Vince, Author at Comic Book Informer

Episode 142: Evil Cheetos

This week, Vince chose to subject us to DC’s Villains Month. We each grabbed a handful, and gave our thoughts on them… sadly, most were truly terrible. Thankfully, we had some great stuff to talk about during What We’re Reading. Enjoy. Discussion Forever Evil #1 Villains Month Grab-Bag What We’re Reading Vince: Agents of S..H.I.E.L.D., Scarlet Spider, Wolverine and the X-Men Roger: Spider-Man Team Up, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, A+X New Releases Marvel: All-New X-Men #17 Hunger #3 Iron Man #16 Marvel Knights Spider-Man #1 Mighty Avengers #2 Savage Wolverine #9 Superior Foes of Spider-Man #4 DC: Earth 2 #16 Forever Evil #2 Green Lantern #24 Swamp Thing #24 Other: Robocop: Last Stand #3 (BOOM!) The Star Wars #2 (Dark Horse) Bushido #1 (Image) Invincible Universe #7 (Image) Lazarus #4 (Image) iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Top 5 New Comics for February 6th, 2013

All-New X-Men #7 Marvel Comics Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: David Marquez Marvel Says: Mystique targets our young time-travelers, starting with Cyclops. Vince Says: Still one of the best books out there. Marquez previously worked with Bendis on Ultimate Comics Spider-Man with great results. Animal Man #17 DC Comics Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Steve Pugh DC Says: The epic climax of ‘ROTWORLD’ starts here and continues into this month’s SWAMP THING #17! All hope seems lost! Can Buddy find a way to stop the Rot before it takes over the world? Before that can even happen, Buddy must confront the horrible truth about the fate of his family. Vince Says: Lemire and Snyder have been building to this since the start of the New 52. I’m ready for the payoff. Fearless Defenders #1 Marvel Comics Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Will Sliney Marvel Says: NEW TEAM! NEW VILLAINS! NEW CREATORS! Valkyrie and Misty Knight are the Fearless Defenders and not since Power Man and Iron Fist has an unlikely duo kicked this much-well, you know. Writer Cullen Bunn (Venom, Sixth Gun, The Fearless) and new-to-Marvel artist Will Sliney (MacGyver, Star Wars) bring you the book everyone is going to be talking about on Thursday morning. Vince Says: Some may see this as a stunt to shoehorn a bunch of female characters into one book for publicity. However, when the core concept is rebuilding the Asgardian Valkyries, it just makes sense. Fear Itself may have been a wreck, but I liked The Fearless and Bunn’s writing of Valkyrie was very good, so I’ve got high hopes for this one. New Avengers #3 Marvel Comics Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Steve Epting Marvel Says: The Illuminati experience their first incursion since reforming. Can the loose brotherhood of end times trust each other enough to use the Infinity Gems in unison? And a new member joins the Illuminati! Vince Says: Hickman’s maintaining a precarious balance between several different elements in this book. Issue 2 was a huge step forward and did a great job setting the tone for what’s to come. I loved his writing of Black Panther near the end of his Fantastic Four run, and that strength continues here. Swamp Thing #17 DC Comics Story: Scott Snyder Art: Yanick Paquette DC Says: The epic finale of ‘ROTWORLD’ continues from this month’s ANIMAL MAN #17! What will it cost our heroes to stop this apocalypse from happening? The answer will blow your freaking mind. Vince Says: In addition to building a solid story, Snyder and Lemire have made great use of supporting characters, from both their own titles and across the DCU, in “Rotworld.” Last month’s appearances by Batman and Batgirl were great and I’m loving Abby Arcane’s story....

