What I’m Getting Wednesday July 15

So Saturday (July 11) we had our big party at our house and I have to say that it was a blast. We had friends and family from all areas in my wife’s and mine life and invited everyone. The party ran from 1PM to whenever. This is a preamble to why I have no rant as I’m still recovering from the event. I need energy to generate a rant and being burnt out I have no rant this week. For those of you who came, we hope you enjoyed yourselves and those of you who did not come, you were missed.

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

Blackest Night #1 (of 8) – Loved that the prologue last week was so good and now what has to be considered the biggest event of the year begins. The hype “Written by Geoff Johns; Art and cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert. Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis raise the dead in the most anticipated comics story of the year! Throughout the decades, death has plagued the DC Universe and taken the lives of heroes and villains alike. But to what end? As the War of Light rages on, the prophecy of the Blackest Night descends upon us, with Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps at the center of it all.Don't miss this 8-issue epic taking the DCU beyond the grave!”

Creepy Comics #1 – Dark Horse is bringing back the horror anthology. I’m excited to see this as anthologies are notoriously difficult, but Dark Horse would be the publisher to pull it off. The word “What's black and white and clawing its way onto your reading list? It's the newly resurrected Creepy, of course! Now, don't fret, my putrid pets -- these new terror tales are cut from the same cursed cloth as the outlandish originals, telling contemporary horror stories with gorgeously ghoulish art from a lineup that'll make you lose your head! Original Creepy artist Angelo Torres teams up with devilish Dan Braun on "Hell Hound Blues"; Michael Woods and artist Saskia Gutekunst serve up a dose of "Chemical 13"; Neil Kleid and Brian Churilla provide "All the Help You Need" at a weird weight-loss camp; and jaundiced Jason Shawn Alexander brings his phenomenal painting skills to Joe Harris's "The Curse"! Plus Bernie Wrightson, the return of "Loathsome Lore," and more. All this, plus one classic story from Uncle Creepy's dank dungeon, and you've got 48 freakish pages of terror to bring home to mummy!”

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep #1 (of 24) – Just for attempting to do this BOOM deserves all sorts of credits. I have never read the Phillip K. Dick story, but I love that BOOM is doing this type of adaptation right. BOOM says “THE BOOK THAT INSPIRED THE FILM BLADE RUNNER COMES TO BOOM with backmatter by Warren Ellis! Worldwide best-selling sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick’s award-winning DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? has been called “a masterpiece ahead of its time, even today” and served as the basis for the film BLADE RUNNER. BOOM! Studios is honored to present the complete novel transplanted into the comic book medium, mixing all new panel-to-panel continuity with the actual text from the novel in an innovative, ground-breaking 24-issue maxi-series experiment!”

Scalped #30 – This series continues to impress. It is one of the best (if not the best) series out there. I have loaned the trades out and hooked people. Anyone who reads the first three trades is a fan. What’s inside “Written by Jason Aaron; Art by R.M. Guéra; Cover by Jock. It's the start of a pivotal new arc! In part 1 of "The Gnawing," the already strung-out and paranoid Dash Bad Horse feels the noose tighten around his neck even more as Chief Red Crow begins to search for the undercover FBI agent in his midst. Meanwhile, the death of another character sets the reservation on the road to all-out war.”

Wednesday Comics #2 (of 12) – Loved issue #1. 15 strips, the old Sunday comic pages size, great stories, strong creative talent, flat out a winner and has to one of DC’s more daring projects and it is a success in my book. This week “Various Writers and Artists.In July, DC Comics gives a fresh twist to a grand comics tradition with WEDNESDAY COMICS, a new, weekly 12-issue series by some of the greatest names in comics today! WEDNESDAY COMICS is unique in modern comics history: Reinventing the classic weekly newspaper comics section, it is a 16-page weekly that unfolds to a sprawling 28" x 20" tabloid-sized reading experience bursting with mind-blowing color, action and excitement, with each feature on its own 14" x 20" page. Spearheaded by DCU Editorial Art Director Mark Chiarello, whose past editing credits include BATMAN BLACK and WHITE, DC: THE NEW FRONTIER and SOLO, each page of WEDNESDAY COMICS spotlights the continuing adventures of DC heroes.”

