This Week In Comics: 08/31/2005

[Clayface]

Welcome to This Week in Comics for August 31st, 2005 - September 7, 2005!

This is the place to discuss the comics you've bought this week, whether it be a brand new title or old back-issues. We also welcome and encourage talk about comics in general - news you've read on comic news sites, the state of the industry in general, upcoming issues you're excited about, etc. All we ask is that you please use spoiler brackets in the event that your comments get too detailed concerning a particular storyline. This way the book won't be ruined for anyone who hasn't read it yet.

For a list of the new items shipping this week, please consult Diamond Comics' Shipping List (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_083105.txt).

To find a comic book store near you, check out the Comic Shop Locator Service (http://csls.diamondcomics.com/).



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Highlights of the Week!


Ace the Bathound's Picks:



http://www.ait-planetlar.com/images/cover_smokeandguns.jpg (http://www.ait-planetlar.com/smokeandguns.shtml).....http://www.onipress.com/covers/laafl3.jpg (http://www.onipress.com/graphicnovels/gn.php?id=123)


........Smoke and Guns OGN...............Love as a Foreign Language Vol. 3



randomguy's Picks:



http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0805/RUNAWAYS007_sm.jpg (http://www.milehighcomics.com/firstlook/083105/ra7cvr.html)


Runaways #7


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[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Top link today has got to be Mike Allred's interview at Newsarama.com (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=42073), where it seems that his "Batusi" cover to DC's Solo #6 has apparently been replaced with Mister Miracle in the same pose (http://www.newsarama.com/general/Allred/SOLO7cover.jpg), which makes far less sense. In any event, he talks a lot about his Solo issue, his adaptation of the Book of Mormon, and the fact that Peter Milligan apparently beat him regularly while the two were working on X-Statix.

Hey, Kids! Free Comics! If you buy the Identity Crisis hardcover, Brad Meltzer will give you a copy of Green Arrow: Archer's Quest (http://www.bradmeltzer.com/other/free.html). Assuming you meet the restrictions specified, like living in the United States.

Heidi MacDonald links to a trailer to The Sequential Art (http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/08/comics_film_tra.html), a new film with a bunch of top comics people presumably talking about comics. Sounds like fun, though I can't see the trailer at work and am taking it on faith that a film with Scott McCloud, Will Eisner, and Chris Ware is as worthwhile as it sounds.

Artist Brian Stelfreeze has apparently broken his arm playing volleyball (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=42151), delaying whatever projects he has in the pipeline. Hope you weren't really hoping for an on-time ending to Gun Candy.

Finally, one for the Comic Book Science file: scientists have apparently figured out how geckos stick to things without visible suction cups or sticky stuff on their feet (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/30/science/30geck.html) (free registration required, or hit www.bugmenot.com for a login). Apparently, it comes down to a sort of natural velcro, with lots of tiny little hairs squeezing into little microscopic grooves in surfaces. More importantly, they've synthesized some stuff that's even better at this than the geckos are:


In a recent issue of the journal Chemical Communications, the team reported that it had indeed produced synthetic hairs, with 200 times the sticking power of the ones made by nature.

Although the scientists have tested only minute amounts of the material, they estimate that if its properties hold up on a larger scale, a dime-size patch of it could support 2 to 22 pounds, depending on how densely the hairs were packed.
So, if 1 dime-sized patch holds, say 12 pounds and you had, say, 10 of them (one on each finger), plus the equivalent of about 10 more patches on your feet, that comes out to 240 lbs of wall-crawling power -- enough for all but the fattest of fanboys to make their own, fully-functioning Spider-Man suit. Ain't science fabulous?

-- Ed/Ace

[rggkjg1]

GREEN LANTERN #4 - making up for lost time in delays i guess. i was suprised to see this issue out so soon. this is looking to be an interesting story here. i can only hope that hal brings in the question for help. seriously, there has to be something going on if the famous "grey" aliens are really evolved human beings from the future.

