This Week In Comics: 09/08/2005

[Clayface]

Welcome to This Week in Comics for September 8th, 2005 - September 13th, 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_090805.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 Pick:



http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/4171_180x270.jpg (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4171)


Sgt. Rock's Combat Tales Vol. 1



randomguy's Pick:



http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/med/10/10849.jpg (http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=10-849)


Serenity #3 (of 3)


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[Clayface]

Too many good titles out today for me to pick just one (or two) highlights of the week. Here's what I got:

DETECTIVE COMICS #811 (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4201) - We finally return to David Lapham's intriguing "City of Crime (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=127950)" story arc, after being so rudely and unnecessarily interrupted for two issues by that pile of steaming monkey feces known as "War Crimes".

FELL #1

GHOST RIDER #1 (OF 6) (http://www.marvel.com/catalog/showcomic.htm?id=2843&format=comic) - A candidate for highlight of the week.

GOTHAM CENTRAL #35 (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4214) - If I could pick as many "highlights of the week" as I wanted, this would definitely be one of them. This book has been a consistently well written and entertaining read, and has steered clear (so far) of all the "Identity Crisis" nonsense and avoided the bat-jerk syndrome that is plaguing the DC universe right now. It's the best bat-book on the market, period. Probably one of the best books DC is putting out all together (though that may change, since it appears the IC events will eventually be taking their toll on the book). I'm really enjoying this newest arc, which brings back fond memories of the old storyline "The Many Deaths of Batman".

PUNISHER #25 (http://www.marvel.com/catalog/showcomic.htm?id=2837&format=comic)

RISING STARS VOICES OF THE DEAD #4 (OF 6)

STARDUST KID #2 (OF 4) - Another candidate for highlight of the week.

SUPREME POWER: NIGHTHAWK #1 (OF 5) (http://www.marvel.com/catalog/showcomic.htm?id=2838&format=comic)

SWAMP THING #19 (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4132)

VILLAINS UNITED #5 (OF 6) (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4182)

Y: THE LAST MAN #37 (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=4133) - Another candidate for highlight of the week.

[MR.MXYZPTLK]

I also thought villains united was cool im a little bit disippointed with serenity but i may just find its overshadowed by the show I also picked up a comic called blacklight which im very intrested in

[rggkjg1]

excellent ebaying this week. got some silver age fantastic four by stan lee and jack kirby.

FANTASTIC FOUR #49, 55, 57, 77 - important issues. 49 is the second appearance of galactus and 77 is another galactus appearance by lee and kirby. the other issues feature the silver surfer, a character i never cared for. but those covers we're really nice and i couldnt go wrong with the price ($9.94). now all i have to do is track down reprints of all the stan lee and jack kirby galactus stories. galactus better be the villain in fantastic four 2.

SUPERMAN #221 - excellent issue. it took him awhile, but mr. verheiden has now found his place on the title and is finally putting out good issues. i can now look forward to superman every month.

VILLAINS UNITED #5 - blah. went to this after reading superman #221. some action here. hopefully we'll get a good conclusion, i really havent been enjoying villains united as much as omac project or rann/thanagar war.

GOTHAM CENTRAL #35 - this issue slowed the story down for me..

GHOST RIDER #1 - nice introduction to the johnny blaze ghost rider for me. overall a nice introduction to ghost rider in general since i am un-familiar with the character. hopefully we'll get an ongoing by ennis by the time the movie comes out.


HOUSE OF M #6 - the streak of this bi-weekley series has now been broken. didn't feel this issue was worth the wait.

PUNISHER #25 - so far so good. not politics, yet. looks like the punisher task force thing the police set up back in "welcome back frank" may be coming back into play. will we see the return of soap in this arc???!!! i can only hope...

FANTASTIC FOUR HOUSE OF M #3
SPIDER-MAN HOUSE OF M #3

[Adam Tyner]

im a little bit disippointed with serenity but i may just find its overshadowed by the showI picked up "Serenity" #3 too (the store also gave me a poster, a mini-poster, and a keychain!), and I feel kind of the same way. It's a good story -- it's just not quite as...earth-shattering as I thought it would be. It was more like an extra episode of the show rather than the "event" I'd expect out of a mini-series. Still enjoyed it, tho'.

