Jeff Parker (1) (1966–)

During the past decade, mainstream comics have taken themselves way too seriously. Thankfully, Parker and Fowler put the fun back in funny book. The ageless Mysterius, stage magician/conjurer/sorcerer, recruits a young alt-week newspaper reporter as his new sidekick after things run a muck at séance. The duo journey throughout the planes of existence and the equally strange worlds of modern day New York and Boston. Fowler's Jack Davis-inspired art perfectly complements Parker's goofy, show more societal-mocking tale. Complete with the extant portion of the "lost" 1930s text adventure from Diabolical Tales. show less

I can't emphasize how much I enjoyed this graphic novel. Like most people, I was a bit let down by season 8 Buffy comics. I have been following season 9 but not as ardently as I followed season 8. I admit that season 9 has been a improvement; but one thing was seriously lacking in both season 8 and 9 -- Willow! Willow is one of my favorite characters, and I was sad when she was pulling away from Buffy.

I also have to mention that the cover to this? Gorgeous. So stunning, I find myself show more staring at it for moments at a time. I love the fact that this is a one-shot. So anyone can read it-- even if you haven't read season 9 at all you could follow this story. I was super surprised at the introduction of Marrak, and really had no idea who he would be from Buffyverse! Definitely didn't see that coming! I just love how they incorporate, like, all the previous characters (no matter how small) and put them in the comics. It's always amazing, and yet also believable.

In season 8 of the comics I remember Willow's magical guide was the gorgeous green woman/creature/mermaid thingy. We never learned what happens to her or exactly who she was; we just knew she guided Willow and also was her lover for a bit. It was amazing to see her again and find out more about her! I was a little worried, was she truly good or did she have sinister interests?

As a huge fan of Buffy and Joss Whedon I have to say...Joss, you're doing a wonderful job. Wonderland was spectacular. I'm going so far as to say it's my favorite comic you've made since season 8 (not counting [b:Tales of the Slayers|271367|Tales of the Slayers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Comic #1)|Joss Whedon|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1385180391s/271367.jpg|1689787] & [b:Tales of the Vampires|199915|Tales of the Vampires (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Comic #2)|Joss Whedon|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327190190s/199915.jpg|193402] and other Omnibus shorts). But that's saying something. I can't wait to read more of Willows story and how she incorporates magic in the world. show less

The largely mediocre and often ignoble vision of Superman currently offered in the regularly produced DC comics and the recent Man of Steel movie, disappoints many a fan. Thankfully, Adventures of Superman Volume One manages to restore some of the classic character’s lost luster. A collection of direct-to-web tales, these short Superman stories showcase some magnificent talent, while recalling a time when the hero was, well, more heroic, and displayed far more humanity.

While the majority show more are quite good, a few stories in particular stand out. “Fortress” by Jeff Lemire follows two boys as they take turns playing Superman and his arch-villains. Matt Kindt and Stephen Segovia deliver parallel stories of a day in the lives of Superman and Lois Lane in “Faster Than A Bullet.” While “A Day In The Life” by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Wes Craig recounts a typical day for Lex Luthor, complete with an employee firing and plans on how to kill Superman. Rob Williams and Chris Weston demonstrate Superman’s compassion in “Savior.” Adventures of Superman Volume One reminds us why Superman has survived as a popular character for 75 years. show less

4 stars. excellent entry examining Willow's Will to Power hidden within her quest in Season 9 to restore magic to the world. Willow wills herself through a portal into some otherwheres, reconnecting with her old coven, Alice's caterpillar, and her old dealer Rack. eventually she is compelled to reexamine her motives, decide what she really wants, and accept that just as BlackEyed Willow is really the same person as Willow White, black and white magic are not dichotomies but ranges governed show more by the intent of the user. also the cover and chapter break art are drawn by David Mack, who produces a lovely and more introspective look for the work than the usual comic style tends to offer, and this too marks the book as something a little... magical. show less