Finally, I scored a CBSI top ten hit! *Justice League 20 * Jimenez variants. Finally; honestly, why shouldn't they be? Synder and company are putting together some epic mythological archetypes into play at DC. There are forgers of worlds, deities of free will, and deities eliminating free will. It's fantastic stuff; I'd recommend anyone with even a passing interest in motifs of myth and Gnosticism to dive into the current run. I know, I know...it's not Avengers movie, but if you love to read, love the comic book medium, and love to think about cosmic schisms, I'd recommend it. Highly. That said, I'll move away from DC love affair, and move back into comics I'm looking at this week.
Picks for Flips
Amber Blake 2
I'm not sure what is going on with this series, but buy this book if you see it. Like pronto, friends...if I were fortunate enough to be a psychic, I could have bought this for $13 USD last week. Today, it is going for +$100 USD. Grab it if you see it, and don't look back. I won' have a chance at it, but I hope you do.
Items for My Long Term Collection
Invisible Kingdom 2
I really enjoyed the first issue of this one; Lux, or the Light, depicted as being a ideological state apparatus, hand in hand with social control and corporate oversight. I always knew there was a reason I liked good ol' Althusser back in my college. I remember my first A paper in a very difficult Criminology class came with a paper where I discussed the idea of "police" with that of Althusser's apparatus. That's when I realized I loved sociology, but then went ahead and got an accounting degree instead. Well, so much for that - sorry Dr. Cox. I failed yet again.
Batgirl 34 Middleton Variant
I was excited to see Middleton back on for Batgirl, but this one leaves me yearning for his earlier Batgirls'. I don't know; it reminds me of wanting to be "a bit like Artgerm or Chew" on this one. Still, it's Batgirl, and this one is going into my daughter's collection.
Batman Beyond 31 Oliver Variant
This one is definitely a cover buy, but the story is pretty interesting. I really do wish they'd make this into some type of film.
Justice League Dark 10 Paquette Cover
I'm still enjoying this series, and with Doctor Fate continuing to dominate the current magical landscape, the JLD are seeking out Mordru. Mordru sounds interesting; the character is prominent Lord of Chaos, and per the Google machine, appears to survive even the end of the universe. Fascinating, I say...this will be an easy pick up for me.
Detective 1002 Brooks Variant
More Batman chaos; the Arkham Knight is in full effect. I like the story, but I like this cover too. I didn't hate that movie as much as the rest of the world, apparently...
Venom 13 Lee Variant
This issue is supposed to feature, I think, a new symbiote suit that is somehow attached to the current War of the Realms arc. I haven't kept up with the Realm story, but I'll pick this one up just because I do appreciate my Venom.
Other Items of Interest
Ghost Tree 1
This one features a man who is (likely) facing his middle-life crisis and returns home to visit a tree that collects/attracts ghosts; one of these ghosts apparently is his grandfather. I like the idea of this one, and wish I too could talk to my long passed grandfathers. Probably not going to happen for me, however.
Spawn 296
We're getting closer to the 300 issue, and it appears a condensed summary of the history of Spawn's mythology begins with this issue. I remember my first Spawn purchase; it happened to be issue #1 when Image was just taking off. I read the issue hundreds of times, so it isn't worth anything, but I'm thinking I might jump back into the Spawn mythos for nostalgia sake.
Plague Doktor 1 Shot
Do you remember that Ghost Adventures episode where Zak Baggins wore that weird doctor's mask to that Italian island that was a last refuge for our ancestors infected with the Black Plague? Do you even watch Ghost Adventures? I guess I can't blame if you don't, but I used to love that show. And that mask seems to be back in (niche) fashion.
I'm very, very excited to read this book. Set in 13th Century England, the story depicts a young doctor who is battling the Black Plague. After moving to a new town to assist those dying, the doctor is forced to take on a metaphysical battle that involves the fate of humanity. i wonder if this one will go down the road of Bramley's Gods of Eden, or go some place entirely different? Either way, I can't wait to read this book.
That's it for this week - good luck to everyone with Amber Blake this week. It appears to be a fantastically profitable flip (f you are so inclined). Enjoy this week's books