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 July.
Now it’s time to discuss a few of the weird and/or
wonderful items offered in this month’s edition!
Additional Note: This month DC has adopted
Marvel’s annoying practice of providing their own, external catalog. I don’t
like it and it makes writing this post more of a hassle, but if I had to guess
I’d say it’s a reaction to BOOM! And Dynamite being named Premier Publishers.
That section is much more crowded than it used to be and while I don’t care for
the extra books, I get the need to stand out.
It also leaves the actual Premier Publisher
section feeling a lot closer to the Green Section, which isn’t great for Dark
Horse and Image.
It’s also worth noting that the Premier
Publisher section is no longer in alphabetical order, starting with Image, then
Dark Horse, IDW, Dynamite, then finishing with BOOM!
To make things easier for myself, I’m going
to start with DC and Marvel, then delve into the rest of the catalog. I won’t
be spotlighting their covers anymore, just taking a look at what I think is
noteworthy. Additionally, the page numbers noted are the ones within their
respective catalogs.
Captain
America #1 – Marvel (Front Cover, M2-5)
My current feeling on Cap books is that they’re probably
just never going to be for me. When a new creative team starts one I get on
board, but invariably they diverge off into some storyline that I simply don’t
like.
Ta-Nehisi Coates was a huge get for Marvel and brought
some much-needed attention to the publisher after they put him on various Black Panther titles. I haven’t read any
of his comics work because his literary work outside of that held zero interest
for me, but the various places I frequent online suggest to me that his
storytelling style isn’t my thing. Which isn’t to say that I disagree with him
writing Captain America. If it’s the
right move in Marvel’s eyes, then I hope the relationship continues to be
profitable for both the publisher and Coates. I do hate to miss out on Leinil
Francis Yu’s awesome artwork, though.
Farmhand
- Image (Back Cover, 42)
Farmhand is
a new thing from Rob Guillory, who was responsible for the hit comic, Chew. I never read it, but I know our
pal Belligerent Monkey loves it.
That’s all I got.
Free
Comic Book Day (29-39)
This year Free Comic Book Day falls on Saturday, May 5th.
Visit FREECOMICBOOKDAY.COM for more
details!
Batman
#50-51 – DC (1)
Sure, I’ve been reading this title since the beginning
and don’t usually call out ongoing books in this way. Plus, it’s freaking Batman. Is anybody not reading it?
But I love what
Tom King has been doing. If you had suggested a Batman/Catwoman wedding story
to me a few years ago I would’ve thought it was the dumbest thing ever, but
this book has treated us to some of the most fun and character-driven issues
I’ve read in years. I love King’s Batman/Bruce Wayne and the choices the writer
makes with him and his supporting cast.
If you haven’t been following this title, I suggest you
pick up some back issues and get caught up in time for the nuptials. I have a
feeling it’s going to be a wild, rewarding ride.
Catwoman
#1 – DC (2)
Joëlle Jones is an awesome artist, but I’m not sure I
knew that she was a writer as well.
Whatever the case, the Bat books have me
all swept up right now so I’ll be checking out her take on Selina Kyle. The
premise of a Catwoman copycat (CopyCatWoman?) is interesting and potentially
placing Batman’s new bride in the crosshairs of the GCPD could yield all kinds
of great storytelling opportunities.
DC
Beach Blanket Bad Guys Special #1 – DC (3)
By this point you probably all know that I’m a sucker for
seasonal specials like this. But even more so when they feature inherently
silly premises. I love it when publishers can take a break from continuity and
just have some fun.
Superman
#1 – DC (4)
This isn’t getting added to my pull list until I’ve read
Bendis’ Man of Steel miniseries. I’m
terrible about remembering to cancel stuff and given the ups and downs of my
relationships with Bendis and Superman,
this is a wait-and-see situation.
Justice
League Dark #1 – DC (6)
This certainly is a weird team.
The characters, not the creative team. Wonder Woman,
Swamp Thing, Detective Chimp, Zatanna, and Man-Bat are kind of a random
roll-a-team for something like this. But I like James Tynion IV’s writing quite
a bit, so I think I’m going to have to give this a shot. The inclusion of
Wonder Woman as team leader is particularly odd, though maybe not so much if the
rumored Justice League Dark movie is
actually a thing and maybe DC and Warner have decided that a dose of Gadot
might help its chances.
