Substitute Comics Guide for April 30, 2014

Replies

Mark Sullivan (Vertiginous Mod) April 27, 2014 at 4:54pm

That's just awful. I did the same thing to a Wordpress blog entry last year, but I only lost maybe two hours work, and there was no deadline involved. I would pray to the Ning gods if I thought it would help, and normally I don't pray!
Luke Blanchard April 27, 2014 at 5:56pm

There's a cache of it at Google under the name "Comics Guide for April 30, 2014". I think it only has the initial post and not the additional posts you usually do. Google that title and then click on the down arrow on the right of the green URL to get the cache.

Edit: It has a couple of the additional posts but I can't see any comments from the Baron or manga items, so apparently not all of them.
Captain Comics April 27, 2014 at 6:34pm

Thanks, Luke! I'll restore what I can:

THE CAPTAIN'S COMMENTS

Here are some of this week's books worth special mention:

Alice in Comicland: I get irritated sometimes with Craig Yoe -- his Haunted Horror and Weird Love comics and books seem to have very little "Yoe" in them, but instead have a whole lot of public domain work by other people whose families will never see a penny of Yoe's profits. On the other hand, some of his books are valuable additions to comics history, and one such is Alice in Comicland. I haven't seen it yet, of course, but a history of Alice in Wonderland adaptations, parodies, swipes, references and homages should cover a lot of time and geography, and be pretty interesting.

Amazing Spider-Man #1: Do I really have to mention this one? OK, if you've been living in a cave, Otto Octavius has been inhabiting Peter Parker's body for the last couple of years, ruining Parker's life and Spidey's reputation while trying to be a "superior" Spider-Man. Now Peter is back -- somehow, I haven't read the last issues of Superior Spider-Man yet, so don't spoil it for me -- and Marveldom Assembled is breathless in anticipation of seeing Parker deal with all his new complications. This is a pretty big deal.

Also of interest is that Marvel is including in this book -- for free -- the entirety of Inhuman #1. I've already opined on this site before that something went horribly awry with the Inhuman series, and here is another suggestion of same. As stipulated, Inhuman #1 was highly touted by Marvel, but then yanked back from release shortly before its scheduled debut without explanation, delayed numerous weeks and then quietly re-solicited without much fanfare. That suggests something went very, very wrong.

And now Marvel is, essentially, giving the book away for free. Normal procedure would be to publish a second printing -- God knows Marvel's been doing scads of those lately -- but instead Inhuman #1 is tucked into what is likely to be the best-selling book of the year.

Marketing genius or sheer desperation? You decide!

Rai #1: Rai was one of my least-favorite books in the original '90s Valiant Comics. Set in 4001 -- the same year as Magnus -- Rai was sort of a Japanese Magnus, protecting Nippon as Magnus protected North Am. But he had less of a specific purpose to exist, he had some tenuous connection to the 20th century Bloodshot I don't think was ever explained, and he just wasn't very interesting. Sales were poor enough that Valiant upped the ante by turning Rai into a team book, adding a bunch of uninspired, generic superheroes and calling it Rai and the Future Force.

I may be off on a detail or two, but the upshot is that I found Rai boring. Will Valiant make the same mistake again? Well, give them points for trying not to.

The new Rai is, again, set in 4001 -- but without the Magnus connection or competition, since Magnus is beating up robots over at Dynamite these days, and doesn't exist, and has never existed, at the current Valiant. As the only hero in 4001 A.D., Rai is already elevated above his predecessor. (Actually, it looks like Eternal Warrior will be set in 4001 soon for a few issues, but forget I said that.)

Also, Valiant is giving an enormous push to the new Rai. Take a look in the Valiant section for multiple covers and a preview, plus a description that is several notches more interesting than the earlier Rai. Also, Valiant is adding unique story pages for those who have Rai on their pull list. That's a nice treat for those who show faith in the company.

Of course, none of this is any guarantee that today's Rai will be, comparatively speaking, any more interesting than yesterday's Rai. But Valiant is certainly giving it the ol' college try.

Southern Bastards #1: I have mixed feelings about entertainments set in the South.

Sure, I'm glad to see my native region get some love. On the other hand, the comics, movies, TV and books set in the South seem to be almost entirely informed by other comics, movies, TV and books set in the South, creating a self-referential loop whereby the South I'm presented with on screen often bears no resemblance to the South in which I live. Hollywood and others creating a fictional Southland for their stories is understandable, because the actual region isn't very interesting (poverty and ignorance rarely are). Just the same, though, I'd like to get through a story set in the South now and then that doesn't adhere to the fictional tropes that are more legend than fact.

For one thing, only people in central Georgia talk like Vivian Leigh in Gone With the Wind -- the rest of us have different accents. For another, I'd like to see a story set in Mississippi that doesn't include married siblings. For a third, I'd like to see a story set in New Orleans that recognizes that the French Quarter is a tourist trap, and not representative of the city as a whole -- which is largely black and desperately poor. And so forth.

Now, I have to give points to The Walking Dead -- not for portraying an accurate version of the South (I mean, it IS the zombie apocalypse) but for basically ignoring the fact that it's set in the South. Because, yes, Southerners are largely like most other Americans, although a little fatter and a little lower on the socio-economic scale. After all, we do watch the same movies and TV as everyone else, and we do speak English (sorta), so we're pretty well assimilated!

