We're going to be delayed this week by the unfortunate situation currently plaguing my home. The Air Conditioner at my house has died and thanks to the current heat-wave the Saint Louis Metro Area is experiencing the second and third floors are currently stagnant, hot, and miserable. My room happens to be on the 3rd floor and is topping out around 110 Degrees or so ... To make up for the delay in the recording and releasing of the episode we are going to be talking about 9 books instead of our usual 6. The next episode should be ready to go as normal.

Hopefully you all understand the situation.

Nonetheless ... here is the traditional signature of Delay/Failure:

• Superman #701 brings things back down to Earth.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Terry Moore's Echo #23.
• Uncanny X-Men: Heroic Age #1 closes the door on Second Coming and opens the door on new points of light. 
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Sixth Gun #1 & #2.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "First Day of My Life" By Bright Eyes

• El Penitente shows his less penitent side in Batman & Robin #13.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Scarlet #1.
• Brightest Day: The Atom Special #1 sheds some light on DC's minuscule hero. 
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Jonah Hex #57.
• The discussion we've all been waiting for begins in The Boys #44.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: DEMO Vol 2 #6.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Do The Whirlwind" By Architecture in Helsinki

• Wait, Lex Luthor is in Action Comics #890? Yeah that means we talk about it.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: The Flash #3.
• Things get a little crazy in Invincible #73.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Invincible Iron Man Annual #1.
• Eric Powell's Chimichanga #3 draws the story of the little bearded girl and her wacky pet to a close.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Secret Avengers #2.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Dead Hearts" By Stars

• Things get drastic in Secret Warriors #17.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Sea Bear & Grizzly Shark.
• Straczynski's run on Superman begins with a big hit with issue #700.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: X-Factor #206.
• Detective Comics #866 brings a mix of Golden Age, Silver Age, Modern Age and Animated Series ... flawlessly.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Wolverine: Weapon X #14.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "New Slang" By The Shins

I'm really sorry that this episode is late but I've been really, really busy this week.

• Brightest Day #4 brings the heat.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Ultimate Comics: X #3.
• Gail Simone throws some heavy weights around in Birds of Prey #2.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: New Avengers #1.
• The Boys #43 continues an incredible run that's only gotten better over the last year.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Atlas #2.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Christ Jesus" By Deer Tick

• Invincible Iron Man continues to be impervious with issue #27.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Tom Strong & The Robots of Doom #1.
• Catman gets revenge and perhaps changes forever in Secret Six #22.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Captain America #606.
• Dirigibles astound in Doc Savage #3.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Hack/Slash: My First Maniac #1.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Black Dirt" By Sea Wolf

• Unexpectedly Franken-Castle #17 continues to be great.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Hawkeye & Mockingbird #1.
• Puzzling puzzles good sir, Joker's Asylum II: The Riddler #1.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Avengers: Prime #1.
• Invincible #72 will leave your jaw on the floor ... by punching it off your face!
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard #1.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Blood Bank" By Bon Iver

• And it's finished in Superman: War of the Supermen #4.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Secret Avengers #1.
• DexStar stars in Green Lantern #54 ... a bunch of other awesome craziness as well.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Chimichanga #2.
• Nick Fury has a turncoat on his hands in Secret Warriors #16
• Scott's Pick of the Week: 7 Psychopaths #1.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Invent it Again" By Faded Paper Figures

 Y: The Last Man

This is a post - apocalyptic tale that has never been told…. not even close. What would it be like to be the last man in the world? Brian K. Vaughn decided to turn this question into a 60-issue comic extravaganza. But here's the catch…. all the women are still alive. The book follows Yorick, and his pet monkey Ampersand, as they travel across the globe in search for Yorkick's girlfriend, Beth. If you are a fan of any post-apocalyptic, film or literature, this is a story that must be on your shelf. There are no zombies, no disease, no angels and demons looking to lop your head of with the a crazy flaming sword… just women…. Hell Hath No Fury. The accessibility of this comic is equally amazing. Regardless of your comic background, both avid and novice comic readers can enjoy this book. The relationships and jaw-dropping twists and turns will keep you coming back for more. It also has perhaps one of the most profound and moving conclusions in modern comics today.

