Well, well, well I am still here, and you guys are hopefully still reading and I say thank you . Only in the comics world could a guy like me have a voice. Then again this is the internet so everyone has a voice so I need to settle down a little. I have a bulbous enough head as it is.

In addition to the usual weekly wrap-up there was a little convention this weekend called C2E2 and thanks to Burntweiners own Weed I was fully updated on what happens . His pictures were all I needed to feel like I was at the con myself.

Why did I not go myself seeing as how I live in the Midwest you might ask. Well you see I know this hard to believe , but I am married and it’s a little hard to convince the wife to go down to Chicago to hang with some drunk nerds and look at comics. I know that’s inconceivable (thank you Princess Bride for the great word) to some , but such is the sacrifice of getting married. So there is an advantage to being a lonely nerd , so some have that going for them.

C2E2 News and Notes

There was some cool notes popping up this weekend from the con that made my panties a little tight. First one is about Hoax Hunters . If you remember a few weeks ago I was gushed all over Hoax Hunters #0 , well it was announced this weekend that not only were they going to make some more issues of this great book but it’s going to be an ongoing. If you are in to paranormal , and detective books that just happens to have powers to watch out for this book around June. Hoax Hunters #1 will be out July 5th

Next bit of news that got me a little twitchy is DC announced another Batman line that will be Digital only . This is separate from Arkham Unhinged which I believe is starting to come out this week in print. Like some of the other DC digital titles this will be $0.99 and will come out on Thursdays. Why is that significant you ask . Good question , With this , Arkham, Smallville Sesason 11 (more on that later), Ame-Comi Girls, and the usual Wednesday releases mean you will get a new DC comic digitally every weekday , and that is an awesome progression for the Digital format.

The third bit of news that is exciting for the folks that buy only digital. Archaia announces a Digital First Agreement for Comixology. There is a few titles already announced that will be digital first like Mercado’s Pantalones,TX (name alone got me), and all print titles will be same day digital now also. So I might have to check out some Cursed Pirate Girl.

What to look forward to Wednesday 4/18

Very small list this week its hard for me to get excited for anything this week, but as usual I’m sure I will have a lot more to review than I have here

Avengers vs X-Men #2 $3.99

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=12071

Well I feel obligated now to keep reading I hated #0 , really enjoyed #1 so that means #2 should be the best thing ever right. At least that’s how the world works in my head. The Phoenix is close, and this issue will probably be mostly about Wolverine and where he decides to fight. As usual there is 112 variant covers of this book which is why I like digital because you can check that out and don’t have to buy multiple issues. I am digging some of the variants especially the black and white ones.

Invincible Iron Man #515 $3.99

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=12074

I have no emotional investment in this title other than I like Iron Man as a character but rarely read anything with him other then team ups. But with a cover like that, and a description that only says “A Hero Falls” I am in for at least one.

The Shadow #1 $3.99

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=12092

I don’t know if I am going to get this or not it might not fit in to the budget, but I really dig the preview pages. The concept is cool a vigilante in 1938 in NYC is an awesome idea. Plus Garth Ennis gives me an inclination to check out at least 1.

That’s all that stands out for now, but watch out uber nerd next week hint Dark Horse, and Star Wars.

Pick of the Week:

America’s Got Powers #1 $2.99

Written by: Jonathon Ross

Art by: Bryan Hitch

http://www.comixology.com/Americas-Got-Powers-1-of-6/digital-comic/FEB120402

So I am going to explain this in the most pop culturey way possible. Hunger Games, meets old school X-Men, meets American Idol. I know what your thinking but this is actually good. This a big book coming in at 37 pages and it’s a quick read with wonderful artwork. Typical number one in that it sets up how these teens have powers, and what they do with them. It is one long plot point basically so I’m not going deep in to it with spoilers. Basically some mysterious thing hits San Francisco and suddenly all pregnant women in the area gives birth. The babies end up being healthy but all have powers that vary in strength and usefulness.

The main protagonist was one of these babies, and has no apparent powers so instead of competing he works in a gift shop , and not very well at that. Suddenly though he is thrust in to the competition in a life or death situation. This book just plain works and I am in for all 6 books unless it completely falls apart. If you like action and a little bit of dystopia in your books you should pick this up.

