MAJOR PUBLISHERS
MARVEL COMICS
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #61: OK, so, the old Sorcerer Supreme (Doctor Strange) had to fight an evil god once a year. (This is news to me, too.) Now the new one (Doctor Doom), isn't going to waste time doing that, when he's got so much scheming to do. So he gives Spider-Man a magic suit and eight extra lives to do the fighting instead. The story's called "The Eight Deaths of Spider-Man," so I don't think it's going to be terribly upbeat.
PSYLOCKE #1 ($4.99): Is this character interesting enough to support a solo title? Marvel seems to think so. Of course, they seem to think every X-Man who's been around for more than 10 minutes deserves a solo title, or at least a miniseries.
Currently she's on the roster with Cyclops' team in Alaska, but will supposedly be taking on missions that aren't "suitable" for the X-Men, i.e., lethal ones. The series will also explore Kwannon's past, which involves being trained as an assassin.
“Everything in her history points her to the path of a villain,” writer Alyssa Wong said. “Her background is so full of tragedy—so why does she choose to be a hero? This is a dark emotional character story,” they continued. “But it will also be a ton of fun as well. I’m excited to do something super dark.”
STAR WARS LEGENDS EPIC COLLECTION: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS -- DROIDS & EWOKS ($49.99): Warning! Do not read if you are diabetic!
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #32 FACSIMILE EDITION ($4.99): It's the never-ending story of the Black Suit, and Marvel's attempt to cash in on it another time.
DC COMICS
Absolute this week
ABSOLUTE BATMAN #2 ($4.99): The solicition doesn't tell me anything, but I already like the idea of Batman punching UP. Now he really is the boogeyman on our side. (Note the Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #2 homage.)
ABSOLUTE BAMAN #1 NOIR EDITION ($4.99): I think "Noir" just means the cover's in B&W. But maybe the whole issue is.
Elsewhere at DC:
ACTION COMICS #1075 ($6.99): Mark Waid writes Mon-El, which is a thing I didn't know I wanted until I read the words. Also, it appears to be another time-travel story where a grown Kal-El meets Jor-El and Lara on the doomed planet Krypton. There have been so many of those -- Jimmy Olsen was Kal-El's babysitter in one of them -- DC could probably do an ominbus of those stories alone! But I trust Waid will break new ground that will be entertaining for today's audience but still, somehow, pass my SIlver Age gut check.
BATMAN UNCOVERED #1 (ONE-SHOT, $5.99) is another collection of covers.
BLACK LIGHTNING #1 ($3.99): Black Lightning initially turned down joining the Justice League in 1979 (Justice League of America #173-174) for what seemed like pretty good reasons. Inexplicably, though, he joined up later with the Outsiders. And now he's going to be a core member of Justice League Unlimited. I hope his reasons for doing so are explained.
BRIAN BOLLAND: BATMAN THE KILLING JOKE AND OTHER STORIES & ART GALLERY EDITION ($225.00): I'd be amazed if something like this doesn't already exist in some form. But if not, here's your chance.
DC FINEST: WONDER WOMAN -- ORIGINS & OMENS TP ($39.99) collects Wonder Woman stories from 2007 to 2009, including Wonder Woman #14-35 (third series, the beginning of the Gail Simone run), Outsiders: Five of a Kind -- Wonder Woman/Grace #1 (I didn't read this one, so maybe it's where we find out Grace is an Amazon) and The Brave and the Bold #7 (third series, Wonder Woman/Power Girl).
GREEN LANTERN #17 ($4.99): I read Green Lantern during "Absolute Power," which was followed by the "All In" issue, which I also read. And there was a LOT I didn't know, especially regarding John Stewart. Do I want to continue following this title through the inevitable victory over Thaaros and the United Planets, which will inevitably spawn an ever worse threat? As much as I have always loved Green Lantern ... I am not moved to do so. Maybe if I read the first dozen or so issues of this iteration I'd be more enthusiastic.
LIMITED COLLECTORS EDITION #37 ($14.99) collects the all-reprint "Batman: Special All-Villains Issue" Treasury edition. Yes, they're charging $15 for a reprint of a reprint.
