NOTE: NING's photo-placement tool stopped working early Tuesday, and wasn't fixed by Tuesday night. I had to go with just the art I that was already uploaded before the tool broke.
ADVANCE PICK OF THE WEEK
DC FINEST: HORROR — THE DEVIL'S DOORWAY TP (DC, $39.99): DC really knows how to get in my wallet, doesn’t it? This book collects House of Secrets #81-85, House of Mystery #180-185, Phantom Stranger #5, The Witching Hour #3-7 and The Unexpected #113-117. That’s a snapshot of DC’s horror books from roughly June 1969 to March 1970, with several missing (they left out some Phantom Strangers from the period, for example). I haven't read roughly half of these Silver Age books. To me, they represent "new" Neal Adams, Len Wein, Berni Wrightson, Marv Wolfman, Alex Toth, etc. The nostalgia will be strong in this one.
CROSSOVERS
"IMPERIAL"
IMPERIAL WAR: NOVA — CENTURION #1 (One-Shot, Marvel, $4.99) is by Jed MacKay (X-Men, Avengers), Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Della Fonte (Bring on the Bad Guys: Green Goblin). Richard Rider has to save the Xandarian Worldmind, which I didn't even know still existed.
"I'm very excited to take on the Human Rocket and explore the new cosmic stage defined by Imperial!” MacKay shared. “The great galactic civilizations are moving into an all-new alignment, and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the last Nova Corpsman fits in when the pieces are put together.”
“Rich is really interesting to me,” MacKay continued. “For a lot of his history he's been defined as being a ‘new kid,’ from his Spider-Man-esque origin to his time with the New Warriors, even up to the opening of Annihilation. Now, he's the last standard bearer of the old order, a veteran of a war that already seems so long ago, and the question is being asked ... is a Nova still relevant in the wake of IMPERIAL?"
"ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM"
ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM #7 (OF 9, MARVEL, $4.99) is by Ryan North and R.B. Silva. "Mr. Fantastic prepares a last, desperate gamble." That doesn't sound ominous at all.
RED HULK #8 (MARVEL, $3.99): I read somewhere, probably Bleeding Cool, that this title ends with the tenth issue (which coincides with the end of "One World Under Doom"). I will shed no tears, as I have bought this title begrudgingly, and only because of the crossover. Blessedly, it will end. But here's a irony: I will now have a complete run of this Red Hulk series. There are titles I like that I don't have complete runs of!
SUPERIOR AVENGERS #6 (MARVEL, $3.99): Final issue. Since Doom still has two months to go as emperor of the world, I'm guessing things won't end well for this motley bunch. I think I'll enjoy watching their comeuppance. (Although I won't be surprised if there are survivors who will call the 616 home. I feel like Killmonger's being groomed for that purpose.)
“X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE”
X-MEN OF APOCALYPSE: ALPHA #1 (of 6, MARVEL $5.99) is by by Jeph Loeb and Simone Di Meo. The "Age of Apocalypse" returns, for better or worse, and will affect all the X-books for a few months. It all starts here, with a few words by variant cover artist Joe Madureira:
“I am beyond excited to be dipping back into this corner of the X-Men universe,” Madureira said. “I was literally a kid when I drew the Astonishing X-Men — it feels like several lifetimes ago, and I want to bring something new to these characters on my covers. Hopefully I can do justice to Simone’s incredible, explosive pages!”
TOP SHELF
ACTION COMICS #1090 (DC, $4.99): if you told pre-1986 me that Superboy might go away, younger me would probably have said, “so what?” But after 40 years of pseudo-Superboys, I’m just plain happy to have the original back. You don't have to explain that he's a clone, or the survivor of another universe, or anything. It's just "the adventures of Superman when he was a boy." Simple.
BLACK CANARY: BEST OF THE BEST HC (DC, $29.99): it’s not Tom King’s best work, but let’s keep in mind that King’s best is a pretty high bar.
The downsides for me were twofold:
- The ring announcers were really irritating from the get-go, and just got worse. They don’t add much that I can see. I don’t watch boxing or wrestling, so maybe I missed the joke.
- The premise is simple: Vandal Savage offers Black Canary an offer she can’t refuse, that involves her fighting Lady Shiva for six issues. But that might be a little too simple. This should have greater ramifications than your average pay-per-view MMA fight. I’d think, for example, the Justice League would frown mightily on such a spectacle involving one of their own, and put a stop to it. I’d also think Dinah’s closest allies and friends — Green Arrow, Barbara Gordon, Hal Jordan, Roy Harper, Batman, the Birds of Prey — would be intimately involved, either stopping the fight or aiding her in some manner. When this issue was addressed, I wasn't convinced.
