Tag Archives: Marvel Comics

New Comic Book Day June 9, 2021: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week

When I was a kid, I had an exceedingly limited budget for comics. Even though they were cheaper years ago, the cost did add up. My love of comics was just that strong. Most of the time, that meant saving every penny I earned through allowances, chores, or birthday cards. Then, I had to basically look at a wall of comics and agonize over which to choose.

As a kid, it taught me a lot about managing a personal budget. That served me very well later in life. It also helped me appreciate the money I earned later on. These days, I don’t have to be quite as stingy with my comic book budget. That’s not to say I splurge every week. There are some books that I hold off on buying until a graphic novel compilation comes out. That’s just not as necessary as it used to be.

I imagine that if digital comics were around when I was a kid, I would’ve struggled even more to manage my comics budget. I like to think I’m fairly disciplined. I’m not sure that discipline would stand in the face of having unlimited comics at my fingertips through Comixology. In that sense, I’m glad I’ve managed as well as I have.

To those who are on a tighter budget than me, I hope my weekly pull lists help you make the most of every dollar you spend. There’s a time and a place to splurge on comics. The key is knowing when that time is and what to splurge on. I’m not saying this week is one of those times, but given the ongoing events across multiple major franchises, I can’t say it isn’t.

I’ll let you be the judge. Here is my pull list and pick. Please spend wisely, but if you need to splurge, I totally understand. Enjoy!


My Pull List

Amazing Spider-Man #68

Batman: The Detective #3

Children of the Atom #4

DC Pride #1

Detective Comics #1037

Excalibur #21

Heroes Reborn #6

Heroes Reborn: Night-Gwen #1

Iron Man #9

The Joker #4

Justice League: Last Ride #2

Mighty Morphin #8

Spider-Man: The Spider’s Shadow #3

W.E.B. Of Spider-Man #1

Wonder Woman #773

X-Men #21


My Pick Of The Week
X-Men #21

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Inhumans vs. X-Men: Anatomy of a Misguided (and Dumb) Rivalry

The following is a video/mini-documentary that I made for my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. I’ve actually been working on this video for quite some time now. I feel it’s finally ready for release. It’s a grand overview, as well as my own personal take, on the brief, but impactful rivalry between the Inhumans and the X-Men. It’s also me making the case that this was a case study in how not to develop a rivalry.

Please note that, while I tried to be fair and objective, I couldn’t help but go off-script in a few areas. Trust me. You’ll know it when you see it. I still try to tell the story of this rivalry in as fair a way I could. Enjoy!

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New Comic Book Day June 2, 2021: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week

It’s June! Last year, that was just a formality, due to global events that I’d rather not dwell on. This year, we can actually say it with some enthusiasm. We made it to June and it’s New Comic Book Day. What’s not to love?

Summer has finally arrived. The schools are letting out after another crazy year. Things are finally opening up, much more so than they did last year. This summer, we will be able to go to a ball game. We will be able to go to a pool, a concert, a movie theater, or night club. We’ll even be able to go to a restaurant without having to wear a mask. If you’re not shedding tears of joy right now, then you have no soul.

I’m ready to embrace this summer in a way that I haven’t embraced a season since high school. A big part of that effort will involve comics. This time around, I’ll actually be able to enjoy them while lounging by a pool, sitting at a restaurant, or just wandering about. I cannot overstate how much I’m looking forward to that. With warm weather and a world that’s less chaotic, this is a great time to just enjoy summer like never before.

To all those still digesting their Memorial Day barbecue, I encourage you to do the same. Make the extra effort to enjoy this summer. Whether you’re a kid out of school or an adult still working, find a way to do something special. Let today mark the beginning of that effort and what better way to start then with a stack of new comics? To help, here’s my pull list and picks. Enjoy!


My Pull List

Amazing Spider-Man #67

Batman #109

Batman/Catwoman #5

Black Cat #7

Crime Syndicate #4

Hellion #12

Heroes Reborn #5

Immortal Hulk #47

The Invincible Red Sonja #2

Justice League #62

Marauders #21

Non-Stop Spider-Man #3

Rick and Morty: Rick’s New Hat #1

The Trials Of Loki: Marvel Tales #1

X-Force #20


My Pick Of The Week
Marauders #21

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Jack’s World: Marvel Strike Force Dark Dimension IV Timed Run Playlist

I’ve been playing video games for most of my life. In that time, I’ve played many games that felt like a long, tedious grind. It’s not just about getting to the end of a level and beating the final boss. Some games are bigger, broader, and more complex. A lot of modern games are like that these days. They’re not something you can beat over the span of an afternoon or over a weekend.

As much a grind they are, it’s still so satisfying when you finally win. That’s a feeling that even casual gamers can appreciate. That’s also how I felt when I recently accomplished something amazing in a game I’ve been playing for years now, Marvel Strike Force. I’ve mentioned before that I started posting captured videos of me playing this game on my YouTube Channel, Jack’s World. Since then, I’ve refined that craft.

