What I’m Getting Wednesday May 13

There are two things lately that I find annoying in comics and disrespectful to the fans. The first thing is DC and sometimes Marvel do not communicate directly with the fans of a book in a specific title. The second issue is I never see a publisher or even the “newsites” covering comics that get pulled from the publishing schedule of publishers other then DC or Marvel.

With DC and Marvel what I’m looking for is an introduction of a new series. Last week Power Girl and New Mutants started. I used to enjoy the one page introduction at the end by the writer saying stuff about why this series and why now, some hints of thinks to come and other stuff like that. With both of these series a quick bio of what had been going in the characters life would have been nice. At least Marvel still does a letters page in some comics and in a book like Ghost Rider the writer was often answering the e-mails which can give a sense to the reader that someone actually cares about communicating with the people buying the book. The internet interviews are great, but they are not always title specific.

With many of the smaller companies, I understand that your sales sucked and you can’t afford to work on a book that is not paying you, but then talk to us via the solicitations, those internet interviews or something and be honest. None of this, the book is going on hiatus. Say the book is being shelved for right now and down the road if we get the time and money we will try again. Or say flat out, this project is dead for us as we have to focus on jobs they are making money. That way as a fan of your work I will not feel cheated. Rick Remender recently was so straight forward about his creator owned work (once he signed as an exclusive Marvel writer) that I now do not have to wonder what will happen I know what is planned for those series.

Communication and within the context of the book I’m reading is appreciated and don’t force me to try and find the information elsewhere.

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

BPRD Black Goddess #5 (of 5) – The conclusion of this arc and with it I believe we are very close to a major ending for this series. Not that it feels like it is over, but the main story line they have been working towards is getting closer and closer to an end. I hope BPRD gets the same hard cover treatment Hellboy is getting from Dark Horse. The hype “Trapped between a mad prophet and an apocalyptic battle, Abe, Kate, and Johann must determine the price of their souls as they decide where their loyalties lie-and whether the life of a friend is more valuable than the fate of the world. Mike Mignola, John Arcudi, and Guy Davis bring B.P.R.D.: The Black Goddess to a stunning conclusion, with a twist that will shake the worlds of B.P.R.D. agents and readers alike.”

Echo #12 – This is just flat out a great series and I look forward to every chapter. Terry Moore has crafted a wonderful science fiction adventure with characterization that is second to none in any entertainment medium. The word “(W/A) Terry Moore Julie and Dillon encounter a government employee who claims to have a considerable amount of Beta Suit fragments he will give to her in exchange for... well, that's the problem: his price. Expect the unexpected when Julie meets her first 'fanboy' in Echo #12!”

Guerillas #4 (of 8) – See an interview with creator Brahm Revel here. This series was on an announced hiatus and that is one of the things that make it easier to wait for the next chapter as the creator communicates with their fans. An absolutely fun series and a great read about chimpanzees and the Viet Nam war. What’s inside “Clayton and the Chimps come across a VC village and decide to clear it. Meanwhile Adolf and the other platoon are hot on their tails and gaining fast. Will this be the delay they need to finally catch the Chimps? Find out in the next action-packed issue of GUERILLAS!”

I Kill Giants TP – Simply one of the best human interest stories I have read in comics. It is about a young girl coming to terms with her mother dying and how it impacts her and how she projects a fantasy world over top her reality. This book should win an Eisner for best mini-series. The company line “story JOE KELLYart & cover J.M. KEN NIIMURA. Barbara Thorson, a girl battling monsters both real and imagined, kicks butt, takes names, and faces her greatest fear in the bittersweet coming-of-age story.”

Showcase Presents Martian Manhunter TP Volume 2 – Perhaps one of the biggest miscarriages of justice ever that DC has not republished this as an absolute edition as within these pages we meet Zook. Who is Zook you might ask, while simply the greatest sidekick every created in comic books. Found out more about Zook, here, here and here. Zook was the craziest idea ever and I have only read a few adventures featuring Zook and cannot wait to read more of this madness in this volume. I want a Zook action figure. If the Composite Superman who appeared in two issues of World’s Finest gets a figure how about Zook (you know Streaky the Super Cat, Krypto and Beppo all have been made). This volume contains “Written by Jack Miller and others; Art and Cover by Joe Certa. The 1960s adventures of J'onn J'onzz are collected in this new volume featuring stories from DETECTIVE COMICS #305-326 and HOUSE OF MYSTERY #143-173!”

Storming Paradise #5 (of 6) – I thought maybe this series died, but Wildstom is finally getting out #5 and hopefully #6 shortly after. A great what if we had not bombed Japan story. The publisher speaks “Written by Chuck Dixon; Art by Butch Guice and Rick Burchett; Cover by Butch Guice. As American forces move further inland, the resistance grows more and more fierce. Far from the chaos of the front, a secret is uncovered that may turn the tide against the U.S. as the Third Reich strikes a final, surprising blow from the grave.”

