The Geeky Brummie Pull List with The Maze Agency
Our Pull List this week features a whopping 16 new comics. Our Comic of the Week title is The Maze Agency from Scout Comics. The other 8 comics on the main pull list are published by DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios and Marvel Comics. Our On The Radar selection includes 7 new comics from DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, AWA and Sumerian Comics. And MEANWHILE… takes a rest until 2024.
If you want to send any comics or details of any comic related events we should feature, feel free to reach out to me at keith@geekybrummie.com or comics@geekybrummie.com
Now on with the comics…
The Maze Agency
Issue 1
Scout Comics
Script – Mike W. Barr
Art – Silvano Beltramo
Buy physically on Forbidden Planet – The Maze Agency #1 (Link)
The Maze Agency is back! The Eisner- and Harvey-Award nominated series by creator Mike W. Barr (writer/creator of Camelot 3000 and writer of Batman: Son of the Demon) joins forces with artist Silvano Beltramo to return to the world of everyone’s favorite comic book detective team. Jennifer Mays, sophisticated New York private eye and owner of the Maze Agency and her paramour, Gabriel Webb, somewhat scruffy true-crime writer and amateur sleuth, romance, solve crimes and catch killers in fair-play detective stories that the reader is challenged to solve before they do! In their latest adventure, someone is stalking the set of a slasher movie series. Jen and Gabe have to figure out the killer’s identity and true motive-before they become the killer’s next victims!
The Maze Agency was one of my favourite comics, it introduced me to the art of Adam Hughes, and cemented itself as some of the best mystery comics ever. Each issue challenged the reader to solve the mystery and gave us the clues to do so. The combination of great story and fantastic art made this a genuine treat. The series bounced around publishers after Comico folded and hasn’t been seen since 2006. Now Jennifer Mays and Gabriel Webb are back with a new home at Scout Comics. Originally creator Mike W. Barr also returns with artist Silvano Beltramo in what looks to be a great new run of issues. I’ve had a spot of trouble sourcing my copy so get on to your local comic shop soon to make sure it’s added to your pull list.
Animal Pound
Issue 1
BOOM! Studios
Script – Tom King
Art – Peter Gross
Colours – Tamra Bonvillain
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Buy digitally on Comixology – Animal Pound #1 (Link)
When animals grow tired of being caged, killed, and sold off-it’s only a matter of time before they’ve had enough…
When an uprising puts a pound in control of the animals, they quickly find themselves as comrades, united against everything that walks on two legs.
But with this newfound power comes a sudden challenge: how best to lay the groundwork for this new democracy as they write their first constitution!
Discover an epic graphic storytelling event from celebrated New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning writer Tom King (The Human Target, Love Everlasting) and New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-nominated artist Peter Gross (American Jesus, The Books of Magic).
King and Gross collaborate for the first time ever to bring this enduring Orwellian allegory to life for the 21st Century
I know literally nothing about this series but the creative team alone is enough to secure it’s place on the Pull List. As Animal Farm is one of my favourite novels, I’m sure this 21st Century take on the tale with Tom King at the helm is likely to be one of the best comics of this or any year.
Godzilla: War For Humanity
Issue 3
IDW Publishing
Script – Andrew MacLean
Art – Jake Smith
Letters – Rus Wooton
Buy digitally on Comixology – Godzilla: War For Humanity #3 (Link)
As a trio of kaiju attacks Tokyo, Zoospora’s influence continues to spread beneath the surface, like an unseen, growing infection. Dr. Honda and her team hatch a desperate plan to rally Godzilla to humanity’s cause, using the robotic MOGUERA. But how far are they willing to go? And as more kaiju appear and the situation gets even worse, what secrets are to be found in… the “Barry Pile”?! Zoospora goes viral as the epic introduction of a captivating new addition to Godzilla’s rogues’ gallery continues.
This series has been a blast. I thought I’d miss MacLean not doing art, but Jake Smith, who’s work I’d not really seen before, is an absolute revelation. HIs art perfectly matches the tone of the story and every page is a feast for the eyes. If you are looking for a fun and colourful Kaiju book then this is the comic for you.
Star Trek
Issue 15
IDW Publishing
Script – Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
Art – Marcus To
Colours – Lee Loughridge
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Buy digitally on Comixology – Star Trek #15 (Link)
Prepared to do whatever it takes to make peace with the war-worshipping Tzenkethi and outmaneuver the Romulan Empire as their ally, Captain Sisko and his crew work alongside Tzenkethi warleader Kav’ka and Romulan Magistrex T’Galatheon to ready capitol defenses in preparation for the deadly Festival of Supremacy. But Sisko soon learns that Federation ideals won’t come naturally to the reptilian species that praises survival of the fittest over all. Can Sisko keep his crew alive, impress the Tzenkethi Autarch, and keep the Romulans from convincing warmongers that they reign supreme?
