By
Phantom Troublemaker
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 are typically about two months away.
Most of this month’s offerings are scheduled to ship in September.
Marvel:
Legacy – Marvel Comics (Front Cover)
Ugh.
I know I’ve been kind of an asshole about Marvel Comics for the
past couple of years, but I can’t help it. Over and over again I
try their books and they simply aren’t good. And if they are, they
get cancelled. The House of Ideas has problems everywhere from
editorial to the seemingly simple task of keeping artistic teams
consistent. I’m over it and waiting for a new regime to assume
control before I truly
care again. I think most of the people working for Marvel now are
just so deep into the creatively corrupt quagmire that even if they
have good intentions (or, God forbid, ideas), the powers that be are
so hapless and set on the wrong course (or no course) that very
little headway can ever be made.
I
can’t muster any real enthusiasm for Legacy.
The best case scenario is that Marvel is just straight-up ripping off
DC’s Rebirth
and will be starting fresh with a universe that incorporates the best
versions of all of its characters and their histories without
worrying too much about recent continuity; just moving ahead with the
best possible creators and stories. Unfortunately, Marvel’s first
line of talent includes a few creators that are part of the problems.
The
one thing that has me wanting to pick up Legacy
is the fact that Jason Aaron is writing and that he does not seem to
be one of the problems.
Side
Note: Because of the world that we live in now, I have to be clear
about the fact that I do not think that Marvel’s younger legacy
characters are part of the problem. I was excited about Champions
until I discovered that Mark Waid’s normally incredible writing
skills do not extend to subtly inserting his political agenda.
As
I’ve said many times – comics should
be political. But in a way that is subversive and intelligent. Not in
a way that feels smug and condescending. Nobody learns from that.
Side
Note 2: Is it telling that Marvel felt the need to put this on the
front cover of the main Previews
book? For quite some time now they’ve been content to keep their
product on their own little book.
Dark
Knights: Metal – DC Comics (Back Cover)
Then,
waaaaay on the other end of my personal enthusiasm spectrum, you’ll
find Dark
Knights: Metal.
Whatever story Snyder and Capullo are setting up with Dark
Days: The Forge seems
awesome.
I don’t read too much about it because I want it to unfold
organically for me, but that first issue was super cool.
Halloween
ComicFest – October 28, 2017 (32-43)
Various
publishers will offer FREE comic books (sometimes loosely)
celebrating the season! Visit HalloweenComicFest.com
to find out more!
Hellboy
and the BPRD 1955 – Occult Intelligence #1 (of 5) – Dark Horse
(48-49)
I’ve
loved these looks back in time at Hellboy’s earliest adventures.
Recommended.
Aliens:
Dead Orbit TP – Dark Horse (56)
This
should read better as a collection. The art has been gorgeous and the
story is engaging enough, but the first two issues left me a little
flummoxed as to what was going on. I think this one-man project will
be more cohesive when I can take it all in at once. I’ll be saving
the remainder of the issues until then.
Predator
vs Judge Dredd vs Aliens: Splice and Dice TP – Dark Horse (57)
I
trade waited this one, hoping that I would remember to order it. I’m
excited to read it.
Black
Hammer #13 – Dark Horse (60)
This
book has been consistently satisfying from the start. If you love the
history of superheroes and want a unique story about the archetypes
you know without the messy modern continuity, give this book a shot.
Dark
Knights: Metal Tie-Ins – DC Comics (80-81, 83)
This
is my preferred method of event tie-ins – one-shot issues that
feature the characters but do not interfere with the regular ongoing
series. I still don’t quite know what the overall story is going to
be here, but I’m all for monstrous, Elseworlds-style versions of
our heroes!
Uh-oh…
Perhaps I spoke too soon. It looks like DC is
letting this event intrude into their regular comics. While they
still have my trust right now, I am less enthused about this
development. I just started buying Teen
Titans
because it was so good, but I don’t want to have to pick up Suicide
Squad
and Nightwing.
If this was Marvel, I’d drop Teen
Titans,
but maybe I’ll give this a chance.