It’s still a good, maybe great story, about mothers and daughters. The emotional beats land well. Ryan Sook absolutely kills it on the art. And there’s a JSA update/revamp, which is always a big plus for me!
BLOOD TYPE #4 (OF 4, ONI PRESS, $4.99): Last issue. I'm saving them all to read together.
BLUE FALCON AND DYNOMUTT #1 (Dynamite, $4.99): I'm sure there must be some fans here!
CONAN THE BARBARIAN #24 (Titan, $3.99) is by Jim Zub and Fernando Dagnino. Titan still doing a good job on the Cimmerian.
EC ARCHIVES: THE COMPLETE MOON GIRL HC (Dark Horse, $59.99): Finally!!!!
Grant Geissman (a four-time-Eisner Award nominee) said, “The Complete MOON GIRL is a project that I have long wanted to do, and I’m so pleased that it is finally a reality. MOON GIRL was EC Comics’ only super-hero title, and trying to find the original issues today is both difficult and pricey. Using the actual late 1940s comic books as source material, every effort has been made to retain the look and feel of the rare originals, but presented in an attractive and affordable package. And apart from all the stories, this volume also presents examples of Moon Girl original art, as well as vintage production materials. I thank Dark Horse for letting us share all of her incredible adventures.”
HELLO DARKNESS #14 (BOOM, $5.99): Still buying this. It’s not at the level of Oni’s EC books, but it’s not far behind.
SUPERGIRL #5 (DC, $3.99) is by by Sophie Campbell and Rosi Kampe . Thank God some people have figured out that it's OK to have a book that's not angst-ridden.
TRINITY: DAUGHTER OF WONDER WOMAN #4 (OF 6, $3.99) is by Tom King and Belen Ortega. Another fun book.
TOXIC CRUSADERS #1 (of 5, Ahoy Comics, $4.99): Definitely not my thing, but there are Ahoy fans aplenty here. The PR tells me the team is made up of Nozone, Junkyard, Fungirl, Major Disaster and Toxic Avenger.
OTHER SHELVES
C.O.R.T.: CHILDREN OF THE ROUND TABLE #1 (OF 6, DC, $3.99) is by Tom Taylor (Dark Knights of Steel, Nightwing, Seven Secrets, The Deep TV series, Neverlanders) and Daniele Di Nicuolo (Nightwing, Seven Secrets, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers). Arthurian legend, set in the present, starring children. Despite the creators involved, pass.
"I’m thrilled to be on this new project," said Di Nicuolo. "It’s exciting to be a part of a project that represents a first for DC, and I can’t wait for readers of all ages to join this band of new, young heroes!"
"Like King Arthur asleep in a mountain, waiting for the day he will wake, CORT has been in my mind, and in my drafts folder, for a long time," said Taylor. "These brave young heroes will finally rise, and I couldn't imagine anything more perfect than to partner with Daniele Di Nicuolo and DC Comics to bring them to the world. DC has some of the greatest heroic teams on the planet, like the Justice League and the Titans. Now a new team of champions is coming to take on a tyrant: the Children of the Round Table."
FERAL #16 (Image, $3.99) is by Tony Fleecs and Trish Forstner. The press release says this is the beginning of a new story arc.
"This upcoming arc of Feral has some of my favorite moments of the series to date. I can't wait for readers to see what we've been cooking up in Pet City," said Fleecs. "Last arc, we put a lot of ingredients in the pot. New location, new characters, new threats, new rivalries. And now that we've brought it to a simmer, it's only a matter of time before it all boils over."
Forstner added: "This series is the perfect mix of suspense and thriller! Through this story we have built relationships, tugged on heartstrings and shattered trusts and ... we are only getting started! This next arc, while a great place to join the fray will also make you want to read back to see how this group of cats got here. Where they have been speaks volumes about where they are and where they are going next!"
GODZILLA #2 (IDW, $4.99): Yikes, #2 already? I haven't read #1!
HAL FOSTER'S PRINCE VALIANT SKETCHBOOKS: AN ILLUSTRATED MEMOIR HC (Fantagraphics, $50.00): "The first of a new six-volume series collecting the sketches and notes behind Hal Foster's creation of the Prince Valiant comic strip." I know a certain Texan who might be interested in this.