The rest of the list:

Action Comics #879 - Written by Greg Rucka; co-feature written by James Robinson and Rucka; Art by Fernando Dagnino and Raúl Fernandez; co-feature Art by Cafu; Cover by Andrew Robinson. So far, Nightwing and Flamebird's mission of apprehending Zod's sleeper agents has gone fairly smoothly. But then they met Az-Rel and Nadira Va-Dim. Now the "Bonnie and Clyde of Krypton" have turned the tables on Earth's newest protectors. The race to prevent war with New Krypton may be over before it's even begun! And it's all in preparation for next month's crossover event in the SUPERMAN books! Plus: The debut of the Captain Atom co-feature written by Greg Rucka (DETECTIVE COMICS) and James Robinson (STARMAN), the writers of SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON! Where has Captain Atom been all this time? And is he back on the side of good – or still on the side of evil? Find out here in an adventure featuring Art by Cafu (VIXEN: RETURN OF THE LION).

Agents of Atlas #8 - Jimmy Woo picks a bad time (or maybe a GREAT time) to leave on a personal mission with M-11-- when one of ATLAS' operations comes across something BIG and GREEN and out of control! The Atomic Age heroes meet the original gamma ray giant and learn the meaning of HULK SMASH!!

All Select Comics 70th Anniversary Special – Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM & MICHAEL KUPPERMAN Art by JAVIER PULIDO & MICHAEL KUPPERMAN Cover by RUSS HEATH. Meet Blonde Phantom – she’s gorgeous, quick-witted, and hard-boiled. There was never a case that wasn’t open-and-shut for this gun-toting, two-fisted knockout of a P.I. But has she still got what it takes to bust a mystery wide open in the modern Marvel Universe? Marc Guggenheim (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and Javier Pulido (Captain America 65TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL) turn the classic Blonde Phantom into Marvel’s newest hero! AND MORE! Writer/artist Michael Kupperman (Tales Designed to Thrizzle) takes on Marvex, the Super-Robot, in a hilarious bonus special feature!!

Batman Streets of Gotham #2 - Written by Paul Dini; co-feature written by Marc Andreyko; Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs; co-feature Art by Georges Jeanty and Karl Story; Cover by Dustin Nguyen. In this second issue by the dynamic duo of Paul Dini (DETECTIVE COMICS) and Dustin Nguyen (BATMAN), Commissioner Gordon teams with the new Batman to combat the fiery threat that Firefly has spread across Gotham City. And to make matters worse, the mysterious adversary known only as Abuse makes his presence felt! Meanwhile, in the Manhunter co-feature, now that Kate Spencer is the new District Attorney of Gotham City, will she use her legal power or her Super Hero identity to find the killer of the previous D.A.?

Batman Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader HC - Written by Neil Gaiman ; Art by Andy Kubert and Scott Williams, Mark Buckingham, Bernie Mireault and Matt Wagner and Simon Bisley ; Cover by Andy Kubert and Scott Williams. Best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) joins a murderer's row of talented artists in lending his unique touch to the Batman mythos for this Deluxe Edition hardcover! Spotlighting the story "Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?" from BATMAN #685 and DETECTIVE COMICS #852 in which Gaiman joins artist Andy Kubert and inker Scott Williams for a story that shines a new light on the Batman mythos. Also collects Gaiman stories from SECRET ORIGINS #36, SECRET ORIGINS SPECIAL #1 and BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE #2. This collection is not to be missed!

Blackest Night Tales of the Corps #1 (of 3) - Written by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi; Art by Rags Morales, Chris Sprouse, Ivan Reis, Doug Mahnke and others; Covers by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter. In this 3-issue miniseries, writers Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi (GREEN LANTERN CORPS) reveal the secrets behind the Lanterns of BLACKEST NIGHT! Bear witness to Blue Lantern Saint Walker's pilgrimage of hope, Star Sapphire Carol Ferris' sacrifice for love, Green Lantern Kilowog's courageous beginnings, Red Lantern Vice's source of rage, Orange Lantern Blume's bizarre creation, and the first appearance of the mysterious Indigo, leader of the Indigo Tribe!

Captain America #601 - A special double-sized issue featuring art by the legendary Gene Colan! Bucky and Nick Fury uncover a lost tale from Cap and Bucky's days in WW2 - a tale of horror and war and brothers-in-arms.

Dark Avengers #7 - "UTOPIA: CHAPTER 3" The DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN crossover continues! San Francisco teeters on the brink of absolute chaos and the X-Men keep getting in the way of Norman's vision of law and order. So Norman takes his game to the next level: who are the DARK X-MEN? And will Norman's Avengers play nice with Norman's X-Men? Here's a hint: no.