Batwoman
#7 – DC (91)
I
thought that the first arc of the new Batwoman book was very good. It
didn’t electrify me, but the story and art were satisfying and it
was great at not
being “Batman, but with boobs”. The creative team told a very
different kind of story and I dug it. Hopefully this series continues
to get even further afield of what we tend to expect from the Bat
Family.
Also,
that cover is super creepy.
Harley
Quinn 25th
Anniversary Special #1 – DC (115)
This
kind of stuff always appeals to me – the one-shot anthology
tribute. I probably wouldn’t have gone with the cover art featuring
another Jim Lee drawing of a vacuous, personality-free Harley,
though. Seriously – take away the colors and the “Daddy’s
Little Monster” on the shirt and that could be literally any female
character.
See?
I can be an asshole about DC, too.
Wonder
Woman/Conan #1 – DC/Dark Horse (116)
WHAT
THE WHAT.
This
is an awesome
idea. I hope it’s good. I haven’t enjoyed the last couple of
projects I’ve read from Gail Simone, so I’m going to trade wait
this one and hope for good word of mouth.
Batman:
Night of the Monster Men TP – DC (132)
I
thoroughly enjoyed this Bat Family crossover, but I know that there
are some that didn’t. If you like crazy monster stuff and
witnessing the dynamics between the various personalities that Batman
has chosen to surround himself with, then give this a shot.
Batman:
Hush 15th
Anniversary Deluxe Edition HC – DC (137)
This
story got me back into comics. I returned to my Local Comic Shop
after an absence and asked for the hot thing. They told me to pick up
the recently released Hush
Vol. 1 hardcover. I did and I loved it. I picked up the rest of the
story as it came out and, as a result of visiting the shop regularly,
started collecting again.
I
haven’t read Hush
in years. I’ve seen criticisms of it and am curious to revisit it.
I might do so with this edition, as my collection is a mess right now
and it might be a huge hassle to dig up the old individual issues.
Batgirl:
The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 1 HC – DC (138)
It’s
getting harder and harder for me to justify spending money on these
omnibus editions as I watch my pile of unread collections grow. I
simply can’t keep up with those and with my regular, monthly (or
more) titles. I have read several Barbara Gordon stories from this
era and would love to read more, but I know this would just add to
the pile and sit there for the next five years (or more).
The
Demon by Jack Kirby TP – DC (139)
The
same goes for this one. I know Etrigan entirely from his appearances
in other characters’ stories, probably starting with Neil Gaiman’s
Sandman.
I’d love to read the original stuff by the King! But I have no idea
how long it would take me to get around to it.
Batman
Black & White: John Romita Jr. Statue – DC Collectibles (150)
“Hayyyyy,
gurl”
Rock
Candy Mountain Vo. 1 TP - Image (207)
Another
excellent yearn from Kyle Starks! I didn’t realize it wasn’t a
miniseries, so that “Vol. 1” up there made me pretty happy.
The
Walking Dead: Here’s Negan! HC - Image (208)
This
collects the Negan origin story that originally ran in Image+.
I read the first chapter as part of my review of the first Image+.
As a huge fan of The
Walking Dead
comic book (just the comic book), I knew I wanted to read this, but
also knew that I could wait until it was collected.
Venomverse
- Marvel (Cover, M32-37)
Jiminy
Christmas.
Some
might scoff at the ridiculousness of the concept. Some might recall
Maximum
Carnage
(which spawned a fun video game with a RED CARTRIDGE) or Planet
of the Symbiotes.
Some might fail to see how Venom is worthy of a solo book, let alone
an event (I don’t understand those people).
Personally,
I’m all for this. The concept is clearly (to me, anyway) meant as a
tongue-in-cheek play on events. I like when Marvel takes this “Why
the Heck Not?” approach to doing things rather than the overly
serious self-importance with which they treat so many of their
titles. This just looks like crazy fun.
Venom
#154 - Marvel (M38)
The
story of this entire issue takes place from the perspective of the
symbiote, which I think is very cool. So cool that I might have to
pick it up. I’ve liked what I’ve read of Mike Costa’s work, so
I expect this will be good.
