Derf's Picks of the Week (August 6, 2025)

 

Welcome Back!

It's August which means Back 2 School.

I know, I know, why did I remind you, lol.

Look at it this way...

it's also Wednesday which means New Comics!

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BOOM!

Blink and You'll Miss It #1

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind #1

Power Rangers Prime #9

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DARK HORSE

Ghostbusters: Dead Man's Chest #3

Hellboy in Love: The Art of Fire #1

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DC COMICS

Absolute Green Lantern #5

Absolute Superman #10

Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League #1

Secret Six #6

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DYNAMITE

The Herculoids #6

SilverHawks #6

ThunderCats #17

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IDW

Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone #1

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IMAGE

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #319

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MARVEL

The Amazing Spider-Man #9

Captain America #2

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #3

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe One Last Time #5

Gwenpool #4

Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu #11

One World Under Doom #6

Red Hulk #7

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #7

Uncanny X-Men #19

Ultimate Wolverine #8

Wolverines & Deadpools #2

Wolverine by Chris Claremont #1

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Well, that's all that caught my interest this week.

I hope you saw something you will enjoy.

Until next time, get your READ on!

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COMIC COVER OF THE WEEK

G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO #319 (VARIANT)

SKYBOUND/IMAGE

Cover Art by  Francis Portela

Derf's Picks of the Week (July 2, 2025)

 

Greetings ALL!

It's the first new comic book day of July 2025.

Let's see if we can find some must reads for the 4th of July.

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DARK HORSE

Ghostbusters: Dead Man's Chest #2

Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories – Codebreaker #2

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DC COMICS

Absolute Green Lantern #4

Batman '89: Echoes #6

Gotham City Sirens: Unfit for Orbit #1

JSA #9

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #2

Secret Six #5

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IDW

Godzilla: Heist #5

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IMAGE

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #318

Medieval Spawn #3

The Scorched #42

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MARVEL

The Amazing Spider-Man #7

The Avengers #28

Bring on the Bad Guys: Green Goblin #1

Captain America #1

Daredevil #23

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe One Last Time #4

Godzilla vs. Thor #1

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #15

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #5

Ultimate Wolverine #7

Wolverines & Deadpools #1

X-Men #19

X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1

X-Men by Chris Claremont: Prelude to a Future Past #1

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I'm glad to see the new Captain America came out this week.

What about you?

Until next time, get your READ on!

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Comic Cover of the Week

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #318 (Variant)

IMAGE

Cover Art by Francis Portela

Derf's Picks of the Week (June 4, 2025)

    

It's the 1st Wednesday of the month of June.

You know what that means...

the first batch of New Comics for the Summer.

I hope I am able to guide you on your Summer Reading Journey.

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DC COMICS

Absolute Green Lantern #3

Absolute Superman #8

JSA #8

Justice League: The Atom Project #6

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #1

Secret Six #4

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DYNAMITE

Space Ghost Annual #1

The Terminator #8

ThunderCats #16

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IDW

Godzilla: Heist #4

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4

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IMAGE

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #317

The Scorched #41

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MARVEL

The Amazing Spider-Man #5

Daredevil #22

Doctor Strange of Asgard #4

Ghost Rider vs. Galactus #1

Imperial #1

Marvel Knights: The World To Come #1

Red Hulk #5

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #14

Star Wars: The High Republic – Fear of the Jedi #5

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #4

Storm #9

Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion #1

Ultimate Wolverine #6

X-Men #17

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Well, that's it for this week.

I hope you were able to find something of interest.

Until next time, get your READ on!

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COMIC COVER OF THE WEEK

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #317 (Variant)

IMAGE

Cover Art by Francis Portela

Derf's Picks of the Week (1/17/24)

 

Greetings to all!  I know I am a day behind but life got in the way, lol.

Here are my picks for the week of January 17,2024.

