Jim: The new solicitations have a lot of new material, but the marketing plan behind them feels a little weak and that continues to keep DC a distant second to Marvel.
Lee: WHAT? The marketing is weak? If that’s true it’s only because DC doesn’t go with “WORLD CHANGING EVENT!” every month.
Gwen: There's some interesting stuff her but I can't some I'm overly excited about this month.
FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: RUN! #1 Written by Matthew SturgesArt by Freddie E. Williams IICover by KakoThe Human Flame is a dead man. Literally just waking up after the events of FINAL CRISIS, he realizes all the heroes in the DC Universe target him as the lowlife who taped the murder of the Martian Manhunter with his cell phone. On top of that, all the villains in the

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: ESCAPE #1 Written by Ivan BrandonArt by Marco RudiCover by Scott HamptonIn this all-new 6-issue miniseries, Nemesis awakens to find himself held captive by the Global Peace Agency inside the walls of the mysterious Electric City. His fellow prisoners are all members of the superhuman intelligence community, and they’re subjected to systematic torture in an attempt to siphon the secrets of the DC Universe heroes in an effort to destroy them. As Nemesis works to escape, he finds few people he can truly trust. But nothing could prepare him for the hideous truth behind his situation!On sale May 13 • 1 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: DANCE #1 Written by Joe CaseyArt by ChrisCrossCover by Stanley “Artgerm” LauJapan’s Super Young Team wants nothing more than to be seen as

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: INK #1 Written by Eric WallaceArt by Fabrizio FiorentinoCover by Brian StelfreezeIn the wake of FINAL CRISIS, the Tattooed Man is considered a hero for the first time in his life. At first, the rewards from his new lifestyle are a welcome change from the rest of what his existence has been, but soon the pressure to stay above temptation and evil start to wear him down. Matters are quickly complicated when he wakes up in the middle of the night to find his body covered in unfamiliar tattoos that seem to have a life of their own. In this 6-issue miniseries from newcomer writer Eric Wallace (TV’s Eureka) and artist Fabrizio Fiorentino, the Tattooed Man finds himself in the middle of a life and death struggle with his own powers and the master plan they seem to have for him – whether he likes it or not!On sale May 27 • 1 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Jim: Four six issue mini-series tied to Final Crisis all with single word names which give no hint of what the title is about. Oh I will try all four, but I just think that this is a horrible way to try and play off the “success” of Final Crisis.
Lee: What luck! I’m not going to try a single one. If they’re any good they will be collected in a trade. And, if they cross over into another series or mini-series then I can skip. I’m sick of the interconnected-ness that stops you from every getting a story in one place.
Gwen: Honestly the only one I consider to be remotely interesting is Ink as the Tattooed Man became a slightly more interesting character during Resist.
BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #3 Written by Tony DanielArt by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea Covers by Tony Daniel With the destruction of Arkham Asylum, the return of the Black Mask, and dozens of Gotham City’s most lethal villains rioting through the streets, Nightwing, Robin and their allies seem to have their hands full. But when you add a deadly Jason Todd masquerading as a gun-toting Batman to the mix, things have definitely spiraled out of control!This is the issue everyone’s been waiting for – find out who wins the Battle for the Cowl! Who earns the right to take on the mantle of the Bat? Will it be Robin? Jason Todd? Nightwing? Azrael? Catwoman? Two-Face? Damian Wayne? Batwoman? Or someone completely unexpected? This 3-issue series continues to shock and surprise as the battle comes to a

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL – THE NETWORK #1 Written by Fabian Nicieza Art by Don KramerCover by Ladrönn A wave of heroes arrive in Gotham City in this one-shot with hopes of helping stem the tide of chaos threatening to overwhelm everybody! Starring Huntress, Batgirl, Misfit, Ragman, Manhunter and many others. Will these heroes succeed – or will they be victims of Gotham City's madness? And if they do succeed, what does the future hold for them?On sale May 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
GOTHAM GAZETTE: BATMAN ALIVE? #1Written by Fabian NiciezaArt by Dustin Nguyen, Guillem March, Jamie McKelvie, ChrisCross and Alex KonatCover by Dustin NguyenA city looking to rise up. A new Dark Knight is casting his shadow until dawn's early light. A cop looking to solve a murder whose solution may be worse than the crime. A reporter who can reclaim her social standing only by rejecting everything she believes in. A doctor who has found new life by compromising her old one. One hero who has determined a course of action no matter whose plans it spoils.Harvey Bullock. Vicki Vale. Dr. Leslie Thompkins. Stephanie Brown. These four ordinary people living extraordinary lives look to regain their balance in a city that turns lives upside down. Morning comes to Gotham City and the time for mourning has passed. How do the people of Gotham City deal with the sudden arrival of hope? Find out in this new one-shot!On sale May 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
AZRAEL: DEATH’S DARK KNIGHT #3 Written by Fabian Nicieza Art by Frazer Irving Cover by Guillem MarchIf murder and suicide are sins before God, then what if you were asked to kill in the name of God and by doing so, it would ultimately kill you? To reclaim his damaged soul, to redeem the mistakes of his past and to make a difference in a Gotham City that has been torn apart by the death of The Dark Knight, Azrael must make a fateful decision – become a hero and die, serving in Heaven or reject the opportunity and live, damned to suffer in Hell.And while large issues of life and death, morality and eternal salvation are weighed, Azrael must also