MICHAEL MOORCOCK LIBRARY: ELRIC — THE BALANCE LOST VOLUME 2 HC (Titan, $29.99): I'm always tempted by these.
POWERS 25 #1 (OF 12, BOOM, $4.99): I gave up on this book when I tired of Brian MIchael Bendis' style, and didn't return, as I subsequently tired of Michael Avon Oeming's style (on anything that doesn't involve anthropomorphic animals). But Powers was pretty popular in its time, and maybe some of you want to re-visit it.
PUNISHER RED BAND #1 (MARVEL, $4.99): Obligatory mention of a Marvel first issue.
REDCOAT #14 (Image) is by by Geoff Johns, Bryan Hitch, Andrew Currie, Brad Anderson and Rob Leigh. This issue serves as a prelude to the upcoming First Ghost series, and takes place in 1814 at the White House, which the British are burning.
“One of the joys of working in the historic timeline of The Unnamed, is that stories can be told across the canvas of American History, revealing secrets, introducing characters, and unlocking the greatest mysteries of the United States and those who not only founded it, but defined it," said Johns. "In this issue, Simon Pure gets blamed for the burning of the White House in 1814… and is on a mission to prove his innocence. Or is he?”
Hitch added: "Being able to collaborate across series with creators like Gene [Ha] and Brad [Meltzer] is one of the reasons that Ghost Machine is so much fun."
RED HOOD #1 (DC, $4.99) is by Gretchen Felker-Martin and Jeff Spokes. I have absolutely no use for this character. The book co-stars the Helena Bertinelli version of Huntress, another character I don't care about. I have to admit, though, the art's pretty sweet.
RETURN TO SKULL ISLAND #3 (OF 4, Titan, $4.99) is by Simon Furman and Chris Jones.
SANDA VOLUME 1 GN ($12.99)
SPACE GHOST VOLUME 2 #2 (Dynamite, $4.99)
STAR TREK LOWER DECKS #11 (IDW, $4.99): I miss the TV show. This is the next best thing.
STAR WARS: TALES FROM THE NIGHTLANDS #1 (OF 3, $5.99): is by Cavan Scott and Soo Lee. A new Star Wars book from Dark Horse.
THUNDERCATS VOL. 3: APEX HC (Dynamite, $24.99) is by Declan Shalvey and Drew Moss. They sent me this nice preview, so here ya go.
"This third arc on Third Earth is the apex (pun intended) of my original plans for when I took on ThunderCats as a comic book series,” said writer Declan Shalvey. “Where, with all the groundwork laid down, myself and artist Drew Moss could truly build to an epic climax and establish who the ThunderCats really were. Due to the tremendous support the series has received, this arc has also given us an extra opportunity... to build a springboard for new ideas and more ambitious storytelling. I'm so excited to see what comes next."
TRANSFORMERS #24 (IMAGE, $3.99): The press release says somebody important's going to die this issue, and a "new era" begins with the next issue. I can't tell one Transformer from another, so I don't know what these covers are telling me. I'll just take their word for it.
UNDEAD IRON FIST #1 (OF 4, MARVEL, $4.99) is by Jason Loo (Werewolf by Night: Red Band) and artist Fran Galán (Carnage).
The only Iron Fist series I really enjoyed was Immortal Iron Fist, with stories of Orson Randall and the champions of the Seven Cities of Heaven. I guess I like your Iron Fist, but not your Danny Rand so much.
“I was so relieved to not encounter any fan backlash or outrage when I killed off Danny Rand. Because there was always a plan to bring him back, but we wanted to make the fans wait,” Loo explained. “Not only was I busy plotting his next explosive chapter, Danny has been going through his own journey to find his way back into the 616 land of the living. And from the very first issue, he’s back swinging with ruthless vengeance. Artist Fran Galán is bringing so much wicked kineticism on every page, readers are going to be floored by this book.”
VALIANT BEYOND: ALL-NEW HARBINGER #1 (OF 3, Valiant, $4.99). Somehow I don't think the latest reboot is going to sell any better than the previous ones.