Top 5 New Comics for January 23rd, 2013

Chew #31 Image Comics Story: John Layman Art: Rob Guillory Image Says: The second half of CHEW starts here. With a funeral. Vince Says: Layman, you got some ‘splainin’ to do… Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret History of the Foot Clan #2 IDW Publishing Story: Eric Burnham Art: Mateus Santolouco IDW Says: The TMNT and the Foot Clan race to intercept the one man who may be able to uncover long-lost secrets of Shredder’s power! In Feudal Japan, Oroku Saki’s friendship with Hamato Yoshi crumbles as Saki begins to fully comprehend his true destiny in the Foot Clan. Can his ambition be contained? Vince Says: IDW’s TMNT series has been a blast since the very beginning. I especially like how they’re building a universe by picking various bits of continuity from previous incarnations. Every chance they take to expand on their backstory is welcome. Uncanny X-Force #1 Marvel Comics Story: Sam Humphries Art: Ron Garney Marvel Says: THE DARKEST CORNERS OF THE MUTANT UNIVERSE: EXPOSED! The X-Men: sworn to protect a world that fears and hates them. UNCANNY X-FORCE: charged to deal with situations the X-Men fear and hate! Psylocke and Storm lead a new team of outcasts and scoundrels, including fan-favorite Puck, the villainous Spiral, and the mysterious Cluster. The first adversary to strike out from the darkness? X-legend BISHOP! Vince Says: Humphries has some massive shoes to fill after Rick Remender’s groundbreaking run on the previous volume. The team’s unconventional lineup has some possibilities, but Storm rocking the mohawk again is enough reason to check this comic out. Wonder Woman #16 DC Comics Story: Brian Azzarello Art: Cliff Chiang DC Says: Wonder Woman and her half brother Milan must grapple with the dangerous New God known as Orion! What strange alliance has the terrifying First Born made? Vince Says: Azzarello and Chiang have been carving out a very unique space among the New 52. Slowly introducing the New Gods into Wonder Woman’s story has been a treat and I’m very interested to see this story develop. Young Avengers #1 Marvel Comics Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Jamie McKelvie Marvel Says: Legacy isn’t a dirty word… but it’s an irrelevant one. It’s not important what our parents did. It matters what WE do. Someone has to save the world. You’re someone. Do the math. The critically acclaimed team of Gillen/McKelvie/Wilson (with added Norton Sauce) decide to reinvent the teen superhero comic for the 21st century, uniting Wiccan, Hulkling and Hawkeye with Loki, Marvel Boy and Ms. America. No pressure. Young Avengers is as NOW! as the air in your lungs, and twice as vital. It’s the book that knows Hyperbole is the BEST! THING! EVER! Vince Says: I’m a huge fan of Gillen’s writing and his work with McKelvie is frequently fantastic. The characters are an interesting bunch, especially after Loki’s developments in Gillen’s Journey into Mystery....

Top 5 New Comics for January 16th, 2013

All-New X-Men #6 Marvel Comics Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: David Marquez Marvel Says: David Marquez (Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man) takes the artistic reins for 3 issues! Brian Bendis further defines the future of the X-Men! Vince Says: The breakout title of Marvel NOW! to this point, All-New X-Men is the best X-comic in years and potentially one of the best ever. Batman #16 DC Comics Story: Scott Snyder Art: Greg Capullo DC Says: ‘DEATH OF THE FAMILY’ continues! Batman heads into his showdown with The Joker as the madman’s plan is finally revealed – in Arkham Asylum! It all lead’s into next month’s terrifying conclusion! And in the backup story, in the midst of The Joker’s assault on Batman and his allies, get a secret glimpse into what started The Crown Prince of Crime on his horrifying journey! Vince Says: I don’t think I need to say anything at this point. Captain Marvel #9 Marvel Comics Story: Kelly Sue DeConnick Art: Filipe Andrade Marvel Says: A PERFECT JUMPING-ON POINT FOR FANS NEW AND OLD! PART ONE OF A NEW STORY. Carol finally returns home, but is changed. What is weakening Captain Marvel’s powers? PLUS: Carol gets a JOB. Find out why CAPTAIN MARVEL is being hailed as one of Marvel’s best new series this year! Vince Says: That cover. ‘Nuff said. Saga #9 Image Comics Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Fiona Staples Image Says: The Will finally has a good day. Vince Says: That solicit is so simple, yet loyal readers know just how much that one sentence can mean. With this being one of the best comics of 2012, there really should be more loyal readers. X-Factor #250 Marvel Comics Story: Peter David Art: Leonard Kirk Marvel Says: A year of X-FACTOR stories culminates here in the first part of ‘HELL ON EARTH WAR’! The various Hell lords battle for domination in a war that was triggered by the seven billionth soul born on Earth, and only X-Factor can avoid the entire world going up in flames! This is the beginning of the end for X-Factor as you know it! Vince Says: To begin with, this is the culmination of a story Peter David has been building toward for what feels like forever. On a more personal note, Peter David suffered a stroke last month. From his work on X-Factor, both in recent years and back in the 90s, as well as his iconic run on Incredible Hulk and a multitude of other fantastic comics over the years, David is someone I greatly admire and respect. David and his family could definitely use the support, both financially and emotionally, from this issue selling well, and we should all take time to appreciate his work....

