If
you don’t know, Previews
is the catalog 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.
Outcast
by Kirkman & Azaceta (Front Cover, 213)
I
haven’t read this one, but it’s on the front cover so I feel like
I have to say something about it. I dig that art and the logo is
cool. Robert Kirkman writes one of the most consistently great comic
books I’ve ever read and as such I should probably give this a
shot.
Honestly,
Outcast
is just a victim of my finances. It’s hard for me to take a chance
on a new book when I’m already spending more than I really care to
on comics.
I
do find this interesting – the mention that it’s going to be a
series on Cinemax. I get the idea of media synergy and often try to
jump on certain bandwagons myself just to ride a wave of internet
interest. I mean, it’s always stuff that I would write or talk
about anyway, but I am certainly aware of the timing of things like
doing a Star Wars podcast near May the Fourth. But I have to wonder
how many people that buy Previews
every month are really susceptible to the, “Look – it’s a TV
show!” concept. I think most of us are looking for good comic books
that stand on their own and don’t give on bit of a crap about
whether or not something has been speculated on by Hollywood. There
have been so
many
lousy movies and TV shows made based on comics that that’s hardly a
ringing endorsement of quality. Plus, it’s Cinemax. HBO might have
a pedigree, but Cinemax is where we go to see almost-porn.
Actually,
HBO has almost-porn, too. Theirs just has dragons.
DC
Rebirth (Back Cover, 82-103)
Between
the upcoming podcast episode and my DC
Previews rundown
from two weeks ago I’ve said all I want to about “Rebirth” for
right now. My biggest concern is the twice-monthly format. I think
that’s a terrible idea and it’s keeping me from checking out more
titles.
Play
Arts Kai Arkham Knight Batgirl (2)
I’m
a sucker for a Batgirl figure and I’m a sucker for Arkham
Knight
characters. I am not typically a sucker for action figures that cost
a hundred and thirty bucks, so I think I’ll be able to resist this
one. I will see what it works out to with my discount because I have
one other Batgirl from this series and it’s awesome, but once again
I am back to “Would I rather spend that money on this or One:12
Collective figures?”
Side
Note: You, too can probably get a discount of varying amounts from
your Local Comic Book Shop. Most solid stores will give you a bit of
a deal on stuff if you have an ongoing pull service with them.
Inquire today and support small business!
Tim
Seeley Interview (15)
I
don’t normally pay much attention to this front portion of
Previews
because I want to go ahead and get to the part where I can order
toys, but Seeley is one of my favorite writers working today. This
interview reveals that he is working on a comic book sequel to the
Peter David-penned Full Moon movie Oblivion.
That is very exciting to me. I have a feeling this little tidbit of
information might come up again later…
FREE
COMIC BOOK DAY! (33-41)
Free
Comic Book Day
is this Saturday! Familiarize yourself with what’s being offered
and what your Local Comic Book Shops are going to be doing. If you’re
local to Georgia I recommend you visit Galactic
Quest
in scenic Lawrenceville. They’re cross-promoting with several of
the businesses in their area and it sounds like it’s going to be
tons of fun. There’s even going to be live music by Pals Of Ol’
Phantom, Radio Cult!
Black
Hammer #1 – Dark Horse (46)
This
book excites me. The art looks fantastic and the concept of a group
of old school heroes that were banished from their world by a
“multiversal crisis” is rife with potential for adventure,
excitement, and smart commentary on the state of the comics industry.
I haven’t read a ton of Jeff Lemire’s work because he’s often
brought in on titles that I’m not already buying or that I don’t
have a connection to the characters. I loved his run on Animal
Man,
though, and look forward to seeing what he does for Dark Horse, who I
consider to be the top provider of quality in the comics world.
Plus,
this art looks fantastic.
Conan
the Slayer #1 – Dark Horse (50)
Of
course
I’m going to buy a Conan book written by Cullen Bunn.
Predator
vs. Judge Dredd vs. Aliens #1 – Dark Horse (52)
DAMMIT.
What are you doing to me, Dark Horse? I only have so much comic book
money! At least it’s just four issues, so I can justify a total of
sixteen bucks for whatever kind of madness this book will present.