Fables #86 - Written by Bill Willingham; Art by Jim Fern and Craig T. Hamilton; Cover by Joao Ruas. Meet Dunster Happ, the most important Fable you never knew. If our friends in exile at The Farm knew even a fragment of what humble Dunster knew, they'd be in a lot less trouble right now. Mr. Happ's just one of a cast of thousands in this issue where we explore Mister Dark's past and how he ended up in that magical box in that faraway fortress so that two hard-luck mercenaries could come along one day and set him free. Featuring the guest art team of Jim Fern (CROSSING MIDNIGHT) and Craig T. Hamilton.

Farscape Dargo’s Lament #4 (of 4) – Ka D’argo lives on — only in this pulse-pounding FARSCAPE mini-series set in continuity during season 3 between episodes “Revenging Angel” and “Fractures”! D’Argo once took his place to save him from torture but now General Sterikk desires to take on his Luxan brethren in a no-holds barred brawl! The pulse-pounding last issue.

Final Crisis Aftermath Escape #3 (of 6) - Written by Ivan Brandon; Art by Marco Rudy and Mick Gray; Cover by Scott Hampton. Why do you fight? Are you not happy here? Are you not provided for? The Global Peace Agency loves you. Why would you ever leave? The recent reports of torture and death in Electric City are greatly exaggerated. We will protect you. Just tell us everything you know...

Guardians of the Galaxy Power of Starhawk HC – Written by STEVE GERBER, ROGER STERN, MARY SKRENES & STAN LEE Penciled by AL MILGROM, HOWARD CHAYKIN & JOHN BUSCEMA Covers by AL MILGROM & JOHN ROMITA It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - it was a thousand years from now, where the Guardians of the Galaxy help humanity rebuild after waves of alien invasions! But while Earth's in turmoil, threats rise from two other worlds: one of them living, the other gone mad! See the future's past today! Featuring the introduction of Nikki and the origin of Starhawk! Guest-starring the Silver Surfer! Collecting MARVEL PRESENTS #3-12. 192 PGS.

Incognito #5 – Doc Lester is the mad scientist's mad scientist, and he may just be the only person who knows the truth about Zack Overkill and his twin brother...a truth that Zack will soon have to kill for, as all sides are closing in on him.

JSA vs Kobra #2 (of 6) - Written by Eric Trautmann; Art by Don Kramer and Michael Babinski; Cover by Gene Ha. A reinvigorated Kobra has attacked the Justice Society in their home, thrusting the heroes into a maelstrom of deception and violence, and the evidence points to an even bigger target on the horizon: S.T.A.R. Labs. As the Justice Society tracks Kobra sleeper cells through the streets of Metropolis, the mystery of Jason Burr's master plan deepens. Can the team defuse the threat in time – or will the growing tensions between them spell victory for Kobra? Continuing the new miniseries event from Eric Trautmann (CHECKMATE, FINAL CRISIS: RESIST) and artist Don Kramer (DETECTIVE COMICS, NIGHTWING)!

Killer #9 (of 10) - A Deadly Soul, Part One. A professional. A man of few scruples, nerves of steel, and a steady trigger finger. A man whose crimes might be catching up with him. A man on the verge of cracking. Archaia presents THE KILLER, a hardboiled noir series chronicling one man's journey through some seriously bad mojo. In this issue: The Killer's never as deadly as when he is in danger. The survival instinct that guides him drags him through the darkest corners of his soul. Safety and revenge are irreconcilable, and the time has come to choose!

Last Resort #1 - A zombie epic that pays homage to 1970s exploitation films and disaster movies like Airport and Towering Inferno. In an entertaining and darkly over-the-top celebration of gore and sex, The Last Resort transforms a Caribbean paradise into a biological wasteland populated with homicidal flesh-eating vacationers! From the acclaimed writers of Jonah Hex and Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters!

Mighty Avengers #27 – Doom, Thor, Black Bolt, Black Panther, Ka-Zar, Namor...There are many monarchs in the Marvel UIniverse, but only one so powerful and so reviled that he had to be written out of history. He is THE UNSPOKEN. And his return will have dire consequences on both our world and worlds beyond. The start of a new storyline that will bring dishonor for one Mighty Avenger, redemption for another, a family reunion, and ties to both DARK REIGN and WAR OF KINGS.

Poe #1- Everyone knows that Poe created the detective genre, but did you know he was a detective himself? Finally the secret can be revealed for the first time! Enter the world of POE and follow the famous author of darkness as he tracks the killer of his brother’s friend. Supernatural adventure for fans of books like HELLBOY!