Top 5 New Comics for November 21st, 2012

Amazing Spider-Man #698 Marvel Comics Story: Dan Slott Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli Marvel Says: DYING WISH PRELUDE The end of Spider-Man’s world begins when Doctor Octopus discovers who Peter Parker really is. (Fifty years goes by much…too…fast.) Vince Says: The beginning of the end for Amazing Spider-Man. In Slott we trust. Captain America #1 Marvel Comics Story: Rick Remender Art: John Romita, Jr. Marvel Says: Thrust into a bizarre, inhospitable world far from home, the all-new, high-adventure, mind-melting, tough-as-nails, sci-fi, pulp-fantasy era of Captain America is NOW! With no country and no allies, what’s left for the Sentinel of Liberty to protect? The Saga of Dimension Z begins here! Vince Says: Ed Brubaker’s Captain America is an impossible act to follow, but this is a valiant effort. I love the switch back to the old Kirby sci-fi style and Remender has never let me down. The only thing that can hold this back is Romita; his art has been a bit disappointing recently. Clone #1 Image Comics Story: David Schulner Art: Juan Jose Ryp Image Says: From ROBERT KIRKMAN’s Skybound imprint, comes a sci-fi story like you’ve never seen before! Dr. Luke Taylor’s perfect life comes to a dramatic halt when an identical, bloodied version of himself arrives at his doorstep with news that he is one of many clones and they’re all after his pregnant wife and their unborn child! Vince Says: Image has been firing on all cylinders this year for their 20th anniversary, finally becoming the publisher they always should have been. Most of their new launches have had great talent and unique ideas that you can’t find anywhere else. Dark Avengers #183 Marvel Comics Story: Jeff Parker Art: Neil Edwards Marvel Says: THE END OF THE THUNDERBOLTS! Bid farewell to Ghost, Centurius, Man-Thing and the gang forever! Jeff Parker and Neil Edwards plot a dark new course for Earth’s Deadliest Heroes! Vince Says: I’ve always loved the Thunderbolts, it’s been a fun comic for years. Jeff Parker has done everything imaginable during his run, and it’s been an absolute blast. I can’t believe he actually got me to care about this group of characters. He’s retiring the current team so the new, Red Hulk-led team can get a new first issue, but Parker will be continuing the Dark Avengers concept into Marvel NOW! Indestructible Hulk #1 Marvel Comics Story: Mark Waid Art: Lenil Yu Marvel Says: Hulk – Indestructible force more weapon than man. Banner – smartest man alive. Combined they are the Strongest, Smartest Weapon on the planet! And NOW! the INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK is an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.! Vince Says: Very few writers have gotten me to like Hulk in a solo series. Mark Waid is one of the greatest comic writers alive, with a pile of awards to show for it. The ball’s in your court, Marvel....

