What I’m Getting Wednesday

This post will go up and it will be one day before Election Day. I’m so happy this election has finally made it here. Not because I’m looking forward to either of these jokers leading this country further down the road to decline of the American ideal, but because I’m so tired of the election and the coverage and the vehemence that has become too often the norm around their supporters. At least once the election is over we can turn the page and then go on with things in a more normal fashion. The election cycle needs to be much shorter.

The books that I’m looking forward to the most this week are:

Justice Society of America #20 – As much as I have dogged this book with my constant complaint the story is moving too slowly, I love the JSA and think Johns maybe having his best year ever. The company line “It's the Justice Society of America vs. the Justice Society Infinity of Earth-2 with the fate of Power Girl at the center of it all! Meanwhile, Starman struggles with his returned sanity as he embarks on his true mission in our time period – one that will have vital consequences for the Crisis of the 31st century!”

Storming Paradise #4 (of 6) – Chuck Dixon and Butch Guice have been knocking this book out of the park. The alternative history book surrounding the Invasion of Japan has been excellent. The hype “New Year's Eve 1946 finds America still at war with Japan as the invasion continues inland on Kyushu. It's a bloody fight for every foot of land as the Japanese army regroups for a massive attack on the American front. At the same time, Father Danny learns that a Nazi-inspired terror will soon be unleashed upon the battlefield.”

Gigantic #1 (of 5) – It has such an odd premise that it immediately appealed to me and add to it one of the better writers (Rick Remender) out there and I was sold on trying out this book. The word “It was a beautiful spring day in downtown San Francisco before a gigantic armored alien appeared from out of nowhere and began smashing things all to hell! Who is this invader? Why is he being attacked by strange alien beings? And why is he so GIGANTIC? A twist on The Truman Show, Gigantic focuses on a brainwashed, alien superhero deposited on Earth to be the spotlight of an intrusive, around-the-clock television program being filmed without his knowledge.”

The rest of the list is heavily favored towards DC this week as Marvel is almost non-existent on my list in the beginning of the month.

Absolute Sandman HC Volume 4 – Actually this book is not for me, although one day I may acquire these Absolute Editions. This is a Christmas present for an unnamed party. This volume contains “This final volume includes behind-the-scenes extras plus issues #57-75 and a story from VERTIGO JAM #1. Don't miss the end of what Playboy called "a modern myth, as well as a précis on why the stories we tell matter so much”

Adventure Comics Special: The Guardian – The Superman line is working very well right now and Having Robinson and Johns at the helm is one heck of a writing team with Sterling Gates as a sidekick. This story is not a direct continuation of the “New Krypton” story but follows-up on the Jimmy Olsen special. What’s inside “At last! The true origin of the Guardian of Metropolis is revealed! Following directly on from last month's SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN SPECIAL #1, we learn the fantastic and sometimes terrible past of one of DC's most mysterious heroes. How did the first clone of the Golden Age Guardian come into existence at the hands of the Cadmus Project? We'll also introduce a mysterious young girl the Guardian has sworn to protect – even at the expense of the Cadmus Project, and, if need be, his very life!”

Authority #4 – I keep wondering if we are going to see what ever happened to Jenny Quark since the WU’s earth was decimated. The company line “Swift finds herself at the mysterious Rendlesham base. Who – and what – she finds will have staggering results for everyone. Aboard the Carrier, the team's worst fears manifest as a viral outbreak rages!”

Diana Prince Wonder Woman – Volume 3 – Continuing the reprints of when Wonder Woman had no powers. A lot of it is better then I remembered, but a lot of it is just as dated and now unintentionally funny also. This volume contains “This third volume of Diana Prince's early 1970s adventures collects WONDER WOMAN #190-198 and WORLD'S FINEST COMICS #204! In these tales, Diana gets lost in an alien dimension, stops a barbarian horde from invading Paradise Island, nearly becomes the bride of a tyrant and more!”