PS ARTBOOKS
It’s a PS Artbooks dump week! TBH, I’ve been wondering what was holding up some of these, and I’m a little relieved to see them. I've BOLDED the ones I've pre-ordered or plan to order:
GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS: AMAZING MAN VOLUME 2 TP, $32.99
GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS: AMAZING MAN VOLUME 2 HC, $52.99
GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS: AMAZING MAN VOLUME 2 SLIPCASE EDITION, $62.99
GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS: THE BLACK TERROR VOLUME 2 TP, $32.99
GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS: THE BLACK TERROR VOLUME 2 HC, $52.99
GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS THE BLACK TERROR VOLUME 2 SLIPCASE EDITION, $62.99
GOLDEN AGE FIGHT COMICS FEATURING TIGER GIRL VOLUME 2 TP, $32.99
GOLDEN AGE FIGHT COMICS FEATURING TIGER GIRL VOLUME 2 HC, $52.99
GOLDEN AGE FIGHT COMICS FEATURING TIGER GIRL VOLUME 2 SLIPCASE EDITION, $62.99
PRE-CODE CLASSICS: BAFFLING MYSTERIES VOLUME 3 TP, $32.99
PRE-CODE CLASSICS: DARK MYSTERIES VOLUME 3 TP, $32.99
PRE-CODE CLASSICS: TALES OF HORROR VOLUME 3 TP, $32.99
PRE-CODE CLASSICS: WEB OF MYSTERY SOFTEE VOLUME 3 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: AMERICA'S GREATEST COMICS #1 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $18.99
PS ARTBOOKS: AMERICA'S GREATEST COMICS #2 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $18.99
PS ARTBOOKS: AMERICA'S GREATEST COMICS #3 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $18.99
PS ARTBOOKS: AMERICA'S GREATEST COMICS #4 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $18.99
PS ARTBOOKS: AMERICA'S GREATEST COMICS VOLUME 4 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: BLACK MAGIC VOLUME 6 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: BLACKHAWK VOLUME 17 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: BLACKHAWK VOLUME 18 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: CAPTAIN MARVEL ADVENTURES #19 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $15.99
PS ARTBOOKS: CAPTAIN MARVEL ADVENTURES #24 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $15.99
PS ARTBOOKS: CATMAN #5 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $15.99
PS ARTBOOKS CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION COMICS VOLUME 9 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION COMICS VOLUME 9 HC, $52.99
PS ARTBOOKS: CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION COMICS VOLUME 9 HC (SLIPCASE EDITION), $62.99
PS ARTBOOKS: CLASSIC HORROR COMICS VOLUME 9 HC, $52.99
PS ARTBOOKS: CLASSIC HORROR COMICS VOLUME 9 HC (SLIPCASE EDITION), $62.99
PS ARTBOOKS: EERIE FACSIMILE EDITIONS VOLUME 1 (SLIPCASE EDITION), $104.99
PS ARTBOOKS EERIE FACSIMILE EDITIONS VOLUME 2 (SLIPCASE EDITION), $104.99
PS ARTBOOKS: EERIE FACSIMILE EDITIONS VOLUME 3 (SLIPCASE EDITION), $104.99
PS ARTBOOKS: HORRIFIC #1 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $15.99
PS ARTBOOKS: HORRIFIC #2 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $15.99
PS ARTBOOKS: KID ETERNITY VOLUME 2 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: MILITARY COMICS VOLUME 9 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: NIGHTMARE MAGAZINE #7, $22.99
PS ARTBOOKS: NYOKA JUNGLE GIRL VOLUME 1 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: PLASTIC MAN VOLUME 8 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: POLICE COMICS VOLUME 2 TP, $32.99
PS ARTBOOKS: PSYCHO MAGAZINE #7, $22.99
PS ARTBOOKS SHOCK MAGAZINE #1, $22.99
PS ARTBOOKS: STARTLING COMIC #44 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $15.99
PS ARTBOOKS: STARTLING COMIC #46 (FACSIMILE EDITION), $15.99
SILVER AGE CLASSICS: BILLY THE KID VOLUME 1 TP, $32.99
SILVER AGE CLASSICS: BILLY THE KID VOLUME 1 HC, $52.99
SILVER AGE CLASSICS: BILLY THE KID VOLUME 1 SLIPCASE EDITIO), $62.99
SILVER AGE CLASSICS: STRANGE VOLUME 1 TP, $32.99
SILVER AGE CLASSICS: STRANGE VOLUME 1 HC, $52.99
SILVER AGE CLASSICS: STRANGE VOLUME 1 SLIPCASE EDITION, $62.99
Replies
NOTE: NING's photo-placement tool stopped working early Tuesday, and wasn't fixed by Tuesday night.
