By Dave
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 May.
Now it’s time to discuss a few of the weird and/or
wonderful items offered in this month’s edition!
Note: I’m back to the book this month. I’ve got Previews situated awkwardly in front of me in the ridiculously limited and poorly planned space available on my desk. I’m delighted to have the hard copy in front of me rather than having to navigate walls of digital text.
Death
or Glory – Image (Front Cover, 202-203)
Rick Remender has written a lot more good than bad in my
opinion and the art on this title looks great. I’m just not that into the concept;
which is fine. Not everything needs to be for me.
If you like car stuff and chases in comic books, give
this a shot, it’s probably going to be quality stuff amongst that genre.
“Please
Give Us Another Chance” - Marvel (Back Cover)
“NEW CREATIVE TEAMS – NEW SERIES – NEW DIRECTIONS – NEW
BEGINNINGS”
I want to give you another chance, Marvel! I love so many
of your characters!
Show me some good stuff and don’t fuck it up.
Judging this cover art with zero context:
*I like Thor’s golden arm/hammer combo. I don’t know what
the deal is, but it’s interesting.
*Spidey is up front, and in his most recognizable suit –
good.
*Is it just me or does the Iron Man suit look happy?
*I like this art. Everybody looks like they’re supposed
to look.
*Noting here stands out as trying too hard or being too
gimmicky. I know who everyone is, I’m mostly familiar with their histories even
if I’ve never read one of their books, and it also doesn’t feel too “bringing
back old-timey stuff”.
*Two head socks is two too many, even if one is some kind
of ineffectual armor. Just wear a helmet, Jean.
Free
Comic Book Day (34-43)
This year Free Comic Book Day falls on Saturday, May 5th.
Visit FREECOMICBOOKDAY.COM for more
details!
Ether:
The Copper Golems #1 (of 5) – Dark Horse (48-49)
Brace yourselves for a lot
of repetition of this sentiment:
This looks really cool, but
I’m buying way too many comics right now and need to cut back, not add new
titles.
I have a massive stack of
unread books at home and I literally cannot keep up with my monthly (or weekly
or bi-weekly or seemingly daily in some cases) titles. I need to look at my
pull list to see what I can cut. I also need to institute a policy of cutting a
book if I want to add one.
Anyway, I’ve always loved
narratives that handle the mundane world operating parallel to or in opposition
of more magical realms, so this would be right up my alley. Maybe once it’s
collected I’ll add it to the massive stack of trades I don’t have time to read.
Blackwood
#1 (of 4) – Dark Horse (56-57)
See above.
I’d love to read this. Evan
Dorkin is great and the art by Veronica Fish is super. I’m all about magical
college murder mysteries.
DC
Nation #0 – DC (82-83)
This is a no-brainer – it’s a comic featuring DC’s best
for a quarter.
I could be cynical and say that this sort of
setup/promotional book is usually offered for free, particularly this close to
Free Comic Book Day, but whatever. It’s a freaking quarter and the stories
within will be setting up things to come in the DCU, which has been excellent
of late.
Justice
League: No Justice #1 – DC (86-89)
Metal has
been awesome, so Scott Snyder is back on my good list. I’m also excited to see
him work with Francis Manapul. James Tynion IV and Joshua Williamson are also
on that good list, so as far as I’m concerned this looks like a home run.
It’s been a long time since I’ve given a proper Justice
League book a shot and I’d love to read a good team story.
Batman
by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale Omnibus HC – DC (134)
In recent years I’ve seen some people talking some trash
about The Long Halloween and Dark Victory. I don’t get it. I love
those stories and still feel like they fit right into the post-Year One narrative. This huge edition
collects all of the Loeb/Sale Batman collaborations and it gets my highest
recommendation.
DC
Essentials Action Figures – DC Collectibles (148)
These do nothing for me. They toe a mediocre line between
the excellent Icons and Mattel’s DC Universe Classics. They’re not enough of an
upgrade over Classics for me to bother with and I have no desire to start a
whole new line only to see it canceled.
I know that’s a little harsh and I still love DC
Collectibles, but I feel like they’re in a spot right now where they need a big
success. I don’t think this line is it. I do, however, think an Animated
Justice League line could be. They need to focus their resources in the right
direction.
I’d also be all-in for a Metal line.
Harley
Quinn Red, White, and Black by Philip Tan Statue – DC Collectibles (151)
There are already plenty of versions of this Harley
costume on my shelves, but I’m still tempted by this statue just because of the
style. I love Tan’s artwork and it’s captured perfectly here. I am a little
concerned about the likelihood of that hammer breaking during shipping.
Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles: Urban Legends #1 – IDW (161)
This is the long-awaited conclusion of the Image Comics
run. I vaguely remember picking a few issues back then and not really liking
it, but I haven’t liked much outside of the original Mirage run anyway, so my
opinion may not be that important here. Whatever the case, it’s always good to
see creators get an opportunity to complete their vision. And IDW sure did
choose a compelling image to promote this thing. I can’t help but be curious
about robo-Donny and Raph in Casey’s mask.
Michael
Allred’s Madman Artist Select – IDW (189)
I’ve only read a few Madman
comics here and there. I don’t know what my problem is. Not with Madman – like everything else I’ve read
by Mike Allred, I love it. But for some reason Madman, like Hellboy, is
one of those things that isn’t ever in the front of my mind to seek out.
This collection represents Allred’s favorite stories, but
isn’t a chronological omnibus. Because I’m ridiculous this turns me off of this
particular collection a bit. I mean, even more than the (perfectly reasonable)
$125 price tag.
John
Byrne’s X-Men Artifact Edition – IDW (190-191)
Man, this is something that would be great to own. Maybe
not specifically John Byrne – I love his art, but he was slightly before Uncanny X-Men did its number on me (Marc
Silvestri was on by 234 – my first issue). I just love the idea of a giant book
that’s basically a combination of “making of” and “bonus features” for an
artist’s entire run of a comic book.
There are a few creators whose work I’d love to see get
this treatment, but I’m not going to name them for fear that IDW would see them
immediately put one of these premium priced books into production!
John
Byrne’s Stowaway to the Stars #1 Special Edition – IDW (193)
Speaking of John Byrne, here’s a much more affordable
sample of his gorgeous and imaginative artwork. I’m not familiar with this, but
I put it on my list solely based on these awesome splash pages. Apparently it’s
a series of these accompanied by a prose story.
Spawn
#286 – Image (244)
I don’t know WTF is going on here, but that cover made me
laugh out loud.
Avengers
#1 - Marvel (Cover, M2-8)
Jason Aaron writing Avengers!
With art by…
Ed McGuinness.
Ugh.
Look, this is purely personal taste, but I don’t like
McGuinness’ art. I absolutely acknowledge that he is a competent artist and
that his style is wildly popular, but I don’t care for it. His characters look
like square stuffed animals. Or something. I don’t know. It’s not for me.
Which is a shame, because I really want to read a Jason
Aaron Avengers story.
Venom
#1 – Marvel (M12-15)
I’d be up for a good Venom story. I’m not a die-hard fan,
but I do like the character and the idea of the symbiote. And man, that Paolo
Rivera cover is badass.
Hunt
for Wolverine – Marvel (21-27)
Holy crap. I like Logan as much as the next guy, but
Marvel is proposing quite the gargantuan tale here. By which I mean they’re
publishing four four-issue miniseries just as part of this story.
There’s great talent involved and three of the four
covers to the #1 issues are poster-worthy, but that’s a lot of comics. And
money.
The Where’s
Wolverine interconnected variant covers are amazing. I really would buy a
poster of that.
SHIELD
by Hickman & Weaver – Marvel (M42-43)
Any time Jonathan Hickman comes up I mention that I don’t
feel like I’m smart enough to read his books. This series is why I say that. I
loved the idea of SHIELD as a secret society through the ages, but this thing
got really unwieldy as far as my tiny little brain was concerned. I bet it’s a
really good story, but it was a bit too lofty for me.
True
Believers Wolverine Stuff – Marvel (M74-75)
This line of $1.00 reprints is one of my favorite things
that Marvel does. I suppose it would make more sense to just join their
Unlimited service, but I still don’t like reading comics on a screen.
GET
OFF MY LAWN DIGITAL COMICS!
X-Men
Gold #27 – Marvel (M76)
If you’re not following Phil Noto on Instagram, you
should be.
I do, and that’s how I know that Marvel specifically
requested that Noto not draw the
lines we’re used to seeing on Colossus on this cover. Very interesting. You can
see the same thing on J. Scott Campbell’s cover for the X-Men Wedding Special.
Star
Wars: Lando – Double or Nothing #1 (of 5) – Marvel (M89)
More Lando stories, please. I’ve always loved Lando’s
extra-saga adventures. Charles Soule’s miniseries was excellent, and while I
would have liked to see him write further adventures, I’ll still pick this one
up.
Star
Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 1 HC – Marvel (M110)
Worth your time to read.
Kieron Gillen is one of the best writers working today
and he understands the language of the galaxy far, far away. His run on the
original Marvel Darth Vader was
excellent and spawned this fan favorite character. Aphra is an amalgam of many
archetypes, but manages to be unique and compelling on her own.
Not to mention her great companions the murderous Droids
Triple-Zero and BT-1 and Wookie bounty hunter Black Krrsantan.
Captain
America by Waid & Samnee: Home of the Brave TPB – Marvel (M115)
I’ve gotta be honest – this is good, but it isn’t going
to change your life like some of Waid and Samnee’s other collaborations. It
started off strong and if they’d stuck with the premise of him traveling
America righting wrongs and fighting evil I think I would’ve liked it more. But
Cap ends up in the future and things get preachy.
It seems like Waid can’t help himself with the
heavy-handed political commentary lately. It’s a shame because I think he’s a
talented enough writer to get his point across more subtly.
I’m not saying Mark Waid – or any writer – shouldn’t
inject themselves and their beliefs into their writing within reason. But I’m
not going to stick around to read it.
A
Walk Through Hell #1 – Aftershock (265)
A new horror book from Garth Ennis sounds great,
especially coming from Aftershock, who are killing it with their titles. But
then I read this:
“A new kind of horror story for modern America…”
Ugh.
I know I go on and on about this, but I can’t seem to get
away from it. Politics in comics are fine. Uncanny
X-Men and Batman and most of the
comics I grew up reading had subtle messages, many of which probably shaped who
I am today. But nowadays these guys are trading
in sociopolitical outrage and proselytization. The subtlety is gone.
I guess I can’t blame them. Outrage is big business and
slapping a tagline like the one above on your book is probably guaranteed to
draw some eyeballs. But I’m over it. I don’t want a new kind of horror story
for modern America. I just want a good horror story.
Chronicles
of Wormwood TPs – Avatar (298)
This may well be the last Garth Ennis comic book I read.
I recommend it. It has messages and a slant, but it’s skillfully crafted so
that it entertains as much as it preaches. Honestly, A Walk Through Hell probably does the same and it’s on the
publisher for throwing out that spicy little blurb.
Anyway, if you want another of Ennis’ outrageous takes on
religion and spirituality, check this one out.
Hellboy:
Into the Silent Sea Studio Edition – Flesk Publications (368)
You all know how slack I’ve been about catching up on
Hellboy, so it probably isn’t surprising that I don’t consider myself enough of
a fan to splurge on what looks like a super nice special edition. I haven’t
read Into the Silent Sea, but
combining Hellboy with Moby Dick – if that’s what this is – sounds amazing.
I’ll track down a cheaper version someday for sure.