That’s pure speculation on my part. Maybe DC is just
trying to raise the profile of someone that should be one of its leading
characters. Between this and the next title it’s interesting to note that we’re
getting distinctly supernatural and sci-fi flavors of the Justice League.
Justice
League Odyssey #1 – DC (7)
Or perhaps Justice
Trek?
Cyborg, Starfire, Jessica Cruz, and Azrael head off into
space!
I don’t necessarily have feelings about the creative team
on this one, but the premise absolutely has me interested.
Injustice
vs. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe – DC (10)
I’ve heard nothing but good things about the alternate
DCU Injustice comics and as you all
know I love Masters of the Universe. But the real hook here is the combo of Tim
Seeley and Freddie E. Williams III. Seeley is one of my favorites and Williams
III has provided absolutely fantastic art for some great crossovers like Batman/TMNT and He-Man/Thundercats. I can’t wait to see what this dynamic duo comes
up with for this story.
Nightwing
#46 – (DC 41)
BUTTS BUTTS BUTTS.
Batman:
The Caped Crusader Vol. 1 TP – DC (62)
These are Batman stories I read when I first started
buying my own comics. I know that because that cover – from Batman 423 - is one that I owned, one of
my first samples of Todd McFarlane’s artwork.
DC
Artists Alley: Designer Vinyl Figures by Sho Murase – DC (86-87)
These got featured as part of our Toy Fair coverage. DC
Collectibles didn’t have much to show, but I thought these looked awesome and
were a nice new direction for static collectibles. The problem now is that I
don’t know which ones I want. As you all know I love Christmas and Christmas decorations, but I also don’t want
these awesome figures to be displayed for such a limited time. If I were loaded
I’d just order both sets, but I’m not.
OH WAIT.
DCC is playing by Marvel variant rules for these – for
every four standard figures purchased
retailers can order one Holiday
Variant. Both kinds come 6 per case, so that means in order to get a single
case of the variants your Local Comic Shop has to order twenty-four of the
standard figures.
For larger retailers it might not be a big deal to order
eight sets of figures in order to get two sets of the variants, but it
certainly won’t fly at most independent shops I frequent.
The note of “Approximately 6 units per carton” also means
that my LCS probably won’t order them, as even if I get a full set of the
standard figures they’re still stuck with one.
Amazing
Spider-Man #1 & 2 - Marvel (6-9)
Nick Spencer’s Superior
Foes of Spider-Man was excellent. Sign me up.
I do wish Marvel could change creative teams without a
relaunch, though.
True
Believers: Fantastic Four – Marvel (50-51)
As I’ve said before, I think these True Believers reprints are great. Twelve classic FF stories for
twelve bucks is a great deal!
Classified
#1 – Marvel (69)
Finally, the book where the X-Men start wearing nice
suits into battle!
I hope someone gets that.
X-Men:
Mutant Massacre Omnibus HC – Marvel (98)
My Christmas present one year was getting to order a ton
of back issues of Uncanny X-Men from
Mile High Comics. This tremendous crossover was part of that haul. I’ve read it
several times since then and it’s still a powerful installment of Chris
Claremont’s epic Mutant saga. If you haven’t read it, I recommend you check it
out.
I’d actually love to grab this edition because I never
read all of the non-X-book tie-ins and I’d be curious to see what happens in
them. I never had a problem following the story, so the other books can’t be too critical.
Silver
Surfer by Slott & Allred Omnibus HC
– Marvel (101)
You all know that I loved this series. I’ve talked about
it for years now. It was great Doctor Who when Doctor Who hasn’t been great. Allred’s art is top-notch and Slott
did a fantastic job of making me care about the characters and the things that
happened to them.
The
Quantum Age: From the World of Black
Hammer #1 – Dark Horse (94)
I’ve fallen way behind on Jeff Lemire’s take on comic
book heroes. I haven’t read either of the spinoff books in my stack. But I’ve
made a ton of headway on everything else, so maybe I can get caught up next
week.
Or the week after…
Rise
of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #0 – IDW (147)
Hello, cranky old man here.
I hate everything about this newest version of the Ninja
Turtles. It is just the worst.
Bram
Stoker’s Dracula – IDW (163)
This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever completely
forgotten about.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula movie was a huge deal when it came out. I honestly
can’t remember exactly why, but it felt like something truly special in the
realm of horror and maybe even fantasy movies.