The Unknown #1 (of 4) - Another new Waid series from BOOM. If this book is ¼ as good as Irredeemable it will be twice as good as many, many books on the stands. Trying to solve the unsolvable is a tough premise and a challenging story to present. BOOM says “She has solved every mystery known to man. But there is one mystery that remains… UNKNOWN! Revered as the smartest person alive, Catherine Allingham is the world’s most famous private investigator. Follow her adventures as she sets out to solve the one mystery she’s never been able to crack! A new original mini-series from Mark (KINGDOM COME) Waid in the vein of RUSE with international superstar Minck Oosterveer.”

The Unthinkable #1 (of 4) - Another new BOOM series. I love the premise that we have a think tank that comes up with ways to attack America so we can prepare for it and then the stuff starts to happen. The potential for this is really high and I’m looking forward to issue #1. The unbelievable hype “They’ve been hired to think the UNTHINKABLE. But what happens when the unthinkable actually happens? After 9-11, best-selling author Alan Ripley joins a government think tank consisting of the most imaginative minds in diverse fields. Their job? Think of nightmare scenarios and crippling terrorist attacks so the government can safeguard against them. But what happens when the think tank folds, and the attacks start to happen? Find out in this new mini-series from hot writer Mark (TWO-FACE YEAR ONE, CYBORG) Sable and rising talent Julian Totino Tedesco.”

The Unwritten #1 – A new Vertigo series by writer Mike Carey is an automatic for me to try out and the first issue is a $1. What are the odds that for one week would have three new comics with “Un” starting the title. The solicitation text “Written by Mike Carey ; Art by Peter Gross ; Cover by Yuko Shimizu. Everyone's read the Tommy Taylor books, the popular series of novels turned pop culture phenomenon about a boy wizard's adventures. And everyone knows about Tom Taylor, the boy the novels were based on, whose life was so overshadowed by his Dad's fictional epic that Tom's become a lame Z-level celebrity at best and a human viral marketing tool at worst.But what if the resemblance goes even deeper? What if Tom is the boy-wizard of the books made flesh? And if that sounds crazy, why is it bringing him into the crosshairs of an ancient faction that has never been named in any book or text? To discover the truth about himself, Tom must search through all the places in history where fiction and reality have intersected. And in the process, he'll learn more about that unwritten cabal and the plot they're at the center of –– a plot that spans all of literature from the first clay tablets to the gothic castles where Frankenstein was conceived to the self-adjusting stories of the internet. A conspiracy mystery a la The Da Vinci Code, THE UNWRITTEN is the eagerly anticipated reunion of Mike Carey (X-Men, HELLBLAZER) and Peter Gross (FABLES, Chosen) – the team behind the multiple Eisner-nominated LUCIFER. Acclaimed artist Yuko Shimizu (SANDMAN: DREAM HUNTERS) joins the duo on covers, and the series kicks off with a 4-issue opening storyarc with the extra-sized 40-page debut promo-priced at only $1.00!”

The rest of the list:

Action Comics #877 - Written by Greg Rucka; Art by Eddy Barrows and Ruy José; Cover by Andrew Robinson. Nightwing and Flamebird have beaten back Ursa's first assault. But Round Two is about to begin! Forget brutal – now it gets personal.

Azrael Death’s Dark Knight #3 (of 3) - Written by Fabian Nicieza; Art by Frazer Irving; Cover by Guillem March. If 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 confront the two parties interested in regaining the Suit of Sorrows: Talia al Ghul and Nightwing!

Batman Confidential #29- Written by Andrew Kreisberg; Art by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens; Cover by Stephane Roux. "Bad Cop" part 1 of 2. In this sequel to the recent Joker story in BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #22-25, the Gotham City police officer tortured by The Joker's maniacal actions has joined the villain in madness. Now he stalks the streets of Gotham as Batman's latest rogue.

Booster Gold #20 - Written by Keith Giffen; Art and cover by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund. Guest-writer Keith Giffen buckles up and steps into the timestream to take Booster Gold back to the Cold War! When the space race heats up between the United States and Russia, Booster must save the lives of four astronauts before their rocket goes red!

Dark Reign Hawkeye #2 (of 5) - Bullseye cuts loose in this DARK REIGN tie-in! Reporter Ben Urich investigates a brutal massacre that has all the hallmarks of the notorious assassin Bullseye. But can Urich connect the murders to the Dark Avenger known as Hawkeye? Norman Osborn must bring H.A.M.M.E.R. down to hide the awful truth before it tears the team apart—and poisons the Avengers’ noble legacy forever! The killer creative team of Andy Diggle (THUNDERBOLTS) and Tom Raney (SECRET INVASION: INHUMANS) spins the spotlight on one of Marvel’s most controversial characters!

