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.
As
soon as I started leafing through this month’s catalog my arms
started itching. What’s that all about?
Also,
sorry this is a week late, but Dragon Con happened.
Oh,
boy.
Here
we go.
If
nothing else, this title almost guarantees a roller coaster ride of
comic media wackiness. From Frank Miller’s currently (undeserved?
Discuss) tarnished public image to the title “The Master Race” to
the highly questionable idea that the books will be on time to DC’s
INSANE-O decision to offer a thirteen dollar Collector’s Edition of
each issue as all eight (EIGHT? WHAT?) come out to the fact that The
Dark Knight Strikes Again
stinks on ice and is a book I would never
buy a follow-up to…
Where
the heck was I?
This
is just crazy. I hope with all of my heart that this is a fantastic
entry into the Batman mythology. I want wonderful Batman stories. But
man, I doubt it. I had to read the solicitation three times to even
understand all of the silly nonsense about sizes and the minicomic
and whatever. I’m not even ordering this. I hate to be a hater, but
I just cannot find it within myself to believe that this can be any
good at all.
I
hope I’m wrong (but I won’t be).
Welcome
back, Frank.
Play
Arts Kai Batman: Timeless Action Figure – Square Enix (3)
Some
cosplayer – likely one from Dragon Con – should totally sue over
this. This is unquestionably a thing that has already happened. All
of these figures look cool and I’d take one as a prize or if
someone just handed it to me, but some of them are so damned busy I
can’t even tell what’s going on with it. I’m pretty sure I see
goggles and gears, though, so it is certifiably Steampunk.
I
like how they felt the need to throw “steampunk” in after the
title, like that was necessary. This thing is more steampunk than
Jules Verne with a zeppelin for a head.
Halloween
ComicFest – (25-28)
Our
pal, Mike
Gordon,
gives out comics instead of candy on Halloween and I think that’s a
fine idea. This year on Halloween, comic shops are being invited to
participate in a sort of mini-Free Comic Book Day where kids can come
in and get free comics. There are a ton of fun titles in here, though
you might want to keep Vampblade
Featuring Zombie Tramp
on the higher shelves.
James
Bond #1 – Dynamite (Inside cover, 24,29,308-311)
OKAY,
FINE!
Cheese
and rice, Dynamite! I get it! You’ve got a new James Bond book
coming out.
I
wasn’t going to mention it until I got back to Dynamite
Entertainment’s place in the Green Section (there’s
a column that lasted),
but three full-page ads before I even got to Dark Horse is enough to
convince me to mention it now. Well, that and the fact that it’s
being written by the incomparable Warren Ellis, who is basing the
book off of Ian Fleming’s novels and not the movies. I’m sold.
Hellboy
and the BPRD: 1953 – The Witch Tree & Rawhead and Bloody Bones
One-Shot – Dark Horse (43)
I
thoroughly enjoyed the last installment of this look at Hellboy’s
early adventures. I’m along for this ride, especially since it
involves Rawhead Rex, the subject of one of the best worst movies
I’ve ever seen.
Superman:
American Alien #1 – DC (72)
While
the story of a young Clark Kent in Kansas doesn’t necessarily
interest me, the fact that Max Landis is writing it does. I thought
that Chronicle
was nothing short of brilliant and I’m curious to see his take on a
known, iconic hero.
Batman:
Europa #1 – DC (73)
Apparently
this thing has been delayed for years. I don’t know much about it
other than what is in the solicitation, but obviously the idea of
Batman having to team up with the Joker is interesting. I’m also a
big fan of stories where Batman has to venture beyond Gotham. It’s
one of the reasons that Son
of the Demon
is one of my favorite stories.
That
being said, I’d prefer if they had just scrapped Jim Lee’s work
and started fresh with a single, regular artist that could get the
job done. When you’re only publishing four issues, having a
different artist for a quarter of the story is unnecessarily jarring.
Starfire
#6 – DC (92)
First,
that Looney Tunes variant cover is hilarious. Second, I am on the
third issue right now and while I am enjoying the humor, the setting,
and the characters of the comic, it sure is wordy.