Journey
to Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Captain Phasma #1 & 2 - Marvel
(M88-89)
I
might
not be as interested in this direct tie-in if it wasn’t for the
solid creative team of Kelly Thompson and Marco Checchetto. I do want
to know what the heck happened to Phasma on Starkiller Base and,
sadly, I’m pretty sure The
Last Jedi
is going to be way to buys with other stuff to do anything but gloss
over that aspect of the narrative.
Tomb
of Dracula: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 TPB - Marvel (M129)
I’ve
read a few issues of this classic comic, but would definitely like to
experience more.
Werewolf
By Night: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 TPB - Marvel (M130)
I’ve
also read a few Werewolf
By Night
comics, but mainly know him from appearances in other books like
Amazing
Spider-Man.
This one goes on the list because, much like me at his age, my son is
into werewolves big time. This is through no influence on my part –
it just happened.
Dark
Ark #1 – Aftershock Comics (262)
THIS
SOUNDS AWESOME.
At
the same time Noah was building his ark to save all of the animals, a
sorcerer is building another ark to save all of the monsters. I’m
always reluctant to add brand new stuff to my pull, but this concept
plus Cullen Bunn writing has me willing to take a chance.
Big
Trouble in Little China: Old Man Jack #1 (302-303)
This
sounds like a fun idea for a Jack Burton story, even if the title is
a little too on-the-nose. I haven’t been a fan of what BOOM has
done with this franchise, but if I can get a look at the art for this
one I might give it a chance.
Never
mind. A Google
image search
reveals
that the artists’ style is not my cup of tea. Not for this
franchise, anyway. No wonder it isn’t featured in the solicits.
Nothing in these pages looks anywhere near as cartoony as Jorge
Corona’s work.
John
Wick #1 - Dynamite (332-333)
John
Wick was
a surprisingly awesome movie. From what I’ve heard the sequel is
just as good (I haven’t had time to check it out yet), so it’s no
surprise that a comic book is happening. What is surprising is that
Greg Pak is writing it. I’m very interested in this origin story
and how it can fill in Wick’s background without completely
removing the mystique that makes him so compelling.
Sheena
#1 - Dynamite (334-335)
I
never would have guessed I’d be adding a Sheena comic to my pull
list, but I love Moritat’s art; particularly how he draws women.
With Marguerite Bennett writing there’s a chance for eye-rolling
agenda, but hopefully it’ll just be grand adventure.
The
Little Red Wolf – Lion Forge (404-405)
This
looks charming. I’m ordering it for Mrs. Troublemaker for
Christmas. Don’t tell her.
Side
Note: Shop for neato stuff throughout the year and save it. It makes
the holidays much less stressful.
Hammer
Comics: Captain Kronos #1 – Titan Comics (432-433)
One
of my favorite movies of all time is getting a comic book with a very
good creative team. I am very excited. If you haven’t experienced
Hammer’s magnificent Captain
Kronos Vampire Hunter,
I recommend you do so immediately.
Grimm
Fairy Tales 2017 Halloween Edition – Zenescope (482)
Zenescope
knows how to do holiday editions. I’m very comfortable recommending
any of their specials to anyone that enjoys fun anthology comics.
Alien
Glow-in-the-Dark T-Shirt (522)
What
with all of the Alien excitement not so long ago on Needless Things,
Ryan Cadaver and I ended up discussing the fact that neither of us
owned any Alien shirts. For such a big franchise, there has been a
remarkable shortage of apparel. This one is pretty cool, with the
basic movie poster and a glow-in-the-dark facehugger overlay. I like
it.
Batman:
The Animated Series Harley’s Holiday Statue – Diamond Select Toys
(527)
This
is absolutely awesome and I’d love to have it. You guys know that
I’m pretty picky about statues, but $150 for a 12” piece like
this isn’t bad at all. This is one of those things where I’m
going to ask the missus what she thinks and she’ll probably say we
need it.