Fables #84 - Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges ; Art by Tony Akins and Andrew Pepoy; Cover by Joao Ruas. Disgusted with recent events in his own book, Jack Horner quits his own series, returns to FABLES in a big way and tries to pick up his on-again off-again romance with Rose Red while she's at her most vulnerable. But Jack Horner isn't the only wandering Jack who shows up at the Farm. In the meantime, Kevin Thorn is still safely ensconced in his writing retreat and about to start over on the universe, which would mean writing everything that currently exists out of existence!

Final Crisis Aftermath Escape #1 (of 6) - Written by Ivan Brandon; Art by Marco Rudi; Cover by Scott Hampton. In 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!

Gravel #11 - Combat Magician William Gravel is getting a bit out of his depth in this second story arc of his ongoing series! Someone's lying to William Gravel. Usually, when that happens, they die horribly soon after. But Gravel is now one of the kings of magic in Britain, and the liar is one of his peers - someone he could not possibly kill. Someone who could very possibly kill him. Not the best time for Gravel to bump into an old enemy - whom he's actually never met! He never did find the person behind a very strange prostitution operation he was obliged to close down in Los Angeles a few years ago. Someone who was selling some Stranger Kisses to very powerful people. A very bad time for William Gravel to be targeted by a kill-team of prime gunmen from California.

Green Lantern Corps #36 - Written by Peter J. Tomasi; Art and cover by Patrick Gleason and Rebecca Buchman; Variant Cover by Rodolfo Migliari. Prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT! The penultimate chapter of "Emerald Eclipse" arrives as the sciencell riot runs rampant. Oa burns as the War of Lights rages within. Many sectors away, Sodam Yat must make the ultimate sacrifice as he attempts to save the xenophobic people of his native world Daxam.

House of Mystery #13 - Written by Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham and Chris Roberson; Art by Neal Adams, Ralph Reese, Sergio Aragones and Eric Powell; Cover by Esao Andrews. For its landmark 13th issue, HOUSE OF MYSTERY presents a special anthology featuring four separate stories written by Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham and novelist Chris Roberson. This issue features the unique visuals of four artists including Neal Adams, Ralph Reese and Sergio Aragones, as well as a painted tale by Eric Powell (The Goon). Each story pays homage to that unluckiest of numbers. – Landmark 13th issue – Please that's a landmark?

Howling Commados #1- 'SHOTGUN OPERA'-Nothing less than the fate of the free world is at stake as Sgt. Nick Fury leads the Howling Commandos on their most dangerous mission ever! SHOTGUN OPERA sets the stage for the harrowing events of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's best-selling Captain America : White. After parachuting deep into enemy-held Yugoslavia, Fury, Dum Dum, Izzy, Reb, Gabe, and Pinky Pinkerton need every bullet and grenade in the Allied armory as they are chased by Tiger tanks, strafed by screaming Stukas, betrayed by beautiful babes, and forced into gladiatorial combat against Baron Strucker's diabolical war machine: PANZER MAX! Brought to you by the team of Jesse Alexander (HEROES, LOST, ALIAS) and John Paul Leon (EARTH X), HOWLING COMMANDOES is a must-have for all Fury Fans, Cap Completists, and anyone who likes war comics that take no prisoners, show no mercy, and cry havoc! WA-HOO!

Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #1 (of 4) - And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes were unaware of a threat greater than all of them could handle. And on that day, a teleporting puppy scoured the world to assemble a team of animals to fight the foes no single beast could withstand! Strap on your collar and hop on-board the adventures of LOCKJAW, LOCKHEED, REDWING, HAIRBALL, and an all-new FROG THOR! - No Monkey?

Oracle #3 (of 3) - Written by Kevin VanHook; Art by Julian Lopez and Bit; Cover by Guillem March. The 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!

Punisher Frank Castle #70 - “SIX HOURS TO KILL, CONCLUSION” Crime novelist Duane Swierczynski’s violently pulpy arc “Six Hours to Kill” ends here! Frank Castle has been abducted, poisoned, beaten, shot, strangled, stabbed and quadruple-crossed in the City of Brotherly Love. And oh, he’s got about a half hour left to live due to the slow-acting poison in his bloodstream. Can the Punisher summon the last bit of strength he needs to unravel the conspiracy that’s torn the city apart over the past five hours…or will he be wasted away on the streets of Philadelphia?

Rebels #4 - Written by Tony Bedard ; Art by Claude St. Aubin and Scott Hanna; Cover by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter. The stakes grow higher as the galaxy's new would-be conqueror stands revealed. Dox and the Omega Men each plot their next steps while the alien Khunds and Dominators get involved against the rising mysterious threat to their galaxies. Believe us, the last page of this issue will blow even Dox's mind!

