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.
Suicide
Squad - DC (Front Cover, 86-87)
The
Rebirth
launch comic got me excited for DC Comics again.
But
not every
DC comic.
I
can’t muster any enthusiasm for Suicide
Squad,
despite my unbridled excitement for the movie. Which just happens to
come out two days after Suicide
Squad: Rebirth
#1 (synergy!). I don’t care for over-armored, under-mustachioed
Deadshot or for Killer Crocolli. The book might end up being
incredible, and if it is I’ll check it out. But this one just
screams “new creative team, new direction!” after six or eight
issues.
Saga
- Image (Back Cover, 200)
The
single greatest comic book series of all time. A new story arc starts
here, but just go back and buy all of the prior issues. They’re the
best.
Lady
Killer 2 – Dark Horse (Front Cover Gatefold, 38-39)
That
image caught my eye. I am not familiar with the prior Lady
Killer
series, but it sounds sort of like the John Waters movie Serial
Mom,
which is no bad thing. I might have to check this one out.
Labyrinth
30th
Anniversary Special – BOOM! (1,299)
This
48-page special collects several stories featuring the characters
from Jim Henson’s Labyrinth.
While I respect anything Henson does, I don’t love this movie as
much as many folks do. I just wanted to highlight this one because
it’s from a Green Section publisher and could get overlooked.
Mœbius
Library: The World of Edena HC – Dark Horse(40)
Go
ahead and yell at me. I still haven’t read any Mœbius since
mentioning another publisher’s collections a few months ago. This
one looks pretty sweet, with 344 pages of hardcover bound stories.
You know Dark Horse gives premium treatment to everything they do, so
this is porbably a must for any fans.
Battlepug
Volume 5 HC – Dark Horse (56)
If
you haven’t checked out the excellent Battlepug
comic strip by the delightful Mike Norton, you should. The cover
above tells you all you need to know. Buy prior volumes from the
Needless Things Amazon store and help out the site!:
All-Star
Batman #1 – DC (76)
I
absolutely love John Romita, Jr.’s art. Scott Snyder has given us
some of the best Batman stories. Despite those facts I’m hesitant
to commit to this book. Scott Snyder has also written some stories
that I thought were pointless and badly decompressed.
I
know that this book will have clearly defined arcs with a rotating
roster of artists, so the chance of burnout is much lower. But there
are other Rebirth books that I want to check out more. I think I’m
gonna have to wait for word of mouth on this one.
At
least it’s not a continuation of Miller’s All-Star
(sorry, Ryan).
Deathstroke:
Rebirth #1/Deathstroke #1 – DC (80-81)
Christopher
Priest is now in charge of Slade Wilson and I’m excited to see
where he goes. This is one of the Rebirth books I’m anticipating
the most.
Harley
Quinn #1-2 – DC (82)
You
guys know how much I love this book. I’m irritated by the
renumbering, but the same creative team is delivering, so whatever.
I’m just nervous about it being twice-monthly, as I am for all of
the books that DC decided to put on that schedule. It seems like
asking for trouble to me, but time will tell.
Anyway,
this is a hilarious, action-packed book that I look forward to
reading every month. If you like a fun Harley, you’ll like this
book. If you need her to be more psychotic and dark… I don’t know
what’s wrong with you. There’s plenty of that out there already.
The
Hellblazer #1 – DC (83)
What’s
with the superfluous “The”?
I
didn’t care a thing about this book because DC hasn’t done
anything right with John Constantine since the Vertigo series ended,
but the panel from Rebirth
#1 where he’s taking to Swamp Thing has me curious (which is, of
course, its intended purpose).
Supergirl:
Rebirth #1 – DC (85)
I
have to admit that my interest in this one comes mostly from the CW
(formerly CBS) TV show and the hope that DC recognizes what it is
that has made that show successful. The little that we’ve seen in
the way of previews makes it look like it’s going to embrace the
fun of the show. I don’t know for sure, but my suspicion was that
the unknown blonde from the future that says “Everything is going
to be all right”:
Is
Kara because that would be such a TV Kara thing to say. I can
practically see Melissa Benoist delivering that line. Also they
haven’t mentioned plans for the Legion of Superheroes yet, so I
doubt it’s one of them, despite that ring. If memory serves,
Supergirl has hung out with the Legion in the past (future).