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DARK HORSE

Space Usagi: Death and Honor #2

Stranger Things: The Voyage #3

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DC COMICS

Batman / Superman: World's Finest #23

Green Lantern: War Journal #5

Jay Garrick: The Flash #4

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #1

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #4

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong: Monster-Sized Edition #1

Superman: Lost #10

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IDW

Star Trek #16

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IMAGE

Cobra Commander #1

The Colonized: Zombies vs Aliens #1

Creepshow #5

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #303

The Scorched #25

The Weatherman #1

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MARVEL

Alien #3

The Amazing Spider-Man #42

Avengers: Twilight #1

Cable #1

Capwolf & The Howling Commandos #4

Daredevil #5

Fantastic Four #16

Guardians of the Galaxy #10

The Invincible Iron Man #14

Miguel O'Hara: Spider-Man 2099 #3

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #42

Star Wars: The High Republic #3

Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi #4

X-Men #30

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VALIANT

Ninjak: Superkillers #2

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Until next time, get your READ on!

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Comic Cover of the Day

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #23 (Variant)

DC Comics

Cover Art by Michael Walsh

Saturday Showcase: Low-Light

G.I. Joe Night Spotter Code Name: Low-Light

One of my favorite toys as a kid was G.I. Joe and one of my favorite Joes was  Low-Light.  Low-Light is a  character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toy line, comic books and animated series. He served as the G.I. Joe Team's Infantryman and debuted in 1986.

Low-Light as seen in the popular G.I. Joe cartoon series

ORIGIN:

His real name is Cooper G. MacBride, and his rank is that of Staff Sergeant E-6. Low-Light was born in Crosby, North Dakota.

As a child, Low-Light was afraid of the dark, timid with wild animals, and shy of loud noises, until one hunting expedition with his father. He lost his way in the impenetrable darkness, and was found three weeks later, with his flashlight, .22 rifle, and a grin from ear to ear. Ten years later, he was an instructor at the Army Marksmanship Program in Fort Benning and a self-taught expert on image intensification.

Breaking Through Cobra's Defenses

Affiliation:  G.I. Joe

Specialty:

• Infantryman
• Night Spotter (1986, 1989)
• Night Fighter (1991)
• Dinosaur Night Spotter (1993)
• Night Survivalist (2001)
• Night Spotter (2006)
• S.W.A.T. Sharpshooter (2008)
• Night Spotter (2011)

File Name:  MacBride, Cooper G.

Birth Place: Crosby, ND (1986)
                    Crosby, NM (1993 only)

Rank:  E-6 (Staff Sergeant)

Primary MOS:

• Infantry

Secondary MOS:

• Marksmanship Instructor (1986)
• Sharpshooter (1991)

Subgroups:

• Slaughter's Marauders

I got you in my sights!

Until next time, Yo Joe!

Saturday Showcase: Raptor

Raptor with Dr. Mindbender

    Today's Showcase features one of my favorite characters from COBRA organization.  His name is Raptor.  He was a "tracker" for COBRA and did come in handy from time to time, but that is not why I liked him.  I liked him because he was a kick ass action figure.  I mean, his suit was a giant falcon and he came with a falcon as well, so you put all that together and you have a must have toy.

Raptor, the kick-ass action figure

    Raptor's introduction to COBRA was by stealing minks off of one of COBRA's many farms, but rather than have him killed, Destro thought he could be of some use to the organization.  He was a very successful tracker, so Cobra Commander agreed to his involvement with COBRA. However, this is a role that would not last forever.

the Future of COBRA?

    You see, Fred VII (Crimson Corps), did not agree with the Commander wanting to leave COBRA to raise his son, Billy.  In fact, as the Commander was walking away, Fred VII shot and killed him (ARAH #61).  What does Raptor do?  He helps with the cover up.  You see, FredVII, knew that anyone could pose as the Commander as long they had his armor.  With that said, they buried Cobra Commander and Fred VII put on the armor and took his place.

Cobra Commander is ALIVE!

    Raptor ended up telling Dr. Mindbender about what happened to the original Commander.  Mindbender saw an opportunity to clone the Commander so they could dethrone Serpentor.  Well, when they went to get the body, they discovered that the Commander was alive and well.  This betrayal would eventually lead to his death.

Raptor, Big Boa, and Croc Master are ambushed by the Joes

    Although his career in the comics did not last long, his adventures as a toy lasted a lifetime.  In fact, I still have my Raptor action figure to this day.  Sure, he has seen better days, but he is complete and still has tight joints.  This concludes my showcase on Raptor.  I hope you enjoyed this post.  

Until next time, get your Read on.

First Appearance:

G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #59

MARVEL

May 1987

Saturday Showcase: Tomax and Xamot

Tomax and Xamot...or is it Xamot and Tomax?

    This episode of Saturday Showcase is brought to you by my childhood and my love of G.I. Joe.  When I was young, G.I. Joe was the cartoon I could not miss.  I always loved watching the adventures of my favorite "toys" going into battle.  One day, I was introduced to the twins that lead the Crimson Guard. The twins are Tomax and Xamot and they were my favorite COBRA baddies next to Zartan and his Dreadnoks.  I loved them so much, that when I first saw them on the screen I had to go to Toys'R'Us to get them so I could include them into my after school battles against the joes.

On the run

    Fast forward to a trip at my local drug store only to browse through the comics only to see Tomax and Xamot had made their first appearance in the comics.  I was so excited because I love the way the twins interact with others.  For example, when one gets punched the other feels it.  That, for some reason, always stuck with me through the years and allowed my battles as a child to be entertaining to say the least.  

    I must apologize, I have spent this entire post talking about my love of the twins without giving you any facts.  Tomax and Xamot were first introduced in 1985 for the Real American Hero series that promoted the G. I. Joe toy line.  They also made their appearance in Marvel Comics in 1985 with their first appearance being in issue # 37.  They have gone on to star in other comics from the Joe Universe as well as make appearances in the G.I. Joe app Battleground. (An app they should bring back by the way)

G.I. Joe #37 (July 1985)

VITALS

First appearance: 1985

Voiced by:  Corey Burton (Tomax) & Michael Bell (Xamot) - G.I. Joe

                    Stephen Stanton (both) - Renegades

Affiliation: Cobra

Specialty: Crimson Guard Commanders

File Name: Tomax Paoli & Xamot Paoli

Birth Place: Ajaccio, Corsica

Abilities: Infiltration, Espionage, Sabotage, Propaganda, & Corporate Law

Subgroups: Crimson Guard; Extensive Enterprises

Twins on the Hunt (Photo by Unknown)

    Well, I could go on and on about the Crimson Twins, but I feel I am biased and you should make your own decisions about how bad ass Xamot and Tomax were.

Until next time, get your READ on or in this case, watch some classic cartoons.  COBRA!!!!

Saturday Showcase: Footloose

Footloose sneaking up on COBRA (Vintage toy photography - Photographer Unknown)

    Today's showcase comes from my childhood and all the adventures I had in my backyard playing with my elite force of soldiers known as G.I. Joe as they stopped the terrorist organization known as COBRA.  One of my favorite Joes was Andrew "Footloose" Meyers.  As a toy, I loved his look but as a cartoon character I absolutely loved his personality.

Now with Swivel-Arm Battle Grip!

    Footloose first made his appearance in 1985 when he was released in the great G.I. Joe action figure line.  He, like so many others, then debuted as a cartoon.  He was voiced by the talented Will Ryan.  Also back in '85, Andrew made his first appearance in the Marvel G.I. Joe series, issue #37, to be exact.

   Issue #37 is one of my favorite comic covers hands down, in the G.I. Joe series.

     I just explain my love for Footloose.  He was just one of my favorite characters from the series and I always felt he could have been used more.  He should have been featured better in the films and if they ever make another one, he better be in it.

    Needless to say, I was happy when I saw his 25th Anniversary figure when the Joes started hitting shelves again.  I was also ecstatic when I first saw his card in the G.I. Joe Battleground app. (BTW I wish that game was still around.)

Footloose as seen in G.I. Joe Battleground

    I could give you more facts about Andrew "Footloose" Meyers, but I figured I would let his File Card say the rest.  Until next time, unleash your inner NERD!

Yo Joe!

Code Name: Footloose

What You Should Be Reading: G.I. Joe Vs the Six Million Dollar Man

    I just finished reading issue #4 of the G.I. Joe Vs the Six Million Dollar Man mini-series from IDW Publishing/Dynamite Entertainment.  I know the series ended in Mat and I am a little behind with my reading, but this series had me hooked from the beginning.  

    First of all, I remember watching the reruns of the Six Million Dollar Man as a kid.  I was also there, when the G.I. Joe cartoon first hit the airwaves.  So this series, to me, was like reliving part of my childhood. So kuddos to ythe writers for that.