Resurrection
It seems like a textbook science fiction thriller. Aliens Come. They try to rule the planet. The fail. They Leave. What usually happens is Will Smith cracks a joke and the credits role…. Not this time. It is the aftermath that Marc Guggenheim is interested in. After years of alien occupation, the sudden disappearance of their oppressors leaves humans living underground scratching their heads. They slowly being to explore what is left of their families and their planet. Volume two is currently underway and this unique post-apocalyptic tale takes a fresh look at a H.G. Wells-type story.

Fear Agent
This story shows how the end of the world can be the beginning of an adventure. For Heath Huston, it's an adventure that he never expected. This rugged Texan is the last Fear Agent and part of the endangered human race. Fear Agent is a story that recalls to pulp science fiction, with bubble space suits and classic ship designs. Filled with great characters and tear-jerking scenes Rick Remender, Tony Moore and Jerome Opena come together to tell one of the best science fiction comics on the shelves. In July, Remender will conclude Huston's space epic. While Fear Agent isn't as expansive as some series, the characters are complex and endearing. It's Han Solo meets Firefly. What could possibly go wrong?

 The End League
What if the villains prevail? What If Lex Luthor fires that giant death ray gun or Galactus gets the upperhand on the Avengers? The End League happens. Rick Remender (it seems someone likes the apocalypse) and Matt Broome depict what happens if the villains win. This book shows that apocalypse books are not contained to just science-fiction or to the occul but can be told in the superhero genre as well. The End League is a complex, 9-issue series that gives a glimpse into a villain-controlled world (hint: humans are slaves… bummer). But with the help of Soldier American, The Prairie Ghost and Thor's oversized hammer, does The End League have what it takes to turn the tide? The End league is a great read and is conveniently collected in two trade paperbacks. BUY THEM!

So there ya go. The best a destroyed world has to offer. Read closely, pick up some tips and be prepared for the inevitable alien invasion/ worldwide disease/ religious uprising/ zombie attack/ nuclear wasteland. Bloodlust satisfied.

This was the year of epic stories. With Blackest Night, SWONK and Dark Reign, I’ve explored deep into the dark recesses of my beloved characters (refrain from vulgar jokes please—that means you Rob). So why not continue the trend into summer? I’ve compiled a list of a few series that I have been contemplating reading or re-reading during these glorious weeks of freedom. Take note. There might be a few that are worth your while:

Starman

Oh my. Where to begin?  Starman is a series that demonstrates the potential power of a superhero story. Gone are the days of stale dialogue of our comic fore fathers. In 1994, James Robinson and Tony Harris set out to do something unique. Something desperately needed in the failing comic industry of the 90s (with no help from Joel Schumacher – nipples on a batsuit ... I mean really). Starman became a bright star and left readers wanting more, even after its 80-issue run. It is the story of Jack Knight, the reluctant hero of Opal City and his journey to find a place within his family’s legacy. Filled with memorable moments and characters, Starman is the story every comic reader should hold in the highest esteem. It’s the hopes of any avid comic reader realized. There is no better time to start reading! DC is releasing beautiful hardcovers in honor of the Knight family. They are worth every cent. Trust me.

Alias 

I think this pick is mostly from my subconscious. Throughout the last eight months, I’ve been gritting my teeth every time I saw Spider-Woman was on the shelf. “Wait until the hardcover” “Wait until the hardcover.” It must have been Maleev’s covers that triggered my hippocampus, recalling David Mack and his cover work with Alias (I don’t know why ---- my brain is weird). But this book goes beyond the cover. It’s always refreshing to see a strong female character get her own book. With Bendis’ storytelling and Gaydos’ art, I anxiously await this 28-issue story. Making its debut in 2001, it escapes me as to how I haven’t read this book yet (worst offenses are yet to come).  It will be a Bendis asskicking that I haven’t seen since Jinx. It will be the summer—of asskicking.