What's this got to do with Southern Bastards? Well, I dunno, because I haven't read it yet. But from the description, it's going to go in the opposite direction of The Walking Dead and make it, quite deliberately, a "Southern story." That doesn't mean I'm going to dismiss it out of hand, but using Southern culture without sliding into stereotype and insult is a fine line to walk. I'm hoping for the best, but honestly, I expect more Dukes of Hazzard than Faulkner.

Still, it's getting a big push from Image, so fingers crossed.

V-Wars #1: Are vampires the new zombies? Probably not, although Chris Fluit has a pretty good column on vampire comics this week.

But there has been kind of a surge in vampire comics, which would normally make me a bit dismissive of V-Wars as a bandwagon jumper. But V-Wars precedes the current vampire glut, having appeared as a series of novels by Jonathan Maberry. And those novels are pretty popular, so one must suppose they're pretty good. And since Maberry is also writing the comic book ... well, Magic 8-Ball says "All Signs Look Good."

THIS WEEK'S COMICS

The Comics Guide is assembled from the Diamond Comic Distributors Inc. website, and is subject to change. Clicking on most images results in a larger image. All information is from Diamond and/or publisher solicitations and press releases, except for random comments by Captain Comics (in blue), and occasional comments by The Baron (in this here purplish color).

ARCHIE COMICS

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DOUBLE DIGEST #223

Script: DAN PARENT

Art: DAN PARENT, JIM AMASH, TERESA DAVIDSON, BARRY GROSSMAN

Cover: JEFF SHULTZ, ROSARIO "TITO" PENA

320-page, full color comic, $5.99 U.S.

It’s time for Archie to make one of the most important decisions in his teenage life: who should he take to prom? With Betty, Veronica AND Cheryl Blossom all clamoring to be his date, the decision won’t be an easy one! When he makes the bold choice to take all of them -- all bets are off! Find out who wins the “Prom Showdown,” the lead story to a fun and fashionable double double digest, featuring a fancy fifth ink cover!

JUGHEAD & ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #1

Script: CRAIG BOLDMAN

Art: REX LINDSEY, RICH KOSLOWSKI, JACK MORELLI, BARRY GROSSMAN

Cover: REX LINDSEY, ROSARIO "TITO" PENA

160-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.

Get ready for fun in this BRAND NEW double digest series! Could a goofy image of Archie in a not-so-flattering sweater from Veronica be the key to an opportunity of a lifetime for Jughead? That’s right -- Jughead could be on the receiving end of free soda for a lifetime! If Jughead wins, will Archie be a sore loser (literally!) when Veronica sees the photo? Find out in “Label Fable,” this fun lead story to a hilarious NEW #1 double digest!

This says "NEW" twice, but is it all-new material, or just a new title with a mix, like the other digests? Well, at least Archie isn't flooding the market with one #1 after another, like SOME publishers we could name! :)

MEGA MAN #36

Script: IAN FLYNN

Art: POWREE, GARY MARTIN, JOHN WORKMAN, MATT HERMS

Cover: PATRICK "SPAZ" SPAZIANTE

Trial of Dr. Wily Variant Cover: BRENT MCCARTHY

On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: 4/16

32-page, full color comic

On the eve of the MEGA MAN/MEGA MAN X Crossover comes the TWISTED tale that could only be called "A Chance at Redemption"! Dr. Wily is a free man, cleared of wrongdoing, and it's all thanks to--Mega Man?! Can even an evil villain like himself live with a lie of that magnitude? Can he enjoy a life of robotics research next to his “frenemy” Dr. Light? Will the promise of power in Gamma be far too tempting? The answer to all your burning questions lie in this mega-fun issue! Plus, be sure to pick up both regular and variant editions to read both SHOCKING "post-credits" alternate endings! Includes cover art by Patrick "SPAZ" Spaziante and a stunning "TRIAL OF DR. WILY" variant cover from rising MEGA-star Brent McCarthy!

DARK HORSE

ALABASTER: GRIMMER TALES (HC)

Writer: CAITLIN R. KIERNAN

Art: STEVE LIEBER

Colors: RACHELLE ROSENBERG

Cover: GREG RUTH

FC, 120 pages, $19.99

HC, 7” x 10”

Caitlín Kiernan and Steve Lieber’s dark fantasy epic!

Dancy Flammarion possesses a savvy awareness and a keen knife for the monsters that lurk in the shadows. She does the bidding of an unholy host, a legion of dark gods guiding her across America’s southern wilds. And a blackbird’s grim tales of her battles could be his only salvation from becoming dinner for a boxcar full of beastly hoboes. Collects Alabaster: Boxcar Tales #1-13 from Dark Horse Presents.

“Caitlín R. Kiernan is the poet and the bard of the wasted and the lost.” -- Neil Gaiman

Can anyone recommend this? I don't read DHP so I haven't seen panel one of this. But the description is intriguing.

THE ATOMIC LEGION (HC)

Writer: MIKE RICHARDSON

Art/Cover: BRUCE ZICK

FC, 224 pages, $29.99

HC, 7 1/2” x 11 1/2”

Monsters, misfits, outcasts ... Heroes!