I’ve said it before, but these IDW Star Trek books are just fantastic. Getting to see these characters again is just incredible, Lanzing and Kely have managed to capture the essence of their screen version and spun them off on new and exciting adventures. With new screen Trek, post the final season of Discovery, likely a long way off, any self respecting Star Trek fan should be picking up these comics.
Star Trek: Defiant
Issue 10
IDW Publishing
Script – Christopher Cantwell
Art – Mike Feehan
Buy digitally on Comixology – Star Trek: Defiant #10 (Link)
The Defiant crew makes way for its next bounty: Berlinghoff Rasmussen, infamous time-traveling thief and con man. Berlinghoff has escaped custody on Starbase 214 and has his sights set on tech from the forbidden planet and final resting place of Captain Christopher Pike, Talos IV. With top-secret orders from Starfleet, Worf and his crew are to intercept the target without being detected by anyone… including the Federation.
As with the flagship title, Defiant is a joy to read. This issue brings back characters and locations from both TOS and TNG.
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong
Issue 3
DC Comics
Script – Brian Buccellato
Art – Christian Duce
Colours – Luis Guerrero
Letters – Jimmy Betancourt and Richard Starkings
Buy digitally on Comixology – Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #3 (Link)
LEGENDARY’S MONSTERVERSE DEVASTATES THE DC UNIVERSE! Superman and Godzilla have gone head-to-head with devastating consequences in Metropolis as the Justice League scrambles to protect their homes from the monsters—Supergirl encounters Kong on Skull Island and Wonder Woman takes on Behemoth on Themyscira! Lost in the monster mayhem, though, are Lex Luthor and his Legion of Doom…what nefarious connection do they have to everything?
This series is doing everything I could want it too. I love it when characters that have no right being in the same comic, work so well together. I am a bit of a fan of the bizarre cross-over and I’m game for more.
The Amazing Spider-Man
Issue 40
Marvel Comics
Script – Zeb Wells
Art – John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna
Colours – Marcio Menyz
Letters – Joe Caramagna
Buy digitally on Comixology – The Amazing Spider-Man #40 (Link)
GANG WAR CONTINUES! Battle lines are drawn, with Spidey and his crew being the only ones who can save all of New York City from the worst super criminals to ever super criminal! But is Tombstone on THEIR SIDE?! And you won’t believe your eyes reading the last page of this issue!
LEGACY #934
Gang War is shaping up to be a solid addition to the Spider-Man Saga. I’m curious as to what that last page is going to reveal.
Adventureman: Ghost Lights
Issue 1
Image Comics
Script – Matt Fraction
Art – Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Buy physically on Forbidden Planet – Adventureman: Ghost Lights #1 (Link)
NEW STORY ARC
When the Good Guys of the Golden Age come back, all their ghosts follow—now Claire, the new Adventureman, and her maybe-beau Chris, the new Crossdraw Kid, defend peace on earth from a phantom empire of crime!By MATT FRACTION (SEX CRIMINALS, Hawkeye) and TERRY RACHEL DODSON (RED ONE, Harley Quinn).
Finally, more Adventureman. It’s curious that this series is launching under its own mini-series rather than continuing the previous Adventureman title, but I hope this two issue run with not be the end of this title.
ROM and the X-Men: Marvel Tales
Issue 1
Marvel Comics
Script – Bill Mantlo
Art – Sal Buscema, Joe Sinnott and Frank Giacoia
Colours – Ben Sean
Letters – Rick Parker and Michael Higgins
Buy digitally on Comixology – ROM and the X-Men: Marvel Tales #1 (Link)
Rom meets the Children of the Atom as we celebrate the legacy of the House of Ideas with MARVEL TALES! During his classic adventures hunting the vile Dire Wraiths on Earth, Rom encountered the ever-Uncanny X-Men – and Mystique’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants! In ROM (1979) #17-18, written by Bill Mantlo and illustrated by Sal Buscema, Rom and the X-Men are searching for the offspring of a Dire Wraith and a human, a creature known as Hybrid – which Cerebro has detected as a mutant! But as they clash over their target, Rom gets a taste of his own medicine courtesy of Kitty Pryde! Then, in ROM (1979) #31-32, the Galadorian hero battles Mystique’s villainous mutant team – including future X-Men stalwart, Rogue – before teaming up with them for a rematch against Hybrid!
Come on, who could resist this issue of Marvel Tales. Following the facsimile edition of the first ROM issue a few months ago, this collects ROM’s encounters with the X-Men and most importantly his meeting with the then villainous Rogue, the result of which was to change Rogue’s future forever. Essential reading for Marvel fans.
