#comic subscription

Look what I finally got my hands on?

I went down to the comic store day after release and it was already gone, so I've just done something I've never done before...

Exploring never ending wars, and the warriors who fight them is nothing new to Greg Rucka. In fact, this territory is so well covered in Rucka’s previous works that one has to wonder if Old Guard #1 is nothing more than a lot of travel with very little movement.

But I kind of doubt it.

Here’s the official word from @imagecomics

Eisner-winning writer GREG RUCKA and critically acclaimed artist LEANDRO FERNÁNDEZ team up together to introduce THE OLD GUARD, the story of old soldiers who never die…and yet cannot seem to fade away. Trapped in an immortality without explanation, Andromache of Scythia—“Andy”—and her comrades ply their trade for those who can find—and afford—their services. But in the 21st century, immortality is a hard secret to keep, and when you live long enough, you learn that there are many fates worse than death.

There are a lot of things that Greg Rucka does very well, but for the sake of this review, let's just focus on two: crafting kick ass female characters (yes, think Tara Chace from Queen and Country) and building complex worlds that are somehow delightfully accessible (Lazarus is probably his most ambitious example to date). These dual gifts have served Rucka -- and his readers -- well, and delivered some of the most memorable series of the last twenty years. To say that Rucka has set a high bar for himself would be an understatement -- Rucka’s talents have made him a giant in the medium, and he creates a buzz every time he pitches a script.

It’s against this backdrop that Rucka launches Old Guard this week, a title that seemingly takes some inspiration from the old Highlander movies, where millennium-old warriors are blessed (or cursed) with eternal life, all the while being engaged in some ancient yet-to-be-examined struggle. The difference with the Old Guard warriors is that even when wounded they can’t die -- they seem impervious to any kind of injury, even a gunshot to the head. Afforded this rare gift, the Old Guard warriors have become mercenaries for hire, and artist Leandro Fernandez offers us some beautiful flashbacks of the Old Guard fighting (and being wounded) as soldiers in ancient Rome and feudal Japan. Those familiar with Fernandez will be pleased to see him in top form here; his images are fluid, rich, and enchanting.

As one would expect, immortality breeds loneliness, boredom, and more than just a little contempt for those of us who get to buy the farm after eighty or ninety years. The Old Guard is cranky and composed of four warriors (only one a woman) who spend most of their days debating the merits of various missions where their rare talents can be put to the best use.

Alternating with this front story, Rucka interjects the narrative of a newbie marine dispatched to Afghanistan whose approach to battle is strikingly humanitarian compared to the Old Guard’s kill-for-cash methodology. The fact these two narratives will eventually intertwine is, of course, inevitable.

Overall, Old Guard offers a solid and enjoyable start. And I can’t wait for issue two.

Review by Max Delgado; [email protected] ; Twitter: @LongBoxProject

I was their longest running customer a decade ago, I technically predate the shop since I was a regular under the previous owners.

Why You Should Start a Comic Pull List

A comic pull listis a customer subscription system offered by most comic book retailers. The system provides readers with the assurance that a title will be available even if it sells out on the stands. Additionally, it provides the retailer with a helpful ordering gauge so they don’t end up shorthanded or get stuck with copies that might not sell. The first step to becoming a reliable regular…

Fresh Monthly Selection to Your Door With Comic Stacks

So a friend of mine shares with me this monthly subscription box called Comic Stacks. Before that moment, I never really thought twice about these sorts of subscription services. You never know what you will get or if it will be worth your money. I popped this bad boy open and I was quite impressed with what was inside for the first month. This is a great subscription box to pick up if you are a…

So since Rebirth, I've been buying most of DC's output, and with a 30% discount, DC's mail subscriptions seem worth it, I'd end up saving almost $300 a year. Since there are plenty of titles not offered through the service I'd still be getting all of those, all of my Marvel, all of my trades, and all of my non-big 2 through my LCS, so I would still be supporting them. I also couldn't care less if my stuff comes bent or folded which seems to be the main complaint I see people have. What I'm more concerned about is how far behind the release date to the books arrive. It would be really weird if, say I bought Titans and Deathstroke as they came out in stores and then had to wait a month to get Teen Titans in the mail during 'Lazarus Contract.' I was also worried about the packaging. If they are shipped individually that's fine, but I have a thin mail slot and if they are packaged together I don't really want them out in the rain.

Tl;Dr

Does anyone still subscribe to comics?

How long after the in-store release date do they arrive?