[Tobias]

What kind of a deal with the devil did Vaughn/Guerra/Marzan have to make to get that last page of Y #37 to print? I mean, I knew Vertigo titles were allowed R rated nudity, but... wow.

[Stuckey]

When is the fifth Invincible trade coming out? I saw Sept. 8 in Wizard, but unless I've gone blind it's not on the Diamond list. Also, what's the deal with that JLA action figure set?

The only thing new I might pick up this week is the Sgt. Rock trade. I'll also grab some old JSA and JLA trades.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


When is the fifth Invincible trade coming out? I saw Sept. 8 in Wizard, but unless I've gone blind it's not on the Diamond list. Also, what's the deal with that JLA action figure set?
The original solicit for the Invincible Vol. 5 TPB was for Sept 7 (or 8), but it doesn't look like it shipped this week and isn't on the list next week either (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/expected_091405.txt). Surprise surprise -- Image is late.

I think this is the JLA Action Figure Set (http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=3095&lst=new&cat=ACTION+FIGURES). Nice, unless you already own most or all of them from other places.

So the Grant Morrison interview earlier this week about Seven Soldiers wasn't just a one-off, it seems. He's given more in-depth treatment to the Shining Knight (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004151), the Guardian (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004159), and Klarion the Witch Boy (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004162), it seems. Best point-and-laugh moment is the guy in the comments thread who questions the plausibility of subway pirates in Seven Soldiers: Guardian.

File under: Don't Mess with the Librarians. James Turner talks about making Rex Libris #1 (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004163) at the Pulse, which came out a week or two ago and focuses on a librarian battling against the forces of Evil.

Keith Giffen talks about Drax the Destroyer (http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Drax/GiffenDrax.htm) at Newsarama. You know you're in for some classic Giffen-esque wacky hijinks when the hook that it's a warped Lilo & Stitch/Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy is the least insane thing being thrown around.

And, if you're a Browncoat (and, judging by the early response by all the Serenity readers, I think there are quite a few) and an Adam Hughes (http://www.justsayah.com/index.html) fan (and, let's face it, who isn't?) then you can get two great tastes that taste great together for the cost of a movie ticket stub. Hughes is going to give away original Serenity artwork (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=42786) to someone who mails him a ticket stub after seeing the movie on opening weekend.

-- Ed/Ace

[Hades]

I'm excited for the Batman Hush Complete hardcover.

[Stuckey]

Howdy,


The original solicit for the Invincible Vol. 5 TPB was for Sept 7 (or 8), but it doesn't look like it shipped this week and isn't on the list next week either (http://www.diamondcomics.com/shipping/expected_091405.txt). Surprise surprise -- Image is late.

I think this is the JLA Action Figure Set (http://www.dccomics.com/dcdirect/?dcd=3095&lst=new&cat=ACTION+FIGURES). Nice, unless you already own most or all of them from other places.

Crap. I was really looking forward to that Invicible trade. I do so loathe the lack of Martian Manhunter and Flash in that set. I'll just wait for the JLA Classified figures. My shop didn't have the Sgt Rock, either. I did, however, pick up three old trades: The Justice Society Returns, the first JLU trade (little bugger is handy), and Essential Avengers Vol 1. I may not care for Marvel much these days, but Silver Age stories are always fun.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Oni Press' James Lucas Jones was the focus of a chat on Comic Book Resources a while ago, and a transcript of this chat just got posted there (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=5869). Check it out, and be on the lookout for the guest appearances by Gail Simone and Nunzio DeFilippis.

Michael T. Gilbert talks about Mr. Monster (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004164) at Comicon.com's The Pulse. I ought to grab Mr. Monster: Who Watches the Garbage Men on general principle.

CNN genuflects before the indie comics pop stars of the moment (http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/09/07/eye.ent.graphic/): Chris Ware, Marjane Satrapi, and Daniel Clowes. Coming soon: Jimmy Corrigan's Ghost Persepolis, since we all know the best way to do comics is a big massive crossover.

I know what you've been thinking. "Hey, what if Harry Potter was a vampire instead of a wizard and had to go to a vampire school instead of a wizard school?" Well, Holly Golightly has gotten there before you with School Bites (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004166), previewed at the Pulse. Go look.