Batman:
Arkham: Poison Ivy TP – DC (123)
I’m
glad to see a “Greatest Stories” volume dedicated to Pamela
Isley, and I’m sure that hashtag Poison Ivy movement had something
to do with DC deciding to cash
in on the character’s current popularity
give the fans a cool history of the character. I’ve read a few, but
hardly all of these stories and will be picking it up.
The
Flash By Mark Waid Book One TP – DC (127)
I’m
a huge fan of Mark Waid’s work, but I’m currently making my way
through the Geoff Johns Flash volumes that DC is releasing. I want
the Waid stories, but I’m going to have to hold off on these. I am
glad to see DC reprinting these big, important runs, though.
JSA:
The Golden Age Deluxe Edition HC – DC (128)
James
Robinson and Tony Harris’ Starman
is another epic run that I’m working through at the moment. I’m
loving the way that they’re working the Justice Society heroes in
to the narrative and I’m stoked that DC is releasing a JSA story by
Robinson. Paul Smith on art is something to get excited about as
well, so consider this on my order form.
Poison
Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death TP – DC (131)
Recommended.
I haven’t read the final issue yet, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed
this miniseries. It runs a bit parallel to the way the Harley Quinn
series is going, but with a completely different tone more suitable
to Ms. Isley. The art is inconsistent, as per DC’s norm lately,
but it’s never bad. Sometimes it’s just… noticeable. If I had
to pick out on thing that bothers me the most about DC comics, it
would be the changes in art throughout story arcs. To me, that is
unacceptable. Otherwise this is a great series and worth your time.
Lucifer
#9 – DC/Vertigo (141)
I’m
not reading this because I’m just not very interested in anyone
other than Gaiman writing Lucifer, but this cover is the best of all
possible covers for a comic book about Lucifer. Props to Dave Johnson
for an amazing image.
Batman:
The Animated Series Christmas With the Joker Action Figure – DC
Collectibles (147)
I
love Christmas and I love the Joker, but with the price increases on
these figures I’m not sure I can justify this one. Heck, at this
point I’m questioning collecting the line, let alone different
versions of characters I already have! That hand puppet is pretty
amazing, though.
Batman:
Arkham Knight Batgirl and Oracle Action Figure 2-Pack - DC
Collectibles (148)
This
is a must-have for me. I’ve been collecting DCC’s
mostly-excellent Arkham
action figures and Batgirl is one of my favorite superheroes. I’m
also one of those fans that is still smarting over the loss of Oracle
when the New 52 happened. I get the arguments against Barbara Gordon
being paralyzed, but there’s a lot of stuff with no internal logic
in comics. I don’t see how the line can be drawn there.
Duck
Avenger #0 - IDW (177)
Duck Avenger
is a European comic that is being translated and published in the USA
for the first time. I’m not entirely clear on the story or even the
tone, but I’m assured that it’s excellent. Donal Duck sneaks into
Scrooge McDuck’s newly acquired high-rise and somehow becomes the
Duck Avenger. I’m too curious to not check it out.
Image+
- Image (Separate Publication)
I’m
not going to cover this as thoroughly as I did last month’s issue
because now that I know what it is it isn’t quite as interesting.
Also because the elitist pomposity of the last one turned me off a
bit from a company I have traditionally had the utmost respect for.
There’s
an interview with Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie that justifies
opening the magazine. Their work blows me away and it was great
reading about how they hooked up.
There’s
another interview with Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Elizabeth
Breitweiser about Kill
or Be Killed,
which I am very interested in and will discuss below.
The
middle features new series that Image announced at their Expo, as
well as a fairly expansive first look at a comic called Prince
of Cats
by Ronald Wimberly. The art is beautiful, but it looks like a
mish-mash of Shakespearian concepts, including the language.
Cool,
but not my thing.
Finally,
Negan’s story continues in the final pages.
