Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time #1
Written by Paul Allor
Art by Ross Campbell
Colors by Bill Crabtree
Letters by Shawn Lee
Editor: Bobby Curnow
Covers by David Petersen, and Ross Campbell
IDW Publishing
Release Date: June 18, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99

TMNT: Turtles in Time #1 starts with action and doesn’t stop until the very last page. Then, it starts again. This book was NOT what I was expecting at all, but sometimes, that’s a good thing.

Writer Paul Allor brings us into the middle of the story that hasn’t even been told yet!!! How awesome is that? And don’t worry, later in the year the rest of THAT story is coming, but for right now, all you need is this issue. Allor pens a fantastic “fish out of water” story, with the Turtles being thrust into a strange world (we’re not sure if it’s even EARTH!), and dumps the Turtles right into the thick of a fight between the Utroms and some really nasty dinosaurs.

Mouse Guard, Vol. 3
The Black Axe
Hardcover
Written and Illustrated by David Petersen
Archaia Entertainment
Release Date: July 23, 2013
Cover Price: $24.95

The legend lives on! Mouse Guard, Vol. 3: The Black Axe, the prequel chapter in David Petersen‘s epic saga has arrived. Join me as I recount my quest through the pages of this valiant tale.

It is Spring, 1115, 37 years before the events of the Fall and Winter of 1152. The Guard mouse by the name of Celanawe is recruited by his only living relative, an elderly mouse named Em, to venture out in search of the long-lost mythic Black Axe. Accompanied by a bitter, rugged ex-ship captain called Conrad — looking to reclaim his title and good fortune — the two set forth on a grand adventure that pits them against a group of vicious weasel hunters, deep sea creatures, thieving, murderous mice, and a giant fox. As Celanawe and Em embark on their journey, much is revealed about the legend of The Black Axe and what’s in store for the future of its next wielder.

The Dark Crystal, Vol. 1: Creation Myths
Written by Brian Holguin
Illustrated by Alex Sheikman & Lizzy John
Lettered by Deron Bennett
Prose Stories by Barbara Randall Kesel
Pinup by David Petersen
Additional Lettering by Dave Lanphear
Designer Fawn Lau
Concept, Character Designs, and Cover by Brian Froud
Archaia Entertainment
Release Date: December 28, 2011
Cover Price: $19.95

What I took away from The Dark Crystal Volume 1: Creation Myths was WAY different than what I thought I would, but it’s my own fault. I have fantastic memories of my mom and dad taking me to see that movie and I remember reading the comic adaptation until the cover fell off. While I was expecting to revisit that world and thoroughly enjoy it, which I did, but on a totally different level. The only problem — I haven’t seen The Dark Crystal film since 1982.

While not nearly as exhausting or crowded as its San Diego counterpart Comic-Con International, San Francisco’s WonderCon definitely had a lot to offer comic book-loving geeks and movie buffs alike. The 3-day WonderCon 2009, which ran from February 27 – March 1, had a lot of the same panels as the recent New York Comic Con (probably because they happened to be so close together this year), but there were new panels (Pandurom, 9). There also wasn’t as many comic book companies representing out on the Con floor, very little gaming presence, and the least amount of cosplay of the three major conventions, but Artist’s Alley was nicely packed with some of the best indie artists selling their work.

Admittedly, there wasn’t a lot of breaking news, but you can check out Geeks of Doom’s coverage of Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, Watchmen, and more at our WonderCon page. Below are some photos from the convention floor, of which I think my favorite is the one of Jedi Sherlock Holmes and Jedi Dr. Watson. The first row of images is from the Isotope Comics 100 Bullets party after the Con. I’ve also embedded a video roundup of the Con events created by my friend Alex of First Showing — watch for me as Alex points me out on camera near the end of the footage while we’re riding up the escalator together with Peter (of /Film) and John (of /Gamer) as we’re leaving the Con for the last time. Lastly, I’m including an Artist’s Alley Spotlight, which has some info on some of my favorite artists at the Con.