From the creator of Buffy and the writer of Astonishing X-men and Runaways comes the prequel series to the blockbuster Serenity film. Following up from from the last Serenity comic mini-series 'Those Left behind'  from three years ago, Joss Whedon revisits his fan-favourite Serenity series with 'Better Days', also a three part mini-series.

Joss Whedon returns to the world of his blockbuster film Serenity with the three issue mini-series Better Days. Better Days revisits everyone's favourite space cowboys in this thrilling, action-packed adventure, with Mal and his crew on a heist that promises a big payoff. What's surprising is that this heist just might make a good on that promise. Whedon reunites with Brett Matthews and Will Conrad, his collaborators on the best-selling 2005 series 'Those Left Behind'. Adam Hughes joins the team for the covers.

Other comics out this week

Not so defenders of the Earth, but from Marvel Comics; The Last Defenders #1 (of 6), features four size-able characters; Colossus, She-Hulk, Blazing Skull and led by Nighthawk. The Defenders have been re-formed to serve a policital agenda, who's agenda though? Surely there is more that the Defenders can do and what is there purpose in down the line? Written by Joe Casey (Avengers; Earth's Mightiest  Heroes, Ben 10); Art by  Jim Muniz

Where have the old Hollywood monsters gone? In the age of computer graphics and green screen, the answer ain't pretty. Having lost all of his money in a dot-com scheme, Frankenstein's Monster is content to drink the days away. When a chance at work drops in his lap, can he sober up long enough to cash in? Will the whole affair end in pitchforks and torches? Screamland #1 (of 5), written by Harold Sipe; Art & covers by; Hector Casanova.

Trade of the week: Avengers Initiative Vol. 1

From one of the writers of Amazing Spider-man, Dan Slott brings his magic to the table with Avengers Initiative.

The CIVIL WAR is over and from now on, This is the new face of the Marvel Universe - THE INITIATIVE! Whose side were you on? Well, if you were pro-registration, then there’s one hell of a price to pay. You’re in the army now. Every last one of you. Fall in with Yellowjacket, War Machine, She-Hulk, Justice and Gauntlet as they train the heroes of tomorrow for the super-powered conflicts of today! Marvel’s army of super heroes has just become a super hero army! Also featuring THE MIGHTY AVENGERS and a new generation of Marvels. Collecting AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #1-6.

 

Carbonite. Wonderful stuff that. Seen famously at the end of "The Empire Strikes Back" as Han Solo (Harrison Ford) finds himself captured and hauled away like a slab of meat for the eat and plenty. Claiming a far better captive-in-hold rate than prison chains or silk ties, it's at the top of all bounty hunter wishlists.

But what's cheaper than carbonite and can allow all you bounty hunters a clearer product display of your captive? A plastic box of course. Like the one seen here displaying Han Solo once more. Colourful and with eyes that look like they were painted on, you can now allow your bidders, buyers and other people to see exactly in full array, the person you have in locks.

Joining the ranks of bobble heads from wacky wobbler makers, Funko, he's still the same Millennium Falcon pilot all so many Star Wars lovers love to love.

Not so much for those fans of Greedo though.

(Does this maverick have some kind of fetish for being bound by tight spaces?)

 

"Imagine a real world with mutations all around us, these people would be the new minority group. They would have all the crappy jobs -- the kind of stuff we "normal" people wouldn’t want to do. So these people would be the plumbers, the doormen, taxi drivers... you get the idea. So where can a monster go and get a little respect?

The movies.

Heck, monsters have been working in the movies for decades. But now the monsters aren't made, they are regular folks. They just have an affliction -- something that makes them look a little different from you and me. And that’s our story. These guys want their piece of the pie. They're moving on up, but not up to a deluxe apartment in the sky. They want to head out West, to the land of make believe... Hollywood California."

- artist Tone Rodriguez on Urban Monsters #1 (of 3) from Image Comics

Other comics to eyeball this week

Annja Creed jumps the mediums with Barbara Kesel and Renae De Liz to find trouble around a dig on Samuel Clemens in Rogue Angel: Teller of Tall Tales. Dig for it in the "R" titles of the far wall when you walk in the shop.

Got Bone? Jeff Smith returns to creating wholly in his own juice squirts with RASL. Dimension hopping art thief made of one half zen, one half user and abuser of the seedy sports in life. Look for this in black and white in the "R" titles of the far wall also.

Warren Ellis, Mike Wolfer and Raulo Caceres bring back the "Strange Kiss" world in Gravel. William Gravel gets messy in the magic part of his world and piles up the shell casings like spent waffle from the iron, dripping with syrup and looking to wrap those arteries up well and good. Shoot a look for this one in the "G" spot of the far wall.

Chad Lambert, Chad Hardin and Jake Bilbao squeeze between the cheeks of the two games (both being "groundbreaking" that there's nothing left to stand on but sand) of the franchise to slot in BloodRayne: Prime Cuts. Cup a "B" section of the comics wall.

