What I’m Getting Wednesday

There was lots of news coming out of San Diego over the week-end. In fact there is so much news that it is a little overwhelming. Also I have hardly seen any announcements from the smaller press companies. I really believe some sort of co-op or some level of joint venture for promotion and such needs to be pulled together because some of these companies get overshadowed during these events. As always these projects being announced are so far out in the future as to be almost meaningless. That’s why this weekly post has strong relevance as these books are on the stands in two days.

Blue Beetle #26 – The hype “New series writer Matthew Sturges (JACK OF FABLES, HOUSE OF MYSTERY) comes aboard to kick off "Boundaries," with returning series artist Rafael Albuquerque! As Blue Beetle struggles to establish himself as the protector of El Paso and Cuidad Juarez, he finds himself thrown into the heart of the immigration struggle, made all the more complicated by the involvement of Intergang — and another, more mysterious, figure. Coming at you straight outta Texas, Sturges takes our hero into new territory as Beetle works out his responsibilities as both a hero in the DC Universe and a citizen of a border town.” I’m looking forward to Matt Sturges take on the Blue Beetle as I have enjoyed his solo work on other DC books. This was a good choice for a writer to take over this book.

Catwoman #81 – This is sadly the penultimate issue of this book. I love this series and know the sales numbers are okay, so I hate seeing this series go. The word “Catwoman's on the run in Gotham City once more. Can she stay one step ahead of Batman while trying to turn the tables on the man who's destroyed her life?”

Doom Patrol Archives Volume #5 - I know DC is stopping the Archives program, but I was very happy to see that they are finishing out the silver age run of the Doom Patrol. This was one of the great all time series, in retrospect, from the silver age. What’s inside “Written by Arnold Drake; Art and Cover by Bruno Premiani. In the final volume in the DOOM PATROL series, featuring issues #114-121, the team battles the Mutant Master, the Galactic Gladiator, the Black Vulture, and more before meeting one of the strangest ends any super-team has ever experienced!"

Green Lantern #33 – This is continuing Johns’ updating of Hal’s origin. This has been very well done. The company line “"GREEN LANTERN: SECRET ORIGIN" Part 5 of 6! Hal and Sinestro continue to battle Abin Sur's killer, but will these two Green Lanterns become enemies before they become friends? And what strange secrets within Abin Sur's power ring concern the massacre of Space Sector 666?”

Joker’s Asylum Two-Face – After the last two issues of this series of one shots, I cannot honestly say that I’m looking forward to this. In fact I would probably like to just pass on this book altogether, but the book is written by David Hine with art by Andy Clarke, so I will be getting it due to the strong creative talent they have on this book. No copied hype as DC just has a lame a** blurb for this series.

Justice Society of America Annual #1 – This is the issue of the week for me from an anticipation standpoint. I loved Earth-2 and seeing that Power Girl is sent back to it will have to be a very heart wrenching story. The hype “"Welcome to Earth-2!" Power Girl has made a life for herself on our world, as a member and chairwoman of the Justice Society of America and as a hero in her own right. But she's never stopped dreaming of one day returning to her Earth — the parallel world where the members of the Justice Society were the only heroes. Where her best friend was Helena Wayne, the daughter of Batman. And where evil was a little easier to fight…wasn't it? As her greatest wish comes true, Power Girl's about to find herself back on Earth-2, surrounded by friends she thought she'd lost forever.”

Northlanders #8 – The final issue in the first arc of this really well done and enjoyable comic depicting the life of Vikings. I worry this series may not be widely enough read to last long, but give it a try. The word “Concluding "Sven The Returned." With the great battle for Orkney settled, Sven now must decide what he must do with his enemies, his allies and — most important — his birthright.”

Reign in Hell #1 (of 6) – If Keith Giffen wasn’t writing this I would probably give this book a pass. I like the premise, but in less capable hands I think this book could be a clean miss. The official hype “It's all-out war for control of hell! This is the major event that changes the status quo for DC"s infernal realm as Lord Satanus sets out to dethrone Neron at all costs. As the battle begins, various parties are drafted into service — but will they choose to stand with the devil they know or a new and possibly worse evil? Friendships will be ruined, lives will be lost and allegiances will be forever changed. Plus, a backup feature starring Dr. Occult, who receives a shocking visitation on the eve of the war in hell!”

Superman/Batman #50 – I don’t think anything that happens in this series impacts regular DC continuity at all and I don’t care as the last few arcs have been so well done. The company line “Celebrate fifty blockbuster issues with this extra-sized extravaganza as we reveal the untold tale of Thomas Wayne's meeting with Jor-El and how it shaped Gotham City's future! You don't dare miss this one! The past was just prologue for this latest adventure of the World's Finest duo as an ancient Kryptonian artifact is uncovered, unleashing past and present dangers that may alter the duo's future. Not even the guest-starring Titans will be able to save them!”

Teen Titans #61 – I have been enjoying Sean McKeever’s run on this book, but it still is not a top tier series from DC. It is enjoyable and a good read, just not upper echelon and I know that DC would love for it to be a franchise player. What’s inside “Kid Devil's out to prove himself, but that won't stop the latest object of his contempt from getting in the way! In the tradition of Tango and Cash, Starsky and Hutch, and Turner and Hooch comes this instant buddy classic! You've already read "The Blue and The Gold" — Is the world ready for — "The Red and the Blue"?”