In a hidden fortress near the North Pole, the greatest heroes of a past age live secluded from the world that rejected them. But when their benefactor -- a mysterious scientist known only as the Professor -- is kidnapped, it’s up to a young boy to rally the robots, monsters and superheroes in the fortress to come to the rescue as the Atomic Legion!

From the writer of the critically-acclaimed 47 Ronin and Crimson Empire.

This sounds to me like a mish-mash of a lot of familiar concepts. Am I just being cynical?

BLACKOUT #2 (of 4)

Writers: FRANK J. BARBIERE, RANDY STRADLEY

Art/Colors: COLIN LORIMER

Art: DOUG WHEATLEY

Cover: MICAH KANESHIRO

FC, 32 pages, $2.99

Miniseries

WHAT GOOD IS A DEAD HERO?

Scott Travers’s mysterious suit grants him unseen, unlimited access to almost anywhere and may hold the key to his benefactor’s disappearance. But others will do anything -- including kill -- to possess the suit. Will Scott give up the search and ditch the suit to save his own skin?

• Story by Frank Barbiere (The White Suits), art by Colin Lorimer (UXB).

• Special King Tiger feature by Randy Stradley and Doug Wheatley!

“A fascinating character.” -- The Red Shirt Crew

“Four-color crime and punishment like they just don’t make anymore. It's good for the blood.” -- Warren Ellis

Is this one of DH's new superheroes? I'll give them credit for this: They are not doing variations of existing hero archetypes. I can't even classify this guy as a hero.

CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT #10

Writer: JOSHUA WILLIAMSON

Art: FERNANDO DAGNINO

Colors: EGO

Cover: FELIPE MASSAFERA

FC, 32 pages, $2.99

Ongoing

His past catches up with him!

Captain Midnight’s search for his old sidekick, Chuck Ramsey, comes to an end -- but, thanks to the teleporting assassin Helios, the meeting might not be the friendly reunion he expected.

One of Captain Midnight’s closest friends is about to die! Can he save them?

Written by Joshua Williamson (Ghosted, Masks and Mobsters, Uncharted)!

“Fernando Dagnino nails the action. His art is kinetic and exciting.” -- IGN

They've broken me down: I've finally ordered the first (modern) Captain Midnight TPB. I am so weak!

FURIOUS #4 (of 5)

Writer: BRYAN J.L. GLASS

Art/Colors/Cover:VICTOR SANTOS

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

An innocent man is dead because of Furious, and she's not going to rest -- or feel less guilty -- until she finds his killer! Returning to the scene of the crime, she takes out her anger on any punk in sight, but is she after justice or just trying to bury her guilt beneath a beating?

The creators of the Harvey Award–winning Mice Templar join forces again for a creator-owned superhero series!

KING CONAN: THE CONQUEROR #3 (of 6)

Writer: TIMOTHY TRUMAN

Art/Cover: TOMAS GIORELLO

Colors: JOSE VILLARRUBIA

FC, 32 pages, $3.50

Miniseries

A CITY OF SERPENTS!

The exiled barbarian king’s frantic quest for the mystical Heart of Ahriman leads him to a Stygian city enthralled by a bloodthirsty serpent god! To regain his crown, Conan will have to contend with powerful priests, mad disciples, and slithering monsters -- before descending into a dark maze of horrors!

• Continuing the acclaimed Hour of the Dragon adaptation!

• Truman, Giorello and Villarrubia continue to astonish!

KING CONAN VOL 3: THE HOUR OF THE DRAGON (TPB)

Writer: TIMOTHY TRUMAN

Art: TOMAS GIORELLO

Colors: JOSE VILLARRUBIA

Cover: GERALD PAREL

FC, 160 pages, $19.99

TP, 7” x 10”

A forgotten evil rises to destroy the world!

Dethroned by a traitorous alliance backed by a resurrected sorcerer, Conan -- the barbarian king of Aquilonia -- must fight his way out of a villain’s dungeon and across battle-ravaged countries, seeking a mysterious gem that will help him reclaim his kingdom! Collects issues #1-6 of King Conan: The Hour of the Dragon.

A perfect companion to King Conan: The Scarlet Citadel and King Conan: The Phoenix on the Sword!

MESMO DELIVERY (2ND EDITION HC)

Writer/Art/Cover: RAFAEL GRAMPA

Art: MARCUS PENNA

FC, 80 pages, $14.99

HC, 7” x 10”

Eisner Award-winning artist Rafael Grampá (5, Hellblazer) makes his full-length comics debut with the critically acclaimed graphic novel Mesmo Delivery -- a kinetic, bloody romp starring Rufo, an ex-boxer; Sangrecco, an Elvis impersonator; and a ragtag crew of overly confident drunks who pick the wrong delivery men to mess with.

• Intro by 100 Bullets creator Brian Azzarello!

• Hardcover perfect for any collector’s library!

• Pinup art by Eduardo Risso, Mike Allred, Craig Thompson and Fabio Moon!

That description doesn't do much for me.