Secret Six #9 - Written by Gail Simone; Art by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood; Cover by Nicola Scott. Not one, but two members of the Secret Six feel they deserve to wear Batman's cowl, and they return to Gotham City with a semi-delusional Ragdoll determined to be the new Boy Wonder! Unfortunately, everybody in Gotham has other plans!

Secret Warriors #4 - The most talked about new Marvel series rolls on as we find out the answer to the question: What happened to all the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Plus, Daisy Johnson recruits a new member to replace a fallen comrade, the kids spy on Nick Fury and we follow the Colonel as he starts his one man war against the endless hordes of HYDRA.

Stormwatch PHD #21 - Written by Ian Edginton; Art and cover by Leandro Fernández and Francisco Paronzini. Battered and hunted, Stormwatch is doing everything it can to save those that survived the recent cataclysm. When confronted with the knowledge that humanity could become extinct, Jackson makes a decision that may sacrifice one of his own – and may make him guilty of genocide! In this issue, humanity is pushed to the brink. . . and beyond.

Titans #13 - Written by Sean McKeever; Art by Howard Porter; Cover by Andrew Robinson. "Deathtrap" part 4! The Titans, Vigilante and now the Teen Titans all get roped into Jericho's insane plot. Can their combined forces halt their foe's master plan? This riveting crossover concludes in VIGILANTE #6!

Trinity #50 - Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza; Art by Mark Bagley and Art Thibert, Mike Norton and Ande Parks, Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens and Tom Derenick and Wayne Faucher; Covers by Jim Lee and Scott Williams and Mark Bagley and John Dell. The final showdown. The world hasn't just been changed, it's been destroyed. Can the Trinity still save the day? Not if Morgaine le Fey and Krona have anything to say about it. Answers, revelations and more come fast and furious in the mother of all action finales! Guest-starring just about everyone and featuring a final cover by TRINITY interior artist Mark Bagley!

Ultimate Spider-Man #132 - ULTIMATUM HAS TAKEN OVER THE WORLD!! Spider-Man IS MISSING!! Friends are enemies and enemies are friends as tensions mount to insane proportions. And yes, your eyes do not deceive you: MJ versus Kitty... to the death!!! (well, they slap each other a little).

Umbrella Academy Dallas #6 (of 6) - The chaos into which the members of the Umbrella Academy have been thrown in an effort to -- what else? -- save the world, becomes even more disordered! In the conclusion to the series' second arc, one of the team commits a bizarre murder, and the brothers and sisters reach their boiling points. Family tensions were high between the siblings when they were a united force, but now they've begun to turn on one another . . . Winner of the 2008 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series, and the 2008 Harvey Award for Best New Series, for the first arc of The Umbrella Academy, "Apocalypse Suite", "Dallas" continues the excellence teaming Gerard Way, multi-award winning artist Gabriel Bá, and colorist Dave Stewart.

Walking Dead #61 - Salvation?

War of Kings Ascension #2 (of 4) - Who are the Raptors? What have they done to Darkhawk? What is their connection to the Shi’Ar and the larger Marvel cosmos? The acclaimed creative team behind NOVA unveils more secrets and revelations about characters that will play key roles in WAR OF KINGS!

Wolverine #73 - TWO STORIES over TWO ISSUES! Each tale begins in WOLVERINE #73 and concludes in #74...as the WOLVERINE comic book makes a change you won't believe...'A DAY IN THE LIFE' PARTS 1 AND 2-Superstar WOLVERINE artist ADAM KUBERT returns, joined by superstar WOLVERINE writer JASON AARON! Experience a day in the life for America's favorite mutant-a day packed with action, women, villains, costume changes and beer. Ever wonder why Logan keeps himself so busy these days? The answer lies within.'ONE PERCENTER' PARTS 1 AND 2-Meanwhile, WOLVERINE: ORIGINS writer DANIEL WAY is joined by MARVEL 1985's TOMMY LEE EDWARDS in a prelude to DARK WOLVERINE! Logan wants to get the hell out of New York, and he's in no hurry to get back to San Francisco, either. So he gets on a motorcycle and takes the long way home. But home for Logan isn't in a secret underground headquarters-it's in a fight, with his hands wrapped around the neck of somebody who's got it coming.

X-Factor #43 - X-Factor draws one step closer to determining who is targeting former mutants for death...but the answer may wind up hitting too close to home. Meanwhile, Cyclops has a very particular mission that could spell the end for Madrox and his new partner. And Rictor finds himself in a battle to the death with...nah. Why ruin the surprise?

A huge week in pure comics, but it should be a solid and entertaining week. Not only am I working on my purge, but it makes reading the books a better experience if everything I buy is of a higher quality. At $4 a crack there is no room for to wait for a book to get good again or to care about following a character’s adventures. A book has to now cut it on story, art and characters. Every week I'm looking for Best books and I'm looking for books to chop off the list.