Trinity #9 – There is nothing wrong with this book. It is a solid and entertaining read each and every week. Busiek and Bagley (who I credit with making this book so rock solid) are doing a really nice job telling this drawn out tale. The problem is that I had higher expectations for this book and so far it has not hit that mark. It is almost unfair to saddle a book with expectations before reading it, but it happens. No quoted company babble as it has nothing to say about the individual issue.

Wildcats #1 – So I have heard Number of the Beast set a new status quo by creating untold havoc on Earth and apparently only 10% of the population is left. I was also told it was a convoluted story, so I’m just jumping on with this latest re-launch of Wildcats. The company line “After the shattering conclusion of NUMBER OF THE BEAST, a jaw-dropping new status quo will be established in the WildStorm Universe — and it begins now! Christos Gage (WILDSTORM: ARMAGEDDON, THE AUTHORITY: PRIME) and Neil Googe (WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY, MAJESTIC) bring a unique new vision to the classic Wildcats team, reuniting the classic team with some surprising new members. Also, a new monthly backup story begins, kicked off with the return of John Lynch by Gage and X-Men: Deadly Genesis artist Trevor Hairsine!”

Dynamo 5 #15 – I like Scrap a lot. In many ways she is my favorite member of this group. The official hype “Scrap is left to defend Tower City by herself when the rest of the team is busy attending to more important matters. But what’s more important than defending Tower City?” So an issue that appears to focus heavily on her, should be good.

Frank Frazetta’s Creatures #1 – These books based on Frazetta’s art have been great entertainment and fun reads. This issue is written by Rick Remender, so that is almost a guaranteed great read. The word “Acclaimed writer RICK REMENDER (The Atom, Punisher War Journal) spins the untold adventures of Teddy Roosevelt, Rough Rider, President of the United States and paranormal investigator as he uncovers a plot concocted by a band of nefarious aliens in cahoots with a malevolent ancient Mayan demon to eradicate humanity and claim Earth for their own purposes. A merging of The X-Files, Ghostbusters, and Indiana Jones, Creatures promises high-adventure starting one of America’s greatest heroes of the early twentieth century brought to glorious four-color life by Swedish superstar PETER BERGTING.”

Pigeons from Hell #4 (of 4) – This has been an enjoyable horror story (sounds like an oxy-moron). If I really learned what I was doing I would have a pigeon sound effect when ever the mouse rolled over this title. The company line “Shaken by strange old Alcebee's mysterious portents and horrifying stories, Claire and Janet return to the crumbling Blassenville Mansion anyway, to confront the hideous thing that drove them out and possibly killed their friends--and to find a way to put an end to the curse that hangs over the estate. When Griswell left the Blassenville Mansion those many years ago, he couldn't have imagined the horrors that would eclipse the ones he saw then--but there's far more to fear in the darkness of this twisted old house than ominous, shape-shifting shadows and zombies!”

1001 Arabian Knights The Adventures of Sinbad #2 – This series has not stuck with me that well. Last issue I remember stuff with the Queen of the Island and not much else. I’ll have to see if issue #2 grabs my interest any better. The hype “Samelia has been left behind with the Witch Queen Alorana while Sinbad and the rest of his crew journeys to Ka'tan in search of half of the magical Sunfury Amulet. But unfortunately for Sinbad, the Queen failed to mention the terrifying dragon that awaits his arrival.”

Beyond Wonderland #1 (of 6) – Of all the Zenoscope books this one I have high hopes for as I enjoyed the return to Wonderland series. Most of the Zenoscope books are just okay stories, but Wonderland was solid. The company word “Months have passed since Calie Liddle returned from the terror that is Wonderland, months since that world took so much from her. Now jaded and bitter, Calie has moved far away from her hometown, attempting to lead a more normal existence in the city that never sleeps. With a different name and a new identity, Calie is just beginning to adjust to another life. But not every story has a happy ending as she soon realizes that things in her new life are not going to stay normal for very long! Something from Wonderland has found its way out and Calie knows that she could very well be the only one who has a chance to send it back to where it belongs. The much anticipated sequel to the smash hit series arrives this summer and this time around madness will reach well Beyond Wonderland!”

Caliber #4 (of 5) – The Arthurian Legend merged with the American west continues. Radical comics has really come out of the gate with two strong books. The hype “Talbot is determined to crush the revolution stirring in Telacoma and sets things in motion aimed to bring about Arthur's death. Finding events unfolding beyond his control, Whitefeather himself triggers the beginning of the end when he makes a fatal mistake.”

Contract #1 (of 3) – The company line “"In a capitalist world’s dark future, Mercenary is no longer just a soldier for hire. It’s a way of life. Law is enforced by cyber-powered Mercs and life or death is decided by the lowest bidder. There is no right or wrong beyond the price in hard currency. Jessie Garrett, however, is everything most Mercs are not: honest, selfless and determined to bring order to greed-hardened worlds, driven mad by money. But when a corporate kidnapping goes wrong, Jessie, and fellow Mercs, Panzer and Tsumi, get in over their heads. Strip clubs, black-market organ dealers, cyber-enhanced soldiers and the life of one young girl collide in Contract’s first 3-part mini-series, and no one can predict the cost." You can read my review here.