As a result, I’ve put together a lengthy playlist of me navigating the Dark Dimension IV levels of the game. If you’re at all familiar with Marvel Strike Force, you know it as one of the toughest runs of the game. I already completed the first run. Now, I’ve completed the timed run and it was quite a harrowing experience. I made sure to capture that experience from start to finish.

Again, it was a hell of a grind, but it was incredibly satisfying when I finished it. Enjoy!

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New Comic Book Day May 26, 2021: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week

Growing up, I learned an important lesson about habits. We all develop them. We all have some that can be a vice at times. It’s just a matter of nurturing healthy, enriching habits while avoiding the ones that can be more destructive. In that sense, I think I made a good choice in nurturing my love of comics.

Instead of smoking crack, playing golf, or some other habit that required way too much money or frustration, I pursued a habit that involved spend a couple bucks a week on some books that gave me regular joy. As a habit, it was both healthier and offered greater value in the grand scheme of things.

Even today, as an adult, I find waking up early on New Comic Book Day and enjoying a stack of new comics offers a tremendous value. Granted, there are some weeks where I’ll spend upwards of $50 on new comics, but that’s still less than the cost of maintaining other, more damaging habits. Again, just look at how expensive crack and golf lessons are.

It certainly helps that I don’t need to wait for the mail or go to a comic shop once a week. Thanks to Comixology, the value I get from my comic habit has never been greater. I no longer need go out of my way too much to enjoy this habit that I’ve come to love. The joy of comics is just so easy and accessible. Plus, you can enjoy them with coffee and/or alcohol. What more could you want?

To that end, I’d like to help others like me enjoy that habit. Here is my pull list and pick of the week. Enjoy!


My Pull List

Action Comics #1031

Batman Black & White #6

Batman/Superman #18

Black Panther #25

Black Widow #7

Detective comics #1036

Heroes Reborn #4

Heroes Reborn: Magneto & The Mutant Force #1

Heroes Reborn: Siege Society #1

Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron #1

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #26

Red Sonja #27

Star Wars: Darth Vader #12

X-Men #20


My Pick Of The Week
Black Panther #25

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New Comic Book Day May 19, 2021: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week

I usually say this every couple of years, but I keep saying it. This may very well be the best time to get into comics. I know big time publishers are constantly marketing these big “jumping on points” that they see as a means to entice new readers. Most of the time, they’re just glorified sales gimmicks. However, it’s often when they’re not out to redefine their continuity that the best entry points emerge.

I feel like the current trends in the comics industry have made it easier than ever to jump right in. Between the Netflix-like service offered by Comixology Unlimited and the release of more omnibus comics, the industry has become a lot more user friendly. You no longer have to walk into a comic shop or book store, look at the walls upon walls of comics, and wonder where the hell you should start. These days, you don’t even need to leave your house.

On top of that, there are some big time upheavals going on in certain books. The Avengers is in the midst of the Heroes Reborn crossover event. The Justice League are poised to fracture like never before with Last Ride. The X-Men are about to raise their profile even more with the Hellfire Gala. These are exciting, promising events.

There’s also the prospect of more TV shows and superhero movies from Marvel Studios. Don’t discount that impact. As a long-time comic book fan, I like to think I have feel for when the industry is going through a transition. This feels like one of those times and if you want to join in, now is as good a time as any. You can even start today. Here’s my pull list and pick to help get you going. Enjoy!


My Pull List

Amazing Spider-Man #66

Captain America #29

Catwoman #31

Champions #7

Daredevil #30

Fantastic Four: Life Story #1

The Flash #770

Heroes Reborn #3

Immortal Hulk: Time Of Monsters #1

Justice League #61

Nightwing #80

Power Rangers #7

Shang-Chi #1

Way Of X #2

Wolverine #12

Wonder Girl #1


My Pick Of The Week
Fantastic Four: Life Story #1

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New Comic Book Day May 12, 2021: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week

I don’t claim to know more than your typical comic book fan. Hell, I don’t claim to know more than any average person with an internet connection. I just know what I like, what makes me happy, and how I prefer to go about life. Reading new comics on Wednesday mornings is just one of those things I know will make every week feel complete and fulfilled.

It also helps that this is the time of year when many major publishers are gearing up for their big summer events. Around this time last year, evens like “X Of Swords” was just starting and, given the circumstances of last year, it really helped boost my spirits.

This year being less dire, the major summer comic events are back on schedule. Marvel and DC Comics have both teased and hinted at what’s to come over the next couple of months. Marvel has it’s big “Heroes Reborn” event that just started and DC Comics has it’s big Justice League: Last Ride event beginning this week.

Now, some fans see these summer events as gimmicks. In many cases, that’s exactly what they are. They’re the big budget blockbuster movies meant to cause a lot of noise and there’s nothing wrong with that. They’re still fun. They’re still enjoyable. Some may see them as a guilty pleasure, but I feel no guilt in enjoying these events, nor should you.

These are exciting times for the world of comics. As the real world nears the end of the pandemic that upended so many lives last year, now is as good a time as any to dive head-first into big, fun mindless spectacles. If you want, it can start to today. Here’s my pull list and pick to guide you. Enjoy!