Quick hits:

The Mighty Thor 12.1 $2.99

Written by: Matt Fraction

Art by: Barry Kitson (pencils,inks) , Jay Leisten (inks)

http://www.comixology.com/The-Mighty-Thor-12-1/digital-comic/FEB120588A

This is a typical point one that is trying to get new readers caught up enough to jump on. I like these books because you usually get some good Michael Bay type action packed in to one book. This one did not work for me in that I liked the book but not enough to make me jump in to the series on the reg. Basically it’s Thor’s friends telling Thor’s got no patience stories.

The stories all work with beautiful artwork and I can totally see why people like the Mighty Thor series. What didn’t work for me though is there really isn’t any story it’s just pretense for the action cuts. If you want some action and good art you should pick this up otherwise your not missing much.

Transformers: Autocracy #7 $0.99

Written by: Flint Dille, and Chris Metzen

Art by: Livio Ramondell

http://www.comixology.com/Transformers-Autocracy-7/digital-comic/DIG001344

Seriously at this point do you need to read my review its really good . This issue still fits the notion I had earlier that we are in the Empire Strikes Back period of the series. The one who will be Optimus is defeated, Cybertron is burning, and the lines are blurred on who is good and bad and how they will fight whether together or all for one. I do think you could jump in to this issue and sort of get whats going on , but for only a buck an issue you should go back and get them all.

Smallville Season 11 $0.99

Written by: Bryan Q. Miller

Art by: Cat Staggs (cover), Pere Perez , Chris Becket (colors)

http://www.comixology.com/Smallville-Season-11-1/digital-comic/DIG001310

I have to admit I did watch Smallville for about two seasons and random eps here and there , but not a faithful follower. The premise here is Clark put on the suit finally and this is the beginning of him really being Superman . At least that’s the feel I get not seeing the last season. This is an ongoing series for $0.99 a piece so I am on board for awhile (hint hint every other comic company easy money from me) , but this book wasn’t great. I really liked the art and were clearly made with the Digital format in mind.

One of the reasons I liked Superman stories in general was the fact that hes the man and there wasn’t 100’s of people rolling around with powers so it felt more real and relatable stories . You usually didn’t have to dig deep for the morals. The problem with this book though is it’s really a slow starter , its really an introduction to the other characters in the series and there dealing with Supes cleaning the trash from the streets. I would recommend this book more for the promise that you can see in it instead of how good or bad this first issue is.

There wasn’t anything to exciting on sale this week, and no hot freebies. I did pick up Saga #1 which I recommend but it reads a little more like a graphic novel and I’m not sure if I am going to pick up issue #2 which came out last week also. So I leave you to your week hoping that I got you to spend a little more money on comics this week . Don’t forget to listen to this weeks Burntweiners for some more C2E2 goodness, and also follow me on Twitter @lunchbox700 I’d love to hear your recommendations and usual hate.

Seriously how have I not gotten the boot yet. I’m like Snake sneaking in under a cardboard box as long as I’m not moving you can’t see me . (thanks Weed for the idea you are again my hero) So I started this to let people know that digital comics need not be feared but embraced . A chance if you will to get in to things you missed or maybe missed out on.

There is a rub though and that is the ease of purchase is making me want to buy everything . I might need a Kickstarter just to fund my habit, that’s what all the cool kids do right. We are mixing up the format and now doing it all as a glorious one-shot across your eyes each week (editor please add appropriate images if you please) .

Let’s start this week with what you should be looking forward to this week.

Transformers: Autocracy #7 $0.99

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=12031

Woo Transformers I am in love with this series and can’t wait . Lucky for me this is a bi-weekly so I don’t have to wait long . The preview makes you think this is the Empire Strikes Back of the run . Everyone’s favorite Autobot is down , the bad guys are winning everyone hang your head. IDW is doing something here that I think more publishers should be doing , because I am thinking when this is done I might start picking up some regular runs of Transformers. There will be another example of this in my reviews.

Mighty Thor 12.1 $2.99

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=11997

I am sucker for books like this since I have not been reading things on the reg . I know I am bad nerd and I will be flogging myself regular until properly punished. I don’t have a drawn out pitch on why you should read this. Basically it’s Matt Fraction, it’s Thor , and it’s a good jumping on point so what else do you need.

Strange Talent of Luther Strode TP Vol #1 – I know nothing about this book other than podcasts tell me to by this, and obviously I do everything podcasts tell me too.

