Thanks to Jeff for taking over last month as I was behind the entire month. Anyways, let's get to it:
1. Now that they have broken it down I'm impressed by how many horror and sci-fi comics Dark Horse puts out.
2. Dark Matter seems like a classic sci-fi story.
3. I was enjoying Conan: Road of Kings, too bad it got canned.
4. I guess Jim Shooter's latest Gold key revival is dead.
5. I'm really surprised DC Universe: Online is still going.
6. It is weird seeing almost every title with the same issue number.
7. The David Finch cover to Birds of Prey doesn't look like his normal fare.
8. An I, Vampire trade isn't really out of left field, but not really expected either.
9. The Xombi trade does surprise considering how bad the sales were.
10. IDW sure got Infestation 2 out quick.
11. 2 Transformers ongoing series seems a bit hopeful.
12. $50 seems a bit steep for a 300 page anthology...
13. Once again the info on the solicits for Image if a series is an ongoing or limited series is lacking at times.
14. After a few months off I am back on Invincible.
15. <sarcasm>TBA seems awfully busy with all of those Venom variant covers.</sarcasm>
16. Kind of neat seeing Marvel doing some Annuals.
17. I like the idea of Kaare Andrews doing all of the covers for the Ultimate line this month. Gives it some visual cohesion.
18. Yet another Kirby: Genesis spin-off.
19. I love that Big Barda cover by Bruce Timm for Back Issue.
20. For $800 that Batman bust doesn't look that great to me.
Replies
In no particular order…
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS VOL. 2: I’ve recently adopted a new criterion for choosing which collections to buy: never buy a book which weighs more than 10 pounds. The first one contained Ditko’s run in its entirety and was hard to pass up, especially with the original letters and Bullpen Bulletins pages included. Volume 2, OTOH, collects issues #39-67, annuals #3-5, Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1-2 (plus some odds and ends from Not Brand Ecch), my favorite run ever. I didn’t pre-order it, but we’ll see. Maybe someday. Speaking of Ditko…
STEVE DITKO ARCHIVES, Vol.3: this third volume is up to the “Tales of the Mysterious Traveler “ era (which I own in black and white but not color). Perhaps if this series continues, I‘ll eventually get that “Mr. A” collection I’ve been clamoring for.
MMW CAPTAIN AMERICA Vol. 6: For anyone who cares, there’s an error in this month’s Previews catalogue. The picture is of Golden Age Captain America Vol. 6 but the description is of the Silver Age Captain America Vol. 6. The solicitation Cap posted pictures the Silver Age cover, which I believe is correct. When I [stupidly!] traded away the majority of my Captain America collection while I was in college, the issues reprinted in this volume are among those I kept, featuring Spider-Man, Steve Rogers stint as a police officer, the destruction of the original S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier, the Gargoyle, Hydra, the Red Skull, the Falcon’s new costume, and the debut of Sal Buscema as regular artist.
DAREDEVIL BY MARK WAID Vol. 1: I mentioned this elsewhere, but for those of you not reading this series, here’s your chance to get a hardcover reprint of the first six issues for $20.
GRANT MORRISON AVENGERS: No, no, no… not those Avengers! Steed and Mrs. Peel (with art by Ian Gibson).
FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E.: Looks as if I’m going to be sampling this series after all, as OMAC #5 continues into FAoS #5.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: YOUNG LOVE: Cool stuff with art by John Romita, Mike Sekowsky, Don Heck, Gene Colan, etc., but this particular series is one I think I’d prefer to own in color. If you don’t share my prejudice, here’s a heads up.
SUPERMAN IN ACTION COMICS ARCHIVES Vol. 6: Few and far between these days
(I should be careful what I wish for), but another volume is on the horizon at last. This one reprints issues #86-102.
DREADSTAR OMNIBUS SOFTCOVER: Another heads up for those who expressed an interest in this series over on the ‘Breed III discussion thread. (You know who you are!) This volume collects the first twelve issues.
THE SUNDAY FUNNIES: “Russ Cochran has been publishing books and portfolios for comic art collectiors since 1971. These publications include the Complete EC Library, and now Russ Cochran is pleased to announce the monthly publication of The Sunday Finnies, a 32 page comic section which reprints the best Sunday comic pages from the late 1890s through the 1950s. Each issue will contain 32 full-page Sunday pages, full size (22” x 16”), in full color. These will include Gasoline Alley, Little Nemo, Polly and Her Palls, Flash Gorgon, Buck Rogers, Alley Oop, Terry and the Pirates and many, many more historic Sunday pages, presented in the format that they were originally intended for. The first issue will be a wonderful thing which all comic art aficionados will treasure!”
I’ve long desired such a publication (and one which would include dailies, too). Remember the fun we had rating and discussing DC’s Wednesday Comics a while ago? Now’s our chance to rate and discuss the real thing! $10, ships January 25.
MARVEL GUITARS: Remember when Spider-Man electric guitars were advertised in Marvel comics? I’ve always regretted not getting one. Well, here’s my chance. And I don’t even know how to play the guitar!
CRIME DOES NOT PAY ARCHIVES: Ask and ye shall receive.
PHANTOM SUNDAYS: Woo hoo!