She got there WAY before you if you WEREN'T thinking that, but anyway...

Grant Morrison continues with the Seven Soldiers, this time focusing on Zatanna (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004167), everybody's favorite backwards talking magician in fishnets. I detect a distressing lack of fishnetty goodness in that preview art, though.

Newsarama.com has more preview pages of Jonah Hex #1 (http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Jonah/Jonah01Pre.htm), by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Luke Ross. My heart's all a-flutter. Preorder now if you like what you see.

Finally, Comicon.com's PULSE News has Dark Horse's December 2005 solicitations (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=37;t=005285), but without covers. The Whatchagonnaget thread will go up once I find one with cover scans, but you can get a sneak peek now.

-- Ed/Ace

[JohnCrichton]

Ghost Rider #1

I snagged a bunch of comics today as I went on a binge, but the one that sticks out the most is Ghost Rider #1. I thought my fave writer, Gart Ennis was just picking up another paycheck but after reading this, I wish and hope that he continues to keep writing this story.

I thought the introduction was nothing short of in-frelling-credible.

Never been a fan of Ghost Rider..... ever, but after this, for sure if Garth is writing it, I'll be picking it up the moment it lands.

Shame it's only 6 comics.

[Spider-Man]

What kind of a deal with the devil did Vaughn/Guerra/Marzan have to make to get that last page of Y #37 to print? I mean, I knew Vertigo titles were allowed R rated nudity, but... wow.
I was surprised to see that too but I'm sure there has been worse in Vertigo books I'm sure. I know full frontal male nudity is pretty common place in the Sin City books. It was a great cliffhanger though.

My regular books were really light this week so it allowed me to indulge in an extra trade which I'll get to in a moment. My regular books:

Detective Comics #811 (discuss here! (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=127950))
Uncanny X-Men #464 (discuss here! (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=149546))
Ultimate Spider-Man #82 (discuss here! (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=149545))

I was also able to pick up the overpriced We3 trade paperback which should have been priced at $10 not $13 I think. Aside from that minor complaint I absolutely loved this comic. It was one of the most gripping comics I have ever read and I couldn't put it down. It was so provocative and actually touching. This is probably the best artwork I've seen Frank Quitely do. It just blows his New X-Men work clear out of the water and anything else he's done. Aside from the inflated price tag I can't recommend this collection enough. This has easily become one of my favorite comics. Very Highly Recommended.

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

ComicBookResources.com previews two indie books. The first is a multi-page preview of Tom Beland's True Story Swear to God #15 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=5870), which is a sweet and funny romance comic that, in this case, also happens to include a rather dirty joke in the first 2 pages. The other is another monster preview from Oni Press -- 24 pages from Armageddon & Son (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=5871) by John Layman and an artist I'd identify if CBR.com was not having server problems right this second and I wasn't in such a rush.

Brian Wood also posts a preview of the first 9 pages of Local #1 (http://www.livejournal.com/users/brianwood/283738.html), his new mini-series from Oni Press. As a way to remind everybody that both Local and DMZ are in the pre-order cycle right now, Wood will send you a few Local buttons if you mail him a stamp, so this could also be filed under a "Hey Kids Free Comics!" banner.

Who loves Alan Moore? India Loves Alan Moore (http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?storyflag=y&leftnm=lmnu4&leftindx=4&lselect=6&chklogin=N&autono=199685).

Finally, one for the Comic Book Science file: how to steer a hurricane with a giant network of satellites (http://www.defensetech.org/archives/001798.html). Surprising nobody, this has gotten more attention than it was about 2 weeks ago.

-- Ed/Ace

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,

Jeff Parker talks about his contribution to Marvel Monsters: Where Monsters Dwell (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004183), what looks like a fun throwback to the days when characters had names like Gormuu, Manoo, and Fin Fang Foom. Preview pages included.

Hey Kids! Free Comics! Check out Alias' Sixgun Samurai #1 (http://www.newsarama.com/Alias/SixGun/01/SixGun_01.html) at Newsarama, but only until this coming Sunday. The second issue is due out in October, and you can probably get your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Shop to order one for you if you like what you see. It involves cowboy hats, six-shooters, and katanas, so it can't be all bad.