PARIAH #3 (of 8)

Writers: ARON WARNER, PHILIP GELATT

Art/Cover: BRETT WALDELE

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

Genetically modified geniuses on the run!

The last Vitro on Earth devises a plan to cut off government control of the Vitro satellite in order to free his comrades in space.

• Created by Academy Award winner Aron Warner (Shrek).

• Art by Eisner-nominated painter Brett Weldele (The Surrogates).

• Written by Philip Gelatt (Petrograd).

SERENITY: LEAVES ON THE WIND #4 (of 6)

Writer: ZACK WHEDON

Pencils/Variant:GEORGES JEANTY

Inks: KARL STORY

Colors:LAURA MARTIN

Cover: DOS SANTOS

FC, 32 pages, $3.50

Miniseries

#WheresSerenity?

With help from the New Resistance, Mal and Serenity’s crew are crashing the secret Alliance facility from which River was rescued. She is certain they need to go there -- now. Meanwhile, Zoe is in Alliance custody where she discovers that there is more immediate danger from fellow prisoners than anyone else ...

• Buffy’s Season 8 and 9 artist conquers the galaxy!

• Zack Whedon returns to Serenity!

• The story finally continues after the film!

• Executive produced by Joss Whedon!

STAR WARS: DARK TIMES VOL 7: A SPARK REMAINS (TPB)

Writer: RANDY STRADLEY

Art: DOUGLAS WHEATLEY

Colors: DAN JACKSON

Cover: BENJAMIN CARRE

FC, 120 pages, $19.99

TP, 7” x 10”

All will bow to Vader’s Empire!

Together with their old friend Dass Jennir and a new Jedi acquaintance, the crew of the Uhumele is plotting to take down the Galactic Emperor’s second in command, Darth Vader! For this foolproof plan, they’ll be offering something the Dark Lord won’t be able to resist: Jedi. Collects Star Wars: Dark Times -- A Spark Remains #1-5.

• Artist Doug Wheatley returns to Star Wars: Dark Times!

• A trap is set for Darth Vader!

You really can't fault DH for pumping out as many collections as they can, while they still can.

STAR WARS: REBEL HEIST #1 (of 4)

Writer/Cover: MATT KINDT

Pencils: MARCO CASTIELLO

Inks: DAN PARSONS

Colors: GABE ELTAEB

Cover/Sketch Cover: ADAM HUGHES

FC, 32 pages, $3.50

Miniseries

Matt Kindt writes Star Wars!

A young Rebel meets one of the Alliance’s best for his first mission. But the young man’s hero worship is crushed by the reality of Han Solo. A botched escape, a ship that doesn’t work -- could it be that Solo is just a lucky bumbler whose luck has run out?

• Han Solo -- the truth behind the myth!

• Covers by Adam Hughes!

VANDROID #3 (of 5)

Writers: TOMMY LEE EDWARDS, NOAH SMITH

Art: DAN MCDAID

Cover: TOMMY LEE EDWARDS

FC, 32 pages, $3.99

Miniseries

The lost 1980s science fiction classic that never was!

In this action-packed third issue, Vandroid gets personal! An all-out brawl with the Mighty Oak Biker Club has Vandroid discovering who he really is ... and it's not what he expected. But when his best friend is in danger, will Vandroid be able to withstand the brutal experimentation of the R&D Gang, or will he become a wiped motherboard?

Complete the Vandroid experience with the remastered soundtrack from Ed Banger Records and the unearthed 1984 movie trailer at Vandroid.com!

X VOL 2:THE DOGS OF WAR (TPB)

Writer: DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art/Cover: ERIC NGUYEN

Art: TONY PARKER

Colors: MICHELLE MADSEN

FC, 96 pages, $14.99

TPB, 7” x 10”

“I’m really sold on this sick and twisted world of X.” -- Comic Bastards

When X attacks the notoriously corrupt narcotics squad known as “The Dogs of War,” the manipulative Lt. Setter fights back by pitting him against the last few honest cops in Arcadia ... and X’s battle escalates into a war for the soul of the city! Collects issues #5-8 of the series.

• Includes the disturbing story of “the ’Rents,” three murderous suburbanites!

• Swierczynski’s treatment of the titular psychopathic vigilante takes a surprising turn.

“Dark Horse’s uber-violent ’90s hero is back with a vengeance.” -- Nerdist
Captain Comics April 27, 2014 at 6:34pm

DC COMICS

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #12

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA

Cover by ED BENES

40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST

Superman has always stood for “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” but when a new vigilante known as the Demolisher starts cleaning up the streets of Metropolis in a way that Superman never could, the Man of Steel wonders if this new brand of hero is what his city truly needs.

Haven't we already seen variations of this story? Like Kingdom Come and "Superman vs. The Elite"? Well, I suppose the lesson has to be repeated for every generation -- or, more accurately, every time DC reboots its entire line.

BATGIRL ANNUAL #2

Written by GAIL SIMONE

Art by ROBERT GILL

Cover by CLAY MANN

48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

It’s the start of a new story arc as Batgirl must unravel a mystery centered around her former BIRDS OF PREY teammate, the woman who betrayed her trust -- POISON IVY!

