the hunted as every mercenary in the game smells
 blood in the water! Plus: A pair of beloved Marvel characters return!                                                         

(Joe's Pick) Skyward from IMAGE COMICS Written by Joe Henderson Art: Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela                                              

 "MY LOW-G LIFE," Part One One day, gravity on earth suddenly became a fraction of what it is now. Twenty years later, humanity has adapted
 to its new low-gravity reality. And to Willa Fowler, a woman born just after G-day, it’s…well, it’s pretty awesome, actually. You can fly through 
the air! I mean, sure, you can also die if you jump too high. So you just don’t jump too high. And maybe don’t stumble into a dangerous plan
 to bring gravity back that could get you killed…. From writer JOE HENDERSON (showrunner of Fox’s Lucifer) and artist LEE GARBETT 
(Lucifer, Loki: Agent of Asgard), SKYWARD is an adventure-filled exploration of our world turned upside down and a young woman’s journey
 to find her place in it.                                                

Brian's pick) Shadowman from Valiant Comics                                               

Written by Andy Diggle                                       

Art by Stephen Segovia                                        

Orphaned as a child and raised on the margins of society, Jack Boniface never knew his place in the world. Until he discovered it waiting for
 him… in a darkness far older than the reign of men…Unbeknownst to him, Jack was fated to become the next in a long lineage of Shadowmen – mortals bound to violent voodoo spirits of immense power – that could safeguard our world against incursions from realms beyond. For years, he struggled to control the loa’s murderous urges – a battle he eventually lost.But now, after years of self-imposed exile, the man once known as Shadowman is returning home to sharpen the weapon within…and unleasha reckoning on the evils of our world that will soon send shockwaves through heaven and hell alike…                                     

(Rebekah's pick) Analog from Image Comics                                               

Written by Gerry Duggan                        

Art by David O'Sullivan and Jordie Bellaire                          

     CHAPTER ONE Five years from now: the security of the internet has been totally destroyed. Secrets are no longer sent over the web, they're 
entrusted to armed couriers called "Ledger Men," like human punching-bag Jack McGinnis. He's got a gun in one hand and a briefcase 
handcuffed to the other. Danger lurks around every corner, and Jack has to watch his back—because he had a part in the cyber attack that 
changed the world. Get in on the ground floor of this new ongoing series and thrill as we slam Jack's fist into the faces of spies, mercs,
 fascists, and eventually less punchable adversaries like a very grumpy artificial intelligence.                                        

(Rod's pick) Helm from Action Lab Comics                               

Written by Jehanzeb Hasan                             

Art by Mauricio Caballero and Miguel Angel Reyes                       

Pursued by the ruthless Legion, the mysterious witch Luna Lumere seeks out Eldrick Spellsong, Jr., a college dropout who unknowingly holds 
the key to unlocking an age-old secret. Together, along with a sundry gang of adventurers, villains, and scoundrels, they will traverse the dark
 and dangerous world of HELM, in search of the legendary Bastard King, and rouse him from his slumber.                       

(Joe's pick) Isola                               

Written by Brenden Fletcher         

Art by Karl Kerschl & Msassyk                        

The captain of the Royal Guard has fled the capital city with the Queen of Maar, suffering under the effects of an evil spell. Captain Rook’s only
 hope of returning Queen Olwyn to her throne and saving the kingdom from impending war lies on an island half a world away—a place known 
in myth as Isola, land of the dead. 

The C2E2 Main Stage presents a once-in-a-lifetime dream panel. Join two of the most iconic names in the comic book universe with Brian Michale Bendis and Mark Millar on stage together!  Listen for a candid one-on-one conversation with these two creative titans as they discuss their monumental careers and incredible creations.

We have a C2E2 Artist Alley Showfloor Interview conducted by our very own Joe Stark who talks with Kyle Higgins about his new book coming out on April 11th "The Dead Hand" from Image Comics.  Art by Stephen Mooney and Jordie Bellaire.                                               

What's The Dead Hand about?  Listen and find out!  "COLD WAR RELICS," Part One Carter Carlson was a highly decorated operative during the Cold War. But in the fall of 1991, as the Soviet Union collapsed, Carter discovered a secret that not only changed his life…but also altered the course of history. Now, as the mysterious “Dead Hand” threatens to end the world once again, the only thing standing in its way is the relationship between an old spy and a little boy." 

Panel recorded April 6th 2018.  Welcome to the DC Universe Panel at C2E2 in Chicago.  The panel was moderated by Brian Michael Bendis!  Join Joelle Jones, Justin Jordan, Tim Seeley, Cully Hamner, Phillip Tan, Benjamin Percy and Tom King as they talk about everything DC.  The DC Universe keeps rocking your world with heroes that take on the most outlandish villains and overcoming obstacles that leave you speechless! The creative talent behind some of DC’s hottest titles – Batman and the Signal, Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands, Superwoman, Green Arrow, Teen Titans, Green Lanterns, Nightwing and Dark Nights: Metal¬ – are on hand as your tour guides for this journey through their incredible stories!  

Panel recorded April 8th 2018 at C2E2 in Chicago.  Welome to the Image Comics: We Believe in Drama Panel. Writers channel the crises we face everyday through layers of fiction, allowing readers to dissect universal struggles through a vibrant, askew lens. Though comics may catalyze new worlds overflowing with imagination, creators ground that surrealism in drama and catharsis. Join a panel of stellar scribes including Jason Aaron (Southern Bastards), Kyle Higgins (The Dead Hand), Gerry Duggan (Analog), Tee Franklin (Bingo Love, the upcoming Juke Joint), Tini Howard (Hack/Slash: Resurrection), Kyle Starks (Rock Candy Mountain), and John Layman (Chew, Leviathan) as they discuss the friction that gave way to their latest works.