Top 5 New Comics for October 31st, 2012

Captain Marvel #6 Marvel Comics Story: Kelly Sue DeConnick Art: Dexter Soy Marvel Says: A battle through time! The shocking conclusion! Guest appearance by the classic Captain Marvel, Mar-Vell! And an All-New Captain Marvel?! Vince Says: Just assume this comic is going to be on the list just about every week it’s released. It’s that good. Ghosts (One Shot) DC Comics Story: Various Art: Various DC Says: Check out this all-new anthology from some of the biggest talents in the industry! Stories spotlight a space heist on a ghost ship, a spirit who wants to play synthesizer in a techno band, a ghost-for-hire haunting agency and others dark, twisted tales. With stories and art by some of comics’ greatest talents, this special features a cover by Dave Johnson, and a variant cover by Brendan McCarthy! Vince Says: A horror anthology from some of DC’s top guys, including Geoff Johns? Sign me up. New Mutants #50 Marvel Comics Story: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning Art: Felix Ruix Marvel Says: FINAL ISSUE! It’s time to raise a glass to Dani Moonstar, Sunspot, Cipher, Warlock, Sunspot and X-Man in this series-ending issue! Vince Says: The New Mutants have done some serious growing up under Abnett, Lanning and their predecessor, Zeb Wells, with two of their members (Cannonball & Sunspot) set to join the actual Avengers. It was great to see these fan-favorite characters back together and I look forward to seeing where they go in this new era. Wolverine & The X-Men #19 Marvel Comics Story: Jason Aaron Art: Nick Bradshaw Marvel Says: The second year of the most talked-about new X-Book starts here! One of the students is on death’s door and the faculty must 1) try to keep them alive and 2) find who did it! With one of the teachers on the outs, a new one must be hired. Who will it be? Who is the new student at the school? Vince Says: Jason Aaron is a monster. And we all love him for it. X-Men Legacy #275 Marvel Comics Story: Christos Gage Art: David Baldeon Marvel Says: THE END OF AN ERA! Last issue, Magneto made Rogue a daunting offer. In this FINAL ISSUE of X-MEN: LEGACY, Rogue faces the repercussions of her decision! Vince Says: It took several decades, but this comic finally made me like Rogue as a character. Also, despite numerous retitlings, the comic that started as (Adjectiveless) X-Men in 1992 has run for 275 straight issues without renumbering, a feat we may not see again for a long time, if ever....

Top 5 New Comics for October 24th, 2012

Captain America #19 Marvel Comics Story: Ed Brubaker Art: Steve Epting Marvel Says: END OF AN ERA! Steve Epting returns for the grand finale of Ed Brubaker’s EPIC RUN on Captain America, and the end of an era! Vince Says: The final issue of Ed Brubaker’s eight-year run on Cap, which will go down in history as one of the best ever. FF #23 Marvel Comics Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Nick Dragotta Marvel Says: FINAL ISSUE! Jonathan Hickman wraps up his tenure as Old Franklin teaches Young Franklin ‘How To Be A God!’ Vince Says: The true finale to Hickman’s run on the Fantastic Four franchise. Also, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH FRANKLIN’S FACE??? Invincible Iron Man #527 Marvel Comics Story: Matt Fraction Art: Salvador Larroca Marvel Says: END OF AN ERA! Who lives? Who dies? Who wins? Who loses? More importantly: what’s next for Tony Stark and Iron Man? You won’t believe it until you read it! Vince Says: ALSO the final issue of Matt Fraction’s four-year run on Iron Man. Special recognition to Salvador Larroca for penciling 61 straight issues of this title, a very rare feat these days. Journey into Mystery #645 Marvel Comics Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Carmine Di Giandomenico Marvel Says: EVERYTHING BURNS AFTERMATH Kieron Gillen bids farewell to the cast of JIM! ‘Why Did Loki Do It? No One Knows.’ Until now! The critically acclaimed epic reaches its climax as Loki’s future and past collide and nothing will ever be the same again. No, really. We mean it this time. Stop looking at us like that. Vince Says: While not as long-running as those other guys, Kieron Gillen has been killing it on Journey into Mystery and it’s one of the few comics I’m legitimately upset won’t live through the Marvel NOW! transition. Punisher: War Zone #1 Marvel Comics Story: Greg Rucka Art: Marco Chacchetto Marvel Says: The Punisher vs. The Avengers. Welcome to the War Zone. Vince Says: Clean sweep by Marvel this week. With the transition to a new era, it’s to be expected. The War Zone miniseries marks Greg Rucka’s final story with Frank Castle. Despite low sales, Rucka has told one of the best Punisher stories in a long time during his short run. Why is Frank hunting the Avengers? Who cares? It’ll be damn fun....