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are back with more Criminal in Criminal 2. Thicker with more stuff to read and peel your lime-ridden eyeballs over. Second chance in hell they call it. And the title of it too. Yes, this line is largely redundant. In the "C" section of the Marvel comics side.

Didn't like the do of the second Terminator sequel? Then rejoice with apprehension as the familiar name of the director takes to comics in Jonathan Mostow's The Megas. Apparently, it's not the one about the cartoon. Who knows what the solicit is talking about. Right near the horror statues and busts cabinet with the rest of the Virgin Comics, you'll spot this.

When you see Mark Millar and a title with unrecognisable characters, you know it's part of his Millarworld project. Kick-Ass is no different. John Romita Jr on with the board on this and the cover of the first issue looks like a bloody punch indeed. Gloves not so bad for getting blood off the hands then. Find this one in the Marvel section with the "K."


 

Howard the Duck is back in a new limited series. Once a duck always a duck, not the case back in 2002 (MAX series) where Howard the Duck was actually a rat/mouse. Now the three-foot-tall witty feather-head returns as a duck with Beverly to rage war against the media, who will win?

Grab your guns and camcorders and start shooting, it's DUCK SEASON! Marvel's favorite furious fowl, Howard, and his faithful friend with benefits, Beverly, begin their journey to destroy the internet, radio and television, in this all new mini-series by Ty Templeton (She-Hulk) and Juan Bobillo (She-Hulk). See Howard face mighty hunters with mighty guns on MeTube! See Beverly in nothing but fig leaves! See grown men dressed as bunnies! And who is that giant headed guy taking A.I.M. at our heroes? HINT: It starts with "MODO—" Just when you thought it was safe to read comics again…and Marvel has to do THIS?!?

Howard the Duck was created in 1973 by Steve Gerber and Val Mayerik; first appearance in 'Adventure into Fear' as a secondary character in that comic's Man-Thing feature.

Other Comics to Keep an Eye Out for this Week:

From IDW Publishing; Transformers 'Devastation' #1, following straight from the Escalation series comes 'Devastation', from the title alone we know there is going to be some major action between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Go... Autobots!!! Written by Simon Furman with art by E.J. Su.

Also from IDW Publishing; Beowulf #1 (of 4), in conjunction with the upcoming computer-animated movie. This weekly series adapted by Chris Ryall and Gabriel Rodriguez (Clive Barker's The Great and Secret Show) based off an epic poem by Neil Gaiman (Sandman), Roger Avary and Robert Zemeckis. Beowulf movie commences in the theatres on November 29th. (trailer and details).

DC showcases; Metamorph Year One #1 (of 6), written by Dan Jurgens (Booster Gold); Art by Jurgens and Jesse Delperdang; Covers by Kevin Nowlan. Rex Mason is Metamorph, see what adventures he gets up to before he become an Outsider in this limited mini series.

DVD of the Month

Superman Doomsday animated movie, from producer and director Bruce Timm (who brought Batman: 'The Animated Series' and Justice League Unlimited). Based off the comic series 'The Death of Superman', by Dan Jurgens.

'When Lexcorp accidentally unearths the intergalactic serial killer Doomsday, Superman battles the creature head-on in the fight of his life. The world collectively mourns it's fallen hero; humanity realise it will never feel truly safe again. Superman's enemies rejoice - all but Lex Luther, who grieves the loss of his own demented manner, setting off a chilling chain of events that even he couldn't have foreseen'.

Starring Adam Baldwin (Firefly) as the voice as Superman, James Marsters as Lex Luthor (Buffy) and Anne Heche as reporter Lois Lane.

 

Suck the air out of a Coke bottle and leave it hanging on your face. Watch as the skin renders a red mark when you pull it away. Kind of get the same kind of feeling when you sleep on a coin for a bit. Wouldn't try it with a gun though. That's just a little too much like Russian Roulette.

This summer, the world goes black as Warren Ellis unveils his all-new super-powered heroes and villains epic that promises to be the biggest event of 2007! With art by the genius Juan Jose Ryp, no fan of The Authority or Wanted will want to miss this bleeding-edge eight issue masterpiece.

When the political situation in the USA becomes more than Horus can stand, he moves to take matters into his own hands. But since not all his other team-mates aren’t so eager to throw the world into chaos, an epic conflict starts to form. And no one will be safe as the bodies start to fall.

Black Summer #1 from Avatar Press

Keith Giffen and Timothy Green III throw down with Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord and Rocket Racoon is playing in the mix.

Warren Ellis and Ivan Rodriguez meet up with Doktor Sleepless for a spell with the mad scientist. Times they are not quite achanging. Ask yourself why.

Two sides to fight and with mink and Paolo Parente at the brink, it's nothing but Dust at the end. Sci-fi and history in the wars to world the weary. Plus zombies!