BATMAN ‘66 #10

Written by JEFF PARKER

Art by DAVID WILLIAMS, KELSEY SHANNON and ERIC WIGHT

Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED

40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST

A snowstorm in Gotham City in the middle of summer? Only one man can be behind this: that frozen fiend Mr. Freeze. And Batgirl is back in another solo story, as she clashes with Cleopatra.

After having read the first collection, I'm enjoying this much more. I had to learn to enjoy the series for what it was, not what I wanted it to be. And the collection did that for me.

BATMAN BEYOND UNIVERSE #9

Written by KYLE HIGGINS and CHRISTOS N. GAGE

Art by THONY SILAS and DEXTER SOY

Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

48 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST

The epic “JUSTICE LORDS BEYOND” crossover starts here! Following the shocking events of BATMAN BEYOND UNIVERSE #8, Wonder Woman is back! But where did she go? And why does she seem like she’s hiding something? Find out in the first part of a 4-part, world-spanning event in both “Batman Beyond” and “Justice League Beyond”!

BATMAN ETERNAL #4

Written by SCOTT SNYDER, JAMES TYNION IV, JOHN LAYMAN, RAY FAWKES and TIM SEELEY

Art by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Cover by JASON FABOK

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Batman battles Batgirl as Jim Gordon’s troubles take a turn for the worse!

The second issue of this series was no more plausible than the first, so I'm pretty bummed about it. It's like "Bruce Wayne: Murderer" all over again.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN VOL 1: CROSS WORLD (HC)

Written by GREG PAK

Art by JAE LEE, BEN OLIVER, YILDIRAY

CINAR, BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

Cover by JAE LEE

144 pg, FC, $22.99 US

The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel are close friends in the modern day – but the two weren’t always such close allies. In this first hardcover collecting BATMAN/ SUPERMAN #1-4 and JUSTICE LEAGUE #23.1: DARKSEID, learn how these two legends met for the first time in The New 52 as they launch into a mysterious adventure that takes them to the world of Earth 2!

Reading this now. What fun!

BATWOMAN ANNUAL #1

Written by MARC ANDREYKO

Art and cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T+

Batwoman vs. Mr. Bones! Will the DEO triumph over Kate, or will she cross the line and free herself for good! Lingering questions are answered as long-standing conflicts reach their final resolutions.

In the Old 52, I waited and waited and waited for some explanation for how Mr. Bones vaulted from mistrusted former supervillain to head of a U.S. intelligence agency. It never happened, and now I guess the question is moot, because I presume Infinity Inc. never happened.

THE FLASH ANNUAL #3

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI and VAN JENSEN

Art by BRETT BOOTH, RON FRENZ, NORM RAPMUND and LIVESAY

Cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

The start of a major new arc for the Fastest Man Alive! In the future, The Flash is a broken man. His powers have failed him time and again at great cost to him and the city he has sworn to protect. Now he’s coming back to 2014 to stop the one event that destroyed his life.

Meanwhile, in the present, Barry Allen must contend with thieves trying to capitalize on the devastation of FOREVER EVIL. It’s a tale of two timelines that ushers in one of DC’s most storied characters … featuring The New 52 debut of WALLY WEST!

FLEX MENTALLO: MAN OF MUSCLE MYSTERY (TPB)

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art and cover by FRANK QUITELY

128 pg, FC, $14.99 US • MATURE READERS

Once he was Hero of the Beach ... and of the Doom Patrol. Now Flex Mentallo returns to investigate the sinister dealings of his former comrade The Fact, and a mysterious rock star whose connection to Flex may hold the key to saving them both. Collecting the four-issue miniseries, including a sketch section and recolored art.

For a long time, this story was legendary as the miniseries that could never be reprinted (because the Charles Atlas people claimed copyright infringement). But apparently that issue has been resolved, and here it is.

The thing is, I never thought it was that big of a deal, so it was quite all right with me if it never got reprinted. Especially since it made my individual back issues of Flex Mentallo worth more! I guess I should have sold them before THIS happened ...

FOREVER EVIL AFTERMATH: BATMAN VS. BANE #1

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by SCOT EATON and JAIME MENDOZA

1:25 Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

ONE-SHOT • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T

This issue will ship with two covers.

The title says it all! FOREVER EVIL is over! Now, Batman has returned to take Gotham City back -- by force! The only thing standing in his way? BANE! Get ready for the grudge match of the year!

Will Batman be "The Man Who Broke the Bane"?

GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS ANNUAL #2

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art and cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA

48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T

Don’t miss “CURSE OF THE WHITE LANTERN”! Kyle Rayner is the only being in the universe to survive passing through the Source Wall, the bizarre barrier at the end of space. He should have known there’d be consequences -- terrible ones! Kyle’s mind now contains the most dangerous secret in all of creation … and that secret is desperate to get out and get to Earth! Don’t miss the story that plants a crucial seed for the next GREEN LANTERN epic!