I used to own this miniseries, not because of the movie,
but because of the art on the front of the first issue. I can’t remember how
well I knew Mike Mignola’s work at that point, but I know I bought this
adaptation because of it. I don’t remember how good the comic actually is or if
it’s simply a straight adaptation of the movie, but I can tell you yhis book is
worth picking up just for the art. It’s some top-notch Mignola.
Tony
Millionaire’s Sea Monsters Coloring Book – BOOM! (216-217)
I wish this was just a hardcover collection of
Millionaire’s art. I don’t know how sturdy these kinds of releases are, but
when I see “coloring book” I think “not very”. I don’t know if these “adult”
versions are nicer than what I had as a kid. I suppose for seventeen bucks they
should be.
Anyway, I adore this guy’s art and might buy this just to
have on the shelf.
Archie
Meets Batman ’66 #1 – Archie/DC (271)
This is bound to be tons of fun. I haven’t loved every
Archie crossover I’ve read, but if there were ever a perfect match for
Riverdale’s favorite son, it’s the Bright Knight.
I’d like to be more excited about Jeff Parker writing
this, but the last two things he was on that I dug didn’t last very long.
Junko
Mizuno’s Hell Ladies – Titan (394)
Mrs. Troublemaker will love this.
I’m not familiar with the artist, but this is exactly the
sort of thing the missus is into. Heck, even I’m impressed by the “Puffy,
glittery, embossed cover”.
House
of Waxwork #1 – Waxwork Comics (415)
Okay, if you value my opinions and taste at all and you
have a record player, just go ahead and order this right now. But not from Previews. Go to the
Waxwork Records website and order so you get the accompanying 7”
record, which is the soundtrack to the comic.
I have the first two issues and they’re both awesome and
well worth the price. I’m looking forward to Waxwork Comics #3.
NOW
TURN THE ARTICLE OVER SO YOU CAN READ THE TOYS/ APPAREL/ COLLECTIBLES SECTION!
(I’M
JUST KIDDING, OBVIOUSLY, BUT WOULDN’T THAT BE STUPID?)
Nightmare
Before Christmas Select Series 6 – Diamond Select Toys (15M)
DST has managed to quietly produce an incredible line of
action figures based on Tim Burton’s classic holiday film. There have been some
QC issues, but overall I have loved collecting this line. And the waves are
spaced out just far enough that they don’t hurt the wallet too badly.
I am a little concerned about DST’s future now that Toys
R Us is going away. I’m sure a substantial part of their business came from the
retails versions of their products – priced cheaper and distributed more widely
than these Direct Market editions.
When smaller toy companies like DST and NECA start to
falter, I hope everyone holds Walmart responsible. In my opinion and based on
what I know of the market, Walmart’s ever-shrinking toy aisles and domination
of the sales market is what killed the variety of mass market toy lines and
Toys R Us itself.
One:12
Collective Catwoman Action Figure – Mezco (35M)
What perfect timing.
Mezco offered an exclusive variant of this figure on the
day that I am finishing up this post. It’s purple. Obviously I have to have it.
Unfortunately it’s an extremely
limited edition and Mezco allows each customer to purchase six of these things from their site at once. I’ve been on nights seemingly
fucking forever, so by the time I woke up and was aware of any of this it was sold
out.
I like this figure and design a lot, but the face is a
tiny bit off. I wasn’t sure about ordering it, but the purple one was a
must-have. Oh, well. The life of a toy collector.
Friday
the 13th Part II Ultimate Jason Voorhees Action Figure – NECA (38M)
It’s been a while since NECA released their Part II Jason and I’m happy to see him
getting the Ultimate treatment. Having a different looking Jason on my shelf
full of guys in khaki pants wearing hockey masks will be nice.
Tuxedo
Freddy Retro Action Figure – NECA (39M)
Another Freddy? Is that really necessary?
OF COURSE IT IS.
This is Tuxedo
Freddy from Dream Warriors. How
can you even call your Krueger Kollection komplete without a fantastic formal
Freddy?
Re-Animator
Herbert West Retro Action Figure – NECA (39M)
FINALLY!
I – and many others, I’m sure – have been waiting for a
great Herbert West action figure for years (decades?)! NECA’s retro line is
excellent and I can’t wait to see Doctor West in person. I hope his tie is better
than Leatherface’s, though.