IMAGE COMICS
G.I. JOE (2024) #1 ($4.99): This is a second Joe book, in addition to G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. I've never been a fan -- well, I was a fan of the action figures, back when they were a foot tall -- so I don't have much to say. I'll just let the creators do the talking.
"Finally! The team is together! The response to the mini-series that led to this moment has been phenomenal, it's been exciting to see lifelong fans of the iconic series and new readers come together to support G.I. JOE in the Energon Universe,” said writer Joshua Williamson. “What has come before was just a glimpse into the massive world full of action and drama that we're bringing with the new ongoing series. Now it's time to amp up the story as newly formed G.I. Joe and Cobra meet for the first time! Our first issue rocks the Energon Universe in major ways with big moments we've been dying to unleash. Tom and Jordie are killing it and bringing the heat with every page. You do not want to miss G.I. JOE #1. Yo Joe!
"I’m very excited to return to the Energon Universe with my DUKE squad mates, Josh and Jordie. It’s not every day you get to help build something this big, let alone with some of the best talent the industry has to offer,” said artist Tom Reilly. “To be asked to continue building with them is a challenge that I happily accept. We’re going to bring you G.I. JOE like you’ve never seen them before, so get ready for a wild ride! "
"I love it when a plan comes together. With the foundation laid, Skybound is primed to expand the Energon Universe with an ongoing G.I. JOE series,” added Robert Kirkman. “Duke, Cobra Commander, Scarlett and Destro have been mere teases of what we have in store. Now Josh, Tom and crew are bringing us a new vision of these beloved characters that will stand next to TRANSFORMERS and Void Rivals as the cornerstones of the Energon Universe!”
There's also a series of variant covers for the first four issues by David Nakayama that form a polyptych.
TRANSFORMERS #14 ($3.99)
WE CALLED THEM GIANTS HC ($19.99) is by the creators of Die. A woman (young and attractive, of course, and I'll bet a dollar she turns out to be lesbian) wakes up to find everybody gone except for street gangs. then some giant invaders arrive. I didn't have time to read it, but the preview is below.
"After we finished Die, we knew we wanted to do something completely different," said Kieron Gillen (Die, The Wicked + The Divine, Immortal X-Men). "Rather than a sprawling ongoing, do something smaller, intimate, self-contained and really pure. So, in the middle of the covid lockdowns, I was left alone with my cats, staring at them, and them staring at me, and thinking about the miracle of relationships between beings of completely different kinds of intelligences, and the wonder of the jump across that gap. The image of the feral girl in the devastation and the giants came quickly after that, and we were away. People will fall in love and have their hearts broken—the full Hans/Gillen experience. Despite the post-apocalypse setting the story has an almost weird-fable kind of vibe, and ends up basically as a conversation between The Walking Dead and The Iron Giant. Basically, We Called Them Giants is the story of communication across a chasm at the end of the world. Folks have seen what Stephanie does on a month-by-month rush on an ongoing comic. Here, it's a thrill to see her luxuriate—creating this single long story, and being able to shape the whole thing into a poignant, romantic, devastating single canvas."
“As an artist, it is always a joy to work on new challenges, especially when it is with such a great writer," artist Stephanie Hans (Die, Secret Wars 1602: Witch Hunter Angela, Black Bolt) said. "Kieron wrote an emotional story in which he let me go wild on designs. It’s a new, beautiful end of the world tale, a little bit epic, a bit nostalgic and a bit contemplative. It’s nothing like we did before. In all the best ways.”
DARK HORSE
ARCBOUND #1 ($4.99): A soldier in a dystopian, space-faring, authoritarian future is murdered, changed into a cyborg and turns on his former masters. And because it's a comic book, he'll have a chance. Which just reminds me we don't have any freedom-fighting cyborgs in our world.
Scott Snyder: “I've been lucky enough throughout my career to work with some of the biggest, most inventive talents in the industry. So when I was given the opportunity to work with Frank Tieri, Ryan Smallman, and, of course, Tom Hardy, I jumped at it. These are all creators that have an innate understanding of how characters tick and what makes their narratives sing across all kinds of media. Getting to craft a brand new universe with such immense creative voices is beyond a treat for me, and I can't wait to share what we've been crafting this past year with all of you. ARCBOUND is going to blow you away!”