Top 5 New Comics for October 17th, 2012

Cyber Force #1 Image Comics Story: Marc Silvestri & Matt Hawkins Art: Khoi Pham Image Says: TOP COW’S TOP-SELLING SERIES RETURNS IN A GROUND-BREAKING WAY! Top Cow celebrates its 20th anniversary with the return of the series that started it all: CYBER FORCE! Top Cow founder MARC SILVESTRI (THE DARKNESS, Incredible Hulk) returns to his first Image series as co-writer, art director and cover artist! Co-writer MATT HAWKINS (THINK TANK, LADY PENDRAGON) and artist KHOI PHAM (Mighty Avengers, Daredevil) join SILVESTRI to bring you a contemporary re-imagining rooted in cutting edge, real world technology. Carin Taylor, codenamed Velocity, has escaped from the CDI controlled Millennium City and is desperately trying to find the one man she believes can help her prevent the end of the world. When she runs a group of other CDI escapees, will they help her or turn their backs? Not content in pushing the envelope just in terms of story and art, Top Cow will be the first major US comic publisher to launch one of their biggest properties with top tier creators concurrently for both the traditional print market and exploding worldwide digital market for FREE. That’s right: Thanks to the support of fans through Kickstarter and participating comic shops, you can get the first FIVE issues of CYBER FORCE at no cost. Vince Says: Free. Yep. Marvel NOW Point One (One Shot) Marvel Comics Story: Various Art: Adi Granov Marvel Says: The future of Marvel is NOW! A Point One issue introducing the movers and shakers of the Marvel Universe to come! Vince Says: From the cover, it looks like we’ll be getting stories about Nick Fury Jr, the Young Avengers, Star Lord, Cable and Nova. It should be an interesting preview of things to come. Mighty Thor #21 Marvel Comics Story: Matt Fraction & Kieron Gillen Art: Alan Davis Marvel Says: EVERYTHING BURNS FINALE! The War against Surtur crushes Thor – literally! Hela and Loki make their move! Can the All-Mother save the Nine Realms? Vince Says: “Everything Burns” has found a nice balance between big action and solid character work. As a fan of these characters, especially Gillen’s Kid Loki, this has been fantastic. Uncanny X-Men #20 Marvel Comics Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Ron Garney Marvel Says: The fallout of AVX is here! We can’t tell you anything without spoiling AVX! Vince Says: But AvX is over now… Anyway, keeping with the Gillen fanboying, I have loved every single issue of his take on my all-time favorite comic series. This is the final issue before moving into the Marvel NOW era. Wonder Woman #13 DC Comics Story: Brian Azzarello Art: Cliff Chiang DC Says: A terrible betrayal forces Wonder Woman to make a deal with the gods who want her dead! Ares, god of war, takes a sudden interest in the Amazing Amazon! Vince Says: This is one of the few New 52 titles that I’m consistently enjoying. After the way issue 12 ended, I REALLY want to know what Azzarello has in store for us coming up....