The
Infernal Manor by Brandt Peters Vinyl Figure – Beautiful Plastic
(547)
I
don’t do high end vinyl toys, but if I did this would for sure be
on my list. This thing is awesome. Actually, I just noticed that this
thing is 16” tall(!), so the $150 price tag isn’t so crazy. I
mean, it’s still a ton of money, but I figured it was six or eight
inches, so twice the toy seems more reasonable. If you’re a crazy
toy person in the first place.
Valerian
7-Inch Action Figures - NECA (?)
This
is my big movie pick for the year. I have high hopes for it and truly
wish I could manage my expectations, but I can’t. Luc Besson is
tremendous and I like both of the leads quite a bit. All of the
trailers have been magnificent. But I so wish NECA weren’t waiting
until three months after the movie comes out to produce action
figures because that’s probably
killing any chance of a second series. Unless Valerian
ends up being some kind of blockbuster juggernaut, which, regardless
of how good it is, it won’t.
Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles Michelangelo ¼ Scale Action Figure - NECA (562)
I
have Donatello and it’s one of my favorite action figures I have
ever owned. I wish it wasn’t so darned big, but it’s excellent.
Raphael and Leonardo are on order and obviously I have to have Mikey
to round out the set. I doubt we’ll get a quarter scale Shredder or
Splinter, and maybe that’s for the best.
If
they do Splinter, I want real fur on him.
Ghost
in the Shell Movie: Major 1/6 Scale Figure – Three A (593)
Your
mileage may vary, but I thoroughly enjoyed Ghost
in the Shell.
I’m eagerly anticipating seeing it again when I buy the Blu-ray and
wish there was a more expansive (and less expensive) line of toys. I
would’ve bought a full set of NECA figures. This will be the first
Three A product I’ve picked up, so I’m curious to see if the
product lvies up to the expectations I have after years of eyeing
their stuff.
Marvel
X ThreeA Captain America 1/6 Scale Figure – Three A (593)
I’d
be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted by this unique and
incredible-looking Captain America. All of Three A’s Marvel designs
have been special, and this one is no exception. I’d be stoked to
have this on my shelf alongside their Black Widow and Iron Man, but
these prices are too high for me.
Classic
Horror Enamel Pins (613)
How
do I order these individually? Who’s making them? Are they hard or
soft enamel? I NEED MORE DETAILS, PREVIEWS!
Golden
Girls Clue Board Game – Parker Bros./Hasbro (629)
“The
Golden
Girls Clue
features a custom illustrated game board, where players attempt to
solve the crime of who ate the cheesecake, what they left at the
scene of the crime, and which room they did it in.”
I
kid you not. I know someone who’s getting this for Christmas or
whatever she celebrates.
Unaffiliated
Thoughts
American
Gods finished its first season and, quite frankly, I’m glad. Parts
of it were incredible – mostly the ones with Emily Browning, Kristen Chenoweth, and
Pablo Schreiber – but more often than not I found it a chore. I
appreciate what it is and that the creators are accomplishing what
they’re going for, but it’s not for me.
What
is for me is Rick
and Morty,
which I finally got around to checking out two years after Miss Lady
Flex dressed up as Sexy Rick Sanchez for The Dirty Dirty Con Con Game Game Show Show.
I’m almost through the first season and it is a hoot and a holler.
Let
me know what you’re looking forward to in the comments, or join the
discussion in the Needless
Things Podcast Facebook Group!
*****
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!
Be
sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram for
all of the latest toy news and live reports from the stores that
carry them!
If
you enjoy comic books, toys, or Needless Things, you might
enjoy SupportPhantom.com.
Huge thanks to our excellent Patrons Zack, Gary, Lucas, and Beau!
I collected Werewolf by Night and Tomb of Dracula as a kid although it was called Dracula Lives over here. It was a bw anthology with Dracula as the main story, backed up by Werewolf and Frankenstein with Brother Voodoo as a replacement for Frankenstine later in the run. My mother gave them away to one of my cousins as mums do, so I lost the run at around 15 and yes I still feel the pain. So long windedly these books are definitely on my radar, along with Captain Kronos #1 I'm keen to see if Titan can catch the magic of that film.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Robert! I think that Dan Abnett and Tom Mandrake are a great team for Captain Kronos - I hope I'm right!
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