WONDER WOMAN #220 - pretty much nothing in this issue. another sacrifice wrap up. i would like to see a batman wrap up to sacrifice, but at the same time i am also relieved that there isn't going to be one. the wrap up in adventures of superman was repetitive enough..

ASTONISHING X-MEN #12 - it's over. and we all know things are going to get way better and exciting in the next arc.

JLA CLASSIFIED #11
ROBIN #141
TEEN TITANS GO #22
CAPTAIN AMERICA #9

50 cent books:
THE PUNISHER #84 - more from abnett and lanning.

BATMAN FOREVER - the closest thing will see to a "director's cut" to batman forever.

BATMAN #575
JLA #38

ebay:
BATMAN #244, 332, 334, 335 - nice lot here. creative teams featuring marv wolfman, dennis o'neil, and neal adams.

SUPERMAN #69, 92, 176 - early 50's issues and the first golden age comics added to my collection..

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Happy September, and don't forget to refresh your browser caches to get the new CBC Logo.

If you've ever wanted to break into the comic book biz as Comic Book Shop Guy (or Gal -- "guy" is gender neutral in my book, but whatever makes you happy), then retailer Steve Bennett has some simple advice for you in his latest column at ICv2: get a store cat (http://icv2.com/articles/talkback/7450.html).

However, if you've wanted to break into the biz as a professional writer or artist or whatever, Pia Guerra gives some good advice (http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showpost.php?p=720620&postcount=32) on Brian Michael Bendis' forums. Apparently, ramen noodles figure prominently in breaking into the biz somehow.

Or you could follow Robert Kirkman's advice in this week's "Buy My Books" column, as...er...well, OK, this week he just has a monster preview of The Walking Dead #22 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=bmb&article=2232), which was doing cool zombie comics before doing zombie comics was cool. Also clears up whether he really does hate Brian K. Vaughan. Sort of.

And speaking of BKV, the new Runaways is becoming the next runaway hit, so much so that Marvel is going to let you, the Internet comic book fan audience, go to Marvel.com and ask him anything you want (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=37;t=005255). He may even answer.

Buy (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785118764/qid=1125607096/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-5692211-7367262?v=glance&s=books)Runaways (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785118764/qid=1125607096/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-5692211-7367262?v=glance&s=books) or undead leeches will seek you out in your evening bath.

Finally, AiT-PlanetLar is in full-swing promotional mode for Smoke and Guns, with lots of entries on their blog lately (http://www.ait-planetlar.com/) pointing out reviews and such for it. If it matters to you, Wizard magazine apparently thinks Smoke and Guns is cool, too (http://www.ait-planetlar.com/blogs/2005_08_28_index.shtml#112551378043402407).

-- Ed/Ace

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Following up from something posted elsewhere, Devin Grayson finishes up her interview at Comic Foundry (http://www.comicfoundry.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=151). Lots of fun stuff there, along with some advice on breaking into the biz and more on the frustrations on being work-for-hire.

Meanwhile, Kirsten Baldock is interviewed by Sequential Tart (http://sequentialtart.com/kbaldock.shtml). The interview also contains some small new pictures of Baldock & Moon's Smoke and Guns. And after hearing her describe her next project as "Jimmy Stewart meets Blade Runner," I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

The Fourth Rail guys do their look ahead thing for November (http://www.thefourthrail.com/features/0905/downthelineseptember.shtml) so you can know what to keep an eye out for when preordering. November -- she's going to be an expensive one, I can tell already.

Speaking of breaking into the biz, he said in a bad segue from something 2 paragraphs ago, Alex Wilson of the Brian K. Vaughan forum very helpfully set up a page that shows the submission policies of comic book companies that accept scripts from writers who don't have artists attached to their projects (http://www.alexwilson.com/projects/comics/comics_submissi.php).