Frank Tieri: “Working with Tom, Scott and Ryan… Well, Arcbound has pretty much assembled a dream team for this project and it’s a thrill to be part of it. The world building’s been fun, we’ve got some cool plans for the current series and for the future… and we’ve all had a blast doing it. And I think it really shows in the work.”
Tom Hardy: “I’ve always been drawn to the creative process in all aspects of storytelling–one of the biggest reasons I love comics is that the canvas is limitless, a vast expanse to explore the human condition, character depth, and boundless realms, all only limited by our collective imagination. It’s an honor to work alongside such legends as Scott, Frank, and Ryan in helping to bring the Arcbound universe to life.”
Ryan Smallman: “Creating an entirely new universe along with this roster of talent has been the most fulfilling project of my career so far. Getting the chance to lend my style to Scott and Frank's creative vision and worldbuilding along with Tom's sensibility for characters has been a recipe for a truly special series. Everyone has been bringing their A game to make this the absolute best book it can be and I'm so proud of the work we've done!”
Nick Rose, CEO of Arcbound Studios: "I'm beyond excited to build not just this book, but an entire universe alongside some of the greatest storytellers from across mediums. Working with such a talented and diverse team allows us to create a rich, immersive world that transcends traditional storytelling. We're crafting something truly special, with the thrilling potential to leap off the pages and come to life in film and other media. I can't wait for fans to experience this epic journey."
Not crazy about this art, either:
BLACK HAMMER:SPIRAL CITY #1 ($3.99): I started to read this, and it began with an unscrupulous, authoritarian politician using anti-superhero sentiment to run for mayor of Spiral City. I just can't even.
“Teaming with one of my all-time favourite artists, Teddy Kristensen, I knew this book needed to be special, said Lemire. “It’s a brand-new era for the Black Hammer Universe. New stories, new characters, and a whole new direction. Black Hammer: The End was the culmination of the last eight years of storytelling, and now Black Hammer: Spiral City is truly a new beginning. It’s both a great jumping on point for curious readers, and a bold new direction for long time fans.”
Kristiansen added, "My first introduction to Jeff’s work was The Underwater Welder and I immediately started reading his other books. Suddenly he is doing Black Hammer with an old comic world friend, Dean Ormston, and I could see he has the same passion and love for superhero comics as I have and a big passion for playing with storytelling, so all my boxes were ticked. Then, out of the blue comes a PM on Instagram asking me if I want to do a project together, which became this book. I hope readers will find the same passion and joy in the book as I had doing it with Jeff."
BLACKSAD: THEY ALL FALL DOWN PART 2 HC ($19.99): If you've never read Blacksad, it's '30s or '40s crime noir with anthropomorphic animals. The art's fantastic, and I've enjoyed every one I've read. I haven't read Part 1 of this, tho, so I'll hold off on specific comment until I do.
“Blacksad is such an international success that it’s now published in twenty-eight different languages throughout the world,” notes Diana Schutz, who writes the English-language translation script for the book with her partner Brandon Kander. “But it’s no secret that Spanish creators Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido are especially involved in the Dark Horse edition of their work. Juan and Juanjo have created a quintessentially American hero, letting him—and his impeccable moral compass—loose in a 1950s noirish New York City, but remember that all of this is originally conceived and written in Spanish. So, Dark Horse’s English-language edition of Blacksad allows us to take better advantage of the creators’ love of mid-century Americana by playing to the authentic linguistic rhythms and idioms of the time period. Editor Jenny Bingham-Blenk and I are very fortunate to work directly with Juan and Juanjo on the series, and their dedication to all aspects of the Dark Horse edition just flat-out makes for a better book. The incredible support of our English-language readership along with the many Eisner and Harvey Awards that Blacksad has won are, I think, a testament to that.”
BORDERLANDS: MOXXI'S MYSTERIOUS MEMENTO #1 (OF 4, $3.99): Isn't this the same video game-spawned universe that gave us the recent movie that bombed? That's not much of an inducement to read the comics.
