Battle in the Flower Gardens Preview

 

As Luke travels toward the family beach apartment, the long drive transpires silently. Miles pass as he reads his movie magazine. His father stares at the road and his mother snoozes. They make the same drive every summer. This holiday should be little different than the others. 

Yet as his summer holiday nears, Luke feels as if he is on the cusp of shrugging off his normal self and becoming someone new. How will Luke enjoy reconnecting with his longtime friend? And how will the holiday change his life? 

Here's all the info from Comixology: 

BATTLE IN THE FLOWER GARDENS (ogn)

Writer, Artist & Colorist: Eduardo Medeiros

Letterer: Deyvison Manes

Editor: Greg Lockard 

Publisher: Comixology

Kindle Price: $6.99 US

Release Date: August 25, 2026 

BATTLE IN THE FLOWER GARDENS is a sweet look back to early adolescence during the summer in a beachside town. Every summer, Luke goes to the beach with his parents and his best friend, Mitchell, with whom he shares various geek interests and pastimes. But this summer everything changes, testing and altering friendships forever.

Like any teenagers in the 90s, they found refuge from parents and the real world in the arcades of the time. The battle that takes place over video game skills has real world consequences that will reverberate amongst the teenagers forever.

 

Part of the comixology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comixology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comixology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comixology and Kindle. 

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Comixology and Superfan Promotions for sharing this preview with us.

 

To preorder (or read for free with an Amazon Prime membership), see Battle in the Flower Gardens at Amazon.

 

 

Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2 Review

 

Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2 Review

Writers: Mark Waid & Joe Casey

Artists: Montos & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Ivan Plascencia & David Baron

Letterers: Steve Wands & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Ariel Olivetti & Mike Choi

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US Card Stock/$7.99 US Foil

Release Date: August 12, 2026

 

Years ago, while trying to kill Superboy, Epoch unleashed a paradox that threatened to erase Martian Manhunter, Mary Marvel, and Booster Gold from time. Young Clark Kent survived the attack, helping his friends from the future return from oblivion. Then, despite Martian Manhunter and Mary Marvel's better judgment, Booster Gold showed Superboy glimpses of the future that could destroy it all over again. And when they achieved their fondest dream and rescued Clark, even Superman shrugged off concerns about unleashing another paradox on his world.

 

Now, Clark, his younger self, Booster Gold, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter travel back toward the present. An old villain has returned to menace Superman's world again. How will General Zod seek to destroy everything Clark loves? And how might Clark's decision to bring his younger self to the present change his future? Let's grab our K-Shields, leap into Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2, and see what happens!

 

Story

In his desire to strengthen El Caldero and protect it against aggressors, Presidente Eduardo Castilho distributed pieces of the Kryptonite meteor around the world. Now, the same thing that happened at John Henry Irons’ Steelworks campus in Smallville is occurring around the world. And where the alien crystals grow, sickness, injury, and death follow.

 

Superboy, Booster Gold, Mary Marvel, and Martian Manhunter have rescued Superman from the timestream. As Mary plays backseat driver, young Clark marvels at the wonders Booster Gold steers them around. Not wanting to worry the others, Superman engages in psychic communication with Martian Manhunter. Both heroes wonder if more paradoxes await them in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

After events from Joe Casey’s Kneel Before Zod series introduce the story, Mark Waid interweaves Booster Gold's timestream journey with the battle in El Caldero. Supergirl brought her Super Force to reclaim the Sun Crystal and any other Kryptonian artifacts that might endanger Earth. But Zod anticipated their arrival, and the airborne attack he unleashed hampers them in unexpected ways. Another aspect of Kara’s planning may yield more positive results. Yet as Zod drains Lois Lane of the superpowers she never wanted, the journalist keeps a cool head. Her line of inquiry could prove the key to Earth’s survival in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

Art

Crystals defile monuments to history in exotic locales. Instead of impaling researchers at Steelworks in Smallville, they burst from patients in hospital beds. And in Metropolis, massive Kryptonite crystals sprout from the ground and buildings, hurling vehicles into the air and cultural artifacts to the ground as a photographer watches. As luminous currents swirl, arc, and stream past Booster Gold’s bubble-shaped craft, young Clark helps Superman stand. But when Mary Marvel alerts Booster to obstructions in the timestream, Montos shows young Clark’s awe of his surroundings.