I know that sounds like such a dum-dum thing to say, but there are so
many damn words in each issue of this title. Like, twelve panels on
some pages with two balloons per panel. I feel like comics need a
balance between visuals and dialogue and Starfire
is tipping a bit far one way.
Batgirl
#46 – DC (104)
Fletcher,
Stewart, and Tarr continue to create a fun comic every month. I got
to meet Babs Tarr briefly at Dragon Con, but it was Sunday and I was
tired so I wasn’t exactly full of life. I bought a cool print that
looks like a sheet of tattoo flash.
I
am very excited that Stephanie Brown is showing up. I liked how she
was handled in Eternal
and I look forward to seeing her character develop further. And they
should bring Bryan Q. Miller back to write a Spoiler ongoing.
Scooby-Doo
Team-Up #13 – DC (118)
I
never imagined I’d see the Scooby gang teaming up with Deadman,
Specter, or the Phantom Stranger. The cover alone is worth the price.
iZombie
Omnibus – DC/Vertigo (136)
Back
when iZombie
was originally published I picked up the first few issues and enjoyed
it. I think it was the victim of one of my purges, but for one reason
or another I didn’t continue buying it. Now that there’s a handy
collected edition I’ll read the whole thing. I know there are many
elements from the comic that will never make it onto the TV show
(which is excellent, by the way) and I’d like to check them out.
Batman:
Animated Series Action Figures – DC Collectibles (140)
All
four of these are must-haves for me. Unless, of course, the figures
that come out between now and next March continue to have significant
QC problems. I can deal with the fugly hip joints DC Collectibles
decided to put on these, but if the darn things keep falling apart I
can’t very well keep buying them.
Batman:
Arkham Knight Red Hood Action Figure – DC Collectibles (143)
Since
the figure itself is a spoiler, I’ll go ahead and say that if this
is just the existing Red Hood head on the existing Arkham Knight
body, I’ll probably skip it. The Knight figure is finally hitting
stores today, so I’ve got time to look it over and decide.
Limbo
#1 – Image (198-199)
I’m
not familiar with the artist or the writer, but the cover caught my
eye and that last paragraph of the description won me over:
“A
NEW surreal neon-noir series crossing 50s pulp with an 80s VHS visual
aesthetic, drawing from the likes of Carpenter, Cronenberg, and
Lynch.”
Anytime
you drop those three names, you’re going to have my attention. And
my three bucks for at least one issue. I’m not wild about the art,
but I’ll give it a shot.
Ringside
#1 – Image (216)
While
I got my fill of real-life wrestling drama while I was working for
Monstrosity Championship Wrestling, I feel like you guys probably
would have called me out if I hadn’t mentioned this one. I
recognize all of the names involved, though I can’t name any of
their works off the top of my head. I’m certainly curious about
this one, but there just isn’t room in my stack right now.
Spider-Woman
#1 – Marvel (M12-13)
This
is just a renumbered continuation of the current Spider-Woman,
but in case I haven’t mentioned it, I’m really enjoying the book.
This will, presumably, be a jumping-on point and I recommend you do
so. I normally avoid comparisons as much as I can, but this is sort
of like Batgirl’s
older
sister. It’s fun.
Howard
the Duck #1 – Marvel (M52-53)
Silver
Surfer
and Howard
the Duck
are two of my favorite comic books right now. Like Spider-Woman,
this is just a meaningless renumbering. I highly recommend it. It’s
weird fun that is much more comic booky than I was expecting. In an
odd way, this and Surfer
are much more the Marvel Universe that I want to read about than
anything else Marvel is publishing right now.
Star
Wars: Vader Down – Marvel (M82-83)
I’m
stoked for this, despite the kind of dumb title.
Marvel
has been doing an outstanding job with their books, and the ongoing
story between the main Star
Wars
title and the Vader
solo book has been skillfully woven. I love that it’s culminating
with what looks to be a powerful display of Vader’s abilities
standing alone against the Alliance. This feels like an event.
Retro
Cloth Deadpool Action Figure Set – Diamond Select Toys (237,481)
If
I was going to buy one of these expensive Mego-style figures, this is
the one I would get. It’s an admittedly great set, what with three
different costumes and heads and a ton of different weapons. I might
get it for twenty bucks less and for fifty bucks it would be a
must-have. At eighty dollars it’s a pass.