Top 5 New Comics for October 10th, 2012

Batman #13 DC Comics Story: Scott Snyder Art: Greg Capullo DC Says: The Joker returns in ‘DEATH OF THE FAMILY’! He crippled Batgirl. He killed Robin. What will The Joker do now that he’s returned to Gotham City? What must Batman do to protect his secret identity and that of those who fight alongside him? Vince Says: Snyder was amazing in his first year of Batman and Capullo’s design for Joker is just plain creepy. This should be awesome. Fantastic Four #611 Marvel Comics Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Ryan Stegman Marvel Says: FINAL ISSUE! Jonathan Hickman’s groundbreaking run comes to an end in this climactic issue! Vince Says: The finale of Hickman’s epic three-year saga. Of course this makes the list. Point of Impact #1 Image Comics Story: Jay Faerber Art: Koray Kuranel Image Says: A gripping, provocative four-part crime series from acclaimed writer JAY FAERBER and stunning new artist KORAY KURANEL. It begins with one woman’s murder and branches out to follow the investigation by three people with personal connections to her: her husband, an investigative reporter; her lover, an ex-soldier; and her friend, a homicide detective. Her death will change all of their lives. Vince Says: I like crime/mystery comics, and getting the clues from three different perspectives should be fun. I’m also interested in the comic’s pure black-and-white art. Not greyscale like The Walking Dead; just black and white. Transformers: Robots in Disguise #10 IDW Publishing Story: John Barber Art: Livio Ramondelli IDW Says: OPTIMUS PRIME IN SPACE! Orion Pax-the former OPTIMUS PRIME-follows a rogue group of DECEPTICONS into one of the greatest mysteries ever to face the AUTOBOTS! Time will bend-and heroes will fall! Vince Says: I’ve been really enjoying this current run of Transformers comics and it’s nice that they’re taking time away from the core story to check in with everybody’s favorite Autobot. Plus, I just really like that cover. Uncanny Avengers #1 Marvel Comics Story: Rick Remender Art: John Cassaday Marvel Says: THIS IS IT! The greatest era of the Marvel Universe starts here! From the ashes of AvX an all-new, all-different Avengers assemble! Dive headfirst into Marvel NOW! as the superstar dream team of Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force, Venom) and John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men, Captain America) deliver high stakes action in UNCANNY AVENGERS #1 – sporting a jaw-dropping cover by Cassaday! No fan can miss the blockbuster debut of an all-new Avengers team featuring members from all across the Marvel Universe…a team uniting Avenger and X-Man alike! Captain America begins his quest to create a sanctioned Avengers unit comprised of Avengers and X-Men, humans and mutants working together – so why is Professor Xavier’s dream more at risk than ever? The funeral of one of Marvel’s greatest heroes! The first attack of the most loathsome villain in history will quake the Marvel Universe forever! But following the devastating events of Avengers VS X-Men, can Captain America pull together a team that can get along for its first mission? Vince Says: I think Marvel said enough on this one....

Top 5 New Comics for October 3rd, 2012

Amazing Spider-Man #695 Marvel Comics Story: Dan Slott Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli Marvel Says: DANGER ZONE Part 1 Dark times are coming for Peter Parker and change is closer than you even fear. As we aim headlong to ASM #700, The Kingpin’s latest plan turns one of Spider-Man’s greatest strengths against him. Hobgoblin is back, but his days may be numbered as the past sharpens its blades. Vince Says: Many plot threads are coming together to start what will likely be the final story arc of Dan Slott’s amazing run. Animal Man #13 DC Comics Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Steve Pugh DC Says: It’s the story you’ve been waiting for: ‘ROTWORLD: THE RED KINGDOM’! Part one of a four-part epic in which the Earth has fallen to the Rot! Guest-starring Justice League Dark, Beast Boy and many other heroes and villains from the DC Universe! Vince Says: One of the few bright points of the New 52 for me starts its big crossover with one of my other favorites, Swamp Thing. Daredevil: End of Days #1 Marvel Comics Story: Brian Michael Bendis & David Mack Art: Klaus Janson & Bill Sienkiewicz Marvel Says: Revealed at last…how it ends for the Man without Fear! In the near future, investigative reporter Ben Urich has one last story to write–what was Matt Murdock’s the final secret? A story years in the making brought to you by some of the greatest creators in Daredevil history! Vince Says: Daredevil has never really done it for me, but I absolutely loved Bendis’ work on the comic back in the early 2000s. The rest of the all-star creative team doesn’t hurt, either. Minimum Carnage: Alpha Marvel Comics Story: Christopher Yost Art: Lan Medina Marvel Says: Minimum Carnage begins here! Carnage is back–and bigger ain’t necessarily better! Scarlet Spider and Venom collide as the hunt for Carnage begins, taking both heroes to a place you’ll never believe. Vince Says: The Carnage and Carnage USA minis were surprisingly good, breathing new life into a tired, one-note villain. I’m completely on board with this one. Swamp Thing #13 DC Comics Story: Scott Snyder Art: Yanick Paquette DC Says: ‘ROTWORLD: THE GREEN KINGDOM’ begins! Swamp Thing learns the truth of how the Earth fell to the Rot as seen in this month’s issues of ANIMAL MAN and FRANKENSTEIN: AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. Guest-starring Poison Ivy, Deadman and The Parliament of Trees! Vince Says: Animal Man and Swamp Thing have both been building to “Rotworld” since the relaunch. I’m confident they can pull off something cool....