What I’m Getting Wednesday

So shock of all shocks (I’m kidding) the vast majority of comic book creators are ga-ga over Obama. I think the thing the bothers me most about Obama supporters is that they are so blind to the flaws in their candidate. At least in the circle of people I talk to the ones favoring McCain see his flaws, but Obama supporters think he is the best thing since sliced bread. Personally I see both of them as owned politicians and both are both part of the status quo. Since I live in Maryland is doesn’t matter if I voted for McCain or not and in good conscious I can’t vote for McCain or Obama. Last election I voted Libertarian, this year I have to write in Ron Paul the only damn politician who knows what this country needs to get back on track.

Last week I forgot City of Dust on my original post and when I added it I just put it up at the top of the list. I have decided this week to start and put my list of what I’m getting in a slightly different order. The items I’m most looking forward to or have a high level of interest will go first and then the books will break down into their normal groupings.

Hellboy Library Edition Volume 2 – This hardcover collection is one of the best bargains in the business. The volume is oversized and is not too long in page count. I only hope that Dark Horse collects the BPRD material in a similar fashion. This volume contains “Since Mike Mignola's Hellboy first hit the stands in 1993, it has become a cultural sensation, racking up a dozen Eisner Awards and inspiring numerous spinoffs, from a novel line, to video games, to feature films. Now, Dark Horse is pleased to present the comics that started it all, collected in deluxe hardcover editions. Sized at a generous 9" by 12", and handsomely bound to match The Art of Hellboy, each volume contains two full story arcs--the equivalent of two full trade paperbacks. Each volume of the Hellboy Library Editions also includes extensive supplemental materials, including previously unreleased sketches and designs. Hellboy Volume 2 collects fifteen stories, presented for the first time in chronological order, with the original Chained Coffin introduction by P. Craig Russell, and a new, expanded sketchbook. Over thirty pages of new sketchbook material.”

Action Comics #870 – Johns and Frank have crafted another great arc on Action Comics. I know Pete Woods is doing the art for the next arc, but I hope Gary Frank is staying around. The best in continuity Superman book in many, many years. The company line “The "Brainiac" finale! It's Superman versus Brainiac with everything at stake! No longer content to simply eradicate Superman, Brainiac is now determined to destroy Earth like so many other planets he's left in his wake. But Brainiac's ship is full of many bottles, inside of which some surprise guest-stars lurk! And while hope may blossom on Brainiac's ship, there's one life even the Man of Steel can't save.”

Twelve #8 (of 12) – A truly wonderful series, that explores themes of being lost in time and what it means to be a hero. JMS is producing one of his best comic works in years on this title and the art is matching the writing. Marvel should be promoting this series more. The word “The Black Widow’s secret! The Fiery Mask, accused! And Electro lives again!”

Every week does not have to be represented by one of my three categories, but it just worked out that way this week. Also this list could be longer in the future.

Batman Confidential #22 – I read that this book being cancelled which is a shame as Batman lends itself better to this type of series better then any other character. The word “What happened the first time Batman hauled The Joker into the Gotham City Police Department? Find out here in part one of the time-lost 4-part arc titled "Do You Understand These Rights?" as the ramifications of the "new kind of criminal" emerging in Gotham are felt with deadly consequence! Hollywood producer and writer Andrew Kreisberg (Justice League, The Simpsons, Eli Stone) joins artist Scott McDaniel (NIGHTWING, GREEN ARROW) for a look at what severe changes Batman's presence in Gotham City had on the face of crime.”

Detective Comics #849 – Wow last issue ended with a heck of cliff hanger as Hush has literally stolen Catwoman’s heart. The hype “A "Batman R.I.P." tie-in! In this penultimate chapter of the 5-part arc "Heart of Hush," Batman tears his way through Gotham City's underworld to reach his dangerous adversary. But after the Dark Knight learns what his childhood friend-turned-villain is really after, will Batman be able to survive what Hush plans next? The lives of both Bruce Wayne and Tommy Elliot come full circle in this story of beginnings and brutal endings!”

