By Britt Schramm
July 11th, 2005
I hate the fact that some fans have to keep their love of comics “in the closet”. I think that with the influx of superhero-based movies proves that being a comic book fan is something that is hip and cool. And to make the fact even better, what other “hobby” has a monthly catalog that is devoted to almost every new release expected to be out in three months time and still makes it available to the actual customers? (Now, if there is one, this whole argument is screwed. So, let all pretend that the answer is none and we’ll be good. Thanks.)
That’s right; I’m talking about Previews, probably the best $4.50 American (or to our northern, hockey-deprived neighbors $5.60 Canadian) that you can spend a month. Now, I know that I’m old. When your comic book store manager says that she was in grade school when you were graduating high school, you might hear a loud popping noise which is actually your neck snapping back as you watch your youth speed by in a very loud ’65 Mustang. Basically, this is just a forewarning so when I make this upcoming reference, some of you youngsters might not get it.
But I see that getting Previews in my pull box is kinda like getting the Sears’/JC Penney’s Christmas Catalog every month. It has all of the pretty things like comics, toys, statues, and DVDs. Next, you pore through the book to see what you want pulled in three months when the stuff is supposed to be released. Then, after turning your pull request into the store, you put it in the Recycling Bin (to save our environment, kiddos, it starts with you) and wait another 30 or so for the next Previews book so you can repeat the process.
But really, who has time for all of that research? Comics is supposed to fun and entertaining; not hunched over looking at a phone book-sized catalog. So, here at PftL, we’ll do you all of the work for you (with we meaning me). So, just sit back and this column will provide you with highlights that you’ll need to get and (depending on my mood) some of the stuff to possibly avoid. The Previews book page number will be listed as well as the name of the product and after my little blurb, there will be the quoted price in American currency (for those who are on a budget – aren’t we all, though?)
In order to stop me from write the “War and Peace” of comic book columns, PftL will only cover the two comic book sections – Premier Comics and Comics & Graphic Novels. And they will be broken up into two parts – Part One will have Dark Horse, DC and Image segments with Part Two will have Marvel Comics (since the company has it’s own separate Previews book) and the Comics & Graphic Novels portions.
So, here’s the Pftl’s look at Previews Volume XV, Number 7 (July 2005) with products that should ship during the month of September 2005. First, here’s the front and back covers:
Now, let’s begin…
Dark Horse Section (Pages 18-52)
Page #21 – B.P.R.D.: The Black Flame #2 (of 6) – Creator Mike Mignola teams up with John Arcudi to bring the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense to life with the help of the always interesting Guy Davis on pencils and my choice for Wizard Fan Award Colorist of the Year Dave Stewart. Even though this is the second issue, you should be able to get the first one to catch up with the story. $2.99
Page #21 – The Curse of Dracula TPB – The great team of Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, who gave comics the definitive 70’s Dracula in “The Tomb Of Dracula” (all apologizes to George Hamilton), try to put a new spin on good old Vlad the Impaler. That guy, Dave Stewart (I told you he was good), also comes along for the ride. $9.95
Page #22 – The Fog TPB – John Carpenter is remaking “The Fog” with Clark Kent from “Smallville”. But this original graphic novel (or trade paperback as it is referred to in the listing) is sort of like a prequel but without any of the characters from the movie. Scott Allie with the assistance of Carpenter, writes this book with Todd Herman doing the pencils and Dave Stewart (again) providing the colors. Seriously, I’m not looking for this guy in this month’s books; he really is that good. $6.95