Hercules The Thracian Wars #4 (of 5) – This series has been picked up to be turned into a movie. It apparently has a producer and a screenplay is being commissioned and hopefully it will make it to the silver screen. I have to think the success of “The 300” has helped getting people to put money into this series. The word “Hercules and his fellow mercenaries have led the armies of King Cotys to a bloody victory that welds the local tribes into a single nation, only to find themselves betrayed and imprisoned by the very man they served. Now, with Greece itself under threat, only a daring scheme can save the band from imminent torture and death , a scheme which can only lead to bloodshed on a massive scale!”

Grimm Fairy Tales #29 – I keep saying that I’m done with this series and I keep picking it up. Needless to say, this is not a highly anticipated book for me. The company line “Grimm Fairy Tales continues to rewrite history when the story of the good and humble King Midas is retold in horrifying fashion. The king makes a wish to appease his daughter's greed only to find that the best intentions are not always paved with gold. In a shocking and twisted case of reversal of fortune, the king learns that while the gold piles high, true treasure is where the heart lies and that all the riches in the world mean nothing if the price you pay is the one thing you care about most.”

Locke & Key #6 – This is the end of this arc and I hope that the series itself is not over, but simply on hiatus until the next arc can be written. A truly top notch and well written series. The hype “Sam Lesser has promised to kill each of the Locke children, one at a time, if he doesn't get what he wants: the key to anywhere, and the key to the black door. Six-year-old Bode, though, has made a desperate bargain with the creature in the wellhouse... set her free, and she'll stop Sam herself.”

Zombie Tales #3 – BOOM continues to swim upstream and try out anthology books. I have enjoyed the first two issues of this series. The company line “Experience the fatal finale of Joe R. Lansdale's zombie-battlefield epic, 'The War At Home!' Plus, what's hungrier after the apocalypse than a zombie? Writer Karl Kesel (Fantastic Four) is more than happy to show you - at your own risk! Zombie Tales - bringing out your undead every month!”

Essential Fantastic Four Volume #7 – This is when you know you have an addiction issue. I have all the Masterworks of the FF, all the John Byrne run in trades and yet I’m still picking this up and will probably never get around to reading it. The contents “Written by GERRY CONWAY, TONY ISABELLA, LEN WEIN, STAN LEE, ROY THOMAS, MARV WOLFMAN, CHRIS CLAREMONT & STEVE ENGLEHARTPenciled by JOHN BUSCEMA, JOE SINNOTT, RICH BUCKLER, ROSS ANDRU, BOB BROWN, DICK AYERS & JOE STATON Cover by GIL KANE Miracles, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the end of time - when the world nears its end, the Fantastic Four's day has just begun! The world's greatest super-team faces enemies from the future, the past, the Earth's four corners and the Fifth Dimension! Doctor Doom, Annihilus, Ultron and the world-changing wedding that united Inhuman and mutant, FFer and Avenger! Guest-starring Namor the Sub-Mariner, the Silver Surfer, the Inhumans and more from the circle of friends of Marvel's foremost family! Plus: the first appearance of X-Factor's Madrox the Multiple Man! You've come a long way, Jamie! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR #138-159, GIANT-SIZE SUPER-STARS #1, GIANT-SIZE FANTASTIC FOUR #2-4 and AVENGERS #127.”

Haunt of Horror Lovecraft #2 (of 3) – The first issue was okay, but I really get it for Corben’s art more then anything else. The hype “Horror comics legend RICHARD CORBEN brings you a new 3-issue limited series that offers eerie new spins on the poems and short stories of H.P. Lovecraft. Each issue features three adaptations -- beautifully rendered in black and white with gray tones as only Corben can do it -- along with a printing of the original source text by H.P. Lovecraft. In this second issue, Corben brings you “The Music of Eric Zann,” “The Canal,” and “The Lamp.” It’s classic Lovecraft with a new twist!”

Marvel Masterworks The Defenders Volume 1 – Masterworks #100 – That means I have 100 Marvel Masterworks in my collection and I have more DC archives then that. Way too many hard covers. The contents “Written by ROY THOMAS & STEVE ENGLEHART Penciled by ROSS ANDRU & SAL BUSCEMA Cover by NEAL ADAMS Leap into the adventures of the dynamic Defenders, comics’ greatest non-team! Bonded in a mutual mission are the mightiest misfits in the Marvel U.: the Incredible Hulk, the Sub-Mariner and the Silver Surfer. But these warriors three don’t rest on bylaws and butlers; they - along with the Master of the Mystic Arts, Dr. Strange, and the defiant Valkyrie - come together only in moments of utmost crisis. Facing enemies from across the incomprehensible divide, the Defenders square off against Dormammu; the Nameless One; the Enchantress; and a dark menace from Dr. Strange’s past, the sorcerer Cyrus Black. It’s not just baddies they do battle with, though. In a prelude to the epic Avengers/Defenders War, Hulk, Namor and the Silver Surfer go head-to-head with the mighty Avengers in a fight that pits hero against hero like none other! Collecting SUB-MARINER #34-35, MARVEL FEATURE #1-3 and THE DEFENDERS #1-6.”