 

As Dan McDaid provides a glimpse of the past, David Baron portrays Zod’s dead wife in white. Yellow flames from a brazier illuminate nearby indigo instruments and equipment. While yellow adorns Eraditrix’s present form, her violet gloves and cape turn indigo in shadow. Ivan Plascencia uses her violet to link her with the Krypto-Knights and Lois Lane. Yet while one character retains a recent costume change, John Henry Irons’ coloring evokes Ursa upon a crystalline pyre in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

After Troy Peteri’s white uppercase letters in black boxes bring readers up to speed, Steve Wands' yellow boxes introduce current events, characters, and locales. Cloudy balloons and bubbles convey Superman and Martian Manhunter's cause for concern, while Eradicatrix addresses Supergirl via white letters in black boxes and balloons. Black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons grow bold with intonation and swell for raised voices as heroes defy overwhelming pain. Sound effects enhance clashing weapons, bursts of heat vision, and a breath (or two) of fresh air as characters set their differences aside to focus on the battle at hand. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Dru-Zod may have his reasons for harming Kal-El's new home. But whether the former Kryptonian General understands why he is unleashing a Green-K attack on Earth, or if anger and grief are driving his actions, remains in doubt in Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Action Comics #1101: Kingdom of Zod Part 2.

 

For Kara, Lois, and the Super Force's arrival in El Caldero, see Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review. 

 

 

For Superboy's battle to regain his superpowers, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Mission Failure. 

For Booster Gold's search for his friend, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy. 

For the Kryptonite eruption at Steelworks in Smallville, see Superman Unlimited #15 Review. 

 

For Kara's rough start at team-building, see Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review.

For what happened to Presidente Eduardo Castilho, see Action Comics #1100: End Of Reign Review. 

For Kara & Lesla's battle in Kandor, and the forging of her Super Force, see Supergirl #15 Review. 

 

Music in Movies and TV: Supergirl

 

Music in Movies and TV: Supergirl

 

Unlike Michael Dean Parsons and Kris Bowers, Claudia Sarne doesn't necessarily agree that every requested change will improve a scene. Yet she is a team player. As in any other field of collaboration, Claudia recognizes she is just one contributor to this year's Supergirl movie. So, when director Craig Gillespie suggested she lighten the mood for the Argo scene, Claudia agrees that her second attempt helps balance Kara Zor-El and Krypto’s traumatic departure from the city with the movie’s overall score.

 

Another scene highlights the conditions musicians often face when composing music for film. Claudia received a scene of Kara being attacked in space with no notes regarding where it fit into the movie. The way she read the scene, Claudia guessed it was the end of the movie. So, she went all out to give Kara's story a rousing finish, only to learn later that the scene fit in elsewhere.

 

When asked how Artificial Intelligence may threaten her career, Claudia feels the introduction of AI is inevitable. Filmmakers cannot afford to ignore inexpensive tools that hasten the filmmaking process. Yet just as movies and TV shows connect with us at a deeply personal level, Claudia holds out hope that savvy directors will always value the Human element in bringing their vision to life. 

 

Whether scoring grounded emotional scenes or enhancing spectacular action set pieces, Claudia Sarne loves doing both. They are all important in crafting a compelling story. And just like any other artist, she loves making art. But instead of applying pigments to paper, Claudia paints with sound, propelling viewers on life-changing journeys with their favorite characters.

 

Thanks to Claudia Sarne, Warner Brothers, and San Diego Comic-Con for sharing this story with us.

 

To hear from Michael Dean Parsons and Kris Bowers, see Music in Movies and TV: Spider-Noir.

EC Shellshock #1 Cover Preview

 

Cover A By Lee Bermejo

 

For the soldiers who fought in the trenches of World War I, they called it Shellshock. A century later, it goes by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. But whether you call it Shellshock, PTSD, or Combat Stress Reaction, it's just a label. And no label can compare to how war marks soldiers. Sometimes for a few years. Sometimes, for life. 

EC's new Shellshock anthology begins in the charnel house of Afghanistan. Where will it transport readers next? And how will it explore the battles veterans face everyday as they resume civilian life? 