On the Radar, these are comics I’ve not got on my physical Pull List, but are books I’ll pick up digitally or in trades:
Wonder Woman #4
DC Comics
Script – Tom King
Art – Daniel Sampere
Colours – Tomeu Morey
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Buy digitally from Comixology – Wonder Woman #4 (Link)
WILL DIANA LOSE HOPE IN A WORLD TURNED AGAINST HER? With the world losing trust in the Amazons, Wonder Woman takes a moment to grant the wish of a dying boy and gives him the perfect day. Meanwhile, the Sovereign constricts his grip on the government. Will Wonder Woman be able to hold out hope as the world around her grows darker? Plus, Trinity spends the night at the Fortress of Solitude with her babysitters, the Super Sons!
LEGACY #804
Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight #3
DC Comics
Script – Jeff Parker
Art – Michele Bandini and Trevor Hairsine
Colours – Alex Sinclair
Letters – Pat Brosseau
Buy digitally on Comixology – Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight #3 (Link)
IT’S CHRISTMAS EVIL! The nefarious Krampus unleashes a flock of killer harpies on London and it’s time to call in the big guns! Half the Justice League meets a most unusual elf who takes them to Norway to help Santa do battle, but it appears a diabolical trap is being set…
The Incredible Hulk #7
Marvel Comics
Script – Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Art – Nic Klein
Colours – Matt Wilson
Letters – Cory Petit
Buy digitally on Comixology – The Incredible Hulk #7 (Link)
HULK VERSUS THE WAR DEVILS! The Hulk and the undead Ghost Rider make amends, but Ghost Rider smells an evil in the air—and it’s been terrorizing a small community. With Bruce’s teenage sidekick, Charlie, determined to prove herself as a hero, Hulk must face them down before she gets herself into more trouble than she bargained for!
LEGACY #788
The Deviant #2
Image Comics
Script – James Tynion IV
Art – Josh Hixson
Letters – Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Buy digitally on Comixology – The Deviant #2 (Link)
The Deviant Killer was apprehended half a century ago. So whos behind the grisly slaying of a young man in a Chicago department store…and why does Michael see so much of himself in the man locked behind bars for the original murders? JAMES TYNION IV (W0RLDTR33) and JOSHUA HIXSON (The Plot) cut deeper into their Christmas horror tale, just in time for the holidays.
Capwolf & The Howling Commandos #3
Marvel Comics
Script – Stephanie Phillips
Art – Carlos Magno
Colours – Espen Grundetjern
Letters – Travis Lanham
Buy digitally on Comixology – Capwolf & The Howling Commandos #3 (Link)
With Capwolf at the helm, the Howling Commandos are ready to take down their foes at Wolfsschanze. But the Nazis have a secret weapon up their sleeves—and if she can’t win Steve’s allegience, she’ll happily settle for his head!
Rumpus Room #4
Artists, Writers and Artisans Inc (AWA)
Script – Mark Russell
Art – Ramón Rosanas
Colours – Ive Svorcina
Letters – AndWorld Design
Buy digitally on Comixology – Rumpus Room #4 (Link)
It’s a Jail Break…So Why Isn’t the Man Behind It All Worried? After being imprisoned in eccentric – not to mention homicidal – tech billionaire Bob Schrunk’s ‘Rumpus Room,’ undercover cop Erica manages to escape. Can she get far enough to expose Schrunk for who he really is and free her fellow prisoners? And why does it seem like Schrunk isn’t worried about her escape?
The Children of the Comet #5
Sumerian Comics
Script – Damian Connelly
Art – Gabriel Kikot
Buy physically on Forbidden Planet – The Children of the Comet #5 (Link)
Unfinished business. Cordelia must return to her homeland to face her past. Also: We discover the future of Eiji, Ophelia, and the children of the comet in an episode full of surprises.
Your Local Comics Shops
Britain has some of the best comics shops in the world. This updated lists features just a few of the shops you can pop in to for your geek fix. Check out you own local shops and if they don’t appear on this list let me know and we can add them.
WORLDS APART BIRMINGHAM (part of FPI)
Birmingham’s premier comic book store and Pokestop.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 09:30 – 17:00
Wednesday, Friday: 09:30 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
14-16 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B5 4EN Tel: 0121 643 0143
Website: Forbidden Planet International and Twitter: @WorldsApart_Bir
FORBIDDEN PLANET (BIRMINGHAM)
Graphic novel/comic store with merchandise & T-shirts, plus character figures & toys.
Monday to Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
74 Bull St, Birmingham B4 6AD Tel: 0121 236 3026
Website: Forbidden Planet and Twitter: @ForbiddenPlanet
GOSH! COMICS (LONDON)
A mean little comics shop in the heart of London.
Open Daily: 10:30 – 19.00
1 Berwick St, London W1F 0DR Tel: 0207 437 0187
Website: Gosh! Comics and Twitter: @GoshComics
OK COMICS (LEEDS)
Twenty Year Old, Eisner Award Nominated Comic Book Shop in the beating heart of Leeds City Centre, UK.