Keron Grant talks about Son of Vulcan (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=004185), which seems to have lifted a page from Marvel's playbook and mysteriously transformed from a monthly comic into a mini-series in the face of rotten sales. A pity, since Grant seems genuinely enthusiastic about it, even if comic book readers mostly didn't.

The L.A. Times covers the comic book career of Allan Heinberg (http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/magazine/la-tm-fanboy37sep11,1,5209917.story?coll=la-headlines-magazine), revealing that he is really just a great big fanboy nerd, but also reveals the trials and tribulations he encountered getting Young Avengers off the ground. Visit www.bugmenot.com (http://www.bugmenot.com/) if you want a login to their site without giving up all your personal information.

Dynamite Entertainment lands the Highlander license (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43182). Since it's Dynamite, we can be assured that there will not be only one, but FIVE, plus the variant, the foil-wrapped variant, and the Alex Ross sketchbook decaptiation special super-rare variant.

Tom Spurgeon begins a frightening project of tracking who is where in the comic industry (http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/briefings/commentary/2819/). You may have a Seasoned Comic Book Pro living in your neighborhood and not know it!

Kyle Baker signs exclusive with Kyle Baker Publishing (http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/09/kyle_baker_sign.html). Bwah-hah-hah-hah!

Did you ever want to know what Robert Kirkman doing a reading of Invincible to a bunch of 5-year olds would be like? Well, wonder no more because Benito Cereno has got you covered (http://www.livejournal.com/users/benitocereno/82065.html).

Finally, I can think of a lot of bad ideas, but licensing Marvel Comics characters for video slot machines (http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/09/marvel_superher.html) strikes me as an astonishingly, mind-numbingly, incredibly bad idea. I can hardly wait for the Wolverine-brand Cigars, Punisher-licensed Colt firearms, Tony Stark-branded Single Malt Scotch, and She-Hulk Contraceptives. However, let nobody doubt any more that the real money for Marvel is in licensing and not in the comic books.

-- Ed/Ace

[wonderfly]

Howdy,

Finally, I can think of a lot of bad ideas, but licensing Marvel Comics characters for video slot machines (http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/09/marvel_superher.html) strikes me as an astonishingly, mind-numbingly, incredibly bad idea. I can hardly wait for the Wolverine-brand Cigars, Punisher-licensed Colt firearms, Tony Stark-branded Single Malt Scotch, and She-Hulk Contraceptives. However, let nobody doubt any more that the real money for Marvel is in licensing and not in the comic books.

-- Ed/Ace
*GASP* Ace, don't tell me you've suddenly become of the opinion that comic books are "just for kids"?!? :p

[Ed Liu]

Howdy,


*GASP* Ace, don't tell me you've suddenly become of the opinion that comic books are "just for kids"?!? :p
Joke answer #1: Why, of course. Who did you THINK they were for?

Joke answer #2: GAAAH!!! SUPERHEROES IS NOT COMICS!!!! HWAAAAGAGAHHHH!!!!

Seriously, I just think a video poker license is a rotten idea for a product that's also licensed to make kids' bath toys and pajamas. In addition, would a video slot machine with superheroes on it make you more likely to give it a spin? If less (and I'm leaning towards this answer for a lot of comic book fans), then what's to gain from licensing it in the first place? If more, then you're robbing Peter to pay Paul because that's good money you're throwing away that you could have used to buy comic books. Both are complete wastes of money, but at least one lasts longer ;).

Now, a Sin City licensed slot machine -- THAT I could totally get behind. In fact, I think I could see a whole range of Sin City licenses for a bunch of Things That Are Bad For You :evil:.

-- Ed/Ace

[Clayface]

Seriously, I just think a video poker license is a rotten idea for a product that's also licensed to make kids' bath toys and pajamas. In addition, would a video slot machine with superheroes on it make you more likely to give it a spin?

Actually, yes. When I was in Vegas, I was always drawn toward the Star Wars slot machines. Kinda stupid, I guess, but I got a kick out of 'em. So, yeah, I would actually be drawn to play at a machine that featured comic book characters over a standard one.