Maybe that explains why I wasn't able to attach a photo of Tor Johnson earlier.
When I contacted them, NING said they were aware of the problem and were working on it. That's all I can tell you, because that's all I know.
BLACK CANARY: BEST OF THE BEST HC: it’s not Tom King’s best work, but let’s keep in mind that King’s best is a pretty high bar.
I pretty much agree with that. the one thing I would add to your assessment is that the interplay between words and pictures throughout this series is phenominal.
BLOOD TYPE #4): Last issue. I'm saving them all to read together.
That's a good move; they'll read better that way.
EC ARCHIVES: THE COMPLETE MOON GIRL HC: Finally!!!!
The Moon being Tracy's symbol, I bought high-end replica editions of these from Canton Street Press. Unfortunately, they got only as far as #5. This is one of those series (like Atlas-era Venus) that seems to cast about from issue-to-issue for an identity. I think you'll like it. You, Richard Willis and I will all be getting this one.
TOXIC CRUSADERS #1: Definitely not my thing, but there are Ahoy fans aplenty here.
Not really my thing, either, truth be told, but the comics are better than the movie (the original, anyweay). I am one of those AHOY fans so I'll be getting it, but I can't for the life of me figure out why Toxie needs three titles. Because it's AHOY, at the very least we'll get two prose short stories along with it.
HAL FOSTER'S PRINCE VALIANT SKETCHBOOKS: I know a certain Texan who might be interested in this.
Yeah, I pre-orderdf this. I didn't know it was to be the first of six volumes, though. (Gotta start reading those solicitations more closely.)
It’s a PS Artbooks dump week!
Yeah it is! Looking at my LCS's online inventory, I'll be getting...
Amazing Man v2
Black Terror v2
Fight Comics (featuring Tiger Girl) v2
Horror Comics v9
Strange! v1
...all HC. This concerns me because I don't see Classic Science Fiction Comics v9 on their list, and such anthologies have fallen through the cracks before. They are never available for re-order through Diamond, and they are nearly twice as expensive to order directly from the publisher, and who knows how the tariffs are going to affect them (I know they've affected Big Finish audio dramas). Arrgh!
(I don't recall seeing the Billy the Kid HC solicited; I don't think I orderd it.)
HAL FOSTER'S PRINCE VALIANT SKETCHBOOKS: I wouldn't refer to what's in this book as "sketches"... "layouts" maybe, little more than stick figures. It's also very text-heavy. I hate doing this (I think this is only my second time) but, as big of a Hal Foster/Prince Valiant freak as I am, I asked if I could pass on this one even though I pre-orderdd it. And there are going to be five more volumes?
PS ART DUMP WEEK: As I suspected, one fell through the cracks. Although the others are on their way, only one actually shipped today due to the vaguries of Diamond shipping.
TOXIC CRUSADERS #1: I don't generally post comments about comics I don't like. Consequently, the comments I usually post are either "Recommended," "Highly recommended" or "Highest possible recommendation." But in this case I feel I must make an exception. I can't imagine who this comic is intended to appeal to, but I imagine those who used to collect "Garbage Pail Kids" (were those cards or stickers?) when they were little. They say you can't judge a book by its cover? Take a look at this cover.
It is exactly what you'd expect.
Yeah, I have a standing order for all AHOY comics at my shop...but a few weeks ago I amended that to remove two of the three Toxic Avenger comics they're publishing (I'm keeping the last few issues of Toxie Team-Up). They're really going hard with Toxie, which I'm sure is part of the terms of the licensing deal. I hope it does well for them, and I laregly like Fred Harper's art. And honestly, I bet I'll enjoy the new Toxic Avenger movie when I see it. But this feels like beyond market saturation to me. I hope AHOY devotes more resources to stuff I'll like better soon.
Which reminds me, I just got the second issue of Ancestral Recall today, and I haven't yet dug into the first!
RED HOOD #1 (DC, $4.99) is by Gretchen Felker-Martin and Jeff Spokes. I have absolutely no use for this character. The book co-stars the Helena Bertinelli version of Huntress, another character I don't care about. I have to admit, though, the art's pretty sweet.
Red Hood #1 and only:
DC Axes Batman Spinoff After Writer’s Controversial Charlie Kirk Co...
Sigh. I would say that I am conflicted if I cared enough.
Not the kind of reaction to the recent event that I consider positive, though.