Graphic Novel Roundup: Rage, Doom, and Murder

Avengers: Rage of Ultron, by Rick Remender, Jerome Opena, Pepe Larraz, and Mark Morales
This oversized hardcover isn’t a collection, but an original story from Rick Remender and frequent collaborator Jerome Opeña (Uncanny X-Force). Following his defeat in 2013’s Age of Ultron series (not to be confused with the sorta-but-not-really-related movie), Ultron took off for Saturn’s moon Titan. In the Marvel U, that was previously the birthplace of Thanos and home to the Eternals, but now it’s just Planet Ultron(!) The only way to stop an entire planet full of destroy-happy robots out for vengeance has something to do with a dark secret from Hank Pym’s past that harkens back to the early days of the Avengers. Remender’s imagination is always a plus, and Opeña’s preview art is gorgeous. This one could be fun.

The World According to Iron Man, by Larry Hama, Mirco Pierfederici, and Marc Sumerak
Insight Legends is adding new titles in its series of fun younger-reader reference books. First up, erstwhile, legendary G.I. Joe writer Larry Hama digs into the world of Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, with some tips on superhero-ing while running a major multinational corporation on the side and a step-by-step guide to building your very own armored exo-suit (so there’s the cost of the book right there). The Thor book comes from Marc Sumerak, and has the Thunder God’s tips on loving mortals, dealing with a mischievous sibling, and beating Frost Giants. Practical stuff. Both books offer lots of illustrations and removable items likfe posters, documents, and one’s very own Avengers identification card. If, by any chance, you are able to use that ID to get into Avengers Tower (or out of a parking ticket), let me know. No reason. Just curious.

Deadpool’s Art of War, by Peter David and Scott Koblish
More tomfoolery from Deadpool. Having realized that Sun Tzu’s seminal The Art of War is in the public domain, Wade decides to cash in by marketing his own version. Like any good businessman, he also realizes that you need a solid tie-in, something guaranteed to get people talking and boost sales. If you want people to shell out for a book about war, you need a war. A super-extra destructive war among the Asgardian gods, even. Sounds like a bestseller to me.

Superman: Doomed (The New 52), by Greg Pak, Charles Soule, and Ken Lashley
Lest you think that all the love is for Marvel this week, here’s a biggity-big hardcover collecting D.C.’s entire recent crossover pitting Superman against the New 52’s version of Doomsday. The destruction starts in earnest when Superman is infected by a virus present in Doomsday’s blood and becomes a super-powered version of the beast. Did I mention that this one’s chunky? It’s got several issues each from Superman, Action Comics, Superman/Wonder Woman, Batman/Superman, and Supergirl, among others.

Murder Book, by Ed Brisson
Last, but definitely not least, from Dark Horse: I’m a sucker for grim-and-gritty crime comics, and Ed Brisson is a master of the form. He steps beyond the rhythms of the crime genre to tell stories that shine some light into the darker corners of life. They’re stories about real people, who happen to be on one end or the other of really terrible situations. This book gathers 16 unique (but occasionally related) short stories, each illustrated in black and white by a different artist. If you enjoy crime, violence, and and brief, brutal tales, this is one to add to your pile.
What’s on your pull list this week?