The most exciting solicitation this month is the resumption of the EC ARCHIVES line, this time published by Dark Horse but with trade dress matching the previous two publishers.
Also from Dark Horse is the sixth volume of CRIME DOES NOT PAY, the third (and final) BROTHERS OF THE SPEAR, as well as the first of a new series of archival reprints, CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT.
DC’s most exciting news is a new SANDMAN series by Neil Gaiman. A long last we will learn of the battle which fatigued him enough to be captured. (I wonder how close it will come to the “Earth-J” version? “Not very,” is suspect!)
John Byrne has added a new title to his ever-expending series of IDW mini-series comprising what I call the “Byrne-verse,” TRIPLE HELIX (emphasis on the “X”).
I’m pleased that IDW released a second collection of (chronologically earlier) MISS FURY SUNDAYS. The first volume covered the peak years, but I enjoyed it so much I can’t imagine not enjoying the earlier continuities, too.
I was on the fence about MARVEL FIRSTS 1980s, but the other volumes were so well done and it’s nice to have a chronological collection of the comics themselves under a single cover, so I went ahead and pre-ordered it.
When Fantagraphics first started releasing their comprehensive reprint of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts, I was a little disappointed that the Sundays weren’t in color. Now, more than half way through the project, I’ve come to accept it. Eventually, the Sunday’s became just as spare and minimalistic as the dailies, but they started out with lush vibrant color and detailed backgrounds, in contrast to the dailies. I’m really looking forward to Fantagraphics’ PEANUTS EVERY SUNDAY: 1952-1955. This may not have been Schulz’s own favorite era of his strip, but it is one of mine.
Also from Fantagraphics as new volumes of POGO, DONALD DUCK and MICKEY MOUSE COLOR SUNDAYS.
There have been a lot of hardcovers and tpbs spotlighting various MAD magazine artists. Conspicuous in his absence (until now) has been MAD’S GREATEST ARTISTS: DAVE BERG.
There are also several items of interest I did not pre-order.
THE FIRST KINGDOM VOL. 2: I preordered volume 1 but I want to see it first before I commit to the series.
It’s been a while since I bought a new Doonsesbury collection, but I’m not sure SQUARED AWAY: A DOONESBURY COLLECTION is part of the series I collect. Then again, I’m not sure it matters. (This one features the wedding of Alex and Toggle.) I’ll have to see it before I commit.
STAR TREK FEDERATION: THE FIRST 150 YEARS: Have to see it first.
THE SECRET HISTORY OF MARVEL COMICS: Have to see it first.
Replies
1. I enjoyed the Shaolin Cowboy Pulp quite a bit so I am glad to see a new comic series.
2. New Black Beetle. Whoop!
3. And new Bloodhound. Oh, happy day.
4. I'm not thrilled about the $7 price tag on Batman #24.
5. Surprised to see Vertigo Resurrected...resurrected. (heheheh)
6. It is weird to go through the Boom! solicitations and go from one page of Adventure Time comics to Clive Barker's Hellraiser
7. Also a new Rick Geary Murder Mystery book.