Props
to Image for publishing a pretty neat publication that folks who are
already picking up Previews
can get for free. I can’t say it’s worth the two bucks you’d
pay to get it solo, but I can’t imagine anyone is doing that,
anyway.
Kill
or Be Killed #1 - Image (192-193)
This
is a comic about a guy who is forced into vigilantism somehow. I know
Brubaker has written a lot of popular stuff, but I don’t honestly
think I’ve read anything more than his work on Batman. I am a big
fan of Sean Phillips’ work and the concept sounds good to me, so
I’ll probably give this one a shot.
The
Pro TP - Image (234)
If
you need me to tell you that a comic book from Garth Ennis, Jimmy
Palmiotti, and Amanda Conner is both hilarious and terribly offensive
to pretty much everyone, I’m glad you’re here. It’s hard
talking to people that k now more than I do about comics all the
time.
This
is a great book. Order yourself a copy from your Local Comic Shop.
Unless you’re a minor. This isn’t for you. And if you’re a
minor and you do buy it, I don’t want to know about it.
Civil
War II - Marvel (Cover, M1-37)
With
all of the Marvel Universe solidly entrenched in this newest civil
war, I’m safe from being tempted to try new books. I have no
interest in any
of this. That’s not to say it isn’t good, I don’t know, but I’m
not getting sucked in.
I’m
way more interested in Marvel
Tsum Tsum:
LOOK
AT THAT. They’re on little weblines!!!!
Fortunately
for me I’m not reading any of the books that are involved in this
thing. I dropped Spider-Woman
thanks
to the “Spider-Women” crossover. I didn’t want to, but I’m
treating forced crossoverosity with EXTREME PREJUDICE. It’s now an
excuse to drop a book.
Mockingbird
#6 - Marvel (M30)
DAMMIT.
Apparently Mockingbird
got sucked in somehow, which doesn’t even make sense because it’s
supposed to be its own weird, unique miniseries thing (and it has
been up to this point). Reading the description it doesn’t sound
like a Civil War II tie-in at
all.
Which makes me happy. If it is, I’ll drop this one, too. I’m not
playing your little games, Marvel.
Guardians
of the Galaxy #11 - Marvel (M31)
I
still feel obligated to browse through the Civil War II section even
though I know I’m not jumping on any of these. While doing so I’m
seeing pages just littered with gorgeous art. And then I come across
this cover that just blows my mind. Each character is so distinct and
interesting while still working with the rest to form a great image.
And Carol’s face here is just awesome. Who the heck did this?!?
Oh,
of course – Art Adams. Who else?
Spidey
#9 - Marvel (M53)
I
just want to recommend this one again. It’s continuity-free and
family-friendly (though not a “kids” comic) and all kinds of fun.
Me and Phantom Jr. are both digging it.
Gwenpool
#5 - Marvel (M67)
Speaking
of fun, this book is. I don’t know how to convince you that not
only isn’t it stupid, it’s actually very good. Because by all
means it should
be stupid and it certainly looks
stupid. But it’s not derivative of either Deadpool or Spider-Gwen.
This is its own thing. It’s about a girl – Gwen Poole – from
our universe that has ended up in the Marvel Universe. It’s
ridiculous, but it works. She started in the pages of one of Marvel’s
best comics, Howard
the Duck,
if that helps. And look – there’s Miles Morales! Everyone loves
him, right? I read on io9
that the simple fact that he’s the star of that new animated MCU
movie that automatically
makes it a better movie
with no regard to voice casting or the script or the type of
animation or anything. Wow! That means this comic must be better too,
right?
The
Punisher #4 - Marvel (M68)
It’s
wonderful to see Steve Dillon back on a Punisher book and Becky
Cloonan might be just as nuts as Garth Ennis. I don’t typically
like making comparisons between creators, but there’s no denying
the impact Ennis and Dillon had on the Punisher mythos. Cloonan is
going to be up there, too. I’ve only read the first issue, but just
thinking about the book has me excited for more.
The
Official Making of Big Trouble in Little China – BOOM! (298)
BOOM!
