If
you don’t know, Previews
is the catalogue that Diamond Comic Distributors use to offer the
products they distribute to comic book stores around the country.
This is where you can view and order (through your favorite Local
Comic Book Shop) comic books, trade paperback collections, t-shirts,
books, media, and toys and other collectibles from hundreds of
different vendors that deal in geek-oriented merchandise. The genius
part is that you actually have to pay for your copy of Previews
for the privilege of ordering other things to pay for. It’s like
the Ren Fest except without the horse poo smell.
So
every month a new edition of Previews
is sent out to comic book stores. Contained in the pages within are
products that might be currently available or could be released
anytime in the next year; but typically about two months away. Or
sometimes never. I’ve ordered lots
of things that have just never come in. Without getting into the
specific politics of Diamond, let me just say that they aren’t
quite
a monopoly and also aren’t quite
the worst distributor anybody has ever dealt with in the history of
the universe.
But
I’m not here to discuss that. I’m here to discuss a few of the
weird and/or wonderful items offered in this month’s edition.
I
don’t know why I share these things.
Justice
League - DC (Front Cover)
I
stopped reading the New 52 Justice
League
after the sixth issue because it was the worst comic book I have ever
read in my life. Worse, even, than WWE
Titans.
I’ve heard that things improved, but I haven’t tried it again
because… man,
that first arc was terrible.
But
if anything is going to get me to check out a comic book, it’s a
cover featuring electric boogie Superman and Batman in Metron’s
chair.
Phonogram:
The Immaterial Girl – Image (Back Cover)
I’ve
never read any of Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s Phonogram,
but I know that it’s an “indie darling”. I also know that The
Wicked + The Divine
is an excellent comic; one of the best that I’m reading. I kind of
feel obligated to read this new series, which also makes me feel
obligated to catch up on the original (which I’m sure will be
offered in handy trade paperback form).
Part
of the reason I’ve never read Phonogram
is that you can’t find any straightforward reviews of it. They all
speak in these haughty intellectual terms like “search for
identity” and “explore questions of validation”. I don’t know
what any of that crap means. Just tell me if it’s an awesome comic
book. Stop trying to be all fancy pants.
Fight
Club 2 #4 – Dark Horse (35)
I
read the first issue and it surprised me by not only being very good,
but by feeling like a perfectly natural medium for Chuck Palahniuk. I
wasn’t sure about this whole thing, but Cameron Stewart’s always
outstanding visuals match Palahniuk’s words perfectly. I almost
felt like he was having an easier time telling his story. It’s a
shame this will be dismissed by so many people, because it truly is a
natural continuation of the narrative started in the novel and an
interesting evolution for a unique and talented author. This is the
sort of thing that should be bringing people to comic books.
He-Man
and the Masters of the Universe Minicomics Collection – Dark Horse
(45)
YES.
I have been waiting a long time for this to be made. A couple of
years into the Masters of the Universe Classics line I thought this
collection was inevitable, but nothing was ever confirmed. I’ve
been wanting to read these minicomics so bad. They’re available on
He-Man.org, but they’re a mess and difficult to navigate. I made my
way through five or six before I just couldn’t stand it anymore.
And now we are getting a beautiful hardcover edition.
If
you don’t know, modern masters such as Bruce Timm and Mark Texeira
contributed to these early narratives that are quite different from
the cartoon we all knew from the 80s. I thoroughly enjoyed the ones
that I read and am looking forward to being able to take in the rest.
I’m
glad that’s not the final cover. It looks like a Scholastic book.
The
Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot HC – Dark Horse (46)
It’s
very popular to talk poorly about Frank Miller right now, but don’t
let that dissuade you from picking up this incredible book. It’s
about a boy robot and a man-piloted mech fighting giant monsters.
It’s every bit as delightful as it sounds and Geoff Darrow is one
of the most intricate and mind-bending artists I’ve ever seen. This
is a delight.