Here is the C2E2 panel with Mark Millar recorded on April 6th 2018.  This is Mark Millar's first convention appearance in 9 years and the first panel on the Main Stage for C2E2 this year and I had a front row seat.  Mark shared some really cool details about his Netflix deal as well as sharing some awesome stories about life and being a creator.  He talks Chrononauts, Kick-Ass, Huck, Magic Order and more in this panel.  This was a fun time and I hope you all enjoy it as well.                         

We aren't having a regular episode this week because of the convention but I wanted to treat you to some different panels I recorded.  Some upcoming panels to check out are the DC Universe Panel, a Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar together panel and an Image Comics Panel.    

In this episode Brian, Joe, Rebekah and Rod discuss Infidel, Ballad of Sang, Eternity Girl and Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden.                                             

(Brian's Pick) Ballad of Sang                                         

written by Ed Brisson art by Alessandro Micelli                                                                                     

Kidnapped off the streets of the Philippines as an infant and trained as a child assassin, Sang has never had a childhood. All he's ever known
 is killing and the kindness of his master, Chen, the closest thing Sang has to a father. When Sang's enthusiasm botches a job, it brings the
 wrath of Don Minchella down on the pair, resulting in Chen's murder. Barely escaping with his own life -- and with Minchella's severed arm in 
tow -- Sang swears revenge, while every gang in the city mobilizes to return him to Minchella, dead or alive.                                     

(Rebekah's Pick) Eternity Girl                                                       

written by Magdalene Visaggio art by Sonny Liew                                                                                                                     

Caroline Sharp has been a lot of things, including both a superhero and a super-spy. But now, with those days behind her and her powers
 proving unreliable, Caroline finds herself stuck in a life weighed down by her depression and an inability to change. You see, Caroline is going
 to live forever, and there is no escape to be had. The very act of living reminds her that, to the rest of existence, she is an anomaly.                                             

(Joe's Pick) Infidel                                                

written by Pornsak Pichetshote Art / Cover: Aaron Campbell, José Villarrubia                                         

A haunted house story for the 21st century, INFIDEL follows an American Muslim woman and her multiracial neighbors who move into a building haunted by entities that feed off xenophobia.                                                                                          

(Rod's Pick) Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden                     

Written and Drawn by Stan Sakai                                                                                                                                                               

On his way to see Inspector Ishida, Usagi is confronted by Shogunate guards . . . a sign of the times. While unraveling a pair of murders in town later, Usagi and Ishida become wary as they find the corpses stripped of all identification--except for a talisman that leads to a startling discovery!                             

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Number One Comic Books!  In Issue #1 each of our 4 hosts bring a book to a roundtable discussion.  4 books are Oblivion Song, Shade The Changing Woman, Prism Stalking and Gideon Falls.  We'll let you know if these books are something you should jump on or if it's something you should jump off.            

    (Joe's Pick) GIDEON FALLS from Image Comics            
    Story: Jeff Lemire       Art / Cover: Andrea Sorrentino            

A brand-new ongoing series from the acclaimed bestselling creative team of Old Man Logan and Green Arrow! The lives of a reclusive young man obsessed with a conspiracy in the city’s trash, and a washed-up Catholic priest arriving in a small town full of dark secrets, become intertwined around the mysterious legend of TheBlack Barn, an otherworldly building that is alleged to have appeared in both the city and the small town, throughout history, bringing death and madness in its wake. Rural mystery and urban horror collide in this character-driven meditation on obsession, mental illness, and faith.                

   (Rod's Pick) PRISM STALKER from Image Comics       
   Story / Art: Sloane Leong        

PRISM STALKER, an ongoing sci-fi adventure series by SLOANE LEONG. Vep is a young refugee raised away from her devastated home planet as an indentured citizen in a foreign colony. She works tirelessly for her insectoid hosts, but there is no exit in sight in this viscous, dripping citynest. The eye of opportunity is closing. Her duty is to her family and her siblings, but what more can she do for them here? The answer appears faster than she is ready for.           

   (Rebekah's Pick) SHADE THE CHANGING WOMAN from DC's Young Animal              
   Written by: Cecil Castellucci    Art by:    Marley Zarcone                     

Shade has shed her alien identity. She’s stepped out of her original Earth body and into another one. Now, free of the burdens of any past life, and finally on her own,she sets out to see more of her new home. But how does she cope when the madness takes all the human emotions she was forced to confront in the Milk Wars and turns them into a bouillabaisse of memory and confusion? And to make it even more challenging, Shade must also face her namesake, the original Changing Man.                                                                                                                          

    (Brian's Pick) OBLIVION SONG from Robert Kirkman                                      
    Story: Robert Kirkman     Art: Lorenzo De Felici                                             

A decade ago, 300,000 citizens of Philadelphia were suddenly lost in Oblivion. The government made every attempt to recover them, but after many years, they gave up. Nathan Cole...won't. He makes daily trips, risking his life to try and rescue those still living in the apocalyptic hellscape of Oblivion. But maybe...Nathan is looking for something else? Why can't he resist the siren call of the Oblivion Song?