Finally, two more previews from Newsarama: one six-pager for Smoke & Mirror #1 (http://www.newsarama.com/Speakeasy/Smoke_Miirror/issue01/SM01_Pre.htm) from Speakeasy, and one that has the whole issue of GØDLAND #1 (http://www.newsarama.com/Image/Godland/issue01/Godland01Pre.htm) from Image Comics. The last one is probably better suited for a "Hey, Kids! Free Comics!" heading, but it's right before a long weekend and I'm getting lazy.

-- Ed/Ace

[Condiment King]

Flash 225 – Good issue though I don't know how much I liked the ending. It just seemed really sudden. ****

Green Lantern 4 – This new rogue looks goofy but his introduction is pretty freaking disturbing. Its interesting that the new Lanterns are the same species as the old Lanterns, yet they've never heard of Hal Jordan. I'm also interested in who these couple of veterans are. I remember reading that Salakk would be one from Newsarama. Hector Hammond's story is interesting. I wonder where this might go. *****

Runaways 7 – I didn't like the new artist and the stories about relationships weren't as interesting as previous issues in the past. ***

[Quazerdale]

I got the 1st Ex Machina trade and the Ultimates 2 trade "Gods and Monsters". Ex Machina blew me away! I love the characterizations of everbody, especially Hundred. I want to thank Ace for recommending Brian Vaughn's work. I only currently read Ultimates, and Ex Machina was very similar in the political and characters aspect. I did look and read through some Runaways stuff, and I just can't get into it. For me it's definitely the art that detracts me from reading that book further. I know some people love it, but I just don't like it. Anyways Ex Machina was awesome and better yet there's another trade coming out next week.

Ultimates 2 trade "Gods and Monsters" was something I was looking forward to since I only have the 1st and 6th issue of that series, very busy year for me so comics wasn't neccessarily on my mind. I think Millar and Hitch got a whole lot better with Ultimates 2, Ultimates was great but I think Ultimates 2 is a giant leap forward.

For me what was so great about the trade, was indications that Thor might not be crazy afterall. For one, in the 1st issue where Thor is speaking to Volstagg, you can see in one panel Loki looking in Thor's direction as Loki walks away. Then during the riot in Rome you can see loki appearing to oversee the chaos that is occuring.
Overall 2 great trades for this week. Are there any online retailers who send out books ahead of everybody else? I'm interested in getting the Absolute Watchmen hardcover, and I know it comes out on October the 5th, but I can't wait!

[MajorTom]

ASTONISHING X-MEN #12- Great conclusion
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #523- Deent.
NEW AVENGERS #9- The horrible Sentry arc continues.
WAH... HUH?- Very funny. Too bad I had to wait so long.
SEVEN SOLIDERS: SHINING KNIGHT #4- Good stuff.
DAREDEVIL: FATHER #2- This just made me laugh.

[rggkjg1]

got the newest wizard as well. this issue had a nice preview of the up coming all star superman #1. the jim lee cover is also the best batman related art he has ever done. i'm trying to hunt down the comic that featured the original carmine infantino art in which this cover is based. i havent seen it on any of the covers for detective comics or batman. perhaps it was a pin up in one of those issues. or it's on something "obscure". if you have any info about on where i can find the infantino art, please let me know. looking at this cover is making want to pick up the dynamic duo archive more and more.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/wizarduniverse_1861_499521402

[Dick Grayson]

Does anyone know why they aren't using those new Robin & Batman costume designs in All-Star?

[rggkjg1]

Does anyone know why they aren't using those new Robin & Batman costume designs in All-Star?i'm assuming that we will see the new costumes near the end of the miller/lee run, which i think has been extended a few more issues. i'd rather we have the classic costumes through out the series though. but i am looking forward to seeing the yellow oval on the bat suit once again.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Just a reminder to all -- due to the Labor Day holiday in the US, New Comic Book Day this week is on THURSDAY, September 8.