Here's all the info from Oni Press:

 

EC SHELLSHOCK #1 (ONE-SHOT)

Written By Julio Anta, John Arcudi, Benito Cereno, Michael W. Conrad & Tom Fowler Art By Tom Fowler, David Lapham, Shawn Martinbrough & Albert Monteys Cover A By Lee Bermejo Cover B By Tyler Crook Cover C By Tom Fowler  Cover D Blank Sketch Variant EC Homage Variant (1:10) By Jay Stephens B&W Artist Edition Variant (1:20) By Tom Fowler Archive Edition (1:50) By Rian Hughes   NEW WARS! NEW SOLDIERS! SAME OLD PRICE TO PAY . . . Kiss your rifle and swallow your fear, because EC Comics is rotating back into combat for the 21st century’s first dose of two-fisted fury with staggering new tales of war and fighting men in our next giant-sized special! Meet mankind’s greatest enemy of all—himself—as commanding writers Julio Anta (This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story), John Arcudi (B.P.R.D.), Benito Cereno (Invincible Presents: Atom Eve), and Michael W. Conrad (Double Walker) lead a joint campaign alongside artistic bombardiers Tom Fowler (EC’s Catacomb of Torment), David Lapham (Stray Bullets), Albert Monteys (Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel), and Shawn Martinbrough (Thief of Thieves) that will always bring enemy and ally, private and general, to the same reward in the end: a flagdraped casket and glory posthumously conferred. Plus: This 56-page testament to fortitude also features another all-time EC classic, painstakingly remastered and restored!  You’ve warmed yourselves by the pyres of SHIVER SUSPENSTORIES...You’ve grabbed OUTLAW SHOWDOWN by both red-hot barrels... And you’ve felt the poison touch of TORTURED HEARTS. But nothing can prepare you for what awaits—or who you will become—when you finally reach the front line. Here, there can be no peace—only SHELLSHOCK!      Here are more cover options:     Cover B By Tyler Crook     EC Homage Variant (1:10) By Jay Stephens     Archive Edition (1:50) By Rian Hughes     Cover D Blank Sketch Variant     $8.99 | 56 PGS. | NO ADS | FULL COLOR | ON SALE AUGUST 19, 2026

Thanks to Oni Press and Superfan Promotions for sharing this cover preview with us.

 

For more anthologies from EC Comics: 

See Shiver Suspenstories 2 #1 Cover Preview, 

Outlaw Showdown #1 Review, and 

Tortured Hearts #1 Preview. 

High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1 Review

 

High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1 Review

Original Story: Rarutori

Writer: Kou Narita

Illustrator: Ciavis

Letterer: Jezael Manahan

Editor: Louis Yamani

Designer: Matt Bookman

Translator: Jackie McClure

Publisher: Titan Manga

Price: $12.99 US

Release Date: August 11, 2026

 

Acer should be content in his forest home. Yet unlike his fellow High Elves, Acer remembers his past lives. He doesn't want to sit around for centuries communing with nature. And with hunting banned within the Great Pulha Woodlands, Acer doesn't want to limit himself to eating fruit. What will Acer discover when he pierces the magical barrier and abandons his forest home? And what friends or enemies will he meet amid his exploration of the outside world? Let’s grab our walking sticks, leap into High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1, and see!

 

Story

Abandoning his Edenic homeland means getting his hands dirty. Things hurt him. Beasts attack him. Yet through it all, Acer smiles. This is exactly what he was looking for. But when he reaches the gates of Vistcourt, Acer cannot pay the entry toll, let alone the taxes for remaining in the city as a visitor. Then, as a group of adventurers approaches, one of them realizes he is a High Elf. Airena calls him Lord and pays his entry fee. Then she insists on providing him with food and lodging.

 

While High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1 follows Acer's adaptation to civilization, he yearns to make his own way. While he battled a wolf on the way to Vistcourt, Acer doesn’t wish to become an adventurer like Airena and her friends. Instead, he wants to make things. Acer doesn’t mind devoting all his time to one task. Nor does he mind helping those in need. Despite how Airena and other people view him, Acer regards life as a Blacksmith's assistant as Heaven, while an existence of purposeless tranquility would be Hell.

 

In this adaptation of Rarutori’s novel, Kou Narita focuses on significant events from Acer's life. His triumph over a wolf convinces the best Blacksmith in town to consider Acer for an apprenticeship. But Acer's confidence and optimism also help him win others over. While his abilities as a High Elf give him status in some people’s eyes, Acer remains a practical soul. He wants to do good work. Acer wants to learn and become a better person by becoming more capable than he was.

 

When trouble arises in the land, Acer grounds himself in facts instead of embracing his contemporaries’ reliance on folklore. Despite everything he has gained, Acer willingly sacrifices to help the oppressed. And despite how people like Airena revere him, Acer remains grateful for every kindness he receives in High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1.