El Diablo #3 (of 6) – I keep thinking I should have dropped this series, but it has held my interest just enough to keep me hanging on. Still it is a mini-series that I wonder why it was green lit as a project. The word “The original El Diablo rides again! Chato Santana, the new El Diablo, catches up with the man that crippled him while Lazarus Lane fights for his life against Vorpal. Only one El Diablo will live through this fight.”

Final Crisis Resist – The FC books have been enjoyable and by keeping the number of adds to a minimal I have not felt burdened by picking them up. The hype “In a world overrun by Darkseid's Anti-Life Equation and his relentless storm troopers, do you choose to RESIST? The world's only hope for survival depends on one-time JLA mascot Snapper Carr, Mr. Terrific, and Checkmate. With the aid of the villainous Cheetah, Snapper must rally the various factions of Checkmate and awaken an evil from a Crisis past. Could this actually be the end?”

Hellblazer Presents Chas the Knowledge #5 (of 5) – John can’t get home; it is up to Chas to save the day and see if he can save his marriage. The company line “The demon Tuma'el stands poised to take control of London's very soul. Chas Chandler must save the city, and at the same time, rediscover his own place in his beloved London. Look out next month for HELLBLAZER #250, a holiday special like no other!”

House of Mystery #7 – Last issue the background story on one of the main cast members was more interesting then the actual story line. I also think the writer has to be careful to reveal enough of the mysteries to keep us wanting to learn more. The word “The creepy basement in the House of Mystery doesn't hold your average trinkets and cast-aside items. In fact, among the bits catalogued you'll find the diary of "Cain," one stained and bloody bed sheet, chains of assorted lengths, something slick and wet grinding over the stones, a maze and a minotaur. It's chapter 2 of "Love Stories for Dead People" and you'll never look at basements the same way again! Plus, Bill Willingham and artist David Petersen (Mouse Guard) deliver a tale of dark delights.”

Jonah Hex #37 – This has been a very good to at time great series. What’s inside “A trio of female Wild West rodeo show performers come to town with plans of becoming amateur bounty hunters. But when they attempt to remove Hex from the picture and bring the big bounties in themselves, they have no idea how in over their heads they are. Join us and returning artist Jordi Bernet for "Trouble Comes in Threes"!”

New Teen Titans Archive Volume 4 – The Archive series from DC is one of the best programs on the market as the quality of the reproductions is always high. I know the program is winding down. One of the problems in my view is it was printing the collections as consecutive runs and many of the DC silver age books are not one long continuous continuity as Marvel. Therefore they do not lend themselves to that type of collection This volume contains “The 1980s adventures continue in this final Archive edition, collecting NEW TEEN TITANS #21-27 and NEW TEEN TITANS ANNUAL #1! Don't miss the Titans' struggle against the hordes of Brother Blood, Starfire's confrontation with her evil sister and more!”


Question Trade Volume 3 – A week loaded with collections and the classic Denny O’Neil / Denys Cowan run on this character is well worth having on your shelf. This volume contains “The Question's 1980s adventures continue in this new title collecting issues #13-18. In this volume, The Question is captured while on the trail of paramilitary fanatics!”

Secret Six #3 – Gail Simone has started this book off with two great issues back to back and I think this series is going to be a winner. The word “Introducing the team's newest member! The hunt is on as some of the world's most dangerous killers are getting paid ridiculous chunks of cash to bring down the Secret Six. But the Six have some tricks – and a whole lot of bullets – up their own sleeves...”

Sgt Rock The Lost Battalion #1 (of 6) – Almost made it to the top of my list as the premise sounds great, but I still need to see how Tucci will translate into this type of book. The hype “DC's iconic soldier for the ages returns in a 6-issue miniseries written and illustrated by multi-Eisner nominee Billy Tucci. From the bloody beaches of Normandy to the muddy forests of the Vosges Mountains, a cut-off Easy Company led by Sgt. Rock will be joined by Johnny Cloud and the Haunted Tank as they battle for their lives behind enemy lines against a force ten times their size. Based on actual events, SGT. ROCK: THE LOST BATTALION is a story of heroism and humanity as one small band of men defy all odds to survive.”