Here's the solicitation: "Former celebrity and current badass Siren Amara misses the fame and excitement of her glory days. Nowadays, common stooges don’t know who they’re messing with—though they’ll soon find out. In order to reclaim the highs of her former heroics, she needs a gig. Luckily, Moxxi needs help recovering a mysterious artifact!"
"I'm so pumped to be working on this," writer Amy Chu (Carmilla: The First Vampire, Red Sonja) said. "Mike Norton is killer on the art. I can't believe I get to work with all my favorite characters from the game! Ever grateful to Gearbox, 2K, and Dark Horse for letting me play in this sandbox."
“I’m excited for people to see this book," said artistMike Norton (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1956, Revival). "Amy’s written my favorite kind of story. … Funny and full of action. I’m super happy with how it’s turning out!”
GUNNERKRIGG COURT VOL 1 TP ($34.99): A webcomic. For kids, maybe? It stars an unflappable little girl, like Wednesday Addams, who encounters strange things in her strange school and casually deals with them. I read far enough to see her develop a second shadow and return it to its homeland (by constructing a robot) and go on a search for a Minotaur (which the preview indicates she finds). She also picks up a Marcie-like sidekick. It's kinda spooky, but not gory or scary. And the art, while also spooky, is pretty cartoony. So yeah, I guess it's for kids. Or genuine all ages.
“Anyone with a taste for mystery, an eye for the fantastic and strange, The Court welcomes you,” says creator Tom Siddell. “I'm really excited for readers, new and old, to get their hands on the best version of Gunnerkrigg, from a publisher whose work I've been enjoying for decades!”
STAR WARS PREQUEL TRILOGY GN ($19.99): Collects three GNs adapting the three prequels. Which just serves to remind me how much I disliked them.
IDW PUBLISHING
STAR TREK LOWER DECKS #1 ($4.99) will have a complete story each issue, by different artists. The first issue is by writer Ryan North (whom I think will be the regular writer) and artist Derek Charm, who collaborated on Star Trek: Day of Blood -- Shax's Best Day. I love the TV series, which is ending, so this might be all we have.
“LOWER DECKS is my favorite STAR TREK, and I have seen every single STAR TREK there is to see, except for one episode I will never reveal,” said North. “This raises the obvious question: will something in this comic contradict something that I missed in that one episode I never saw? Thankfully the answer is no, because the entire LOWER DECKS team -- both at IDW and Paramount - has been so amazing - supportive, clever, brilliant. We're making a big funny heartfelt book with huge sci-fi ideas, important character developments, tons of that Trek flavor, and a bunch of jokes, too. If you love LOWER DECKS, you'll love this comic!"
YARS RISING #1 ($4.99): Computer hackers, based on a video game, faux manga artwork ... not really my thing. But it might be yours.
ARCHIE COMICS
WORLD OF ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #145 (Archie, $9.99)
Here's a complete story:
DYNAMITE
BARBARELLA #2 ($4.99): I'm reading this with mild interest. It's more social commentary than sex farce, which is good. But it's still Barbarella, so don't expect Shakespeare.
DARKWING DUCK VOL 2: THE JUSTICE DUCKS TP/HC ($17.99/$22.99)
SPACE GHOST #7 ($4.99): I finally caught up on issues #2-6. I had taken a break after the first issue, because I didn't care for the art. I've gotten used to it, though, and am seeing hints of rendering inspired by Berni Wrightson, or maybe second-hand via John Totleben. It's not always easy to follow, especially with giant yellow "FOR REVIEW ONLY" letters stamped on every page, but it's growing on me. Especially since they're reviving the classic rogues gallery, updated for the 21st century. We've met Zorak and Moltar, and Brak is on deck.
TERMINATOR #2 ($4.99): This involves a terminator that appears during the Vietnam War, and apparently pursues a particular soldier, who eludes him until the present. That's really all I know so far. But it's an extended chase sequence, just like the first movie, and I enjoyed that and am enjoying this. To paraphrase Nandor the Relentless, "Do you know why they call the Terminator relentless? Because he never relents."
TITAN COMICS
HEAT SEEKER: COMBUSTION – A GUN HONEY SERIES #1 (MR, $3.99): There will be boobs.