I
do want to be clear that this is just my stinginess. This is probably
worth the money and DST has certainly put a ton of effort into making
it a fun and cool set. If the body was going to be more like Mezco’s
One:12 Collective
figures I’d totally get it.
Klaus
#1 – BOOM! Studios (286-287)
I
love Grant Morrison and I love Santa Claus, but I don’t think those
are two tastes that are going to taste great together. Dark and
gritty Santa isn’t really my thing. I’m sure this will be
compelling and possibly even great, but it’s not the Santa I want.
Empire
of Blood #2 – Graphic India PTE. LTD (355-356)
Let’s
take a look at this cover, shall we?
The
attack monkey in the turban is the first thing that catches my eye.
That’s scary and also terrifying. This isn’t just some random
monkey. He’s wearing a turban. That means he’s either
specifically trained to wear turbans or he’s sentient enough to
choose
to wear a turban.
Is
there something racist about a monkey in a turban? I dunno.
Then
there’s the lady he’s attacking. That helmet on her head isn’t
big enough to actually fit over her head, which makes it a hat. So
she has a hat that’s shaped like a tiny helmet. What’s that
about? Her dress, trident, and shield work with the hat design,
except there’s a Union Jack on the shield, which makes my head
hurt.
Finally
there’s the dripping, hand-lettered title. It’s charming, but is
somehow lacking.
All
of this combines to make me very curious about this book. Not, like,
I’m going to buy it curious. But curious enough that if I was
drinking at a con and someone was like, “Hey – have you read
Empire
of Blood?”
I’d be like, “No, but tell me about that monkey”.
Alien
Next Door – Titan Comics – (404,448)
This
is listed amongst Titan’s comic books, as well as in the actual
“BOOKS” section, which I think was smart.
The
cover got me, but the fact that “clean” is in the title made me
think it would be a perfect gift for the missus, as she is a cleaning
fanatic. I do really love the simplified xenomorph. I’m excited to
read this one.
Cosplay
Culture Magazine (457)
He’d
look so
good if
it weren’t for that stupid Mohawk.
United
Federation of Planets T-Shirt (467)
At
first glance this is a classy t-shirt that works for Star Trek and
isn’t some kind of wonky “extreme” or “Not your average
t-shirt!” design that nobody over the age of ten would wear. But
then I noticed that the design looks distressed (worn out and old –
a feature that dum-dums pay for). This should absolutely be labeled
as “Distressed” if that is the case, because I would be
super-pissed if I had ordered this nice, clean design and it had
arrived looking like a thrift store shirt.
Nobody
in Starfleet would wear a distressed t-shirt. Not even to practice
mok'bara.
Batman:
Long Halloween T-Shirt – Graphitti Designs (468)
Guess
what, bozos?:
These
ship in November.
While I understand that I can buy one and save it for next Halloween,
wouldn’t it have been smarter to get this design out in, say, NOW?
I would have absolutely ordered one, as this is my favorite jack
o’lantern design ever. I’ve carved it several times, even.
Do
better, Graphitti. Also stop putting your ugly logo on the sleeve. I
hate that.
Beholder
T-Shirt – Mighty Fine Inc. (471)
While
this is awesome, it mainly excites me because it is one step closer
to a kickass owlbear t-shirt. I need to e-mail Mighty Fine.
Star
Trek Electronic Starship Legends – Diamond Select Toys (491)
I
have a few of these and they are fantastic. If you’re any kind of
Star Trek fan you owe it to yourself to own one.
Four
Horsies of the ‘Pocalypse: Little Maddie Figure – Bigshot
Toyworks (494)
Gary’s
Pick of the Month (that he doesn’t know about)!
This
is eighty different kinds of awesome. It’s a bit steep for a six
inch inaction figure, but the novelty and quality of the sculpt make
up for a lot. The only thing it’s missing is a little design on its
butt, but I think just the concept of a horse toy with a butt design
might be trademarked by Hasbro. The missus is definitely getting one
of the for Christmas. Good thing she doesn’t read this site.
Doctor
Who: The Twelfth Doctor 5” Action Figure – Underground Toys
(496)
I
may have hated the last season of Doctor
Who,
but I do love Capaldi as the Doctor and I’m glad to see his
likeness in the scale that I collect. I’m just thrilled that he’s
not wearing that stupid Express Ltd. shirt with the designs on it and
the thumb holes like a fourteen year old goth girl. I hate that
thing.
It’s
actually something of a relief that figures in this scale are
sporadic special releases now. It means I’m spending a lot less on
Doctor Who figures. And yes – this is INSANELY overpriced. But it’s
an import and probably the only Doctor Who figure I’ll buy this
year.
A
Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Freddy 8” Retro Figure – NECA (504)
NECA
offered a different Freddy a few months ago and I missed out on it.
Now I’m glad I did, because this one has the mighty CHEST OF SOULS!
I shouldn’t be collecting this style of figure because I already
have shelves and shelves of other horror figures, but they really are
pretty amazing. And they have the Mrs. Troublemaker Seal of Money
Spending Approval.
Motörhead:
Warpig Icon Statue – LocoApe (505)
This
is one of the most kickass, gorgeous things I have ever seen. It’s
made of PVC and is 11” tall, so forty bucks isn’t too shabby.
Sometimes this rock n’ roll stuff gets delayed or fails to come out
entirely, so I’ll be curious to see if it ever shows up.
Marvel
NOW Magik ARTFX+ Statue – Kotobukiya (510)
Crap.
This month is getting expensive. But Illyana Rasputin is one of my
all-time favorite mutants and this is a great statue. Normally I can
skip past all of the Kotobukiya stuff because it’s all usually
rendered in an anime style. But this one is designed by Adi Granov
and based off of his art. It looks awesome. And it’ll be cheaper
than getting the Marvel Legends version from the SDCC box set.
Star
Wars Madness – Various Vendors (546-549)
Apparently
this is going to be a regular thing now (which is not a bad move).
Starting two months ago, Previews grouped all of the various Star
Wars vendors’ merchandise into one big section. Here are my
favorite pieces:
Carbonite
Han Solo Back Buddy
– This was pictured earlier in Previews
and without context at first glance I thought it was a stuffed
version of Ursula from the end of the Doctor
Who story
“Love & Monsters” (which Earth
Station Who
reviewed here).
And you know
what that would have been used for. I’m just saying.
X-Wing
Knife Block
– I believe this is something that ThinkGeek was offering at one
point, but I could be wrong. Either way, it’s awesome.
Darth
Vader Self-Stirring Mug
– Wait… what? How does this work? What’s happening? My mind is
blown. Is there video of this? Is it magnets?
Full
Moon Stuff – Full Moon Features (550)
I’m
getting the Puppet
Master Music Collection,
but it sure as shit won’t be from Diamond. They can barely ship
comic books intact, let alone a collectible LP. I can’t even
imagine what those ding-dongs would do to a record.
I’d
buy most of the posters, but not without knowing how big they are.
$18 is a steal for 27x40, okay for a collectible 24x36, and lousy for
11x17.
Cthulu
Molded Mug (551)
Gary’s
BONUS Pick of the Month (that he doesn’t know about)!
What
a beautiful sculpt! I love that this thing looks so old world and not
all clean and new like so much Cthulu stuff. It really looks like a
relic. I might get one for myself. Or the missus. Probably the
missus.
Unaffiliated
Thoughts
Am
I sort of done with Marvel? I feel like I am for a while. I’m still
getting a couple of books, but the number of titles from the House of
Ideas is going to diminish significantly once Secret
Wars
stops being a thing.
That’s
one of the big problems with the publishers doing those huge events
and then resetting – it makes me feel like I have a stopping point.
Some titles I was enjoying ended, but others that I was kind of habit
buying feel like they had closure prior to or during Secret
Wars
and now I can just not buy them anymore. I’m okay with that. My
order form this month was the smallest it’s been since I started
writing this column and I think that’s great, especially with the
holidays coming up. I need to save my money for all of the LEGO
Dimensions and Disney Infinity crap my son is going to want for his
birthday and Christmas. Plus whatever random, unpredictable thing he
decides he has
to have
on December 23rd.
*****
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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