For those of you that are better Hellboy fans than I am,
let me know how fancy-schmancy this ends up being.
Oothar
the Blue – Lion Forge (392-393)
That image spoke to me, but once I read the description
of a barbarian that just doesn’t feel like questing anymore I knew I had to
order this. I go through that same thing a lot and while I don’t slay dragons
or banish uberwraiths, sometimes I just don’t feel like grabbing the mic or
reviewing the toys.
Alien
Toilet Monsters – Omnimorphic (402)
C’mon you guys – I can’t just skip over a comic book
called Alien Toilet Monsters. If I
weren’t on new title restriction right now I’d probably even buy it despite
having no familiarity with the creators or even the publisher. It’s just too
ridiculous to believe.
Trish
Trash: Rollergirl of Mars HCs – Super Genius (416)
These look like fun! Even though it’s only a teeny, tiny
little thumbnail, I like the look of the art. Someone let me know if these are
worth grabbing and I’ll do it.
Tatooine
Take Off Stripe T-shirt (513)
I need more t-shirts like I need more comics, but I’d
love to have this one to wear to the beach this summer.
GI
Joe Flint T-shirt (521)
My GI Joe shirts have been dropping like flies lately. I
bought most of them when I worked at Hot Topic, which was about twenty years
ago. I need new ones, but I don’t particularly want one with just Flint on it.
I mean, Flint is cool and I always liked his black shirt/camo
pants/shotgun
shell suspenders/beret look, but who really wants a shirt with just Flint?
I mean, aside from the guy that cosplays as Flint.
Nightmare
Before Christmas Select Action Figures – Diamond Select Toys (526)
DST has made it to series 5 on these and I’m not sure
I’ve mentioned the fact that I’m addicted to them.
I never ordered any, but I bought Jack and Sally at Toys
R Us a couple of years ago for Mrs. Troublemaker for Christmas. She said she
didn’t have room for them and even though I didn’t really either, I kept them.
And then bought more.
The Toys R Us versions cost about ten bucks less and
don’t come with as many accessories, so they’re actually a great deal. But I
want that gift table. Because I am a toy masochist and love having large things
that I don’t have room for.
Pacific
Rim Uprising Kaiju Hakuja Vinyl Figure – Diamond Select Toys (527)
On our 2018 ToyFair episode of the Needless Things Podcast I said that I wasn’t too
excited for the new Pacific Rim movie. But that lack of excitement does not
extend to the toys. Especially this incredible-looking Kaiju.
While I’m looking forward to seeing DST’s Uprising figures in person, this
creature looks spectacular. One of my issues with the creature designs in the
first Pacific Rim – as much as I
loved them – was that they were all basically the same color palette.
That is clearly not the case in the sequel. Holy shit
this guy is beautiful.
DC
Gallery Suicide Squad Harley Quinn PVC Diorama – Diamond Select Toys (528)
Wow, DST is coming back strong this month. I love this
company and I want all of their lines to do well so they can keep making badass
toys. I just don’t love everything
that they make.
This Harley, however, looks great. It’s sculpted by Jean
St. Jean, who has worked on more legendary toy lines than you’d even believe.
Check out his Instagram.
If the final production paint job is as good as what’s
pictured here, I’ll be happy.
Egon
Spengler Proton Pack Legacy Series Replica – ANOVOS (542)
THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS.
I have exactly one experience with Anovos, and it’s not
good. That doesn’t mean That they can’t or don’t release great products, but
for this much money I personally wouldn’t trust them.
I preordered a certain item from them last year. Maybe
even in 2016. I got no updates, then received a shipping notice for the entire
order when the bonus item (a lithograph for the first however many preorders)
shipped. The lithograph was shipped in a cardboard envelope and was bent to
shit.
Apparently the production process was going so badly that
the artist whose work they were producing took
the project back from them and is releasing it himself.
But again – that’s not to say that everything else they
do isn’t super. Just a little anecdote for you.