HUGE DETECTIVE #3 (OF 5, MR, $3.99)
MINKY WOODCOCK: A GIRL CALLED CTHULHU #2 (OF 4, $3.99)
OFFICIAL SEA OF THIEVES COLORING BOOK SC ($14.99)
TANK GIRL TRILOGY BOXED SET ($49.99): I don't really see the appeal of Tank Girl, but I suspect if I had read her in my own rebellious teen years, I would have enjoyed it then and enjoy it now out of nostalgia. As it is, though, I came upon the strip in my adult years and just find it adolescent.
THREE EXORCISM SIBLINGS VOL 3 GN ($12.99)
OTHER PUBLISHERS
CALAVERA P.I. #1 (OF 4, Oni Press, $4.99): A dead private investigator from L.A.'s barrios is resurrected on Dia de los Muertos, albeit as a skeleton, to investigate a human trafficker named La Fantasma ... and maybe solve his own murder. Which sounds kinda cool, actually. Here's a PREVIEW.
COLLECTED TOPPI VOL 11: WAR STORIES HC (Magnetic Press, $24.99) is a war-story anthology by Sergio Toppi, a famous and influential artist I've never heard of. Magnetic Press doesn't have Volume 11 on the site yet (what th-!?) but here's a LOOK at previous volumes. His art is magnificent.
COMPLETE POE CLAN HC (Fantagraphics, MR, $80.00) is by another famous and influential artist I've never heard of. "The complete run of the groundbreaking young adult vampire series created by Moto Hagio, a shojo/shonen-ai manga pioneer and one of the world's most influential cartoonists."
DEFIANT VOL 1 #1 (OF 4, Stranger Comics, $3.99): A graphic biography of Robert Smalls, who was born a slave but rose to be a captain in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Sounds interesting, despite being educational. Here's a PREVIEW.
FISHING MEMORIES GN (Blue Fox Comics, $24.99) features a man named Lethe -- yes, he's an amnesiac, how did you guess? -- fishing for memories off an island in, I guess, a magical sea. It's by a Portuguese writer and painted by a Brazilian artist, and I imagine will be a thoughtful meditation on life. Here's a PREVIEW.
GOATMAN TRILOGY: RISE OF THE GOATMAN #1 (Afterlight. $7.99): A family stay in an isolated cabin in the woods, where the young daughter ... Wait! Why are you staying in an isolated cabin in the woods! That never ends well! Anyway, the daughter finds a diary telling the story of what happened to the previous family staying there. Which, I assume, involves a goatman.
GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS: BLACK TERROR VOL 1 HC (PS Artbooks, $52.99): I don't delude myself that Black Terror is going to be any better than the other off-brand superheroes of the early '40s, but he does have a cool costume. I might get a couple of these.
IAN GIBSON’S LIFEBOAT BOOK 1 SC/HC (77 Publishing LTD, $29.99/$59.99): A space opera by Ballad of Halo Jones artist Ian Gibson. I have a Halo Jones collection somewhere around here that I've never read, which isn't exactly a recommendation. His art is really ... English. Here's a PREVIEW.
MY BAD VOL 3: ESCAPE FROM PECULIAR ISLAND TP (MR, $17.99): Ahoy alert!
OTHER SIDE OF TOMORROW GN/HC (Harper Valley, $15.99/$24.99) is a graphic novel about some kids trying to escape North Korea. That sounds ... daunting.
POWER RANGERS: PRIME #1 (BOOM, $4.99): Another Power Rangers series.
PRE-CODE CLASSICS: DAREDEVIL COMICS VOL 1 SOFTEE (PS Artbooks, $32.99) begins collecting the Golden Age Daredevil, some of which I read in a Dark Horse collection some time ago. I might want to read a few of these so that I get a better sense of his evolution.
RESURGENCE: X-O MANOWAR ONE-SHOT ($5.99): If you're keeping up with Valiant's "Resurgence" -- and I have no indication that anyone here is -- this is probably an important piece.
SECTION VII CASES OF STRANGE & UNNATURAL GN (Afterlight, MR, $32.99): Special agents investigate paranormal phenomena in post-WWII (and then-Soviet) Poland. Supposedly based on true events. Here's the KICKSTARTER.