NewUniversal 1959 – The hype “This is a story about killing the future. 1959 is the dawn of the new age of superheroics -- the so-called “Fireworks” have granted superhuman powers to three Americans, and set the world on a collision-course with destiny. But it’s a destiny Philip Voight must prevent at any cost. The first newuniversal one-shot expands the mythos of this world, thanks to writer KIERON GILLEN (Phonogram), hand-picked by newuniversal’s Warren Ellis, and the brilliant art of GREG SCOTT shows us the world, like it never was…in 1959.” At least in this one shot we could see a complete story as the mini-series has been one prolonged set-up.

Skarr Son of Hulk #2 – This seems like it has been a long time between issues. #1 barely keep me in for issue #2, so I hope it picks up. The company line “Whose terrible stride shakes the war-torn wastelands of Sakaar? Whose blind Shadow Priest calls for the blood of babes? Whose barbarian horde rides monsters through your nightmares? Behold and lament, my beautiful son, for the Axeman Cometh!”

Thor #10 – This has to be one of my favorite series from Marvel right now. Each and every issue has been a great rebuilding of the Marvel Thor mythos. The word “J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipel’s unstoppable new vision of Thor barrels on stronger than ever! As the Asgardians returned to this life and Thor returned to Midgard, so came the ills that have plagued the gods and man for millennia. Now for the first time since their rebirth, Thor and his fellow hero-gods are venturing forth from the Shining City to confront the growing evils that amass on their horizon…and within their walls…”

Ultimate Spider-Man #124 – The only Spider-Man book I get anymore. This issue we see Venom’s return continue. The company line ““War of the Symbiotes” rages on - as the Ultimate Beetle takes flight! Deep inside the corporate headquarters of Roxxon lies a vial containing the creepy black symbiote substance…or at least it did, until the Beetle stole it! Can Spider-Man capture this bug thug before disaster strikes, and what is Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s interest in the stolen material?”

Wolverine #67 – The second part of the “Old Man Logan” story. As many know I’m not a huge fan of Millar, but the first issue of this book, while inane, had enough moments to make it a decent read. What’s inside “Logan owes the Hulk Gang. He owes them big, and they’re not the kind to let a debt slide, even for the guy who -- 50 years ago -- called himself Wolverine. So Logan’s agreed to a crazy ride across America with the blind archer, Hawkeye, to deliver a package to the East Coast. First stop: San Francisco…but only if Logan and Hawkeye can make it past -- the GHOST RIDERS.”

X-Men First Class #14 – It is always a breath of fresh air reading this book. Truly a fun and delightful look back at the early years of the X-Men as they never were. The hype “The X-Men's new friend Aaron isn't acting quite right. As it turns out, neither are the rest of the X-Series androids back at his secret facility. You might even say they're starting to become... murderously unstable.”

Another decent size week’s worth of books. After reading all the news of the “big” events coming out of San Diego, I almost need to do this post so I can look forward for what is coming out in days and not in month, weeks or years from now.

Sarah Ellerton on The Phoenix Requiem

Sarah Ellerton is a webcomic creator. She has completed one comic, Inverloch, and is currently working on The Phoenix Requiem. Thanks to Sarah for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of my questions!

Gwen: Who is Sarah Ellerton? Tell us a little about yourself and your work :)

Sarah: I live on the North-East coast of Australia, twenty minutes inland in a tiny rural town with a population of a few hundred. I started a career in Graphic / Web Design, but quickly decided it wasn’t for me. I’m now a Systems Engineer at CQUniversity, which involves maintenance of the backend servers, email systems, and undertaking infrastructure projects.

I’ve been writing light-hearted short stories ever since I was young, but only started drawing seriously after I left high school. I mostly dabbled in fanart, but webcomics have become my best outlet for my creativity and to improve myself as both an artist and a storyteller.

Gwen: While I'm a faithful reader of your current project, The Phoenix Requiem, I'm sure that some of our readers haven't come across it before. What is the story about?

Sarah: Unfortunately it’s difficult to concisely explain what the story is about in a few lines. There is a world, very much like ours, where magic once existed but is now consigned to the history books. Ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural creatures begin to reappear however, with quite an interest in the central character.

It’s very much a story about faith and religion, with more than a little bit of a preoccupation with madness and death. I wouldn’t call it a typical fantasy – it’s certainly not swords & sorcery – and in fact would have been alternate-historical fiction if not for the fact that a fictional dominant religion plays too great a part.

Gwen: Your website has recently undergone an overhaul and the new layout is gorgeous. How did you come up with its design? How important do you feel site layout is to your webcomic?

Sarah: This current design was very spontaneous. I had spent a day working on a new design – I’m fond of revamping the site after every volume – and then as I was slicing it all up and coding the html, I suddenly just hated it. I had already decided I was going to launch the new design a day from then, so there wasn’t much time to work on something new – so I jumped back into Photoshop, found a new colour scheme, then quickly put together what you see now. Thankfully, I still love it!