Can
someone just go ahead and sign Karl Urban up for a movie adaptation?
And let’s get Lexi Alexander to direct.
Wonder
Woman: The True Amazon – DC (114-115)
Wonder
Woman as envisioned by Jill Thompson. This is a must-have. As much as
I might criticize DC, I love that they still do cool stuff like this
with their characters.
Robin
Vo. 3: Solo TP – DC (132)
I
loved these old Tim Drake comics by Chuck Dixon. Alan Grant and John
Wagner also contribute stories to this collection, so you know it’s
good. I can’t recall how mature the content was, but I hope these
are okay for Phantom, Jr. Robin is his favorite and I’d love to
share these with him.
Wonder
Woman by George Perez Vol. 1 TP – DC (137)
I
have to admit that I’ve never read any of Perez’ acclaimed run on
Wonder
Woman.
I have certainly seen his Wonder Woman art over the years and it’s
some of the best. I’m excited to see a collection that I can just
pick up and read.
Wonder
Woman 75 Box Set – DC (137)
And
then there’s this massive collection of comics. There’s no page
count, but fifty bucks for a nice slipcase containing four seminal
arcs seems solid to me. I will say I’d like to see a more
concentrated effort to acknowledge the 75th
anniversary of the most important woman in comics.
Wonder
Woman: A Celebration of 75 Years HC – DC (138)
For
ten bucks less than the last entry you can get a hardcover with 400
pages of unspecified content. I’m not as sure about this one. New
52 Wonder Woman on the cover does not fill me with hope, as good as
Chiang’s illustration may be. I think I would’ve preferred The
Greatest Wonder Woman Stories Ever Told.
I’d love it if DC would bring back that format.
Justice
League of America Action Figure 7-Pack – DC Collectibles (149)
If
you want the excellent DC Icons action figures but don’t care about
the accessories, this is a fantastic deal. It works out to less than
eighteen bucks per figure. Even though I’m choosing not to collect
the Icons line, I will personally vouch for the figures as some of
the best on the market today. If you love the Justice League and want
to nail all of the major members in one shot, this box set is
awesome. Believe me – I’m tempted to order it myself.
Harley
Quinn: Red, Black, and White Holiday Statue – DC (151)
Harley
Quinn is great. Christmas is great. I want this statue. But I’m
(mostly) not a statue guy. I love that the bomb and the hammer are
gift wrapped.
Batgirl
of Burnside Deluxe Action Figure – DC (153)
Yes
– I know I just said I’m not collecting Icons, but unless Mezco
announces they’re doing this Batgirl in the next ten minutes, I
have to have this. As with all Icons releases, the accessories are
above and beyond what almost any other line offers. The motorcycle
looks great and according to DCC comes off of that base and has
free-rolling wheels.
Wait
a minute – has DC dropped the “Icons” designation? I just
realized that neither this not the Justice League set have it in the
title. That’s weird because I thought it was such a good name for
the line.
DC
Films Action Figures – DC (154-155)
That
Wonder Woman looks great. Honestly, Jor-El and Nam-Ek look fantastic,
though I just can’t imagine anyone being excited about forty-five
dollar action figures from a movie that seems to be so poorly thought
of. I hope this line does gangbusters for DCC, but it just isn’t my
bag. I’m sure I’ll buy at least one for review at some point.
ROM
#1 - IDW (158)
I
don’t have any particular attachment to ROM, but I know my buddy
Scott
will be all over this. I’m surprised there isn’t any interior art
featured here, but Christos Gage is a great writer and one that will
tell some great stories of ROM’s battle against the Dire Wraiths.
While I’m curious to see how this does and where it goes, I can’t
commit to picking it up for myself.
They’re
also offering a box set that collects all of the variant covers. I
think if you’re going to be gross enough to do variants, it is at
least thoughtful to make collecting them all easy. IDW is also
producing ROM variant covers for several of their titles this month.
The
New Mutants: Bill Sienkiewicz Marvel Artist Select Series - IDW (190)
This
is a legendary
run of comic books. This special book collects Sienkiewicz’ entire
run (along with Chris Claremont) on The
New Mutants,
which is some of the coolest comic book stuff you’ll ever read. If
this was a standard trade I’d buy it in a second. But this carries
the dreaded “Please Inquire” price listing, which means it’s
strictly rich people stuff. If you’re looking for something fancy
for me for Christmas, here you go.
Image+
- Image (Separate Publication)
This
doesn’t get its own post like DC’s “Rebirth” magazine because
I just don’t have as much to write about. There’s no singular
event to promote here, just a magazine to focus on Image’s comics.
It
opens with a comic strip that shits on creators who do work-for-hire.
I realize that is not the intent, but that is exactly what is going
on here. I think they could have put over the freedom that Image
allows its creators without even mentioning the competition. Instead,
they created a narrative that makes the sometimes all-to-necessary
employment decision of working on someone else’s characters seem
somehow undignified and less than noble.
Across
from that is an earnest letter from Eric Stephenson about the value
of comic shops. It explains that the purpose of the magazine is to
give the shops something special to promote Image’s upcoming
projects.
The
sentiment about comic shops is nice, but something about the “we’re
publishing this for comic shops” rings slightly disingenuous to me.
I
hate to start this off with such criticism because I genuinely love
Image and have the highest opinion of their place in the comic book
industry. But this whole introductory section just stank of politics
rather than a sincere love of the art form, which is a shame because
when I think about passion for comic books, I usually think of Image.
The
overriding message of the first half of the magazine is “Girl
Power”, which is a smart message to present. Halfway through is a
two-page spread for Babs Tarr, Cameron Stewart, and Brendan
Fletcher’s (Batgirl of Burnside, which I love and will miss) new
project, Motor
Crush.
The
rest of the magazine features interviews promoting various Image
things. This is not, as I mistakenly thought, Image’s solicitations
in a separate book. It’s more a presentation of their agenda, which
is totally okay. I can even forgive the snide cartoon at the
beginning because I was mistaken about the tone and purpose here. It
didn’t do much for me, but I think people that are fans
specifically of Image and support the publisher in whatever they do
will dig this.
The
end of the magazine features an exclusive comic called “Here’s
Negan” that gives an origin story for one of comicdom’s most
nefarious villains. The back page is an order form, which is kind of
weird since there aren’t any actual solicitations in here.
Descender
#13 - Image (220)
This
cover art caught my eye. I never checked out Jeff Lemire and Dustin
Nguyen’s book, but I might have to. I know I’ve seen the title
before, but I either didn’t notice the creative team or whatever
art they used to promote it wasn’t as striking. Lemire on his own
won’t compel me to buy a book, but Nguyen is fantastic. The
combination piques my curiosity.
Civil
War II - Marvel (Cover, M1-30)
This
is still going on?
I
kid. Of course it’s still going on. And good for Marvel if it gets
them some attention and makes them some money.
For
my part, it means I get to skip thirty pages of Marvel’s book and
get to the toys faster.
And…
this is all I’ve got for Marvel this month. Nothing’s launching,
no big deals are happening other than the Civil War sequel. There are
a ton of collected editions and trades in the back that look solid.
Scarlet Book Two HC – Marvel (M??)
Just buy it. Book one was offered last month, though I think that was a trade paperback. This is a fantastic comic with Bendis at his best and Alex Maleev… well, Maleev doesn’t have any setting other than “Best”.
Silver
Surfer Vol. 4: Citizen of Earth (M98)
This
is one of the best comics I’m reading right now. If you want to see
what I think Doctor
Who should
be, read this comic. It gets my highest recommendation.
Spidey
Vol. 1: First Day - Marvel (M102)
If
you want fun, continuity-free, all-ages Spider-Man comics, these are
them. I love this book and my son does, too.
Black
Panther by Christopher Priest: The Complete Collection Vol. 4 -
Marvel (M114)
Check
out Christopher
Priest’s website
and his insightful, fascinating stories about working in the comics
industry. I’ve become addicted to it lately in the same way I was
to Jim
Shooter’s site
a few years ago (he stopped updating for a while, but it looks like
he’s back!).
I
need to read Priest’s run on Panther.
Nice of Marvel to provide such a timely tie-in.