Ferryman #1 (of 5) – The premise and the writer is what convinced me to try this series out, although the person behind the story made me leery of the whole thing. What’s inside “Who are The Ferrymen? If you mix the deadliest qualities of Blackwater operatives, skip tracers and expert trackers, you might have an idea. And Gideon Thorne is the best Ferryman out there. In the exclusive employ of the sinister entrepreneur Mr. Webster, Gideon always gets his man, no matter the obstacle. Don't miss out on the start of this explosive miniseries from the mind of legendary movie producer Joel Silver, written by Marc Andreyko (MANHUNTER) with art by rising star Jonathan Wayshak!”

Final Crisis Revelations #3 (of 5) – This has been a good spin-off from Final Crisis and it also feels like it is unnecessary to Final Crisis itself which is a good thing. I like add-ons that are not essential to the main series. The company line “The Anti-Life Equation has infected Gotham City, turning friend, foe and family into mindless slaves of Darkseid, and the might of the Spear of Destiny has left The Spectre powerless. Can The Question find the answer to restoring hope inside the one being capable of saving the world?”

Green Arrow Black Canary #13 – I have started to fall off of this book and it maybe heading for the cancellation pile. The hype “Speedy and Dodger sitting in a tree...but will the couple even think about getting personal? Meanwhile, Green Arrow and Black Canary recover from the hunt for Connor Hawke!”

Green Lantern #35 – While this has been a great re-telling of Hal’s origin it have created a six month gap in any current continuity building with Hal. The word “The conclusion to "Secret Origin"! The prelude to the Blackest Night begins as the climax of the story of Hal Jordan's first adventure comes to a close! Hal and Sinestro are confronted by the Guardians over their greatest fears. Plus, Sinestro uncovers a new prophecy all his own as the stage is set for next month's "Rage of the Red Lanterns"!”

Green Lantern Corps #29 – It is hard to believe that we are already getting started for the “Blackest Night” story line. The hype “The lead-in to "Blackest Night" begins with "The Sins of the Star Sapphire." Catch a glimpse into the beginning of the latest Corps being formed and what it will mean to the Green Lanterns. Plus, Ice proposes to Guy Gardner!”

Secret Six #2 – The first issue was a great start to this series and I’m happy that this is now an unlimited series as opposed to another mini-series. The company line “One of the most-requested and anticipated confrontations in recent DC history takes place right here: Catman vs. Batman! The Six's latest mission takes the team to Alcatraz to free a Super-Villain, but what is the secret she carries that hundreds of villains would give their lives to possess? DC's dirtiest team only gets dirtier, and we wouldn't want it any other way!”

Showcase Presents Blackhawk TP Volume 1 – The Blackhawks were an odd group and DC never was sure what to do with them once the war was over. This volume contains “Written by Various; Art by Dick Dillin, Charles Cuidera and Sheldon Moldoff; Cover by Dillin. The 1950s adventures of The Blackhawks are collected for the first time in this new volume featuring stories from BLACKHAWK #108-127!”

Simon Dark #13 – This series seems to be flying beneath the radar and DC has certainly not pushed this book enough because it is a very well done and unique series that deserves more attention. The hype “If you've heard the buzz about Simon Dark – Gotham City's strange guardian – but never gave the series a try, then grab this special stand-alone issue spotlighting Simon's exploration of the dark city in which he dwells.”

Trinity #19 – Now that the Trinity is gone, how will they be saved? The company line “Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman no more! The heroic Trinity have met their fates at the hands of their villainous counterparts in the Troika. Now the Earth trembles helplessly in the hands of the villainous group while Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman's accomplishments are being forgotten!”
Wonder Woman #25 – This story of Wonder Woman in Hollywood has been okay. This series is doing better, but is not a home run yet. The hype “Who wouldn't want to see their name in lights? Wonder Woman, that's who, and she's now hell bent on putting a stop to the Wonder Woman movie. At least she is until she realizes the impact she has on young women and girls, and must decide what's more important to her – her sanity or her conscience? Plus, Wonder Woman’s' courtship of Nemesis takes a daring turn as the series hits issue #25!”

Punisher Max TP Volume 10 Valley Forge – The last Garth Ennis Max Punisher. This volume contains “Garth Ennis concludes his seminal run on Punisher -- in style. Thirty-five years ago, the Fifth Cavalry disgorged their troops on an isolated Vietnamese hilltop and was met by a scene of utter devastation. The final body count ran to well over seven-hundred -- almost 200 hundred of them American soldiers. Standing alone amidst the carnage, a sole survivor: Captain Frank Castle, who years later would be known as the most fearsome vigilante to walk the Earth -- the Punisher. Now, the Punisher is about to face his stiffest test: He’s hunted big game in his day, but none as big as this. Five men with unlimited resources. Men who’d put anything between themselves and the Punisher’s bullet. Men who know exactly who he is -- and how to fight him. Collecting PUNISHER #55-60.”