    Secondly, this story was so well written, that it was relevant to today.  Countries at war, organizations trying to have the best weapon, and so forth.  I do not want to give too much away because I want you to read this for yourself.

    Basically, COBRA finds a way to control Col. Steve Austin aka the Six Million Dollar Man.  He turns out to be COBRA's most effective weapon and proves to be a challenge for the Joes.  Battles are fought, lost, and eventually won leaving COBRA to try to conquer the world another day.  

    This series has all the favorites of my youth, Snake-eyes, Storm Shadow, Roadblock, Recondo, Zartan, and even the Cobra BATs.  Ryan Ferrier did an outstanding job on writing this series.  The writing was done so well that I would love to see it as an animated film.  I would buy the Blue Ray in a heartbeat.  The artwork of SL Gallant was spot on.  This is a must read for any fans of the G.I. Joe organization as well as the Six Million Dollar franchise.  Do your self a favor and go to a local comic store and get the 4 issues today.   If you cannot find them, keep your eyes posted for the trade of this series when it hits shelves in early August of 2018.

Yo Joe!

Until next time, get your READ on!

Comics You Should Be Reading: Street Fighter vs G.I. Joe #1

     If you are anything like me, then you grew up watching G.I. Joe cartoons and losing quarters to the Street Fighter game at the arcade.  That is why I was beyond happy when I found out that IDW was coming out with a Street Fighter vs G.I. Joe comic.

     Issue #1 begins with the introduction of a tournament known as the World Warrior Tournament.  Who thought of such a wonderful tournament?  Why Major Bison and Destro of course.  Why are these great fighters gathered together?  Well, the future will answer that question but we are given some clues from this amazing first issue.

    There are classic fights, the first we witness is a classic battle between Crimson Viper and Snake-Eyes.  Then, we see matches that include baroness and Roadblock.  Who exactly wins these bouts?  Well, I could spoil it for you but I choose not to.  All I can say is that this comic has all the key players that one needs to be satisfied.

    I strongly give issue one a rating of 10 out of 10 stars.   In fact, I was so impressed with the book, that I contacted the writer, Aubrey Sitterson for an interview for that website you know and love, Somewhatnerdy.  He said yes, so be on the look out.  Until next time, get your READ on and Yo Joe!

Zack Hoffman, the voice of Zartan

Please feel free the interview I did with Zack Hoffman, the voice of Zartan.

http://somewhatnerdy.com/home/artist-spotlight-zack-hoffman/

Cobra Propaganda Poster Sale

Let's make this happen!

Your mission: visit http://oktopolis.com/ & use code: 1STLEGION at checkout to save $10.00 — If we get 50 pre-orders today every order will also get the GI JOE SCARLETT poster FREE. Yo Joe!

Firefly

Great art from my friend Spidemanfan2099

http://spidermanfan2099.deviantart.com/art/Firefly-315454009

Yo Joe! er I mean, Avengers Assemble!

To continue to stick with the MARVELous Monday theme, I am posting a piece of art from my boy Tim over at Ninjaink. 

The feature today is a G.I. Joe style Avengers promo. 

Enjoy!

Cosplay of the Day ~ G.I. Joe Edition

Yo Joe! or Cobraaaaaaaaaaaaa!

You decide.

Fun with Toys: Yo Joe!

Today's edition of Fun with Toys stars Leatherneck, Footloose, Zandar, Zarana, and Road Pig.

Zandar leads Zaran a and Road Pig to a rendezvous point with Zartan when he has the group stop and look for Joes. 

 "I could swear we are being followed. Pan out and look for anything suspicious." says Zandar

"Hold still Footlooose!", whispers Leatherneck.

"Phew, that was close!', exclaims Footloose

 

 

Zandar, Zarana, and Road Pig never leave.  So, Footloose gets a little anxious and stuns Road Pig with a tranquilizer round.  Hearing his fellow Dreadnok fall to the ground, Zandar immediately turns to see two joes with their weapons focused on him.  Who will win this battle?  Where is Zartan?  Are there more joes to be discovered?  You will have to wait and see.

Croc Master by mbirkhofer

I saw this on Deviantart and had to share with my fellow geeks.

Snake-Eyes Sketch

Yo Joe!

Oldie but Goodie