Showcase Presents Wonder Woman Volume 2 – This volume I probably should not have gotten as the material from this era has little redeeming qualities if memory serves. This Volume contains “Collecting WONDER WOMAN #118-137, in which Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl face the Human Iceberg, the Island Eater, the Robotic Wonder Woman and more!”

Terra #1 (of 4) – Another mini-series from DC that I have to ask why was this project given the go ahead. This is using a name from a character that was popular in Titan’s lore from 20 years ago. The company line “From the pages of TERROR TITANS and the minds of Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Amanda Connor comes a new rock-slinging heroine! As Terra's earth-shaking stunts grab the attention of the world, a new threat rises from beneath the surface. Will Terra live to fight another day, as she takes on the blaze and fury of Pyrite and the Lavarians? And what is the secret behind this new mover and shaker's powers? Guest-starring Power Girl and Doctor Mid-Nite!”

Terror Titans #2 (of 6) – Now this book actually makes sense as they are following up on a story line from the Teen Titans and giving a character (Ravager) some heavy time in the spotlight. The word “The Clock King begins staging tournament battles between the teen metas at the Dark Side Club, but this time the fighting's not just for entertainment – he has a far more sinister purpose in mind that not even the Terror Titans know about! And Ravager, drawn to the Clock King by their similar precognitive power, is doing nothing to interfere with his life-threatening machinations. Is she biding her time until she can defeat him, or does she just want to get her hands dirty by entering the tournament?”

Top Ten Season Two #2 (of 4) – Season two is rather short at only 4 issues. Last issue was well done and it really felt like Top Ten was back and in good shape. The hype “A new arrival to Neopolis bears a more-than-slight resemblance to an old friend of the police force, and Irma Geddon, already distraught over the restrictive uniform policy, becomes increasingly unhinged. A hostage crisis teeters on the edge of disaster, and Lt. Peregrine seeks help for her "crossover-dressing" husband.”


Trinity #23 – The middle part of this story has slowed down a lot and this book that was moving up the charts is now settling right into the middle of the pack. The company line “The heroic Trinity is long gone and their legacy fades by the minute. But where exactly are Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman – and will they ever return? Don't miss the halfway point in this action-fueled, weekly series exploring the three greatest heroes of all time!”

Vixen Return of the Lion #2 (of 5) – While I enjoyed the first issue, I again question the need for this mini-series, especially as she is the featured character in JLA lately. What’s inside “Mortally wounded and alone by choice, Vixen struggles to survive phantoms and predators on the harsh plains of Zambesi. Her search for the dark truth of her past increasingly concerns her fellow Justice Leaguers. What secrets hide beneath the surface of her homeland?”

Adam Legend of Blue Marvel #1 (of 4) – Very hesitant on this book as it is yet another retro-con hero ala The Sentry and it is $4 for a regular size comic from Marvel, but I will check it out. The company line “An unstoppable super-villain attacks New York City--and the Mighty Avengers fall before him! Where did Anti-Man come from? And who can stop his overwhelming rampage?! Now Iron Man races to find the only man who’s ever defeated Anti-Man-- THE BLUE MARVEL…a hero the world hasn’t seen since 1961! Will Tony Stark uncover the truth behind Blue Marvel’s disappearance…and will Blue Marvel ever recover from it? Kevin Grevioux (NEW WARRIORS) and Mat Broome (The End League) join forces to create Marvel’s newest powerhouse super hero!”