Revival
Em Cypress Mini Bust – Image (544)
Revival
was
a great comic. Now that it’s done I need to go back and finish from where I
left off. I don’t remember exactly how it lost me, but it wasn’t dramatic –
just one of those things where I found myself putting off reading it. The idea
of sitting down with the complete story excites me.
This isn’t the Em I want. I don’t necessarily need an
action figure, but I feel like there are better and cooler looking things they
could do. For starters, a diorama of the cover to issue #6 would be awesome.
One:12
Collective Iron Man Action Figure – Mezco (546)
Intellectually I understand that this will be a massive
upgrade over any Hasbro Iron Man that I own. It lights up, it has die-cast
parts, there are tons of accessories. But I can’t help but look at it and feel
like I already own a very similar figure for a quarter of the price. I’m dying
to get this figure out of the box and see just how great it is, but so far I
have not been able to convince myself to order it.
One:12
Collective A Clockwork Orange Alex Delarge Action Figure – Mezco (547)
This guy, on the other hand, I preordered direct from
Mezco the day he went up.
I haven’t been buying the One:12 horror figures because
lord knows I have enough Frankensteins and whatnot. But as foul as the
character is, I want to own a great Little Alex. If only so One:12 Batman and
Judge Dredd can punch him in the face.
ReAction
Iron Maiden Eddie Action Figures – Super 7 (547)
I own these already. Buy them, they’re excellent.
Star
Wars The Black Series Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder – Hasbro (554)
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
The same one I bought at Walmart for fifteen bucks? Good
luck with that, Hasbro.
Don’t get me wrong – this is an awesome vehicle that’s
actually well worth the $50ish MSRP. But I don’t collect this scale. Until it
goes on clearance, anyway.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Gold
Lightan GX-32R 24-Karat Gold Soul of Chogokin – Bandai (573)
The first thing I think of when I look at this figure is
the old M.U.S.C.L.E. figure that looked exactly like this, but tiny and pink. I
don’t know if it’s the same character or robot or whatever and to this day I’m
not sure what Soul of Chogokin is,
but this thing is awesome.
Unaffiliated
Thoughts
*Avengers: Infinity
War has been moved forward a week to April 27th, the FOURTH
month of the year. Robert Downey, Jr. said that sounded FANTASTIC.
Look – if Marvel Studios has somehow managed to sneak the
Fantastic Four into Infinity War
without anyone knowing and that’s part of why it’s getting a singular worldwide
release, I’ll be standing up screaming in the theater along with everyone else
and I’m not even a big FF guy.
But I don’t want to get my hopes up and I don’t
particularly believe it’s even possible anyway.
*Legends of
Tomorrow is just wonderful. “Here I Go Again” was a tremendous episode that
put the spotlight on how the characters interact and served as a really nice
intro/palate cleanser. I am totally on board with this show now, despite
thinking at one time it should be canceled and was the worst of the CW shows.
*Speaking of Infinity
War, I found a ton of the new basic 6” figures (not Marvel Legends) at
Walmart the other morning. I think they look great and are well worth the ten
bucks. I also dig the little Infinity Stone gimmicks they come with.
There are also “Deluxe” figures for thirteen bucks. I saw
Hulk and a Rocket/Teen Groot 2-pack, but I know there are more. There was also
a box set with Iron Man versus Thanos. Those figures didn’t look nearly as
good, but Thanos was actually something of a spoiler, so if you see the set
don’t look too closely at it. I didn’t post a picture on IG for just that
reason.
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!
John Byrne’s Stowaway to the Stars #1 Special Edition – IDW (193) The original version of this was a coloring book. I'm curious to see the colored version.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Avengers goes, I wouldn't worry. McGuiness is not known for sticking around long on a book. I suspect there's a replacement art team already waiting in the wings.
Bobby
It is conifimed that beebo, the god of war, will be back for The legends finale. All praise beebo!
ReplyDelete