My Pull List

Batman: The Detective #2

Batman: Urban Legends #3

Black Cat #6

Children Of The Atom #3

Fantastic Four #32

Giant Size Amazing Spider-Man: King’s Ransom #1

Grimm Fairy Tales #48

Guardians Of The Galaxy #14

Heroes Reborn #2

Heroes Reborn: Peter Parker, The Amazing Shutterbug #1

Justice League: Last Ride #1

Mighty Morphin #7

Silk #3

Spider-Man: The Spider’s Shadow #2

Spider-Woman #12

Superman #31

X-Corp #1


My Pick Of The Week
Justice League: Last Ride #1

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New Comic Book Day May 5, 2021: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week

Sometimes, the days of the week just line up perfectly. Like the years in which Halloween is on a Saturday or the 4th of July is on a Friday, everything just falls into place perfectly. For me, who identifies as both a comic book fan and a Star Wars fan, a year when new comic book day falls on or the day after May 4th is just too perfect.

For those of you who don’t know, May 4th is also known as Star Wars Day. It’s an annual celebration of the stories we love about a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. If you were on social media at any point yesterday, you likely saw people saying something like “May the 4th be with you.” That’s just Star Wars fans celebratory and being coy. It’s a beautiful thing.

The fact this is happening right before new comic book day this year just makes it even more special. Like many other Star Wars fans, I have more than my share of Star Wars comics in my collection. I also rarely need a reason to go back and watch my favorite episodes of shows like “The Mandalorian” or “The Clone Wars.” If I can do that and read a new stack of comics, then that’s a day well spent.

So, if you’re either a Star Wars fan or a comic book fan, today is a special day. If you happen to be a fan of both, it’s extra special. Find a way to celebrate and enjoy it. It’s not often the calendar works out this way. Cherish it as best you can. May the Force be with you all and here’s my pull list for this extra special new comic book day. Enjoy!


My Pull List

Amazing Spider-Man #65

Batman #108

Carnage: Black, White & Blood #3

Crime Syndicate #3

God of War: Fallen God #3

Green Lantern #2

Hellions #11

Heroes Reborn #1

Immortal Hulk #46

The Invincible Red Sonja #1

Marauders #20

Rick and Morty: Worlds Apart #4

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #4

X-Men: Curse Of The Man-Thing #1


My Pick Of The Week
X-Men Legends #3

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Jack’s World: New Videos Featuring Me Playing “Marvel Strike Force”

The following are a couple of new videos for my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. These videos are actually an experiment, of sorts. Since I’ve started my channel, I’ve explored all sorts of topics to discuss. I’m still not entirely sure what I’ll focus on with this channel, but I do want that focus to be on something I love.

As it just so happens, I do love video games. One game, in particular, is a mobile game called “Marvel Strike Force.” I’ve been playing it for years and I really enjoy it. I’ve also seen a number of other channels stream themselves doing various types of gameplay. Having just recently learned the right kind of video editing software, I thought I’d give it a try.

The two videos below are me making my way through the Dark Dimension IV levels of Marvel Strike Force. These are some of the hardest parts of the game and it took a long time, just to develop my team to a point where I could manage. I do plan on sharing the gameplay from other nodes. I didn’t include any commentary, but if you’d like me to add that in future videos, please let me know.

Here is me completing Node 11. This one was trickier and I forgot to turn off notifications, so you’ll see some graphics here and there. To those playing this game at this level, I hope it helps!

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New Comic Book Day April 28, 2021: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week

I’m a morning person, by nature. I know that makes me a freak to some people and I totally get that. I’ve met people who just can’t function properly before eight in the morning. I’m just not one of them. Ever since high school, I’ve been wired to get up before six and start doing whatever I need to do for my day.

That hasn’t just helped me with school, work, hobbies, and what not. It has nicely supplemented my love of comics, especially since Comixology entered the picture. I’ve lamented before how agonizing it was in ancient times before the internet. Back then, if you couldn’t get to a comic shop, which rarely opened before ten in the morning, you had to wait for your comics to arrive in the mail.

Except, they almost never arrived on time. In fact, a comic arriving on a Wednesday afternoon was something to be celebrated.

I don’t miss those days. Being a morning person, New Comic Book Day was less an event and more a test in frustration. That’s why Comixology has been such a godsend. Now, when I wake up early like I always do, I have my new comics waiting for me on my iPad. It’s a beautiful thing and I just love starting my Wednesday mornings with coffee and comics while watching the sun rise.

Even if you’re not a morning person, these are good times to be a comic fan. It has never been easier to get into. If you have an internet connection or a smartphone, you can immerse yourself in the world of comics. You don’t have to take in everything all at once. It can start with one Wednesday morning. Why not make it this one?

To assist, here is my pull list and pick of the week. Enjoy!


My Pull List

Action Comics #1030

Batman Black & White #5

Batman/Superman #17

Black Widow #6

BRZRKR #2

Cable #10

Detective Comics #1035

Fantastic Four #31

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #25

New Mutants #17

Savage Avengers #20

Silk #2

Star Wars: Darth Vader #11

X-Men Legends #3


My Pick Of The Week
X-Men Legends #3

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