Studios is releasing a book about the making of my favorite movie of
all time. It was the first thing I put on my order form.
Peanuts:
A Tribute to Charles M. Schulz TP – BOOM! (303)
If,
for some reason, you didn’t listen to me and order the hardcover
back when it came out, you now have an opportunity to order the
paperback version. This is a wonderful book that will make you happy
and sad as Peanuts
should. The most talented artists in the business all have something
in here.
Chavo
Guerrero’s Warriors Creed #3 – Lion Forge (378)
This
is a comic book about professional wrestler Chavo Guerrrero getting
superpowers. It is written by Fabian Nicieza, who is very good and
one of my favorite writers from the old-school X-books. This has
managed to slip under my radar for two months now, but I assume
that’s because it’s being published by the same folks who did the
new Madballs comic and my attention was drawn by that. I’m going to
have to see if I can get the first two issues. I have
to read this.
Doctor
Who The Third Doctor #1 - Titan (406)
What
do you gain from not numbering your pages, Titan?!?
Does
Diamond charge extra for that or something?
Paul
Cornell is a writer who has yet to do wrong in my eyes. He has worked
on Doctor Who in various forms before and I have all the faith in the
world in him. Jon Pertwee’s Doctor is one of my favorites and I’ve
been dying for more of his adventures ever since I went back and
caught up on all of his stories. He’s admittedly a tough one since
he was stuck on Earth for most of his existence and the limits of his
regeneration were fairly clearly defined by the show. But I have no
doubt that Cornell and company have great things planned. This will
be the first of Titan’s Doctor Who titles to be added to my pull.
Mostly because I couldn’t figure out the page numbers before.
GARY’S
PICK
OF THE MONTH
(that
he doesn’t know about)
Cthulu:
The Ancient One Tribute Box (478)
If
you’re foolish enough to want a tiny, made-for-retail altar to the
Elder Gods in your home, then Diamond has got your hookup. This set
comes complete with a Cthulu figurine and an altarpiece stand. All
the tools needed to summon the madness in one convenient package!
Banzai
Institute Gray T-Shirt – Previews Exclusive Apparel (490)
Finally,
Buckaroo Banzai himself has approved Banzai Institute apparel for
sale to the general public. Wear what the Cavaliers wear in their
everyday lives while fighting the forces of evil or just generally
making things better for the rest of us.
Batman
Classic TV Series Shakespeare Bust Vinyl Bank – Diamond Select Toys
(512)
DST
has produced a lot of amazing stuff in their range of vinyl banks,
but this one has to be the big winner. It looks fantastic and
actually opens to reveal a dial and button. This is awesome. If you
don’t own one of their bust banks, trust me when I say this will
look fantastic on your shelf. They’ve all been the highest quality.
One:12
Collective The Flash Action Figure - Mezco (529)
You
guys know that I am in love with this line of action figures. I am
not being hyperbolic when I say that they will go down in toy history
as the greatest action figure line of all time. I want them all. I’m
not buying them all, but I will buy Flash. My shelves need a properly
attired and articulated Scarlet Speedster.
Slimer
Life-Size Foam Replica – NECA(?) (538)
When
this thing first got announced online I posted that I felt sure some
weirdo was going to buy it and have sex with it. I still feel that
way.
Also,
I’m not positive NECA is making it, but they are doing a bunch of
life-size foam replicas, so it seems likely.
House
of 1,000 Corpses Captain Spaulding 8-Inch Action Figure – NECA
(541)
I
love (most of) Rob Zombie’s movies and Captain Spaulding, despite
only being featured in two films, is a horror icon. Who doesn’t
want a tiny, terrifying little Sid Haig in clown makeup on their
shelf? Just for your own personal knowledge, this is part of NECA’s
excellent retro cloth line of Mego-style figures.
Living
Dead Dolls: Trick R’ Treat Sam – Mezco (542)
If
you haven’t seen Trick
R’ Treat,
it’s an incredible Halloween anthology film by the guy that did the
equally awesome Krampus.
Watch it ASAP and then order yourself this adorable little monster,
who is sort of the mascot of the movie.