Page #24 – The Goon: Fancy Pants Edition HC – If you’re not reading the hilarity and sheer fun of The Goon, this book is definitely the prescription for what ails ya. Eric Powell brings the funny often even if it is skewed towards the gross. This collection has been created to help tell The Goon’s story in chronological order from the book’s self-published roots to the current Dark Horse run. And not only it’s a hardcover, which makes it so fancy, but Powell will sign every copy that is printed (during it’s initial order run). That’s too good to pass up, if you ask me. $24.95
Page #26 – Frank Miller’s Sin City Library I HC – The runner-up in the “Constantly reissuing collected material in different ways as the new Variant Covers Gimmick” (more on the winner later), you can buy the first four volumes of Sin City in a 9” by 12” hard cover format with a slipcase. Before anyone flips out, I’m not against the reissue of this series in a hardcover format but for the price of about $38 per book, it just seems so steep; especially after DH just reissued the books in that nice smaller format (which I’m digging right now) for the movie. Maybe it’s just a matter of me being money conscious. $150.00
Page #29 – Conan Volume 2: The God in the Bowl and Other Stories TPB – I really shouldn’t have to say anything other than Kurt Busiek, Cary Nord and that Stewart guy. $15.95
Page #42 – Classic Comic Book Characters: Bone – Jeff Smith’s lovable creation looks great (at least in the pic in the placement) in an old-school vibe with this homage to the “Syroco” statues of the 1940’s, which is way before my time in case you were wondering. This statue also comes with a throwback button and a booklet (just in case you needed more info about him and Smith). And since it’s limited to 750 pieces, you may want to order this one as soon as possible. $49.95
Page #45 – Jingle Belle Ornament – What would a Christmas in July be without Jingle Belle? This sassy daughter of Old Saint Nick is winking at you. You’re not going to let her down by passing her up? By the way, super cool Jose Garibaldi’s art was used as the basis for the ornament. And she looks good enough to have up all year ‘round. Ho, ho, ho. $14.99
DC Section (Pages 53-128)
Page #57 – All Star Batman and Robin #2 – If the idea of Frank Miller and Jim Lee working on the same book, let alone Batman and Robin, doesn’t appeal to you, I don’t know what else I can tell you to convince you that this book should rawk like nobody’s business. (other than using one long ass sentence) $2.99
Page #60 – Gotham Central #35 – With the huge amount of viewers that every version of CSI and Law & Order pull in, you would think that this book would be flying off the shelves at a phenomenal rate. And yet, it is mired in relative obscurity with less than modest sales. C’mon people, make it your mission to embrace a non-traditional superhero book like this one. Plus, it has Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker writing it. I’m counting on you guys to make it happen. $2.50
Page #61 – Batman: War Games Act 3 – If you haven’t heard, my friend Eric and I reviewed this whole crossover for my other site and probably the less that is said about this collection, the better. $14.99
Page #62 – Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 3 – I’m sad to see this series go. Neal Adams was the one of the two guys I associate most with Batman. (The other would be Jim Aparo since they were the ones doing the art that I read growing up.) This last volume not only has his published DC work plus a sketch section as well as some other rare stuff. It’s worth every penny. $49.99
Page #65 – Supergirl #2 – Call me crazy but I dig Ian Churchill’s work. I know, it looks more like the old 90s stuff that I’m usually bashing but he’s one of those artists that I can’t out from under my skin. In this issue, it looks like Supergirl takes on not only Superboy but the whole dang Teen Titans gang. With Jeph Loeb, Churchill’s old buddy from Awesome Entertainment’s The Coven, writing this series, count me in for one. $2.99
Page #69 – Crisis on Infinite Earths: The Absolute Edition HC – Here it is; the winner of the aforementioned “Constantly reissuing collected material in different ways as the new Variant Covers Gimmick”. This is the third collection of that 12-issue miniseries from ’85. And of course, it’s over-sized and a second book that has more stuff included that wasn’t in the previous collections. So, all of you fools who originally bought the first hardcover with the Perez wrap-around cover, you got to make the decision to try to dump that version fro this new one or just eat the cost like the Mariners ate Bret Boone’s $8.25 million contract and pick up the Absolute Edition. Me, I’m sticking with the first HC. But, I’m doing it out of spite. $99.99
Page #73 – Green Lantern Corps: Recharge #1 – Alright, you H.E.A.T. members, you’ve won. The GLC is back and Hal’s in charge. You can stop the protest, disband, and go home to your parents’ basement. $3.50
Page #75 – Kamandi Archives Vol. 1 HC – The infamous last boy on Earth gets the Archives Edition treatment and it’s about time. It’s full of Kirby goodness and really, who doesn’t like an apocalyptic story about a kid in Hulk-style shredded pants and boots? $49.99
Page #78 – The Secret of Swamp Thing – This can’t be real. A manga/digest-sized version of the first ten issues of the great Wein and Wrightson Swamp Thing series. This must be a misprint. They must mean another series. It’s not a joke? I’m almost dumbfounded. I gotta sit down and breathe real deep. $9.99
Page #80 – Showcase Presents: Green Lantern Vol. 1 TP – This collection is very comparable to the Marvel Essentials series. Rather than dropping the $49.99 for an Archive edition, you can plop about a third of the cash and still get to read a good deal of Silver Age entertainment. Yeah, it maybe in black and white but hey, it’s the best price per page that you’ll be able to find. $16.99
Page #82 – Teen Titans #28 – I’m totally torn about this one. On one hand, Gail Simone can write some really great action books with a deft touch of the funnies, which I love. But then you have the ultimate icon of the 1990's comic book scene, Rob Liefeld, doing the pencils. Now, I know that at DC, they’re not too cool with delays so I’m sure that the book will ship on time but still, it’s Rob Liefeld. How many ways can I rationalize it in order for me to buy it? It might just be left up to a flip of a coin. $2.50
Page #83 – Vigilante #1 – This series was supposed to have Micah Wright behind the desk as the writer but then the whole military fabrication deal came up and he was jettisoned faster than Kenny Rogers (the pitcher, not the singer) can take a swing at a cameraman. Bruce Jones and Ben Oliver are responsible for making the man with the red V on his chest relevant in the DCU. But just one thing, when did six issues become a maxi-series? $2.99
Page #91 – Cartoon Network Block Party Vol. 2: Read All About It! TP – With a cover by animation mogul Jeff Matsuda and including characters from CN’s TV shows like Dexter’s Laboratory. Ed, Edd & Eddy, and Kids Next Door, this manga-sized book should be at the top of your list for any kid in your life or if you’re daring enough, yourself. $6.99
Page #99 – The Authority: The Magnificent Kev #1 & 2 – If you’re a fan of the series or underage, just skip ahead to the next item. If you’re neither, then this book is a hilarious romp in the Authority’s playhouse with Garth Ennis and (this time) Carlos Ezquerra using the title character, Kev Hawkins, as a human punching bag. If nothing else I say, just trust Ennis. He does it right. $2.99
Page #101 – Ex Machina Vol. 2: Tag TP – A great series about a genetically enhanced person take a government leadership role in the rough and tumble arena of New York City. Brian K. Vaughn and Tony Harris bring it every issue and this collection just proves that fact. $12.99
Page #102 – Sleeper Book Four: The Long Way Home TP – Another sad moment for yours truly as this very cool book closes its doors. Brubaker and Sean Phillips really made this book about a deep under cover superhero trying to straddle the line between playing the role and living the life a true treasure to read. Man, whatta bummer. $14.99
Page #105 – Wraithborn #1 – I know I shouldn’t like this book since it looks like there’s more art than substance to it. But, it does look interesting and damn it if I can’t help myself by getting sucked into a pretty looking book. I’ll probably try it. And in case you’re wondering, it ships with a 50/50 split between a regular cover and one that glows in the dark. Just in time for Halloween. $2.99
Page #110 – Bloody Mary TP – Ok, let me get this straight. There’s a collection of two series about a female religious figure that becomes the ultimate assassin and takes out people in bloody fashion. And Garth Ennis and Carlos Ezquerra are behind the wheel? I just have one question: Why can’t it come out now? $19.99