Sub-Mariner The Depths #3 (of 5) – This has been a great series and a the setting in the late 30’s is working great. The hype “The latest offering from the red-hot Marvel Knights line offers a searing vision of Namor, the Sub-Mariner as you’ve never seen, brought to you by Peter Milligan (X-FORCE) and Esad Ribic (SILVER SURFER: REQUIEM)! Travelling deep into the dark belly of the Marianas Trench in search of a missing deep sea expedition, legendary adventurer Randolph Stein finds exactly what he was looking for. Or what’s left of it. There is something down there in the murky depths that man was not meant to see. Something that drives men mad -- or worse. A creature of indescribable power and fury that been waiting for Stein for a long, long time. The legend is true, and it’s larger than Stein could have ever imagined.”

Back to Brooklyn #2 (of 5) – This book is delivering exactly what it promised, which is a violent tale of a mob insider fighting to save his family. The word “Lets face it; Brooklyn is a tough place to live. Add to that a pissed off marked man with a sawed off shotgun trying to save his family and you got some bloody fun as only GARTH ENNIS can deliver. Bob Saetta and his old flame Maggie Mahoney travel back to the old neighborhood in Bensonhurst to shake up the unshakeable, and realize that home sweet home has now become a blood-spattered hostile environment.”

Gemini #3 (of 5) – The TV show “My Own Worst Enemy” is playing with a similar theme of people who don’t even know about the other half of their lives. So far this has been a fun series. What’s inside “Aided by a mysterious ally, Gemini goes rogue, and becomes hunted by The Constellation, the very organization that gave him his powers.”

Guerillas #2 (of 9) – The first issue was fantastic as we followed our point of view character and watched his platoon get wiped out. Then he is saved by a group of Gorilla soldiers. The company line “Private Clayton has come face to face with a troop of chimpanzee soldiers in the middle of the Viet Nam War, but are the friendly or are they blood-crazed animals? All will be answered in the second action-packed issue of GUERILLAS!”

Kull #1 (of 6) – I know Dark Horse is developing the Robert E. Howard properties, but Kull always felt like just a lesser Conan type character. The company line “More comfortable with a sword than a scepter, Kull has recently crowned himself king and seeks to unite the once-proud and powerful land of Valusia. Only Count Areyas stands between Kull and a reunified kingdom--and the obstinate Count waits patiently in his Iron Fortress, the land's oldest and most formidable castle. Horrors lurk in the shadows of Kull's newly won throne, and slithering foes stalk his every move. Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi) scripts this series, which will adapt Robert E. Howard's story "The Shadow Kingdom," with art by Will Conrad (Serenity) and José Villarrubia (Conan).”

High Rollers #4 (of 4) – The wrap up to this tale of an Urban crime lord. This has been a tough hard hitting crime novella. The hype “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 Los Angeles? Answer - You get the story of CQ, a young man who's set his sights on becoming the boss of the L.A. rackets - if he lives to see the dawn!”

Station #4 (of 4) – I have seen this advertised as a five issue series, but I’m pretty sure this is the conclusion. This is a great murder mystery with a little sci-fi backdrop thrown in for good measure. The company line “The ultimate locked-room murder has been committed. Someone's been killed aboard the international space-station two hundred and twenty miles above the Earth. And now that the killer has at last been revealed, it's going to take more than science to save the rest of the crew - it's going to take a huge leap of faith!"

Zombie Tales #7 – This is a strong anthology title and always gives us another view of Zombies. The word “The Salem Witch Trials, the McCarthy Witch Hunts...neither can hold a candle to the coming Zombie Hunts that endanger our humanity! FALL OF CTHULHU writer Michael Alan Nelson returns to the zombieverse with a suspenseful tale about a case of mistaken identity and a high-school girl on the run from a spiteful rival who accuses her of being undead! Is she...or is she hiding an even more perilous secret?”


I probably should add Thor #11 back on the list as it failed to make it to my comic shop last week and should be here this week. It could even be under my most anticipated section again.

This week is killer week in terms of dollars due to all the hard cover collects and trades hitting this week. It is a statistical certainty that these type weeks will always happen given the amount of books that I buy as hard cover and trades.