I don't dislike Kyle Rayner, but I'm not an especially big fan. So I keep looking for the hook on this series, or at least some in-story reason for it to exist. (I know the real-world reason is to give Kyle Rayner a title.) And, honestly, I still haven't found one. Everything that's happened in this book could have been included in Green Lantern or Green Lantern Corps without much difficulty. *shrug*

And what's with this new wrinkle of Carol Ferris falling for Kyle? Even in The New 52 there should be about a 10-year age difference. (Given how much history they've shared, Carol seems to be about the same age as Hal, who was a captain in the Air Force -- and should be pushing 35.) And from a real-world perspective, Carol has never really been all that interesting -- if you want to give Kyle a girlfriend, make one up that's got more personality! It just doesn't make sense to me as a good story move, or all that interesting.

HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #12

Writer: DAN ABNETT

Art: MICHAEL O’HARE

Cover: RYAN SOOK

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

The dramatic conclusion to “What Lies Within.” With He-Man captured, it’s up to Teela and the rest of their allies to try to overcome their enemy and his overwhelming forces. But what price will come with victory? One hero has already been tragically lost and one will be transformed forever. A major chapter in the history of the Masters of the Universe concludes, as another is about to begin!

Hey, lady, put on a shirt! There's kids out here!

P.S. Like all MotU books, this one's late. It was due out March 12.

INJUSTICE YEAR TWO #4

Written by TOM TAYLOR

Art by BRUNO REDONDO

Cover by JHEREMY RAAPACK

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST

With the Guardians concerned about Superman’s increasing dominance over Earth, Hal Jordan is called to Oa to discuss an intervention. But a recent revelation about the Guardians has left Hal’s loyalties divided. Jordan is beginning to doubt whether the Green Lantern Corps is truly the best force to protect Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, a dark power is whispering dangerous ideas in Superman’s ear.

SCRIBBLENAUTS UNMASKED: A CRISIS OF IMAGINATION #4

Written by JOSH ELDER

Art/Cover by ADAM ARCHER

1:10 DC Collectibles variant cover

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E • DIGITAL FIRST

This issue will ship with two covers.

As a crisis rages inside Batman’s mind, Maxwell and the Green Lantern Corps take the fight to the allied Yellow and Red Lantern Corps!

SUICIDE SQUAD VOL. 4: DISCIPLINE AND PUNISH (TPB)

Written by ALES KOT, MATT KINDT

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, RICK LEONARDI, SAMI BASRI, CARMEN CARNERO, NEIL GOOGE and others

Cover by JASON PEARSON • 144 pg, FC, $14.99 US

The team returns to Belle Reve to lick their wounds and bury their dead – and to meet Task Force X’s new leader, who plans to make them even deadlier than before. Collecting issues #20-23, plus JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #7.1: DEADSHOT and DETECTIVE COMICS #23.2: HARLEY QUINN.

Shouldn't that be "Discipline and Punishment"? I guess it's a pair of verbs, instead of a pair of nouns.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN VOL. 1 (TPB)

Written by JEPH LOEB

Art by ED McGUINNESS, DEXTER VINES, PAT LEE and MICHAEL TURNER

Cover by ED McGUINNESS and DEXTER VINES

336 pg, FC, $19.99 US

In this new edition from issues #1-13 of the hit series, Superman and Batman unite when Lex Luthor assembles a team of powerhouse heroes to bring Superman in dead or alive. Then, prepare for the arrival of Supergirl! Can Darkseid recruit her into doing his bidding?

I vaguely remember enjoying Superman/Batman when it first came out, so I vaguely recommend it. I am a little curious, though, why DC seems determined to reprint the Old 52 Superman/Batman simultaneously with the New 52 Batman/Superman. That might be a little confusing to some readers.

VERTIGO QUARTERLY: CYAN #1

Stories and art by JOCK, FABIO MOON, JAMES TYNION IV and MARTIN MORAZZO, ROBERT RODI and JAVIER FERNANDEZ, AMY CHU, JOE KEATINGE, CRIS PETER, SHAUN SIMON and TONY AKINS and others

Design cover

80 pg, FC, $7.99 US • MATURE READERS

The four colors that are the basis of comics coloring serve as the jumping-off point for creators to push the boundaries of short graphic fiction in the new VERTIGO QUARTERLY: CMYK series. Starting with stunningly simple, bold covers, CMYK will defy all conventions of traditional comics anthologies. The unifying color could suggest a mood, a plot point, a coloring technique – limited only by the imagination of the fantastic creators we’ve lined up. And starting with CYAN, we have tales by some of the best talents in comics – a who’s who of creative minds. Jock, Fabio Moon, James Tynion IV, Robert Rodi, Shaun Simon, Amy Chu, Joe Keatinge, Cris Peter, Tony Akins and more will take on the challenge of telling compelling stories that scream cool “blue.” VERTIGO QUARTERLY: CMYK will continue through 2014 with MAGENTA in summer, YELLOW in fall and finally BLACK in winter. Be prepared to see color as only Vertigo can deliver!

They better get these published quickly, because before we know it print will be gone forever and nobody will remember what CMYK meant!
Captain Comics April 27, 2014 at 6:35pm

DYNAMITE

BAD ASS #3 (2ND PTG)

Writer: HERIK HANNA

Art/Covers: BRUNO BESSADI

Mature/32 pages/$3.99

Dead End has finally reached his namesake -- there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, especially once the Black Snake gets on his trails. As a wealthy vigilante, the Black Snake feels that it's his job to bring the deviously cunning Dead End to justice. But Dead End won't go easy. After some shocking revelations into his origin story, it becomes clear that Dead End is no run of the mill villain-- he is a tried and true psychopath with sharp wit in place of emotions.

I should have been paying more attention to this series, because evidently it likes doing homage covers. The ones above, for example, are based on Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 and Avengers #145* (see below).

(*Actually, given the Liefeld era New Mutants-style logo, I'm guessing this cover is probably based on a New Mutants cover that was itself an homage to the Avengers cover. But I'm too lazy to look it up.)

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #10

Writer: DAN ABNETT

Art: CEZAR RAZEK

Cover: LIVIO RAMONDELLI

A super-special, exclusive Chris Eliopoulos Cute cover, only available to comic shop subscribers and limited to initial orders!

Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99

To escape from the Cylon mainforce chasing them, the human survivors must run and run hard... but that will mean leaving a chunk of the fleet behind. Commander Adama is not prepared to make that sacrifice, because of the terrible risks. He has one chance to prove his laurels as the greatest Battlestar commander in the 12 Colonies. Awesome, space-shaking space-battle action and edge of the seat tension from cosmic superstar writer Dan Abnett!

NEW BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: SIX #1 (OF 5)

Writer: J.T. KRUL

Art: IGOR VITORINO

Cover A: CHRIS BOLSON

Cover B: JENNY FRISON

Photo Variant

Blank Authentix Variant

Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99

Dynamite and NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products proudly announces the upcoming Battlestar Galactica: Six comic-book series, set within the continuity of the reimagined 2003 Battlestar Galactica television series, produced by Universal Cable Productions and featuring one of its most iconic characters, the Cylon model known as Six. The first chapter of this five-issue miniseries will launch in April 2014, featuring the creative talents of writer J.T. Krul (Justice League, Fathom), interior artist Igor Vitorino, and cover artists Jenny Frison and Chris Bolson. A photo cover featuring actress Tricia Helfer will also be available.

"Ever since Dynamite started making Battlestar Galactica comics, I made it very clear that I would leap at the opportunity to write in that universe," says J.T. Krul. "Not only was I a fan of the original series, but I think the revitalized version developed by Ronald Moore is one the best television shows of the past decade. Like most great science fiction, Battlestar Galactica teaches us about who we are by showing us where we might end up."

Battlestar Galactica: Six takes place in the days before the last great Cylon War. Locked away in a psychiatric ward on the planet Leonis, a woman known only as Eve is haunted by memories of worlds she's never seen, hazy images of a past full of anguish and death. One vision in particular calls to her through the pain, like a distant song echoing in her mind. It is calling her home. Is Eve crazy ... or something much more? In developing the next generation of Cylons, getting the models to look human was the easy part ... but acting human is another story. Longtime fans will witness the evolution of Number Six as she learns to live, to love and to hate.

"When it comes to the Cylons, the story has always been less about how they look human and more about how they act human," adds Krul. "That aspect is at the core of this story. Focusing on Number Six, we explore the development of a Cylon on an almost psychological level. Through various existences on various planets of the colonies, Number Six sees what it means to be human. Perhaps the most striking feature separating humans from Cylons is the fear of death. Much of human behavior is driven by it, and Cylons have no real concept of it. It's a vital lesson any Cylon must learn in order to understand how the human mind works. But it's not enough that Number Six understand them. She must come to empathize with them. And eventually, she must come to loathe them."

Dynamite Entertainment has been publishing Battlestar Galactica comic books since 2006, focusing on each incarnation of the franchise from the classic continuity of the 1978 television series, to the Galactica 1980 follow-up, and finally to the re-imagined series aired on SyFy from 2003 through 2009. In recent months, Dynamite has published a bestselling Battlestar Galactica series by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning set in the classic continuity.

"The re-imagined Battlestar Galactica television series shook the foundations of sci-fi fandom," says Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite. "We have had the privilege and enjoyment of contributing many tales to that star-spanning mythos over the years, but in 2013, our focus was set primarily on the 35th anniversary celebration of the classic BSG continuity. What better way to rocket back into the reimagined universe than by focusing the spotlight on Number Six -- the sexiest, most seductive woman in the universe, even if she was manufactured on a Cylon assembly line."

As is evident from the photo cover above, the actress who played Six on Battlestar Galactica is remarkably attractive, even by Hollywood standards. (It was even more evident if you watched the show!) Out of curiosity I looked her up on IMDb.com to see what else she was in -- and was surprised to see that it was very little of importance. Does anyone know why she didn't get more work? If she was a terrible actress, I'd understand, but she was memorable on Battlestar Galactica for more than her looks. Given that and her comic-book dimensions, casting directors should have been knocking her door down for years. Why haven't they?

DOC SAVAGE #5

Writer: CHRIS ROBERSON

Art: BILQUIS EVELY

Cover A: ALEX ROSS

Cover B: JOHN CASSADAY

Teen + / 32 pages / $3.99

When a group of cultists takes control of an abandoned orbital weapon in 1988, threatening to burn whole cities unless their demands are met, the whole world is in a state of panic. Fortunately, Doc Savage and his aides are already in orbit repairing a communications satellite, and are the only ones who have a chance of averting disaster. But it's a slim chance ...

