Black Hammer Volume 1: Secret Origins
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Dean Ormston
Colors by Dave Stewart
Letters by Todd Klein
Cover by Dean Ormston and Dave Stewart
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 29, 2017
Cover Price: $14.99

This one was new for me. I’m not sure how it has eluded me for so long, but I must admit that I am smitten. Black Hammer Volume 1: Secret Origins collects the first six issues of the series into one volume that tells a cohesive story all the while exploring what it is to be alone and yet together. This dilemma is the result of a sacrifice gone too far. Not to say that the group wasn’t grateful, just that isolation and protection does not always equal freedom.

Dark Horse Number Ones
Written by Cullen Bunn, Matt Kindt, Gerard Way, Joelle Jones, Jamie S. Rich, Kurtis Wiebe, Mike Mignola, Jeff Lemire, Brian Wood, Sharlene Kindt, Dave Stewart
Art by Gabriel Ba, Joelle Jones, Dean Ormston, Matt Kindt, Mack Chater, Mindy Lee, Tyler Crook,
Colors by Laura Allred, Dave Stewart, Sharlene Kindt, Lee Loughridge, Leonardo Olea, Andy Cotnam, Tyler Crook
Letters by Tyler Crook, Dave Stewart, Crank!, Todd Klein, Marie Enger, Nate Piekos, Clem Robins
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 29, 2017
Cover Price: $6.00

Okay, first off, if I have to try to convince you to buy a comic that contains eight premiere issues for a measly six bucks then I might just have to reassess what I am doing here.

I have reviewed any number of these titles at different times and I cannot even begin to stress to you how great of a deal this is. Dark Horse Comics continues to amaze me with their marketing strategies. I can think of no better way to test out some new comics than with this compilation. Folks, I present to you Dark Horse Number Ones!

It’s a match made in Rock ‘n Roll heaven (or is it hell?). Rock gods KISS meet up with one of comicdoms most recognizable characters, Vampirella this June in KISS/Vampirella #1. Set in the mid-1970s, the comic book miniseries explores a reality where rock music is dying off and our heroes and heroine are struggling to keep it alive.

What has happened to all the other bands in Los Angeles? The scene has changed as our fearless foursome return to find so many of their favorite artists mysteriously gone or given up. Knowing that the future of music as we know it is hanging in the balance, the quartet known as KISS seek answers. Luckily, they are joined by a force of good, one that protects humanity from evil every day. She’s more than just another rocker. She’s the one and only Vampirella.

Back in October, I told you all about a new Kickstarter campaign that involved one of the best theatrical stage bands of all time: GWAR! Since then it has become apparent to everyone, up to and including Dynamite Entertainment, that there is a fan base that is in dire need of sustenance! Which brings us to our current news: Dynamite will publish the GWAR: Orgasmageddon comic book series for the masses!

GWAR: Orgasmageddon #1, which is written by Matt Miner (Toe Tag Riot, Critical Hit) along with the members of GWAR, with and art by Jonathan Brandon Sawyer (Welcome Back, Critical Hit), will hit comic book shops, online retailers, and digital platforms this June.

There’s a video below from Dynamite and GWAR, along with all the covers for issue 1 and more details about this exceptional partnership.

Anno Dracula: 1895: Seven Days In Mayhem #1
Written by Kim Newman
Art by Paul McCaffrey
Colors by Kevin Enhart
Letters by Simon Bowland
Cover A: Paul McCaffrey
Cover B: Tom Mandrake
Cover C: Brian Williamson
Cover D: Jeff Zornow
Cover E: Mike Collins
Cover F: Ben Oliver (Forbidden Planet/Jetpack Comics Variant)
Cover G: Ben Oliver (“Phoenix Event Exclusive” Variant)
Titan Comics
Release Date: March 22, 2017
Cover Price: $3.99

I loved the original 1992 Anno Dracula novel by British writer Kim Newman. Let’s just get that out of the way, okay? So it stands to reason that I would jump at the chance to review the new comic book Anno Dracula: 1895: Seven Days In Mayhem #1, right? Well, you would correct. And for a fan like me, the comic was pretty much what I would want and expect. But for the first-time reader, not so much.