X-Men Original Sin #1 – Marvel dragged me into this mini cross-over since I still buy X-Men Legacy. I hate feeling forced to buy other comics. The hype” WHAT IS THE SECRET REASON WOLVERINE JOINED THE X-MEN? The X-Men event of the fall begins in this one-shot! For years, Logan has been a man without a past, whose memories existed only as conflicting fragments. And Charles Xavier has been a master of his own mind and others. Now the tables are turned, and as WOLVERINE struggles to rescue his son, DAKEN, from the evil and darkness that have consumed him, PROFESSOR X comes face-to-face with the most terrifying secret of all! Beginning here and continuing in the pages of X-MEN LEGACY and WOLVERINE: ORIGINS this month and next, ORIGINAL SIN is sure to turn your expectations on their head!”

Queen and Country The Definite Edition Volume 3 – You can’t read everything when it first comes out, so reading this great series as collections has been great fun. This volume contains “In this third collection, readers are sucked into the thrilling and often-times devastating world of international espionage as SIS field agent Tara Chase is sent all over the world in service to her Queen & Country all the while Director of Operations Paul Crocker walks a narrow tightrope between his loyalty to his people and the political masters that must be served! Collects issues 25-32 and the entire Queen & Country Scriptbook.”

13 Chambers (One Shot) – It has such a cool premise and is a one shot, so it is pretty easy to take a chance on it. The hype “After Abraham Lincoln’s death, one of President Jackson’s first orders was to disband the 13 Marshals: a secret group of lawmen operating with complete federal authority. Set in a fantasy 1860s, 13 CHAMBERS is the story of the 13th Marshal and his Presidential mission to retrieve all 13 Territory Peace Keeper pistols and return them to Washington D.C. for retirement. All is well until he reaches a small town in four corners where an insane mining baron named YORK has killed the 12th Marshal and stolen his pistol. The 13th Marshal must get the pistol back at all costs and bring York to justice…or die trying.”

I Kill Giants #4 (of 7) – This is fantastic. I love this book and after a long delay between issues #1 and #2, this book has caught up to its original solicitation date. The word “The cold hand of fate closes around Barbara, driving her ever closer to the edge of sanity and an inevitable confrontation with giants both real and imagined. Friendships are betrayed. Coveleski is revealed. And Barbara comes face to face with the THING upstairs…”

Invincible #53 – Of course then you have a book like Invincible who had solicited issue #57 for October 8. Regardless this series has been a strong book again since issue #48 and shows no sign of letting up. The company line “A few issues back, Titan tricked Invincible into helping him take over Machine Head’s arm of the criminal organization knows as THE ORDER and Invincible is not too happy about being tricked.”

Red Mass for Mars #2 (of 4) – I love Jonathan Hickman’s books, he has so many terrific ideas. In fact he seems to have way too much going on as he can’t hit a deadline to save his soul, but it is usually worth the wait. What’s inside “As things on Earth grow dire, we learn the history of Mars and the events that shaped his life. How does a man become king? How does a king become a god? How does a god become human?”

Walking Dead #53 – The pace on this book has slowed down, which is to be expected after the breakneck pace we had when the camp was destroyed. What I like is that the story is progressing at solid clip now and I like the way this series feels as it is still strong after 50 issues. The very short word “To the rescue.”

BPRD The Warning #4 (of 5) – If you are not getting this series I would recommend you pick up the trades and catch up as this book is extraordinary well done. The hype “Liz remains missing as the rest of the Bureau faces off against giant robots on the streets of Munich. Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi and drawn by Guy Davis, this series immediately follows the events of B.P.R.D.: Killing Ground. Kevin Nowlan joins Mignola on cover duties.”