Catwoman

Let me tell you a story about why back-issue sales are awesome. It’s a short story and it shouldn’t take much of your time….. I GOT 57 ISSUES OF CATWOMAN FOR 13 DOLLARS. That’s pretty much the end of the story. Born from the fallout of Darwyn Cooke’s Selina’s Big Score, Catwoman is an 82-issue epic about Gotham’s favorite crook/superhero/Kate Beckingsale impersonator. The series went through a couple creative changes but Ed Brubaker and Will Pfeifer manned the helm. With such a long lasting run ( and tears from a Comicdork with its departure), this is a series I’ve been meaning to read since picking up Selina’s Big Score. This series is a fitting tribute for the leather-clad thief and is the seminal story for a great character in the DCU.

Savage Dragon

Erik Larsen wasn’t kidding when he sprawled across Savage Dragon #1: “INTENSE ACTION.” Here’s the premise — Lizard-humanoid who is a cop named Dragon. You know what, I think I’ll just stop right there.

100 Bullets

Prepare to hate me for life: I have not gotten passed the first trade of 100 Bullets. I will even pause for your anger to subside --------------------------- good? Let me briefly explain why such a tragedy has befallen my comic reading career. As shocking as this seems, I started reading comics (avidly) when the series was well underway. I bought the first trade, which was horribly lost in a open-febreeze-bottle-in-the-back-of-a-car accident (it was signed by Brian Azzarello too….smelled good though). So feel sympathy dear readers, do not cast me out and throw stones because I plan to rectify this misdeed presently. To be honest I’m waiting for those oh so sexy hardcovers, the subject of my dreams (a little depressing but still awesome). Written by Brian Azzarello and art by Eduardo Risso, 100 Bullets is a shoot-em-up action packed thrill ride. While I can’t speak extensively about the book, I hope to better serve my comic community by adding this great series to my comic repertoire.



• Maxwell Lord? Who dat?!? Read Justice League: Generation Lost #1 you say? Alright then.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #1.
• Siege #4 really rips things apart and then starts to put other things back together.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis #1.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Sorrow" By The National

Oops ... forgot to post this on Tuesday night ... my bad

• Superman: War of the Supermen #1 begins the casualties of war.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Batman & Robin #12.
• Roberson & Allred begin the long journey of a great new ongoing in iZombie #1.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Secret Six #21.
• Things get shady in Boys #42.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: DEMO Vol 2 #4.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "Scythian Empires" By Andrew Bird

• Superman Last Stand of New Krypton #3 opens the door to the War of Supermen.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Invincible Iron Man #25.
• Don't forget about the adventures of Richard Barnes in Captain America #605.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Siege: Secret Warriors #15.
• Say goodbye to Earth in Invincible #71 ... no not like that.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: Shuddertown #2.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "God's Going to Get Sick of Me" By Aberdeen City

• Last Stand on New Krypton is beginning it's final throes in Supergirl #52.
• Erik's Pick of the Week: Flash #1.
• Spirit #1 brings Eisner's creation back to the forefront.
• Darren's Pick of the Week: Siege: Razorfist #1 ... er I mean Siege: Captain America #1.
• Bullseye makes his MAX debut in Punishermax #6.
• Scott's Pick of the Week: American Vampire #2.

If you have any questions or comments drop us a line at: Comicdorkscast@gmail.com Go to www.FantasyShopOnline.com and check out the growing community on the Message Boards. Check out our website at www.fantasyshoponline.com/comicdorkscast. The Music at the opening and closing of the show was: "I Wanted to Paint a Rainbow" By Kyle Andrews