Texas
Chainsaw Massacre 2 Leatherface 8-Inch Action Figure - NECA (542)
Another
fine maniac from the folks at NECA! You’ll need this one to go with
the Chop Top figure that’s coming out soon!
One:12
Collective Commander Rogers Action Figure – Mezco (543)
It’s
not often that I’m surprised by toys anymore, but I had no idea
this was coming out. This is literally the first I’ve seen of it.
This is a variant version of Mezco’s previously offered Captain
America figure, similar to my Previews
Exclusive Judge Dredd.
I love that they’re doing these variants, but that they aren’t
impossible to get. There’s supposed to be a classic version coming
as well, but I like the standard the best. I expect to see Professor
Zoom or Reverse Flash or whatever offered next month.
Bill
& Ted’s Excellent Adventure 8-Inch Action Fgiure 2-Pack - NECA
– (543)
Holy
crap, this is a heavy toy month. NECA’s really putting those
holiday screws to us early. No toy collector my age is going to be
able to pass these up. NECA’s excellent craftsmanship and
likenesses combined with these two most non-heinous individuals makes
for a pop culture no-brainer.
Weird
Al Yankovic 8-Inch Action Figure – NECA (544)
DUDES.
You are killing
me.
Another must-have. And I want you gentle readers to understand that
my definition of “must-have” has narrowed big time over the last
five years. The last year, especially, has changed what I consider to
be worthy of spending my money on. But Weird Al is a personal hero to
me and there’s no way I can resist this one.
La
Muerta 1/6 Scale Action Figure – Phicen (546)
I’m
not buying this, but it’s an awesome looking figure. If I had silly
amounts of disposable income laying around, skeleton girl would
definitely be on my list.
One:12
Collective Frankenstein’s Monster Action Figure - Mezco (548)
Yes,
ladies and gentlemen, restraint is the name of my game. I’m not
ordering this one. I’ve got TONS of figures of Frankenstein’s
monster and while this one is sure to be the best, I am going to
“just say no”.
Because
I’d rather have the inevitable color variant.
Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles Donatello 1/4 Scale Action Figure - NECA (548)
I’ve
been waiting since 1990 for good action figures of the movie Turtles.
I want this so
bad,
but there are all kinds of reasons to not buy this: I don’t have
the space for four sixteen inch Turtles, they cost a
lot, I
wasn’t ultimately happy with the Michael
Keaton Batman
I got in this scale, and NECA may well release smaller scale
versions.
I
think I’ve convinced myself. Maybe.
Edward
Scissorhands Horror Bishoujo Series Statue - Kotobukiya (559)
This
one is cool! I made fun of the gender bent Freddy and Jason figures
because, quite frankly, they’re stupid. But this one works. It’s
a great design and the character works just fine, visually and
conceptually.
Unaffiliated
Thoughts
The
Preacher
premiere was awesome. I’ve watched it three times and I cannot wait
for the second episode. Whether you’ve read the comic or not, watch
it. I loved it.
The
Outcast
premiere was not awesome. It plodded along, trying to be mysterious
and succeeding only in being baffling and annoying. If you don’t
know, it’s a Cinemax show based on a new comic by Robert Kirkman
and Paul Azaceta. I haven’t read the comic and, quite frankly,
after that episode I have no desire to. The central premise might not
be bad, but I’m honestly not sure what it is. It has to do with
demonic possession.
I
liked X-Men: Apocalypse, much to my surprise. My full review is on my
Patreon page,
so go and check it out.
Flash
and Arrow
both had pretty lame season finales. Pretty lame seasons overall, for
that matter. I am now convinced that shows need to either be thirteen
episodes or less or they need to have two complete arcs on either
side of the mid-season break. A single story arc simply can’t be
maintained for twenty-two episodes and for whatever reason modern
shows all have to have that season-long story. The days of
self-contained episodes seem to be over.
*****
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!
Another cool list, Phantom. I believe the 2nd issue of my new ongoing comic book team up series, Domino Lady: Threesome is in this issue as well under Moonstone. I've not had the chance to stop by the shop and look yet.
ReplyDeleteBobby