Page #112 – A History of Violence TP – New Edition – Since the movie will be out soon, DC is dusting this book off and reprinting it for anyone who didn’t read it the first time; kinda like The Road to Perdition. Just get it and read it before the movie comes out so you brag to all of your co-workers that the book was better. $9.99
Page #117 – The Quitter HC – Kind of like a prequel for American Spendor, Harvey Pekar with the help of Dean Haspiel tells the story of his teen years. Just don’t expect too much happiness in this one. Let’s face it. Harvey doesn’t life under a lucky star. $19.99
Page #125 – Batman Knightfall Action Figures – Maybe it’s me but I can’t imagine someone thinking, “Hey, you know that Batman crossover where he had his back broken. I want those action figures.” I mean, I’m not bashing action figures but let’s take a look at the creations. Nigthwing lost his ponytail and his disco threads a long time ago. Catwoman doesn’t look like a stripper or the way Jim Balent used to draw her. Azrael has been put on the shelf and probably will never return like a bad dream. The Mask of Tengu Batman just looks like a generic Asian devil-looking ninja. And Bane died in the mountains after finding out who his dad really was. And there was a real demand for this stuff? Price determined by Retailer
Image Comics Section (Pages 129-176)
Page #132-133 – Fell #1 – I’m kinds hot and cold with Warren Ellis. Some of his stuff I really liked while some of his other works didn’t seem like the same writer. But with the setting of a police department and having Ben Templesmith doing the art, that’s enough for me to give it a try. Plus, the price is nice. $1.99
Page #135 – The Black Forest Book 2: The Castle of Shadows GN – The first book is really a great read. So I won’t expect any less of this one. Especially when there’s vampires and big monkeys playing a major role. Not only that but there’s a western backup story, which seals the deal with me. $6.99
Page #142 – Invincible, Vol. 5: The Facts of Life TP – I can’t believe that this is already the fifth collection of the Invincible monthlies. This unexpected winner of a book about the coming of age teenage superhero just keeps chugging along with no signs of stopping. And that’s a good thing. $14.99
Page #143 – PvP, Vol. 3: PvP Rides Again TP – This collection of the PvP monthlies demonstrates that the loving bond between Cole and Brent will never be broken. Unless there an attack by a giant panda. Then all bets are off. $11.99
Page #147 – Battle Pope #4 – It’s classic goodness from the early Kirkman years. Or to put it in other words, this is a reprint of his work from Indyville. But it’s in color and with a brand new cover no less. You know that you want it. $2.99
Page #152 – Jack Staff #10 – Paul Grist (of Kane fame) really know how to hook a former 70s marvel junkie. Just put facsimiles of those great characters with a different spin. Add a little of espionage and off the cuff humor and you have a fan for life. And I’m not the stalking kind. $3.50
Page #155 – The Silencers #2 – I think that I’ve stated my case for this book when it was over at Moonstone but let me just break it down one more time. This series is about a gang of superhero enforcers who try to break free of the mob. But just as Carlito know, they’ll never let you go until you’re six feet under. Trust me; it’s good. $2.99
Page #164 – Movie Maniacs 12-Inch Robocop – Man, I really like this figure. It looks great and being 12-inch, it can beat the crap out of my Big O mechas without breaking a sweat. Price determined by Retailer
Page #173 – City of Heroes #5 “Smoke and Mirrors,” Pt. 2 of 3 – I’m not too into merchandise adaptation comics but this one intrigues me. Troy Hickman, who did some fine writing on Common Grounds, and Wilson Tortosa, who’s good pencil work I remember from Top Cow’s Battle of the Planets relaunch as well as Sirius’ Banzai Girl, are heading up this story arc. I might have to take a long look at this one. $2.99
That’s all for Part One, groovy people. Check out PftL next week for Part Two of Christmas in July for highlights from Marvel Comics and the rest of the Comics portion of Previews. And don’t forget to keep your boards and bags together and keep your continuity straight.
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