Wolverine
1980 Collector’s Gallery Statue – Gentle Giant (40M)
This is a beautiful statue. I’m not in the market for a
plain Jane 80’s Wolvie statue (I’m much rather have one based on Meltdown), but this will probably hit a
sweet spot for a lot of collectors. And you know Gentle Giant’s stuff is great.
Possessed
Ashy Slashy Puppet Prop Replica – NECA (40M)
If you missed out on the regular Ashy Slashy puppet, you
can still order the toothy, more evil version! I’ve got the regular one and it’s
absolutely fantastic. NECA did a great job creating an actual puppet and for
the price, it’s a steal.
Buddy
the Elf Retro Action Figure – NECA (42M)
Okay, so all of the amazing stuff that NECA had at Toy
Fair is in this month’s Previews. Jon
Favreau’s Elf is one of the greatest
Christmas movies of all time and I cannot wait to get this excellent version of
Buddy home. Starting the day after Thanksgiving I will take him everywhere I
go.
IT
(2017) Pennywise Ultimate Action Figure – NECA (42M)
IT was
amazing and Bill Skarsgård was truly unsettling as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
I’m totally stoked about this figure, and for the first time find myself
actively hoping that NECA releases a quarter scale version, as well.
IT
(1990) Pennywise Ultimate Action Figure – NECA (42M)
I’m not a fan of the 1990 IT miniseries, probably because I actually remember it, unlike most
people (apparently). But I do love Tim Curry and he did a fine job as
Pennywise. I’m certainly not going to pass up the opportunity to own another
version of one of my favorite Stephen King villains.
One:12
Collective Evil Dead 2 Ash Action Figure – Mezco (45M)
Okay, the face is much better than I originally gave it
credit for. And as many Ash figures as I already own, I can’t very well pass up
and Ash from the best action figure line of all time.
Ultimate
Golden Angel Elder Predator Action Figure – NECA (44M)
This is the Predator from the end of Predator 2 as depicted in the Dark Horse comic book that explains
how he got the flintlock pistol that he gave to Danny Glover.
And yet we do not have a Danny Glover action figure.
IT
Action Figure 3-Packs – Funko (49M)
Lest we forget that Funko has a line of new and improved
3.75” scale action figures, here is an excellent collection of characters from IT. NECA may be releasing an amazing 7”
scale Pennywise, but you won’t have any kids for it (IT) to eat.
Oddly enough I don’t mind that Funko is putting a clown
in every three pack. It works for the numbers and now I’ll have a couple extra
to offer my son and his friends just to see the horrified looks on their faces.
HEY. I'm not always a great dad.
HEY. I'm not always a great dad.
“Weird
Al” Yankovic Pop! – Funko (59M)
Almost as cute as the actual Weird Al.
Evil
Dead 2 Ash Williams Bishoujo Statue – Kotobukiya (64M)
These are not normally to my liking. I didn’t care for
the Freddy, Jason, or Chucky statues. Especially
not Chucky. But for some reason this Ash works for me. I think because as a
concept it just works better – Ash is a standard human hero type. The others
are varying degrees of mutilated and evil. I think it’s easier to transpose “sexy
babe” onto Ash. For me, anyway. YMMV.
The
Shining Overlook Hotel Carpet Bearbrick – Medicom (73)
Normally I don’t give a rat’s ass about these huge,
bland, overpriced chunks of plastic, but I’d love to have any kind of toy
depicting the carpet pattern from The
Shining. Although honestly I’d rather have the room 237 carpet.
COBRA
Stripe T-Shirt (130M)
I like this design, but I like the “COBRA ENEMY” logo on
the sleeve even more. I don’t usually like prints on the sleeve, but also it’s
usually “Graphitti” or some ugly manufacturer logo. This one is part of the
brand.
Unaffiliated
Thoughts
*Avengers:
Infinity War – WOW. That’s all I’m going to say until
Friday’s Needless Things Podcast group review. I’m going to see it again today.
*Goodbye,
Ash
– Speaking of ashes, I might write a longer post about
this or more likely will do a podcast episode, but I’m okay with it. I thought
the series finale of Ash vs. Evil Dead
was perfect, though if I hadn’t already known the show was cancelled I might
not feel that way. To me it felt like a callback to the alternate ending to Army of Darkness. So long, you primitive
screwhead.
*Star
Wars: Resistance – Could this be the Rogue Squadron-esque
show I’ve been dreaming about? Time will tell.
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!
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