I worked as a web designer for several years so I know the importance of site design, especially as far as being eye-catching, making things stand out, and generating instant interest in the comic.

Gwen: Having both a strong storytelling ability and artistic talent has given you the ability to create compelling stories. How is it that you ended up creating webcomics?

Sarah: The first comic I created actually began its life as a home-made 2D point-and-click adventure game, but somewhere during the planning stages that idea was abandoned and I wrote a full comic script instead. I was introduced to webcomics by a friend, and realized it would be the perfect direction to take my art. I had never done sequential art before, or even written a long story, so it was a brand new challenge. I had no idea what I was getting myself in to, or even if I would be able to finish so large an undertaking. But six years later, I’m still drawing, and there’s no sign yet of me tiring of it.

Gwen: What do you enjoy the most about creating The Phoenix Requiem?

Sarah: The design aspect. The great thing about setting a story in one town, rather than having characters embarking on an epic journey, is that I can create a large wardrobe of clothing for the characters to wear. Every day that goes by in story-time gives me the chance to design something new. Fashion plates and paintings from Victorian-Era England inspire all of the clothing, and there is certainly plenty of excellent historical reference to draw from.

Gwen: What is the most difficult part of maintaining a webcomic?

Sarah: I’m sure people will hate me for saying this, but I’ve never found any part particularly difficult. I’ve ensured that the story is well planned out and pre-written to avoid writer’s blocks, I have a large buffer of pages so updates are never missed (unless I’m out of town), and I delegate management of the forum to admins and moderators so I don’t need to stress about it. In fact, I think my webcomic is the most organized part of my life!

One difficulty I can think of comes from trying to bring in and keep readers. I’m not much of a marketer, so I’m often lost about how best to promote my work. Overall, it’s like a novel or a movie, and not everyone understands that it’s not a fast-paced comic of short story arcs. I’m never sure how to get that across without sounding like I’m pleading for people to stay.

Gwen: Partway through the first volume of The Phoenix Requiem you switched from cell shading to a softer shading technique – what's the difference between working in these styles? What inspired the changeover?

Sarah: As far as my actual Photoshop techniques and steps go, there wasn’t much of a difference to my old methodical manner. It’s a little more time consuming, but I still go about things much the same way.

There were several reasons for the switch. I had considered beginning the comic in a softer style, but it was met with opposition from my old readers who were adverse to change. But I was beginning to tire of the cartoony harsh-lit look, I didn’t feel like I was improving at it any more, and I was unhappy with the style’s inherit inability to properly convey the true shape of an object.

I think what finally prompted me to make the change was the realisation that a lot of my critics were still dismissing my comic as ‘anime’ and not talking my work seriously. I’m trying to shift to a more realistic look, and the simplistic cartoon shading style was no longer cutting it. I’m writing a darker story targeted at older teens and adults, and I think the art really should reflect that.

Gwen: Would you ever consider working in concert with another writer or artist (for example, if you were the writer but someone else illustrated the story)?

Sarah: Hard to say. I think it would be difficult for me to have the same emotional investment in somebody else’s story, investment that I really need in order to have the drive to keep working on these pages. I imagine I might find the rigidity too constricting; even though I draw from completed scripts, I still tend to freely interpret them and make last-minute changes that another writer might not appreciate me doing.

Vice Versa? I tend to write in a loose film-format, without many stage directions. I see a lot of the script play out in my head, and it doesn’t end up on paper. I think if an artist saw my script, they’d be completely confused as to what they should draw!

Gwen: What inspired the setting of the Phoenix Requiem?

Sarah: The setting is mostly inspired by Victorian-era England, with some Russian influence. I was looking for a particular level of scientific/medical advancement and knowledge, and this is the era to which my research took me. Stereotypical high-fantasy is generally set in something akin to Earth’s medieval period; this was a time of magic in my own story chronology, but of course my events are set seven hundred years later when technology and industry are dominant and magic not possible.

Gwen: The characters in the Phoenix Requiem have excellent hats – do you enjoy hats, and if so, what kind?

Sarah: The Victorian era was full of wonderful hats; I think today we don’t see nearly enough (except, it seems, at horse racing carnivals). As far as the real world goes, I would like to see much more variety given to men for fashionable head-wear. When are top hats coming back in style? :)

My two personal favourite hats are a beret from Vienna, and a grey page-boy hat much like Petria’s.

Sarah's work can be found here!

Indies Preview Review for September Part 1 of 3

Lee: Another month, another late indies post. The blame is all mine but it’s really everyone else’s fault for having so many good offerings.
Jim: It is a little late, but still this is for stuff coming out in September and with independent publishers that could be October or November.