Speaking of Labor Day, the Canadian Comics News blog (boy, they have a blog for everything these days, don't they?) digs into working-class superheroes (http://canadiancomicsnews.blogspot.com/2005/09/working-class-heroes-project.html) in an interesting entry:


While many superheroes held down day-jobs as white-collar workers or professionals of various stripes, very few secret identities would qualify as blue-collar, industrial workers. At their point of origin, and as wish-fulfillment fantasies, superheroes are generally a privileged lot, and seem to fall roughly into four categories: playboy millionaires/royalty; educated professionals (doctors, journalists, pilots, scientists); professional athletes, entertainers, and broadcasters; and agents of the state (soldiers, police).
Tracking back to the headline, Grant Morrison talks about Seven Soldiers (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004150) and how it morphed from a standalone into something more tied into the DC Universe on Comicon.com's PULSE News. Elsewhere, he is interviewed about the creative process (http://www.popthought.com/display_column.asp?DAID=861), which certainly told me more about Morrison than I ever really wanted to know. The second link includes material many may find shocking, but if you're interested in Grant Morrison's creative process, I think you'd better be ready to be shocked.

Augie De Blieck, Jr., covers the November pre-order cycle (http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=pipeline&article=2235) in this week's Pipeline column.

I just did my first pass through the November order (i.e., the one where I pick anything I might be even vaguely interested in, check the final price, and fall away in a dead faint before I start pruning), and stumbled over Elektra Barbie (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/toys/B0007V63DU/qid%3D1126023691/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/002-5692211-7367262) in the toy section. Quick show of hands, who here thinks Elektra Barbie is a good idea?

Nobody? Didn't think so.

Neal Adams spoke at the Toronto Expo 2005 about a variety of things, and some wise person recorded the whole thing. It's on the Internet now (http://www.collectortimes.com/comics2.html). Get it while supplies last.

Hey Kids! Free Comics! OK, it's just a preview for Sara Ryan and Steve Lieber's Flytrap (http://unrewarding.com/steve/juggling.html), but it does contain a splash page with a chimpanzee in a dress. How wrong can you go?

Finally, the New York Daily News reports that the Roosevelt Island cable car got stuck recently. The response from inside the car? "Call Spider-Man," (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/342971p-292887c.html) apparently. For those not familiar with New York geography, this is the same cable car placed in peril by the Green Goblin at the end of the first movie, and the reaction of the passengers is an eloquent proof that Spider-Man could only exist in New York City if he existed anywhere.

-- Ed/Ace

[Hades]

Hey, what about the new hardcovers coming out this week? You know, V for Vendetta and Batman Hush Complete.

BTW, how many issues are in that hardcover to Runaways?

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


Hey, what about the new hardcovers coming out this week? You know, V for Vendetta and Batman Hush Complete.

BTW, how many issues are in that hardcover to Runaways?
Diamond says neither HC is coming out this week (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_090805.txt). There's a V for Vendetta TPB listed for next week (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/expected_091405.txt), but no HCs that week either.

The Runaways oversized HC has all 18 issues of the first series.

-- Ed/Ace

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Takeshi Miyazawa is the latest to get interviewed at Comics Foundry (http://www.comicfoundry.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=152). Not quite as heavy duty as the ones by Klaus Janson or Devin Grayson, but it's fun and peppy and still interesting. In this way, it's not unlike his artwork.

Hey Kids, Free Comics! Check out Hope Larson's Salamander Dream for free (http://www.secretfriendsociety.com/index.php?p=2) before you buy the book.

John Layman talks up Armageddon & Son (http://www.newsarama.com/Oni/Armageddon/Armageddon_Son.htm), which sounds like what you'd get if a comic book centered on the Seth Green character from Austin Powers, with the added bonus that John Layman is usually funny. I only wish I could say the same for Austin Powers :evil:.

-- Ed/Ace

[Hades]

Howdy,


Diamond says neither HC is coming out this week (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/shipping_090805.txt). There's a V for Vendetta TPB listed for next week (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/expected_091405.txt), but no HCs that week either.

The Runaways oversized HC has all 18 issues of the first series.

-- Ed/AceMy mistake. I thought this was for today's shipped comics. And according to DC's site, V for Vendetta HC comes out Sept 21, Hush is today, Sept 7.