Martian
Manhunter #3 – DC Comics (89)
This
is the first DC book that caught my eye this month, so my DC Comics
narrative is going here:
DC
is not doing anything to appeal to me lately.
What
I read of Convergence
was awful.
I
don’t care for their new practice of splitting story pages in half
so that they can put ads on them. I think that’s grotesque.
I
never liked the New 52 and I don’t have any faith that the same
people responsible for that are suddenly going to give me a
satisfying new direction for the DCU.
But
I hold out hope that I’m wrong about that. I want good comic books
starring Batman and his pals. And there is evidence that
right-mindedness exists at DC. Harley Quinn and Batgirl are fantastic
comic books. And the creative team on the former are doing a new
Starfire book that looks fun and
appears to have not abandoned the core of the character, despite some
whiny internet folks not liking that core.
I
want
to spend money on DC Comics. But it’s going to take time for me to
trust them again.
Oh,
and this cover is really cool. That’s why I mentioned the book in
the first place.
DC
Comics Book & DVD/Blu-Ray Sets – DC Collectibles (122-123)
I
mentioned bringing people to comic books above, and this might be
another way to do that. DC Animation has produced some awesome stuff,
so packaging the features with the related comics might be a pretty
good idea. The prices on these are definitely right, as hardcover
collections of these stories would be around the twenty dollar price
point, if not more than the $26.99 MSRP.
The
Flash Central City Police Badge Prop Replica – DC Collectibles
(140)
Another
cool prop replica. I love that DC is doing this stuff.
Batman
Animated Series Action Figures – DC Collectibles (141 & 144)
*Retailers:
These items are resolicited. All previous orders are cancelled.*
I
wasn’t thrilled when I saw that I was going to have to reorder nine
of these action figures. I’m already torn on whether or not I even
want to keep buying them after Man-Bat
and how much I truly dislike the style of hip joints they chose to
use.
I
asked Mrs. Troublemaker about it and she said they were probably
having production problems and either didn’t want to offer returns
or were having low orders. She doubted they would be out before the
end of the year. While I’m not sure I think she’s correct about
all of that, she has worked in a comic shop on and off for about
twenty years now and usually knows what she’s talking about.
Has
DC Collectibles blown it with one of the most exciting action figure
lines of all time? Did they wait too long to get a handle on quality
control? Does everyone else hate those hip joints as much as I do?
Find out the answers to these questions and more by tuning in to
Needless Things every single day!
Or
something.
Batman:
Arkham Knight Series 2 Action Figures – DC Collectibles (143)
This
is a good selection of characters, though three of them are updates
that I’m irritated to be wanting so badly. I’m thrilled to be
getting Commissioner Gordon, though a coat would be nice (I’m
assuming he isn’t wearing one in the new game). While I don’t
necessarily need a new Nightwing, Robin, or Catwoman, I do want the
upgraded articulation that DCC has been using lately. So these are
worth it just for that, though they are completely different
character designs from the older figures. This Catwoman’s face
looks so much better.
Giant-Sized
Artist’s Proof Edition: The Walking Dead #1 – Image (202)
I
mention Saga
and Mark Waid’s Daredevil
and a few other titles quite frequently when I talk about great comic
books. For some odd reason I tend to neglect The
Walking Dead,
which has been excellent without fail for over a decade. That’s got
to be some kind of record.
I
hate to say it, but the TV show has tarnished the name “The
Walking Dead”
to me. I don’t like the show. I tried. I stuck around for four and
a half seasons trying to like it. But the characters are difficult to
like or empathize with and so much of the drama rings hollow. The
damn thing put me to sleep several times, and that’s never happened
once in over 130 issues of the comic. So now, when I hear ”The
Walking Dead”, I can’t help but suppress an, “Ugh”, despite
the fact that it’s one of the best comic books I have ever read.
This
artist’s proof edition is awesome. It’s printed in the 11x17 size
that comic book illustrators work in, so it will be somewhat like
holding the original art. I’m also just excited to see Tony Moore’s
excellent line work.