GRIMM #12

Writer: MARC GAFFEN, KYLE MCVEY

Art: ROD RODOLFO

Cover: LUCIO PARRILLO

Photo Variant

Teen + / 40 pages / $4.99

FINAL ISSUE!!! Death stalks Nick and his loved ones as the Labors of a Grimm come to a close! With the discovery of Silvio's plan to breed an unstoppable Wesen tyrant, Nick must stop at nothing to make sure this genetically engineered evil doesn't enter this world.

QUEEN SONJA VOL 6: HEAVY IS THE CROWN (TPB)

Writer: LUKE LIEBERMAN

Art: MILTON ESTEVAM

Cover: LUCIO PARRILLO

Page Count: 248 pages

Teen +/248 pages/$29.99

Heavy sits the crown of Emora, as Empress Sonja is a target for plots, schemes and assassinations. Her new enemy is within her walls, wears no flag, and knows no mercy. How can she rule when the Wizard Koliostri and his suicidal cult of fanatical worshippers terrorize her people? By sending her captains Xander and Melea to infiltrate the cult, Sonja may have signed their death warrants. There is only one way for this to end -- in fire and blood! Collecting issues #26-35 of the Queen Sonja series, along with all covers, in one volume.

Dynamite's Red Sonja books are usually blessed with great covers, but this one makes her look like a cast member of Real Housewives of Hyrkania.

SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN SEASON 6 #1 (2ND PTG)

Writer: JAMES KUHORIC

Art: JUAN ANTONIO RAMIREZ

Cover: ALEX ROSS

Teen +/32 pages/$3.99

It's The Six Millions Dollar Man's 40th anniversary, and we at Dynamite are proud to bring you the direct continuation of the classic television series with Season 6! Better. Stronger. Faster. The original Six Million Dollar Man, Steve Austin was a man barely alive until the OSI turned him into the world's first Bionic Man. Now he and Oscar Goldman are the most effective team in National Security. But a rogue faction in the OSI is making a power play for that position with a new type of infiltration agent - one that is completely obedient and robotic. Can a soulless machine that wears Steve Austin's very face make the Six Million Dollar Man obsolete? For the 1st Time EVER! Fan favorite toy-line character Maskatron makes his Six Million Dollar Man debut and becomes a part of the classic television series mythology with a violent and terrifying purpose. And as Steve's world is threatened from within, his very actions unknowingly release an alien menace upon an unsuspecting world. Classic action, powerful science fiction, and a cast of characters from one of television's most original series combine to make The Six Million Dollar Man: Season 6 a must have for comic fans!

VAMPIRELLA VOL 5: MOTHERS, SONS & HOLY GHOST (TPB)

Writer: BRANDON JERWA

Art: HEUBERT KHAN MICHAEL, PATRICK BERKENKOTTER

Cover: PAUL RENAUD

Teen +/144 pages/$17.99

Secrets (and blood) are spilled when supernatural heroineVampirella is drawn into an unexpected family reunion! What are the secrets of The Conjuress and the man called Criswell ... and how do they relate to Lilith, Vampirella's estranged mother? But bad blood and old grievances are put aside when a deadly coven of witches threatens to unravel all time and reality, and Vampirella finds herself stranded one hundred years in the future. A vision of things to come forces our heroine to make a painful decision, forever altering her fate. Will she survive as a new kingdom rises in the land?

WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS VOL 5 (TPB)

Writer: ROBERT PLACE NAPTON

Art: CARLOS RAFAEL, DEBORAH CARITA

Cover: PAUL RENAUD

Teen +/128 pages/$19.99

Having returned from Titan, Dejah reunites with her Grandfather and Father and finds that a Criminal Underworld has gotten a foothold in Helium led by the enigmatic Mortus's. In order to discover Mortus true identity and bring down his organization, Dejah and a notorious Weapons Master assume different identities and infiltrate Barsoom's criminal underworld where they encounter assassins, gangsters, and a vile world of corruption and deceit that Dejah never knew existed.

I've never read any of Dynamite's Barsoom books. I confess that I'm turned off by the porn-y covers, and am somewhat prejudiced against the line as a result. Is anyone reading them? Are they any good?
Captain Comics April 27, 2014 at 6:37pm

Looks like I'm missing IDW, Image, Marvel, Valiant and Other Publishers still.
PowerBook Pete, the Mad Mod April 27, 2014 at 7:16pm

Should the thread title be April 30 instead of June 30?
Mark S. Ogilvie April 27, 2014 at 7:32pm

Reminds me of the horror I felt about hard drive crashes before I got a back up drive. I'm looking forward to Batwoman, but at the same time it reminds me how between that story and the Forever Evil delay and putting out the middle of First Contact between Huntress/Batman and Superman/PowerGirl after they put out the end DC is really starting to bug me on scheduling.
Captain Comics April 27, 2014 at 10:04pm

I thought that's what we were doing, since I'm achieving the right material. What do you see? Is there something else we could get?

PowerBook Pete, the Mad Mod said:

Should the thread title be April 30 instead of June 30?
Richard Willis April 27, 2014 at 10:11pm

Your thread title says "Substitute Comics Guide for June 30, 2014."

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