America’s Got Powers #1 – Another one except message boards told me too. Is it just me or am I starting to sound like I can be easily manipulated into a serial killer follower. Hmm I wonder if that’s why I haven’t been dropped yet?

Pick of the Week

Danger Club #1 $2.99

Written by: Landry Q. Walker

Art by: Eric Jones

http://www.comixology.com/Danger-Club-1/digital-comic/FEB120420

I’m sorry if you listen to the podcast because there will be some overlap ( I’m also sorry for so many other reasons) but I can’t help it this book is great. This is an immediate add to my pull list each month. The team on this has worked on all ages type hero books in the past, and I know that the write-up makes it seems all ages. This book is not all ages it has bouts of graphic violence , not horrible Saw type crap but it’s also not morning Cartoon Network stuff either. The basic plot is all the adults (super-hero’s ) went off in to space to battle, and never came back. So here’s where we start off the how to I explain lets see if the game DC Universe banged Lord of the Flies this is what you get. Apollo is a superman analogue who is rocking a great impression of David Koresh on wants everyone to bow before him. The Danger Club takes exception and a chaotic, awesome fight ensues . There is on panel in here that is not formatted well even in guided view it doesn’t work quite well. It’s basically because it’s a lot of small panels on one page. Unfortunately this is a downfall of digital but it’s getting better and there is also an example of this in the Quick hits. The beauty of digital is you don’t have to worry if it’s still at your shop so go by it now.

Quick Hits

Avengers vs X-Men #1 $3.99

http://www.comixology.com/Avengers-vs-X-Men-1-of-12/digital-comic/JAN120625

Written by: Aaron, Bendis, Brubaker, Hickman, Fraction

Art by: John Romita Jr (pencils), Scott Hanna (inks)

This is the beginning of the series, as I mentioned last week I hated #0 this luckily was much better. Phoenix is coming back and it’s everyone’s fault and everyone is fighting about it. Really isn’t any smart way to describe this book The Avengers are with the government and need X-Men to give up the new Phoenix (or at least the human shell) and Scott says no. This is a good starting point nice action good art it’s a team-up versus book it’s either for you or it’s not so there’s not much to say about it.

Avengers vs X-men: Infinite $0.99 (or included with #1 purchase)

Written by: Mark Waid

Art by: Stuart Immonen ,Marte Garcia (colors)

This is a sidebar if you will for AvX #1 the story is Nova hurdling towards Earth to warn everyone of Phoenix’s return . He is narrating his story and also babbling about what he loves. It’s a nice little nod to nerds everywhere. The reason for this book really is to showoff the new Guided view available to Comixology app users everywhere. It’s full page panels that makes for a very seamless transitions . It works really well, but I think this is more for phones than actual tablets because for me tablets work just like print 99% of the time. It’s a cool story though and a great example of guided view working.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Vol. 2 #9 $3.99

http://www.comixology.com/Ultimate-Comics-Spider-Man-Vol-2-9/digital-comic/FEB120557

Written by : Brian Michael Bendis

Art by: David Marquez

So I wanted to check out one of the Ultimate Spidey books because I like the concept of Miles being Spider-man. I really wasn’t digging this book it was boring. The art was nice and maybe I’d appreciate it more if I was getting this regularly but it didn’t do it for me . Miles spent half the book trapped trying to convince a cop he was Spider-man , and the rest of the book is his Uncle’s a kingpin and wants Mile’s help.

Fanboys vs Zombies #1 $0.99

http://www.comixology.com/Fanboys-vs-Zombies-1/digital-comic/FEB120828

Written by: Sam Humpries

Art by : Jerry Gaylord

It’s a 99 cent book and I’m a sucker for cheap books . Here is the problem with this book I can’t tell if this book is self aware and being ironic . Or the other option is its really insipid and way to pop culture and will be dated in weeks. Because of those things the fact that it’s a buck is the only reason I can recommend it. I might try another issue because ¾’s of this book is setup and little actual action , but I don’t think it will get much better.

The only thing else I picked up was Dark Knight Returns all four issues for $4 that I started reading , but it’s 208 pages so it will take me a bit to finish it around real releases. If you have Comixology you should check it out each week and on Holidays because there is always great sales . You can get great runs for cheap.

Please listen to the Burntweiners podcast for more comic advice and socially awkward guys trying to be normal. Also follow me on Twitter @Lunchbox700 and I will tweet out sales sometimes if it’s something that interests me.