Side
Note: Once again, Image has their titles listed thrice – the
individual listing, a release calendar, and a checklist. Seems like
overkill. This is probably the last time I’ll mention this. Unless
I forget to not mention it next month.
Secret
Wars – Marvel (Most of their little book)
I
didn’t expect to care about Secret
Wars,
much less enjoy any of it. I had to check out some of the titles
because they were creators or eras I love, but I honestly didn’t
think I’d get beyond first issues. And I picked up the main series
just because I wanted to be up on what was going on with Marvel. I
had zero expectations for that because I don’t always get Hickman’s
stuff and I am extremely
susceptible to crossover fatigue.
I
was wrong about all
of that.
The
main book is awesome. The way that this crazy world of all of the
Marvel worlds has been created is entertaining and compelling. I want
to know more. I want maps, historical records, folklore. And the
first issue set the whole thing up so nicely. I’m not saying I know
everything or even grasp all of what’s going on, but I was drawn
right in. The second issue expanded on that and I cannot wait to get
my hands on the third.
As
far as the tie-ins go, all I’ve read so far are 2099
and Inferno
and I thought both of them were great, particularly Inferno.
The concept of Peter working with the X-Men just so he can have one
chance a year to save his sister is fantastic, and the revelation of
the first issue is powerful. I’m digging it.
As
a result of the quality of these titles so far I am totally open to
this world. I’ll be browsing the new releases shelves today to see
if any other Secret
Wars
books catch my eye. Good job, Marvel. I’m impressed.
Inhumans:
Attilan Rising #4 – Marvel (M22)
The
Inhumans’ corner of the Marvel Universe Is definitely a weak spot
for me. I’ve never read any stuff specifically concerning them
(though I suspect that’s going to be changing soon). I don’t have
any commentary on the contents of this book, but I will say that it
would be criminally stupid of Marvel to not produce a real version of
the hoodie that Black Bolt is wearing in this picture.
House
of M #1 & #2 – Marvel (M24 & 25)
I
love the idea of a kingdom ruled by Magneto and all of the intrigue
and drama that will inevitably go along with that. Dennis Hopeless is
a proven talent, and while I am not familiar with the artist, Marco
Failla, Marvel tends to be pretty good about lining up covers with
the style of interiors and these Kris Anka covers appeal to me.
Howard
the Human #1 – Marvel (M26)
I’m
sure this will be good. Skottie Young did a bang-up job on Rocket
Raccoon
(I am still furious that it was cancelled, seemingly abruptly), as he
does with all things. Jim Mahfood is one of those guys with such a
distinctive style that I’m always curious to see what he’s doing.
But as fun as this is sure to be, it’s just one book too far. It
can’t quite break the “must-read” barrier.
Hail
HYDRA #3 - Marvel (M38)
I
don’t plan on reading this one, but I had to admit to the
particularly powerful dork reaction that this cover brought out of me
– seeing the HYDRA emblem on Cap’s shield filled me with a
totally unreasonable rage. Like, I’m still kind of hot over it now.
Death
of Wolverine TPB – Marvel (M92)
This
is a fantastic book with beautiful artwork. Regardless of how
impermanent Wolverine’s death may or may not end up being, I think
this will stand the test of time as a powerful and landmark story for
the character. If you skipped it because it felt like so much typical
comic book bullshit, I highly recommend you give it a shot.
Especially if you’re a longtime fan of Wolverine. There’s a lot
of rewarding stuff here.
Dan
Brereton’s Nocturnals Volume 1 HC – Olympian (351)
An
awesome comic book from one of my favorite artists. Dan Brereton’s
work is phenomenal and if you’ve never read his original series,
Nocturnals,
then you’re missing out on some awesome action/horror business.
This gets five stars/thumbs-up/top notch ratings from me. It’s an
essential.
Doctor
Who: The Four Doctors – Titan (370 - 372)
I
haven’t read any of Titan’s Doctor
Who
books, but the Earth
Station Who
crew tells me they range from very good to great. I’m not crazy
about the artwork on these covers, but Paul Cornell is great. And
multi-Doctor stories are always worth checking out. Not always good,
mind you, but exciting events, at least. I’ll probably wait to hear
from ESW and pick up the trade if necessary.