Aardwolf Publishing
Meth, Colan & Other Theologians SC By Clifford Meth & Gene Colan
From the possessed mind of author Clifford Meth (IDW's Snaked) and legendary artist Gene Colan (Daredevil, Tomb of Dracula) comes the reprise to the team's arresting dark-fiction collection Perverts, Pedophiles & Other Theologians (a Barnes and Noble "Horror Pick of the Week"). This new volume contains everything that was in the first collection plus two new stories co-written by Meth and Colan. Introductions and afterwords by Mark Evanier, Marv Wolfman, Gail Simone, and the late Steve Gerber. Proceeds from this book will help the ailing comics legend Colan and his family. Available in Regular and Signed softcover editions.
Pages: 110, 6x9, B&W, $14.99/$22.99
Lee: I posted a short snippet about this book here but I wanted to mention it again. Gene Colan is sick and anything I can do to pay him back for all the hours of entertainment he provided me I will gladly do. There is also a $23 version of the book if you want to give more!
Jim: Agreed. Seldom do we get a chance to give back to people who unknowingly gave us so much, here is one such chance and you get entertainment also.

Abrams
Al Jaffe's Tall Tales HC By Al Jaffee
Tall Tales was an innovative newspaper strip syndicated internationally by the New York Herald Tribune from 1957-1963. Whereas newspaper strips are square, single-panel, or multiple-panel horizontal gag cartoons, Al Jaffee, known for the Fold-In in MAD Magazine, once again altered the format of his work to create a vertical strip - the first, and last, in newspaper history. Tall Tales contains the best 120 wordless strips out of over 2,200, scanned from the original files. The book features a new preface by Jaffee and an introduction by Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report. Pages: 128, 4x9, B&W, $14.95
Lee: Jaffee is one of the Mad Magazine originals. I know that I have loved his material for years this is an excellent chance to own some of his material. I’m really looking forward to this.
Jim: Al Jaffee is a name well known to any Mad Magazine fan from the sixties into the eighties at least. That is when I stopped getting that magazine. A truly original cartoonist.

Fritz Lang’s M HC By Jon J. Muth
Fritz Lang, the visionary genius behind Metropolis, produced his first sound film in 1931, M. Star Peter Lorre delivers a haunting performance as a serial killer, a whistling pedophile hunted by the police and brought to trial by the forces of the Berlin underworld. In 1990, a young artist, Jon J. Muth, continued his rise in the comic book industry by adapting Fritz's story into four comics published by Eclipse Comics. Long out-of-print, the adaptation has never before been collected. Pages: 192, 7x10, FC, $24.95
Lee: This is a really nice book with some great production values. And, it is gorgeous to look at too! I’m torn because I love Muth’s art but I’m not sold on the story. I understand that “M” is a classic of the silent screen but do I really want to read the story.
Jim: This is an easy call for me; I really want Lee to buy it so I can borrow it. Jon Muth’s early art is enough to make me want Lee to buy it.

Manga Shakespeare: Julius Caesar SC By Shakespeare, Appignanesi & Mustashrik
In William Shakespeare's enduring tale of ancient Rome, Julius Caesar stands at the height of his powers - but there are men plotting his destruction. Is Caesar a tyrant or a dynamic leader? Are his enemies greedy or noble? The Manga Shakespeare adaptation of this important work maintains the language - and the fierce political intrigue - of the original while including a fresh perspective through the style of modern manga.
Pages: 208, 6x9, PC, $9.95
Lee: Basically this is Classics Illustrated for Manga heads. As always, I find it interesting that this is produced. With all the Manga already available, is there a real market for this? Or is it just an attempt to legitimize the hobby. It should be noted there’s a Manga Shakespeare Macbeth too.
Jim: This looks to be a total farce.


AC Comics
Crypt of Horror #5 By Various
The classic horror comics of the 1950's, those published before the implementation of the Comics Code Authority; have become synonymous with an unequaled level skin-crawling revulsion, and a large volume of very interesting work in the genre was done during this period. The Crypt of Horror reprints series collection of 1950's horror masterpieces! Thrill to gruesome goodies with titles like Let The Past Lie Buried, The Death Ship, She Monster, The Evil Eye, and Anything Can Happen. With art by Jay Disbrow, Steve Ditko, Dick Ayers, Sheldon Moldoff, and others on more than a dozen creepy classics! Pages: 120, B&W, $24.95
Lee: These AC reprints are expensive but they are so worth it. I love them! AC collects some of the best 1950’s horror stories printed with great artists from that era.
Jim: 120 pages in B&W for $25, when I’m buying every EC Archive, will have to be a pass for me. I’m getting to the point now where I will never get around to reading everything I want to read.

AIT/Planetlar
True Facts SC By Larry Young
Larry Young began his series of columns on comic book self-publishing for the comic book criticism website Savant. True Facts was a how-to for self-publishers, written by the Johnny Appleseed of Comics. With step-by-step instructions, each column provides the nut-and-bolts information that you need to produce and publish your own comic book. From the execution of the concept, to definitions of pre-press and printing, from distribution and branding of your comic to the mechanics of writing effective press releases, every column is printed here in its entirety.
Pages: 128, 5x8, B&W, $9.95
Lee: This is another how to book. Larry Young has been a successful publisher for years and has lots of lessons from the school of hard knocks. If you have any interest in self publishing or are just starting this is a good book for you.
Jim: I’m sure this is good information, but I would just go out to our friends in the small press world and ask them.