Preacher Book 1 HC - Written by Garth Ennis; Art by Steve Dillon; Cover by Glenn Fabry. Available for the first time in hardcover, preacher Jesse Custer begins his dark journey to find God, in this volume collecting PREACHER #1-12, plus pinups from PREACHER #50 and #66. After merging with a bizarre spiritual force called Genesis, Texan preacher Jesse Custer has become completely disillusioned with the beliefs to which he had dedicated his entire life. Now possessing the power of "the word," an ability to make people do whatever he utters, Custer begins a violent and riotous journey across the country. Joined by his gun-toting girlfriend Tulip and the hard-drinking Irish vampire Cassidy, Custer loses faith in both God and man as he witnesses dark atrocities and improbable calamities during his exploration of America. This new collected edition features an all-new introduction by series writer Garth Ennis.

Punisher #7 - "DEAD END" Part 2 of 5 Having tapped into the ancient and demonic evils that corrupt his soul, the Hood has drawn together a band of long-dead villains, all with personal investment in the execution of the Punisher. Meanwhile, Frank Castle struggles with a ghoulish offer that may hold his final chance for redemption.

Resurrection Volume 2 #2 – Mankind's return from the brink of alien destruction continues! The town of Red Lion, PA is an anomaly. A walled, fortress where rebuilding has begun and hope springs. Unfortunately, things are never that simple. Red Lion has a secret and Ben is determined to find out what it is-or die trying.

Robotika for a Few Rubles More Doubled Sized #1 - Special double-size issue relaunching the new Robotika series, combining the previously published issue 1 with the all-new issue 2! When all you’re after is A Few Rubles More, nothing but trouble awaits. Hallucinogenic tadpoles, Black Legion mercenaries, Beppe the Gangster, the Queen, Digital Djhitis and the Three Yojimbos caught in the middle of two rival gangs and a drug deal gone very bad. Now, just when his fighting skills are needed the most, Niko is confronted with his equal and maybe his “even better” - the enigmatic Mister Saint Just! Plus, a Robotika back-up tale “Once Upon A Time...” by David Moran, Brian Churilla (Dark Horse Presents, The Engineer: Konstrukt) and Jeremy Shepherd (The Engineer: Konstrukt).

Sherlock Holmes #3 (of 5) – The acclaimed mystery from Dynamite continues! The mystery deepens as Holmes remains on the run and Watson must put the pieces together to either save his friend, or condemn him!

Superman Batman #62 - Written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson; Art and Cover by Rafael Albuquerque. When the inmates take over Arkham Asylum, it's a job for the World's Finest duo – Robin and Supergirl! Rafael Albuquerque (BLUE BEETLE) joins the series as regular artist for a story we could only call "Sidekicked!"

Titans #15 - Written by JT Krul; Art by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter; Cover by Angel Unzueta and Wayne Faucher. Prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS! Tempest returns! And how will his arrival affect the Titans? The last page not only answers this question, but will have fans buzzing.

Unknown # 3 (of 4) - She has solved every mystery known to man. But there is one mystery that remains… UNKNOWN! Boarding a speeding train of horrors is the only way that Catherine and Doyle can find the next clue in their mystery of the afterlife. A new original mini-series from Mark (KINGDOM COME) Waid in the vein of RUSE with EXCALIBUR’s Minck Oosterveer.

Walking Dead #63 – THE HUNT CONTINUES! Who will be the next to fall? Chew #1 is a flip book on this comic, so you can try Chew #1 for free - nice idea from Image.

Werewolves on the Moon vs Vampires #2 (of 3) – It's not easy being the King of the Vampires. Especially when you're living on the Moon. Sure you're safe on the dark side with plenty of time to plan your vampire invasion of Earth, but it's the little things that really ruin what would otherwise be an ideal situation. Like the fact that your choice of bride is the Captain of the Moon Patrol and would sooner drive a stake through your heart than become your wife. Or the sudden appearance of three werewolves named Ted, Jeff, and Stan who are causing general mayhem and threatening to turn the entire human population of the Moon into one huge, snarling, fur-covered roadblock on your road to total lunar domination. It can all get to be a bit much. It really makes you wonder why you even bother to get out of the coffin in the evening . . .

X-Factor #46 - It's Siryn in the fight of her life against the absolute last person that she would have expected to be battling. And Madrox, Layla and Ruby find themselves under assault by the Sentinels just when they're on the verge of discovering the mystery behind Cortex!

Since this was a smaller week (as five week months just spread four weeks over five) I decided to try out two series I was originally skipping on and that is Last Resort and Poe. Both look interesting and I’m glad they hit on this type of week as it makes it easier to try something else.