SILENCE #1 (OF 3, Afterlight, MR, $7.99): A comic book artist finds an amulet in Silence, Michigan, which brings his concepts to life. I think I've read or seen this story a few times before (and if this story is like its predecessors, it won't end well for the artist).
STRING #1 (OF 5, Mad Cave, MR, $4.99) features a woman who can see strings connecting people, but only two kinds: blue, which stretch between sexual partners, and black, which indicates one is going to murder the other. Those are some TMI things to know about other people, but the crux of the story is that she wakes up one day to see a black string attached to herself. Is she going to be killed, or is she going to kill someone else?
TOXIC AVENGER #2 (OF 5, MR, $3.99): Ahoy alert! Here's the trading card included with the comic book:
V2A WASTELAND CHRONICLES: DOOMSDAY #1 (Timebomb Comics, $7.99): This is written by the metal band V2A, and as you'd expect, they write themselves as the heroes of a leather-and-motorcycles, post-apocalyptic wasteland. Talk about wish-fulfillment. But it's not MY wish-fulfillment, so they can pleasure themselves here all they like, without my participation being necessary.
WALT DISNEY’S DONALD DUCK: FROZEN GOLD HC (Fantagraphics, $39.99): It's the penultimate volume! Vol. 2 of the Carl Barks Library includes 18 stories over 200 pages. The end is in sight! Here's a PREVIEW.
WENDIGO WOOD TP (Afterlight, $32.99): A vet searching for his missing daughter stumbles on a wendigo-worshipping cult who engage in human sacrifice. Look, pal, I hope you find your daughter, but it's not looking good. Here's a PREVIEW and trailer.
WYND:THE POWER OF THE BLOOD #1 (OF 8, BOOM, $5.99): This is the third and apparently final miniseries for James Tynion IV's fantasy series. "War is brewing between humans, Faeriekind, and the dastardly Vampyres." Here's a PREVIEW.
Replies
As much as I have always loved Green Lantern ... I am not moved to do so.
I lost interest in Green Lantern around the time of the "League of Rainbow Lanterns" or whatever it was called. I came back for Sojourner Mullein, then bailed again.
I think I stopped reading after the "Blackest Night" event, which would more or less dovetail with your experience, Jeff. I think I read the Brightest Day series, but I'm not sure. Really not sure about anything after that.
LIMITED COLLECTORS EDITION #37 collects the all-reprint "Batman: Special All-Villains Issue" Treasury edition. Yes, they're charging $15 for a reprint of a reprint.
I'll be buying this one for reasons of nostalgia if nothing else. I was in on the "treasury edition" fad from the very beginning (DC's Action Comics #1 and Marvel's Spider-Man) and stuck with it for quite a while. I still have them all EXCEPT, for some reason, Limited Collector's Edition #37. I don't remember selling it or trading it or losing it... I just simply don't have it anymore. Besides, with my discount (35% for pre-orders), this slice of the past isn't that much more expensive than most other comics these days (and less expensive than some) which wouldn't bring me nearly as much pleasure.
I got the reprint of Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, even though my original is in (fairly) good shape and I got a hardback reprint at regular comics size a few years ago for Christmas.
I got the Batman collection of the Ra's al-Ghul saga, even though my original is in fairly good shape and even though I have a different collection that has more of the story, including the first appearance of the League of Assassins and of Talia. Neither of those collections include the coda to the story, in which Batman returns from that adventure to find that one candidate for mayor is accusing the other of murdering Bruce Wayne!
I got the reprint of Superman vs. Wonder Woman, as my original is not in great shape.
As for this one, I have to check if I have it. I was not as lucky as some to get ALL of the Treasury Editions and Limited Collectors' Editions -- to this day, there are some I've never even heard of, let alone seen. I do cherish the ones I have, including the reprints of the first issues or first appearances of the big guns.
Those are good reasons for getting it. I also have all the Treasuries, even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, so I don't need to get them again. I meant to get some of the original ones that were reprinted in HC -- Treasury bindings are notoriously fragile -- but I don't think I did. I might like to have Spider-Man/Superman on the shelf, I think. Maybe Wonder Woman/Superman or Superman/Muhammad Ali. But I've read them all so if that never happens, so be it.