ORACLE #3 Written by Kevin VanHookArt by Julian Lopez & BitCover by Guillem MarchThe remnants of Anti-Life are within the Calculator’s grasp, and he will kill anyone who stands in his way! Will the Calculator be able to save the life of his daughter? Or will Oracle stop him from killing more Internet hackers? Either way, someone dies and someone gains ultimate knowledge…but at what price? Be here for the stunning conclusion that will change Oracle and the Birds of Prey forever!On sale May 13 • 3 of 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Jim: This is the way you do an event. Regardless of the fact that I dislike this type of stunt and think the “Battle for the Cowl” is a bad concept, as a Batman fan I’m hooked into trying out this material. Also I’m not even that upset as Batman, Detective, Birds of Prey, Nightwing and Robin has all been canceled or put on hiatus for this event, the net increase in spending is minimal. Also the books are only $2.99 and as DC seems to actually not try to rape us as much as Marvel I will try more of their books out then I will Marvel.
Lee: I’ll wait and see/hear the reviews before I get excited about this. It is more contained but I’m not sure I care that much about the Batman universe right now.
Gwen: I'll agree with Jim, in the way that I'm interested because I'm a Batman fan. Still, I have a sense of impending doom about the whole idea of people fighting to be Batman =/

Jim: And see even if Bruce is gone forever we can always have stories like this about Bruce from times past. On another note, Mark Waid is everywhere right now. Editor in Chief of Boom, writing Batman and Spider-Man books, launching multiple series for BOOM, does the guy ever sleep?
Lee: I guess that’s one way to keep Bruce around. I wonder how long this has been sitting in a drawer.
Gwen: Yay! Mark Waid writing a Batman story - looks like fun.

Jim: I love this book, but I picked it because Paul Gulacy is doing the art. His stylized artwork is very distinctive and I have only seen one artist come close to his style and that was Matt (Zero Killer) Camp. This should be an interesting take on Jonah.
Lee: I can’t believe that this series is still around. That’s the most amazing part.
Gwen: I've never really gotten into Jonah Hex.

Jim: Wow, Gerry Conway, that is a blast from the past. I read an interview with him not that long ago (I believe) where he said he did not have any desire to write comics anymore, wonder what changed. Not sure if he is the right choice to bring Buddy back into the mainstream.
Lee: Wow. Talk about not caring at all. Animal floundered so badly after Morrison left because no one knew what to do with the character. Heck, no one knows what to do with him now. But, with the series set in the future, maybe it’ll be a good Elseworlds story.
Gwen: Why is this set in the future? Is this in fact an Elseworlds? If it's not it should be.

On sale May 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Jim: I like Power Girl, but giving the book to Amanda Conner as the artist is a bad choice. She is a good artist, but has a lighter tone to her work and happy go lucky super hero work does not sell.
Lee: At least once a review I end up asking “there was demand for this???.” How about we cancel this series and fix Supergirl first. The last thing we need to two poorly written girl books.
Gwen: I don't think this is a girl book - Power Girl doesn't appeal to a lot of female fans. I get thrown off by the costume as it makes me think she's a character designed for men.

SUPERMAN: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW? DELUXE EDITION HC Written by Alan MooreArt by Dave Gibbons, Curt Swan & George Perez, Kurt Schaffenberger, Murphy Anderson and Rick Veitch & Al WilliamsonCover by Brian BollandLegendary writer Alan Moore’s seminal Superman issues are collected in this Deluxe Edition hardcover featuring beautiful art from Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), Curt Swan (ACTION COMICS) and Rick Veitch (SWAMP THING)! Collects the two-part “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” from SUPERMAN #423 and ACTION COMICS #583 as Superman faces his greatest foes and his final battle! Also featuring the classic story “For the Man who has Everything” from ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11 where Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman fight the evil warlord Mongul for the fate of The Man of Steel. And in DC COMICS PRESENTS #85, Superman meets Swamp Thing, a character fans have identified with Moore for over 20 years!Advance-solicited; on sale July 8 • 7 1/16" x 10 7/8", 128 pg, FC, $24.99 US
Jim: I will pick up both of these, but I really wanted more DVD extras in the books, like the scripts and for Batman Kubert’s sketchbook.
Lee: I’ll pass on the Batman and get the Superman. I already have it in trade but it’s really good so I’ll upgrade.
Gwen: These look like nice collections.