Rock
and Roll Biographies: NOFX – Acme Ink (257)
In
the spirit of the classic Rock
N’ Roll Comics,
this series pieces together the stories behind the success of various
bands. This time they’re covering one of my favorite punk bands,
NOFX. I basically know the story, but I’ll be more than happy to
see it illustrated and told in the Acme style.
Oblivion
#1 – Action Lab (263)
I
told you this would come up again later.
I’m
a huge fan of Full Moon Studios and Oblivion
was one of the most interesting movies that they released. It was
full of promise, but didn’t totally deliver due to budgetary
limitations. Now Tim Seeley is continuing the story with the ability
to create whatever narrative he wants in a world that’s already
established.
Captain
Kid #1 – Aftershock Comics (266)
Reverse
Shazam written by Mark Waid. SOLD. When we were kids, Billy Batson
was wish fulfillment. Now, decades later as our bodies are starting
to fail and life’s responsibilities have sucked away much of the
wonder and hope we used to feel, Chris Vargas is our guy. He can
transform into teenage superhero Captain Kid.
I’m
in. And somewhat depressed.
Lifespanners
#1 – Aftershock Comics (267)
All
of a sudden this Aftershock company has gotten even more interesting.
Once again Tim Seeley comes up, this time with a book about a world
where people can obtain superpowers in exchange for portions of their
lifespan. This sounds intriguing and
TV-ready.
Chilling
Adventures of Sabrina Volume 1 TPB – Archie Comics Publications
(288)
Roberto
Sacasa and Robert Hack are creating an amazing horror comic. I’ve
never read anything quite like this. Both this trade and the ongoing
series (returning in July) get my recommendation.
The
Signature Art of Brian Stelfreeze HC – BOOM! Studios (312)
If
you were reading Batman comics in the 90s, then you know Stelfreeze’s
work from his incredible and eye-catching covers for Batman:
Shadow of the Bat.
But he’s done so much more than that, including a run on the
current Black
Panther
from Marvel. This is a big ol’ book of gorgeous art from one of the
masters.
Torchwood
#1 - Titan (426ish)
Number
your pages, Titan.
I
think Torchwood
is one of the most disappointing television shows I’ve ever seen. I
love
Captain Jack Harkness and the mythology of the Doctor Who universe. I
was very excited for a spinoff featuring Captain Jack fighting his
own battles. But I personally thought that every bit of the show was
awful. Hopefully this comic book takes the opportunity to explore the
possibilities of the premise in a better way.
I
have no idea if John Barrowman and his sister, Carole, will write
good comics or not, but I hope they do. And regardless of my opinion,
I hope that the fans of Torchwood
will be
pleased with the book.
Disney
Parks Presents: The Haunted Mansion HC w/ CD – Disney/Pixar (488)
I’m
sure pretty much everyone already has several versions of “Grim,
Grinning Ghosts”, but the picture book is the real draw here (pun
intended). Any Haunted Mansion art is a must-have in my house.
Tales
from the Haunted Mansion Volume 1: The Fearsome Foursome HC –
Disney/Pixar (488)
More
Haunted Mansion goodness, plus it’s designed to look like a volume
from the library of the Haunted Mansion!
Gris
Grimley’s Tales from the Brothers Grimm HC (490)
Gris
Grimley is one of the most fantastic, unique artists working in
illustration today. Not that this matters a bit, but I met him at
Dragon Con several years ago and he was a swell fella, too. If you’re
not following his Instagram account, you should be.
STAR
Labs Flex Fit Cap – PX Apparel (506)
I
need a new cap. I don’t wear them often, but my old Ring Of Honor
one is about done. Flex Fits are the only kinds I can stand to wear
on my giant head, but they come in M/L and L/XL and Previews
NEVER offers sizing information or options. I’d wear this, but I
doubt I’ll be able to get my size.
Deadman
T-Shirt – PX Apparel (506)
Dammit,
I don’t need any more t-shirts! My closet is stuffed.
I love Deadman and I want this shirt. Unlike last
month’s
Starman shirt, I can’t resist a Neal Adams Deadman.
I’m
pretty sure I ordered that Starman shirt, too.
Don’t
Blame Me, I Voted for Cobra Commander T-Shirt – Mighty Fine Inc.
(513)
It’s
an election year and there’s nothing I love more than topical
t-shirts. And Cobra Commander.
GARY’S
PICK
OF THE MONTH
(that
he doesn’t know about)
Vote
Cthulu 2016 T-Shirt (516)
I
don’t feel like this would endanger my well-being and immortal soul
any more than any of the other candidates.
Ghostbusters
Select Series 3 Action Figures – Diamond Select Toys (521)
I
have the first series of these and they are fantastic – reviews
coming soon – and blow Mattel’s out of the water. Or toy aisle.
Whatever. I’m not particularly happy that I have to buy another Ray
to get a diorama piece, but the diorama is HUGE and beautiful. Just
the three pieces I have are enormous.
Diamond
did screw up the first series and didn’t include attachments needed
for the proton packs and streams, but you can contact the Customer
Service department and they will send them to you.
Is
Slimer grabbing Ray’s butt?
Nightmare
Before Christmas Santa Jack & Sally Dolls – Diamond Select Toys
(525)
I
love that DST are producing all of these Jun Planning style dolls.
These look great and hopefully will release in time for Christmas. If
you’re a NBX fan, check these new dolls from Diamond out. They’re
the closes thing you’re going to get to one of the figures from the
movie.
Gotham
Select Series 3 Action Figures – Diamond Select Toys (526)
These
have all looked great so far and I love the huge set pieces they come
with. I’m not collecting them, but between the fact that Barbara
Keane has become the best character on the show and her figure comes
with the classic Arkham Asylum gate, I might have to get that one.
Heck, I could probably use a dumpster and a bookcase, too. Diamond
could make money just selling accessory packs of this stuff.
Batman:
The Animated Series Batman Jumbo Action Figure – Gentle Giant (540)
This
would look excellent on my Batman shelf, but my new Would I Rather
Have A One:12 Figure rule rules it out. All of these oversized
reproduction shave looked great. I’d love to meet someone that had
a full collection of them just to see how weird it looked to see
giant versions of classic toys all together. You’d feel like a kid
again.
One:12
Collective Captain America and Daredevil Action Figures - Mezco (555)
SOLD.
I’ve been drooling over the thought of these ever since Mezco first
debuted them at Toy Fair. I can’t remember the last time I was as
excited for an action figure line as I am for these One:12
Collectives. If I had to stop collecting everything but one line (and
just typing that made me ill), this would be the line I would
continue. I gave Judge Dredd and Dark Knight Returns Batman perfect
scores, but you guys really just don’t even know how amazing these
are until you’ve seen one in person. They’re not just pricey
Megos. They’re the action figures I’ve been waiting for my entire
life.
Sadistik
1/6-Scale Figure - Phicen (557)
This
company is doing some great stuff at a comparatively affordable
price. I want their Star
Crash
Caroline Munro something terrible, but I’ve managed to resist so
far. I don’t want this Sadistik, rad though it is, but if they did
a Fantomas or Diabolik like this I’d have to buy them.
Unaffiliated
Thoughts
The
Supergirl
TV finale was great. The show has found its way and I'm hooked. I
still
haven't read anything official about a second season, but I sure do
hope we get one.
Legends
of Tomorrow
is pretty bad. The characters continue to be unlikable and dumb and
Ray Palmer has been turned into a big, whiny pussy. When the show has
good moments, they are great,
but it's not going to be long before they aren't worth sitting
through the bad to get to. As of right now I don't care if it gets a
second season or not.
Felicity
Smoak has been transformed from one of the most wonderful and
endearing characters on TV into a complete asshole. I don't know if this is some kind of statement about how people can change once you're in a committed relationship or what, but I sure do miss her smile.
Flash
has gotten pretty uneven in terms of writing, but is still the best
superhero show overall.
But
Gotham
is the one I look forward to every week. It's crazy. I'm not saying
it's good, but it entertains the heck out of me.
Tune
in to the Needless
Things Podcast
this Friday. Ryan and I are going to run down the MCU to date in
preparation for Civil
War.
*****
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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