Alterna Comics Inc
Jesus Hates Zombies (Featuring Lincoln Hates Werewolves) In: Yea, Though I Walk Vol. 01 SC By Stephen Lindsay & Steve Cobb
The zombie plague has swept across the Earth, and Jesus has been sent down to take care of it. Along with Laz, his loyal zombie sidekick, Jesus must unite the remaining humans to stand up and defeat the zombie menace. With a time-traveling Abraham Lincoln at his side, and a zombified Angel hot on their heels, can this mish-mash of heroes save humanity - or themselves?!
Pages: 64, 7x10, #1 of 4, B&W, $7.95
Visit the official blog here and lots o’preview pages here
Lee: I laughed at Helen Killer but that was good. I’ve never read Battle Pope but that launched Kirkman’s career. I’m laughing at this and I wonder what future superstars are coming. And, after reading all the previews and what do you know… it’s pretty darn good.
Jim: Check out the preview pages. Love this quote “First time I was here to save your souls, now I’m here to save your asses.” Looks like this is going to be a very good book.

Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics
Agnes Quill: An Anthology of Mystery SC By Roman, Ho, Wang, Zornow & Telgemeier
Agnes Quill is the story of a teenage detective, the haunted city of Legerdemain she lives in, the strange cases she solves, and the ghosts who help, hinder, or annoy her. Agnes' adventures include confrontations with trapped spirits, cursed souls, possessed relatives disappearing pets, decapitated scientists, ambitious zombies, and a mess of supernatural oddities!
Pages: 120, 6x9, B&W, $10.95
Visit Roman here, Wang here
Lee: Since I have little girls I’m always looking for books that I can give to them. Either now or later but something comics related that they might enjoy. This falls squarely into that category! It looks to be a wonderful all ages story.
Jim: I understand Lee’s sentiments, but that time is gone for me as my little girls are 26 and 22 years old.

Tupelo Vol. 01 SC By Matt Degennaro & Phil Elliott
In 1977, Famous Monsters - led by the eccentric Captain Tupelo - burned up Greenwich Village's punk scene. When the Monsters broke up, rumors spread of a strange street avenger. They called him Captain Tupelo. Today, few remember the story. Until one night - and one murder. This edition collects the original 4-issue run and includes a Famous Monsters music CD!
Pages: 144, B&W, $16.95
Visit Phil Elliott here with a four page preview if you dig around some.
Lee: Comics and punk rock are two of my favorite things so this is an easy sell for me. It’s certainly different than anything else out there which is a huge plus too.
Jim: See Lee is a big music nut and fan. I love a lot of music, but not to the same level as some people (hell I have around 2500 songs on my computer). So this sounds too much like whipped cream and beer nuts, a combination I find unappetizing.

Punk Rock & Trailer Parks SC By Derf
Derf, the creator of Trashed and award winning cartoonist of his syndicated strip The City brings stories us growing up in a small town, the day-to-day weirdness of the trailer parks tucked away therein, the power of music, specifically the punk rock of the late 1970's which redefined, transported, and ultimately, perhaps disappointed a generation. Punk Rock and Trailer Parks conjures up the mystical power of the counterculture to turn outcasts into heroes and, most of all, the transcendent experience that is punk rock.
Pages: 144, 7x10, B&W, $15.95
Lee: Speaking of punk rock, we have the latest from Derf! Whereas Tupelo appears to be an artists view of punk, Derf is all about being a punk. I read his book Trashed and laughed my butt off. I’m sure this is more of the same and filled with all sorts of real life insanity.
Jim: For Lee this is a cultural experience.

Andrews and Mcmeel
Prince Valiant Vol. 01 SC By Gary Gianni & Mark Schultz
Originally created by Hal Foster and now sketched by award-winning creators Gary Gianni and Mark Schultz, Prince Valiant is an epic comic adventure that has maintained a continuous story line since its debut in 1937. Noted for its realistic panoramas and its intelligent, humorous narrative, Prince Valiant depicts events taken from various time periods spanning from the late Roman Empire to the High Middle Ages. This collection follows Prince Valiant and his son Nathan as they prepare for battle following King Arthur's abdication. The knightly father and son encounter danger and adventure as they right wrongs throughout each step of their journey. Meanwhile, Aleta, Valiant's true love, holds court back at Camelot while facing challenges of her own. Prince Valiant appears weekly in more than 300 newspapers nationwide. Strips dating from November 21, 2004, to May 11, 2008 are included within this collection.
Pages: 192, 8x11, FC, $19.99
Lee: Jim is more of a Prince Valiant fan than I am but I love Gianni’s art. A great action adventure story with outstanding art if you are interested.
Jim: I do love Prince Valiant, but I’m only a fan of the Hal Foster period. For me it is the original or nothing at all. One great thing about Prince Valiant is it is a story of a man’s life. Prince Valiant gets married, has kids, gets older, etc. Something they should do in comics. Still it is Gianna and Schultz and only $20 for full color, oh hell why not.