End League #5 – This series moves to a monthly schedule and I will give it a couple more issue to see if it can hold my interest better on a monthly basis. The company line “Writer Rick Remender continues his acclaimed new series joined by fan-favorite artist Eric Canete (Iron Man, WildC.A.T.S.) for part one of the all-new storyline "Weathered Statues." After the shocking events last issue in which half the cast was lost, Black and Arachnakid risk everything to take their revenge on the Smiling Man in his twisted city of Lore. Across the world in New Berlin, the fascist Wolfsangel puts a bounty on the remaining heroes in order to obtain the one item he requires to snatch lordship of Earth from Dead Lexington: An altruistic heart.”

Goon #29 – If you are buying this book, you should be. Goon is just out and out Eric Powell producing humor, horror and often the absurd. The hype “Welcome to another installment of Eric Powell's Eisner Award-winning, newly nominated series The Goon!Buzzard is on a mission, and sets forth to discover the key to Labrazio's destruction, the true nature not only of Mr. Wicker's return, but also his relationship with Mirna. Plus some funny stuff probably happens, too.”

Black Summer HC – This was one of those series that I needed to have on my bookshelf. I thought Ellis had a lot of great themes and we got tons of action. This volume contains “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!”

Corps #0 - Zero issues are a waste for me as I’m willing to try out a full size issue of a book. The hype “Author: Rick Remender Artist: Jason Phillips Cover Artist: Tim Seeley In an age of super-terrorism, no military force is better equipped to put global threats out of commission than The Corps. Even their toughest soldiers will be tested; however, when the organization known as The Marauders sets their sites on black hole machine capable of wiping out continents.”

Crossed #1 (of 9) – An Ennis book from Avatar. I enjoyed the zero issue and have been looking forward to the series itself. The word “Garth Ennis has pulled out all the stops to write the most twisted book of his career, Crossed! Through ten heart-stopping chapters, Crossed is his horrifically visceral exploration of the pure evil that humans are truly capable of indulging. This gut-wrenching vision is brought to vivid - and more than a little disturbing - life by his partner-in-crime, Jacen Burrows. Imagine, for a moment, the worst crimes against humanity. Picture the cruelest affronts to decency. Conjure your darkest nightmares - and then realize it could all be so much worse. When civilization crumbles in one terrifying moment, when people are gleefully breaking into unthinkable acts of violence all around you, when everyone you love has died screaming in agony - What do you do? There is no help. There is no hope. There is no escape. There are only the Crossed. Certain to be the most depraved and corrupt book of the year, this one is not for the faint of heart!”

Cthulhu Tales #6 – BOOM continues to try and publish what has to be the hardest sell in the market place, an anthology book. The company line “The BOOM! Horrorverse spreads its tendrils into Cthulhu Tales in a sequel to the classic Lovecraft tale, 'The Colour Out Of Time,' which BOOM!'s printer is threatening to charge extra for. Nothing but the best for our faithful BOOM! readers. BOOM! Studios, bringing you a black vortex of otherworldly insanity since 2005!”

High Rollers #3 (of 4) – While most crime comics rely on dark and muted colors, this is a crime tale that takes place in the day time also. Well written and very enjoyable so far. The hype “Gary Phillips came to BOOM! with the best idea they'd heard yet. The Sopranos was about the soap opera of upper-class mob life. What do you get, Gary asked, when you transplant that tension to the African-American gangs of inner-city L.A.? Answer - you get the story of CQ, a young man who thought the mob was his family, until it turned on him, forcing him to fight against California's crime families to stay alive! A potent mix of American Gangster and The Wire for fans of Brubaker's Criminal!"”

Necronomicon #2 (of 4) – The first issue was well done and I’m curious to see if our central character can avoid being sucked all the way into this horror. The word “The history of the most infamous book known to man continues to unfurl! Student Ali Said is caught between the warring forces that want the Necronomicon's power for their own - but Said knows that neither side intends to leave the world better off. In order to save mankind, Said will have to plumb the mysteries of the book itself - and pray that he can do so without going mad!”

Fallen Angel #30 – My favorite Peter David series right now and in fact the only Peter David book I’m getting. What’s inside “The City of Light is just beyond the reach of the Liandra and her son, Jude. To get there requires a leap of faith that may well be beyond the abilities of a fallen angel and a disenfranchised priest. But if they cannot overcome their own fears, then Bete Noire will remain in Moloch's hands and the world will spiral into darkness.” Check out the hype and now I understand why the economy has tanked at this moment in our history.

If it wasn’t for my extensive list of independents my list would have been barely a list this week. That's a wrap for this week.