Christopher E. Long and Ryan Winn scout out those in the witness protection program all over history in Hiding In Time. Contracts are out and it's time to go through the streams looking for those who turn states evidence and take them out. Of time and of existence. Three times the charm.

David Tischman and Steve Conley go for a joyride in the Starship Enterprise for Star Trek: Year Four. Boldly going where the original series didn't quite make it in its original airing.

Marshmallows wrapped in cheese slices with dipping sauce of boysenberry jam. Tastes good and that's just food of a run amok combination. Top Cow/Marvel Unholy Union by Ron Marz and Michael Broussard slams all sorts of creatures from both universes into a mayhem that is like the Monster Mash where everybody is wearing a piece of food from their face on the one plate.

Stark is still missing and Christos Gage and Butch Guice run the ground along World War Hulk in Iron Man #20 looking for the man in the iron boxers.

Hardcover of the week

Grab a hold of Immortal Iron Fist Volume 1: The Last Iron Fist Story Premiere in the hardcover format from Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker, David Aja and Travel Foreman and chi that block out into smithereens. Say it again, "smithereens"! Now that's a great word.

 

Eat enough of your greens and your skin will not come to shine in the same hue or sheen. Clearly there must be a better way to have green skin outside of being blasted with gamma rays in the Marvel Universe. Body paint just won't do.

The Hulk. The Abomination. The Leader. The Harpy. Doc Samson. Born of gamma radiation, they represented a new chapter of humanity. Now, spawned through their respective DNA has come the next generation... the Gamma Corps. Recruited and trained by the enigmatic General Ryker, their mission is a simple one -- to kill the Incredible Hulk.

And considering he's facing 5-1 odds, is that a mission even this new and improved version of the Green Goliath can prevent?

World War Hulk: Gamma Corps #1 from Marvel Comics

Making up for lost time in the reading line leaves Civil War Chronicles to pick up run into one long connection of the many and the disparate parts of the comics event told in seven parts with hangers on.

Nothing to do with tuberculosis here as Asa Shumskas-Tait, Dennis Budd and Joe Caramanga get Consumed. Love is a battlefield and on this plane, a demon has sights for a possession.

Mike Carey and Dean Hyrapiet hit New Orleans and reawaken the spirits in Nicolas Cage's Voodoo Child. Oh how cold it is to be ice in the veins and a tuft of hair to control the doll.

Roy Thomas and Hugo Petrus adapt The Man In The Iron Mask by Alexander Dumas. Where a lowly prisoner in the Bastille is none other than the twin brother of King Louis XIV. No Leo here for those who were wanting that other adaptation.

Andy Diggle and Jock strip it bare and back for Green Arrow: Year One. One man and his arrow, many others and their guns. Fade to mayhem.

Four corners and Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Kyle Hotz hit it up on Annihilation: Conquest: Wraith. Spanking with the brand shiny, a character, a life and a warrior new to the working out of shoulders that are frozen solid into a hunch.

Slicing a cut in two listening to Friday the 13th: Pamela's Tale. Marc Andreyko and Shawn Moll peel the layer behind Jason Vorhees' mum, Mrs Vorhees. Yes, that is Pamela.

Anita Blake - Vampire Hunter: The First Death with Laurell K. Hamilton, Jonathon Green and Wellinton Alves takes two steps into the start of it all, with the first drip of red and that's not into a goblet.

Troy Wall, Mario Guevara, Juan Vlasco, Juanmar slam with three cherry lips with BloodRayne: Red Blood Run. Not happy when it's raining down in Mexico and see if you can pick up the reference here.

Hit it with the digits as the Fantastic Five return for a shot of the sun. Tom DeFalco, Ron Lim and Scott Koblish go rah-rah and that is so out of place as they split, run up and jumble into a mix with each other.

Trade of the week

From Marvel it's The Irredeemable Ant-Man: Volume 1: Low-Life by Robert Kirkman and Phil Hester. Superhero powers? Why settle to choose between either good or evil? How about a bit of the selfish and the greasy underhand? It's all about taking care of number one here, and that means looking out for no-one else.

 

 

For the latest word on comic book news, shipping list updates and to gather around and gabber with the rest of our fans, join us on Facebook.

facebook.com/theComicShopLiverpool

CGC Comics

Now in store, CGC comics from the Certified Guaranty Company (an independent comic book grading and evaluation service). Every comic from the CGC process has been inspected, graded and preserved in a slab to preserve its condition and quality.
Check out what we have in CGC stock.

Products

Stuff we sell along the shelves like statues to action figures and busts to all things Simpsons. Bobble heads, head knockers... not to mention the bags, boards and boxes.

Services

With standing orders and mail orders, we're here to get you, the comicbook reader, your fix of comics and stuff.

Tour the store

Geezer at the guts of the shop.