Ape Entertainment
Return to Point Pleasant SC By Chad Lambert & Various
Time traveling scientists journey to Point Pleasant, West Virginia in search of the Mothman! From the Revolutionary War to the 1967 Silver Bridge disaster, 200 years of paranormal folklore comes to life in fully-painted color. Ray Bradbury calls Lambert's story "superb and frightening! Bravo!" Based on true events. Pages: 72, 7x10, FC, $9.95
Visit Lambert here and preview pages here
Lee: Time travel, spooky stuff, and folklore, what more do you need in a good story. The sequential preview pages look better than the splash pages which is great too. This might be worth a quick peak.
Jim: I don't know, this is missing the mark for me.


Arcana Studio
Corrective Measures SC By Grant Chastain & Fran Moyano
Less than 30 miles off the coast of Florida is an island. And if you're one of the few that get to see it, it's likely you will never leave! This is San Tiburon, home to beautiful white sandy shores, crystal-blue waters - and the world's most dangerous maximum-security penitentiary. For 185 of the world's most dangerous super-powered criminals, it is their final home. They will reside within these walls until their sentence is served - or they meet their end. There are no escapes. There are no bargains or compromises. There is only San Tiburon. Enjoy your stay. Collects issues #1-6 of the limited series. Pages: 152, 7x10, FC, $14.95
Previews here
Lee: There has definitely been a run of prison comics lately. But, this looks like it has super villains instead of ordinary schmoes which sets it apart. I’m actually kinda interested to see this because of the villain aspect. I wonder if Chastain will go with the Honor-among-thieves or they’re-all-psychos route.
Jim: Arcana has been high on my radar lately and while they have not had what I would call an “A” level book, they have had solid “B” and “C” level books that are fun and entertaining. I missed this as a series; it has possibilities of me trying it out as a graphic novel.


Marlow: Soul of Darkness #1 By Aaron Thomas Nelson & Mathew Reynolds
Accidentally turned into a zombie by nanotechnology meant to cure his war-torn psyche, Marlow now works for the pharmaceutical company that mutilated him. In exchange for the medicines that keep him from reverting to a zombie state, Marlow does all the dirty work the Company asks him to do out of fear of transforming into a terrible creature. The Company's latest assignment sends Marlow and his team to a research site in Romania to destroy human experiments, forcing Marlow save the man who made him, and defeat a feared assassin known only as The Russian. This leads him to question the life he's chosen, and wonder if he must suffer the consequences of his mutilation to be truly human. Inspired by Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness.
Pages: 48, B&W, $4.95 Previews here
Lee: This looks like a new twist on the an old theme. I’m not completely sold on the art from the preview but it sounds interesting enough.
Jim: For me the art had a nice vibe to it. I also liked the premise so mark #1 down as ordered for me.

Avatar Press Inc
Black Summer HC By Warren Ellis & Juan Jose Ryp
The eight issue series that was the biggest event of 2007 has now been collected in this deluxe trade paperback with a brand new cover! Warren Ellis' eight-issue opus of masked hero revolution, Black Summer, perfectly complimented by the stunning and explosive art of the genius Juan Jose Ryp, is nothing less than a sequential masterpiece. The world goes black in this epic story of super-powered heroes and villains. The story begins when the political situation in the United States becomes more than Horus can stand, and he moves to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, not all of his other team-mates are quite so eager to throw the world into chaos, and an epic conflict forms.With Horus and the rest of the surviving Guns facing off against the military and each other, no one is safe as the bodies start to fall. Whether you collected each of the eight issues as they hit the stands, or you somehow missed this incredible event, the Black Summer trade is a must-have for your shelf! Also available as a Hardcover edition with an all-new cover by series artist Juan Jose Ryp that is limited to just 2,000 copies!
Pages: 192, 7x10, FC, $32.99
Lee: People either loved or hated this series or I’m sure the HC will be just as well received. As for me, I loved it and I’m in for this HC. It’s not all that much more than other HC’s and it’s worth it just for Ryp’s art.
Jim: Yeah, this book is coming to my house to live also. Great series.

Boom! Studios
Galveston #1 By Tom Peyer and Mark Rahner, art by Greg Scott
True fact - fabled pirate Jean Lafitte spent his last years not on the high seas, but in Texas. Guess who his best friend was? Jim Bowie. What adventures must a swashbuckling corsair and an American frontiersman have had together in the Old West? It's Deadwood with pirates, man. Pirates! $3.99
Jim: Who the frell knew this stuff was happening back then. Looks to be great fun and sort of educational, plus I enjoy Greg Scott's art.
Lee: Someone has read, and studied a lot more history than I. That is for sure. I have to admit I’m very curious about this series.


Berserker
Dead #1 By Simon Bisley, Alan Grant & Glenn Fabry
Most of Britain has fallen to an invasion of zombies. There is no escape from their insatiable appetite for living flesh. But in Oxford, city of the dreaming spires, an unlikely alliance between a crew of firefighters and a pair of misfit soldiers has allowed them to survive. Now, with the city virtually overrun, it's time to strike back! $3.95
Lee: Just reading the names of the people making this book has me sold! Grant’s a great writer, Fabry’s a great artist, and Bisley needs no introduction. If anyone can do Zombie mayhem to perfection it’s this trio.
Jim: Agreed!

Once again we are doing this as a series of three posts. Look for parts 2 and 3 soon.