Jim: Oh I have to read this, but shouldn’t this have come out when Morrison was writing RIP. I still have a problem having to research old comics to understand what is going on in the story.
Lee: Since I didn’t read RIP, this is a very easy pass.
Gwen: I didn't really like RIP that much either but these stories look like they could be interesting.

Jim: DC is saving money for me as much of this material I have in other hard cover collections that are better quality, so I can pass on this book.
Lee: I do like that DC has this new series but I’m waiting until they get into the silverage material. It’s fine for what it is but, like Jim, I have it in other formats.
Gwen: Jim has this so I'm good.

The second Archive collecting adventures from WORLD'S FINEST COMICS is here, with stories from issues #17-32 (1945-1948)! Don't miss The Man of Tomorrow's unforgettable battles with The Toyman, Lex Luthor and others!Advance-solicited; on sale October 28 • 224 pages, FC, $59.99 US
Jim: Again an easy pass as these is obscure material from an era that no one ever talks about, so I sure as heck won’t pay $60 for it.
Lee: I hate to point out that anything from 1940-60 should be considered obscure material. It’s fun material but the $60 price point is beyond me for a lark.
Gwen: I don't know if "unforgettable" was the right term for battles I've never heard of.
Jim: Perhaps "forgettable", but that was not a big selling point.

Jim: If I did not pick it Lee would have, assassins as rock star band members. Lee will opine how this validates his idea that music and comics are tied together, while it is just people having love of two forms of entertainment and combining them – no mystical connection.
Lee: Actually, I’m wonder which series will finish first, this or Wolvie v. Hulk. Hairsine hasn’t made a deadline yet so I hope the books done now otherwise it never will be.
Gwen: This looks like something we'll be carrying at Spencers!

Jim: Oh this sounds like the best new release of the month. Carey is in his element with this premise and Peter Gross is a strong artist. Plus a 40 page debut for a BUCK! What a great deal.
Lee: This should be really, really good. Hopefully, this is a sign of Vertigo’s return to greatness.
Gwen: This sounds bizarre but with Mike Carey it'll be worth giving a shot.

Jim: DC solicited a similar book as a deluxe format for $40 and now wants to add two stories already in what is classified as a companion volume (Absolute Sandman). No way am I buying this even as a gift for someone.
Lee: Didn’t get the absolute Sandman books. Won’t be getting this one either.
Gwen: It's cool Jim, I already have the Death stories in HC.

Jim: I was checking this book out doing a little research on the creator and I’m buying this puppy. It looks like it has a lot of potential.
Lee: I love Lemire’s work. The Essex Country Trilogy is one of the best series of the last few years. I’m in.
Gwen: Let me know what you guys think. Maybe I'll steal it from Jim's shelf next time I'm in MD.

Jim: Michael Wm. Kaluta doing five issues of this book, there is a god. His covers here and there many moons ago is what made this character so compelling. If Amy needs a break there is no drop off with Mr. Kaluta. I can’t wait.
Lee: I read this in trades so I’ll read it around Christmas.
Gwen: I still prefer Amy's work, but this art is gorgeous too. I love this series.

Lee: Forget the neon signs, the rings have arrived. Dollar says at least one guy is wearing all eight rings at San Diego this year!!!
Jim: The guy wearing all eight rings also has a Special Olympics medal around his neck.
Gwen: $250 and you're not even supposed to wear it?
WOMEN OF THE DC UNIVERSE: MERA BUST DESIGNED BY TERRY DODSONSCULPTED

Lee: There is NO WAY that Terry Dodson designed this. The... sculptures are way to small. If Dodson had designed this then... things... would have been bigger. Like Powergirl bigger!
Jim: Then she would not have been able to stay under water and would have floated up and died. Who wants a rotting fish smell.
Gwen: ......

Figures included:Green Arrow • 6.25” hBatman • 6.25” hThe Flash • 6.25” hSuperman • 6.25” h
Jim: Worse looking faces on an action figures almost ever. Plus these are way over done.
Lee: When you say “these are way over done,” you do realize you’re talking about action figures right????
Gwen: Oh good, action figures Jim isn't getting!
JLA MINI NEON SIGN Decorate your home or store with

Jim: Oh joy yet another mini neon sign. At least all the fans living in basements should have some more light in their rooms now.
Lee: But, it’s good to know that if I collect neon signs there will be lots of options out there for me.
Gwen: Why do we keep putting these up?
Jim: A lot of new mini-series for me to check out, but just a little bit in the hard cover arena and DC has so much great stuff to publish why are they doing so many reruns (Death of Ferro Lad and Flash of Two Worlds)?
Lee: Here’s a bad sign, it’s February (as this was written) and 2009 is already smearing together into one big lump. I bet there’s more of the same old-same old next month.
Gwen: I can't help but be afraid of how much my Bat books are going to suck if they screw up this Battle for the Cowl thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment