DC Preview Review for October Part 2 of 2

AS PROMISED PART 2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD OF WAR #1

Written by Marv Wolfman Art by Kevin Sharpe Cover by Andy Park

The blockbuster Playstation game comes to life at WildStorm courtesy of writer Marv Wolfman (CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS) and artist Kevin Sharpe (RESIDENT EVIL)! Dive into the story behind what makes Kratos, the lead in the video game, a God of War! From his Spartan childhood, to the battles and tragedies that define him, to the war with the gods he currently wages, GOD OF WAR delivers the back-story fans have been clamoring for! And beware anyone who stand in his way! Whether they be god, barbarian, or minotaur matters not to Kratos – he’s prepared to destroy all who oppose him!Prepare for the third installment of the hot franchise in 2010 by picking up this action-packed 6-issue miniseries!On sale October 7 • 1 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS

Jim: Here is an easy pass, Marv Wolfman writing, artist I do not know off hand and based on a video game. PASS.
Lee: If you’re gonna pass, and I’m gonna pass, why are you picking this? At least complain about the cover or something.
Gwen: eww, God of War.

HOUSE OF MYSTERY HALLOWEEN ANNUAL #1

Written by Matthew Sturges, Peter Milligan, Matt Wagner, Bill Willingham and Chris Roberson Art by Luca Rossi, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Amy Reeder Hadley, Mark Buckingham & Kevin Nowlan, Mike Allred and others Cover by Esao Andrews

It's Halloween at The House of Mystery, and that can only mean one thing: the bash of a lifetime! But when Fig discovers a strange mask in the attic, she begins having visions of everywhere the mask has been, and she quickly becomes the life and death of the party. This special 48-page annual contains a framing story by the regular HOUSE OF MYSTERY creative team of writer Matthew Sturges and artists Luca Rossi and Jose Marzan Jr. Also included is a series of short stories from a few regular Vertigo titles including HELLBLAZER by Peter Milligan, Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini and MADAME XANADU by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley and Richard Friend as well as a special MERV PUMPKINHEAD tale (the first in over 8 years!)by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham and Kevin Nowlan! In addition, you’ll be treated to a yarn spotlighting the upcoming new monthly series I, ZOMBIE by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred! Plus, a Q&A with the creative teams to uncover their scariest Halloween costumes, memories and other sordid tricks and treats as we salute the holiday that has made Vertigo world famous for all things dark and frightening!On sale October 14 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • MATURE READERS

Jim: I usually pass on these types of books (Holiday themed), but it fits this book and I will be checking this issue out.
Lee: I agree, this is a great fit for a one shot. I bet it will be really good.
Gwen: I love Halloween and I love this book. I win!

MADAME XANADU #16

Written by Matt Wagner Art and cover by Amy Reeder Hadley & Richard Friend

The original MADAME XANADU team of Eisner nominees Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley is back! When the gloss and polish of a 1950s Madison Avenue exec’s wife begins to tarnish, Madame Xanadu’s present investigation will stir up a rivalry from the powerful mystic’s past.On sale October 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

Jim: I love Mike Kaluata’s art, but Amy Reeder Hadley owns this book and I’m glad to see her back.
Lee: It’s all good stuff. Hopefully everyone is already reading this.
Gwen: Yay! The return of one of the best comic book artist around!!

AIR VOL. 2: FLYING MACHINE TP

Written by G. Willow Wilson Art and cover by M.K. Perker

In this second volume of the acclaimed new Vertigo series, Blythe’s mysterious rescuer reveals the truth behind one of the most shocking disappearances in aviation history – a secret tied to the origin of hyperprax flight. Then, as the race to find a mysterious device begins, Blythe must master her skills as a hyperpract – regardless of her own acrophobia. Don’t miss this second AIR collection, featuring issues #6 - 10.On sale October 7 • 128 pg, FC, $12.99 US MATURE READERS

Gwen: Air is a great book and while I'm still waiting on my copy of the first trade I'm already excited about this second issue in trade. I'll be sending my monthlies on to some friends in Maryland along with Madame Xanadu. If you haven't tried out this series I'd encourage you to as it only gets better the further you get into the story.
Jim: I may have to jump back into this series with that recommendation. I find it hard to get back into a series, but I keep hearing good things about this book.
Lee: I have the first trade but haven't read it yet. Maybe I'll move it to the top of the list.

DC DYNAMICS: AQUAMAN STATUE DESIGNED AND SCULPTED BY TIM BRUCKNER

DC Direct’s exquisite new statue gallery series, featuring dynamic interpretations of classic superheroes, continues!Award-winning sculptor Tim Bruckner has transformed his original designs of the most recognizable DC characters into some of the most outstanding, upscale statues DC Direct has ever produced. Each statue features a base that captures the character’s interaction with the surrounding environment.The second in a series of six statues scheduled to be released in 2010, Aquaman, King of the Seven Seas, rises from the depths on the crest of a brilliant blue tidal wave, trident in hand.This limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measures approximately 10.5” high x 6.5” wide x 6.5” deep and is packaged in a 4-color box with a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition. Manufactured to order.* Minor assembly required.Advance-solicited; on sale March 10, 2010 • Statue * $195 US

Jim: So we had Wonder Woman and now Aquaman jetting around and we are suppose to get four more of these. I guess they sell, but I don’t know any heavy statue collectors.
Lee: DC is just behind the curve with this stuff. Marvel has successfully been doing statues for how long?
Gwen: Aquaman has no legs!!! His legs have turned into water - poor Aquaman.

BLACKEST NIGHT SERIES 3 ACTION FIGURES BLACKEST NIGHT

continues to astonish as DC Direct introduces the third series of action figures based on this storyline! Don’t get caught without these new action figures, including Aquaman, the third member of the Black Lanterns; Arisia, the Green Lantern charged with protecting Earth; Larfleeze, the only living member of the avaricious Orange Lantern Corps, who comes with the slain – and slavish – Glomulus; and Star Sapphire of the Zamorans, whose members battle using the violet power of love.All four figures feature multiple points of articulation and include a display base. Larfleeze, Arisia and Star Sapphire also come with lantern accessories.

Jim: Damn even just putting these darn things in my office is starting to run out of space. It looks like if I buy a couple of these, a couple of figures are headed to Florida.
Lee: Nothing says I love my job like a rotting corpse, dead Aquaman action figure. Yepper, gonna have to get me one of dem dere figgers for my office too.
Gwen: I don't need zombie DC action figures Jim, but thanks =P Besides you just want an excuse to get the Star Sapphire figure!

GOTHAM CITY STORIES: PART 1: BATMAN SCULPTED BY JOSEPH MENNA

The first in a series of dimensional display pieces, GOTHAM CITY STORIES kicks off with Batman!DC Direct has created a new way for fans and collectors to celebrate their favorite DC Comics characters. This highly detailed resin rendition of Batman is designed to hang on the wall or be displayed on a desk or display shelf. Each piece in the GOTHAM CITY STORIES series tells a story on its own, and when multiple pieces of the series are displayed together, new and different stories emerge.This limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain display piece measures approximately 5.75” high x 5.75” wide x 2.25” deep and is packaged in a 4-color box with a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity.Limited Edition. Manufactured to order.Advance-solicited; on sale March 17, 2010 * Display Piece * $99.99 US

Jim: A hundred dollar diorama, no thanks. Who is buying this stuff?
Lee: I don’t know but it looks cool!
Gwen: I have to agree with Lee - it is really neat looking. Still not worth $100 though.

Jim: The core books of the DCU are solid and it appears they are trying to add on judiciously, but Azrael? Plus where are some good hardcover collections? Look what Marvel did with their Atlas era stuff; come on DC, how about a Captain Comet hardcover, Space Cabbie, Star Rovers.
Lee: DC core books are fine. It’s same old-same old. Captain Comet? Star Cabbie? That’s a stretch even for me! How about bronze age House of Mystery with Wrightson art?
Gwen: WTH is Space Cabbie???

Jim: This is Space Cabbie!!--->>>>>>