It
strikes me as incredibly odd that most of the art for The
Four Doctors
features three Doctors. This
feels slightly disingenuous. Not The
Five Doctors
disingenuous, but still odd.
Modern
Masters Volume 14: Frank Cho – Twomorrows Publishing (384)
This
is an awesome cover that is possibly going to get Mr. Cho into more
social media trouble. Although if this is the most offensive thing
you see in Previews,
there is definitely something wrong with you.
Grimm
Tales of Terror Oversized HC Volume 1 – Zenescope (418)
Zenescope’s
horror anthology series is great. I’ve enjoyed every single issue.
They bring a modern feel to the classic style of the famous EC
comics. This collects the first thirteen issues and if you are a fan
of horror I strongly recommend you pick it up.
Duck
Tales T-Shirt – Mad Engine (444)
Back
when Duck
Tales
was on the air I was a little too old to admit publicly how much I
loved Duck
Tales;
let alone wear a t-shirt with Scrooge and company on it. Now, at
thirty-nine, I will gladly wear a shirt featuring the residents of
Duckburg. Though I do wish it weren’t artificially faded.
Punisher
T-Shirt – Mad Engine (444)
I
want a new Punisher shirt. I’ve had mine for probably twenty years
and it’s just a bit past its prime. Unfortunately, every Punisher
t-shirt that gets made now has some kind of stupid take on the skull
– it’s all messy or neon pink or has tribal bullshit on it or
stitching like this one. They all look fucking stupid. I just want a
regular Punisher skull. I don’t think they’ve made one like that
in, oh, twenty years.
Podcast
Pals Vinimates (457)
HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Oh, man – I thought that one on the right was Fred Durst.
It’s
actually Jason Mewes.
One
day I will have my own Podcast Pal figure. Oh, wait – I already do
thanks to Ghouella DeVille:
Mine
looks way better.
Batman
Animated Series Femme Fatale Batgirl PVC Statue – Diamond Select
Toys (459)
I
love what DST is doing with this series – great-looking statues
that we can afford. The PVC makes them cheaper and also gives them a
look that works with the DC Animated Universe aesthetic.
Universal
Monsters Stuff – Diamond Select Toys (466-467)
If
you haven’t bought one of DST’s fantastic bust banks yet, then
I’m just not sure about your sincerity as a monster fan. These
things are gorgeous. Their action figures are just as nice, truly
some of the best on the market today.
One:12
Collective Previews Exclusive Judge Dredd “The Cursed Earth”
Action Figure – Mezco (468)
Speaking
of great action figures, Mezco is doing amazing things with their
One:12 Collective line. Their Dark
Knight Returns Batman
is the best action figure I have ever purchased.
I
think the only difference between this Dredd and the regular edition
is the poncho. Which, if you’re going to get one, might as well get
the one with the poncho. I think the price point is even the same,
which is shocking.
Super
Powers Batman & Robin Statues – Kotobukiya (505)
I
really want these. They look fantastic. Of course I would prefer it
if they were articulated, but the thought of giant Super Powers
figures is awesome. Even if they just stand there. But I’m not
paying thirty bucks apiece for unarticulated figures the same size as
DC Collectibles’ figures. If they were 9” – definitely.
Unaffiliated
Thoughts
The
current Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles
cartoon is amazing. While I’m not crazy about how overly gross they
make some of the mutants, everything else about it is wonderful. The
homages are awesome, too – from Star
Trek: The Animated Series
to Thundarr
to the unbelievable number of Easter Eggs peppered throughout the
show. The pop culture is on point. The voice cast is incredible, but
for me the big get is JB Smoove as Bebop.
*****
That’s
all I’ve got for this month. Start putting your pennies in your
Diamond Select figural bank and remember to drop your order form off
at your Local Comic Book Shop!
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