 

Art

As Acer reclines in a tree, he rests his bow in his lap. Even though he isn't allowed to hunt anything, a quiver of arrows hangs from his waist. A collage of events, architecture, inventions, and food reminds Acer of his past lives as he eats a piece of fruit. When he decides to leave his forest home, Acer cuts his long, straight hair with a stone knife. Birds fly up to him as he dons his travel cloak. Snapshots from his travels dramatize his exploration of the world outside. But when a walled city rises on the horizon, Acer charges across the valley toward it.

 

Ciavis adorns the city guard in a helmet, chainmail coif, and boiled leather armor. Airena wears more feminine armor built for protection and mobility. Like Acer, pointed ears sprout from her hair. But when he extends his hand to shake hers, Airena kneels and presses it against her forehead. As he enters the city, Acer smiles at the medieval-style architecture. Yet Airena’s eyes widen when he offers her a piece of fruit from his homeland in High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1.

 

As Acer relates his history and his decision, Jezael Manahan places his thoughts in narrative boxes. Acer's thoughts also fill cloudy balloons as he travels. Intense thoughts may fill radiant circles, while intense dialogue distorts balloon shapes. Word size varies, whether they inhabit shapes or hover near characters. Jackie McClure’s translated sound effects float near their original versions as an elf seeks to get along with others, work to resolve society’s ills, and find fulfillment. Thanks to Titan Manga for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Acer’s long life allows him to see others grow and change around him. While he focuses on mastering his craft and helping others, Acer admires their achievements from afar. Living among people of different cultures, outlooks, and lifespans presents its challenges. Yet, Acer remains determined and positive as he seeks to resolve conflicts by working with others in High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1.

 

Rating: 9.2/10

 

To look inside see my preview of High Elf with a Long Life Vol 1. 

The Savage Sword Of Conan: Reforged #6 Cover Preview

 

Cover A: Tony Harris

The Cimmerian stole her away from her people to ransom his own. Their trail has been plagued by sorcery and bloodshed. After the death of her brother, Yasmina is the leader of Vendhya. Conan thought her a goddess when dressed in her finery. Yet when she traded clothes with a servant, the Cimmerian sees her a flesh-and-blood woman. Then dark sorcerers pull Yasmina into a crimson cloud, and carry her off to their stronghold. 

Will Conan follow the Black Seers? And will the war party from Vendhya storm the mountain of Yimsha when they learn where Yasmina is? Here's all the info from Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures. 

     

The Savage Sword Of Conan: Reforged #6 Cover Preview

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: John Buscema

Cover Artists: Tony Harris, Dan Adkins & Kenneth Morris

Publisher: Titan Comics

Issue Description: 80 Pages, Full Color

Price: $14.99

Release Date: August 12, 2026

  

 

Brace yourself for the riveting conclusion of one of Robert E. Howard's greatest Conan adventures ever!

 

Yasmina is gone, taken by the vicious acolytes of the Black Circle, and only Conan can save her. But the road to their inner sanctum is treacherous, and the horrors that await Conan inside are darker than the Cimmerian can possibly imagine. The epic "People of the Black Circle" concludes in this special super-sized issue of Savage Sword of Conan: Reforged.

 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

 

Cover B: Dan Adkins

 

 

Cover C: Kenneth Morris

Cover D: Tony Harris - Virgin Foil Variant ($19.99)

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this cover preview with us.

The Adequates #3 Preview

 

Grey suffers from a stuttering affliction. It’s gotten so bad that Carly has him shaking in his shoes every time he makes a presentation at Savannah High School. Still, Grey tried his best to deliver his oral report at Bonaventure Cemetery. His retelling of the South’s most famous superheroes battling a monster in the swamp had everyone riveted until an earthquake dropped Grey and his friends into a pit.

 

Since then, things haven’t been the same. Each of his friends has developed new abilities. Grey may still stutter. Yet Grey can see events before they happen. Will his new precognitive abilities help Grey and the Goobers survive whatever Carly and the Jocks throw at them? And will they become the South’s next great superhero team? Here's all the info from Comixology:

The Adequates #3 Preview

Writers: Lee Loughridge & Marz Jr

Artist: Marz Jr

Publisher: Comixology

Kindle Price: $2.99 (free to read with a Prime membership)

Release Date: August 11, 2026

This Means War!

 

The Elites have declared war on The Adequates. But have no fear. Our misfits are going through some semi exceptional changes.

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Superfan Promotions and Comixology for sharing this preview with us.

For what happened last time see my review of The Adequates #2. 

For how the series started, see my preview of The Adequates #1. 

Amazon Prime Members: read The Adequates #3 for free.