Open Monday to Saturday: 11.00 – 17.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 15.00
19 Thornton’s Arcade, Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LQ Tel: 0113 246 9366
Website: OK Comics and Twitter: @OKComics
PAGE 45 (NOTTINGHAM)
UK Comic Shop created & curated since 1994 by Stephen Holland, Comics Laureate 2021-23.
Open Monday to Saturday: 09.00 – 18.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 16.00
Closed on Bank Holiday Mondays, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
9 Market St, Nottingham NG1 6HY Tel: (0115) 9508045
Website: Page 45 and Twitter: @PageFortyFive
TRAVELLING MAN (VARIOUS)
Travelling Man Is The UK’s Friendliest Comic & Games Shop Since 1991. Shop Online Now! Explore The Rich Genres & Worlds That Games, Comics & Independent Press Have To Offer. Since 1991.
Open Monday to Saturday: 10.00 – 18.00
Sunday: 11.00 -17.00
LEEDS
32 Central Road, Leeds LS1 6DE Tel: 0113 245 0822
YORK
74 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF Tel: 01904628787
NEWCASTLE
43 Grainger Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 5JE Tel: 0191 261 4993
MANCHESTER
4 Dale Street, Manchester M1 1JW Tel: 0161 237 1877
Website: Travelling Man and Twitter: @TravellingManUK
MEGA CITY COMICS (LONDON)
Mega City Comics, was established in 1981, initially as a mail-order business, supplying comics, graphic novels, and collecting supplies. After 6 years of mail-order and trading through the comic marts, we opened our shop in Camden Town in 1987.
Open Monday to Friday: 11.00 -18.00
Saturday: 10.30 – 18.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 18.00
18 Inverness Street, Camden Town, London NW1 7HJ Tel: 020 7485 9320
Website: Mega City Comics and Twitter: @MegaCityComics
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS (VARIOUS)
A trio of comic shops in Bedford, Northampton and Peterborough.
BEDFORD
20 Allhallows, Bedford MK40 1LJ Tel: 01234 270777
Open Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 17.30
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
NORTHAMPTON
29 Abington Square, Northampton NN1 4AE Tel: 01604 602311
Monday: CLOSED
Open Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:30
Wednesday: 10:00 – 19.00
Thursday to Friday: 10:00 – 17:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
PETERBOROUGH
25 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1SQ Tel: 01733 892827
Monday: CLOSED
Open Tuesday: 10:30 – 17:30
Wednesday: 10:30 – 18:00
Thursday to Friday : 10:30 – 17:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: CLOSED
Website: Close Encounters and Twitter: @CEncountersUK
THAT COMIC SHOP (PRESTON)
Retailers of new Comics weekly, Magic the Gathering Card Games, Board Games, Toys, T-Shirts plus loads more.
Monday: CLOSED
Open Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: CLOSED
116 Friargate, Preston PR1 2EE Tel: 01772 204287
Website: That Comic Shop and Twitter: @ThatComicShop
PARADOX COMICS (DORSET)
Comic book shop in Dorset, dealing in graphic novels, statues, action figures, card games, limited edition comics and more
Monday: Closed
Open Tuesday to Friday: 10:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00
19 High Street, Poole, Dorset BH15 1AB Tel: 01202 661346
Website: Paradox Comics and Twitter: @ParadoxComicsUK
WAKEFIELD COMICS 616 (WAKEFIELD)
Comic Book Shop in the centre of Wakefield. Stocking the latest comics direct from the US.
Open Monday: 9:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 9:00 – 16:30
Wednesday to Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
Sunday: CLOSED
3 The Springs, Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 1PU Tel: 01924 375234
Website: Wakefield Comics 616 and Twitter: @wakeycomics616
COMIC BOOK GUYS (BELFAST)
Comic Book Guys – Northern Ireland’s newest independent comic book store also stocking movie memorabilia, toys & other collectibles… excelsior!
Open Monday to Saturday: 10.00 to 17.00
Sunday: CLOSED
130 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BG Tel: 02890 080169
Website: Comic Book Guys and Twitter: @comicbookguysni
RAYGUN COMICS (RICHMOND)
A welcoming and friendly comic book shop. Comics, toys, books, games and merchandise for all ages.
Open Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
26 Red Lion Street, Richmond TW9 1RW Tel: 0208 948 8476
Website: Raygun Comics and Twitter: @Raygun_comics
DAVE’S COMCIS (BRIGHTON)
Dave’s Comics, The Graphic Novel Shop.
Open Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 18:00
Sunday: 11.00 – 17:00
5 Sydney St, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EN Tel: 01273 691012
Website: Dave’s Comics and Twitter: @DavesComics
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