NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - JANUARY 2nd

PLEASE NOTE: I will be closed Tuesday for New Years. ANY pre-orders should be sent in as early as possible to ensure your books will be waiting for you Wednesday morning.
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Well Its the first new comics of the new year. And it looks like a pretty decent mix.

It seems strange to see All New X-Men #5 on the list when it only started a month ago, and yet Batman Incoporated started almost a year ago and is only up to #6.
> Anyone who bought Spider-Man #699.1, has read Morbius # 0, and will likely pick up the #1 this week.
> New Avengers restarts with a completely different feel from the last series of that name. This time around it is basically following the Illuminati as they try to stem an invasion from an alternate universe. It sounds like we will be seeing a lot of alternate universes in Marvel as the new year progresses as people like Hyperion and the New Universe characters begin to show up in Avengers and other titles.
> Another Adventure Time mini begins as Fionna and Cake take the spotlight. I sold a ton of Adventure Time comics through Christmas, and this one should sell well too.
> Punisher Nightmare is the first issue of a weekly mini series that sounds like it might introduce a new Punisher character. WARNING! This is a WEEKLY series, so if the first issue looks good, put an order in quick for the rest of the run as they will be ordered lower than the first issue and re-orders will not show up until the series is already over.

HOLIDAY HOURS

A little late to be posting this... but better late than never.
Basically the store will be CLOSED on Tuesday Dec. 25th and Tuesday JAN. 1st for obvious reasons.
We will be open on Wednesday the 26th as there are some new comics available that day(see previous post). I will be closing early though, so get in for your new comics before 6:00.
The BOXING WEEK SALE will not start until Thursday however, as I didn't want the confusion of running a sale the same time as trying to sell the new comics.
                 Thanks, and have a great and safe holiday everyone.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY- DECEMBER 26TH

YES, there will be comics on WEDNESDAY DEC. 26th.
But just a limited number.
While its not a lot of comics, there is some real BIG stuff here. Amazing Spider-Man #700 is the last issue(yeah sure..)of the title as it relaunches as the new Superior Spider-Man in January.
It will be shipping with various alternate covers of varying difficulty to find. Anyone interested in a variant cover should check into the on-line store quick and get your order in early, as these won't be around for long.
Marvel is also sending Avenging Spider-Man #15.1, which isn't really as big a deal. Its basically a recap of Spidy and Ock's battles over the years.
DC is sending Justice League and Aquaman. Important because they are the first 2 parts to the Throne of Atlantis crossover that will run through those 2 titles for a few months.
Boom Studios is sending a new title, Deathmatch. A neat idea if a little too influenced by Battle Royale. Basically the title will follow an elimination round style battle of superheroes. The comic will actually have an on-line poll system where readers can vote on who they think will progress each month, with prizes awarded at the end of each round!  Check out Bleeding Cool.com for more info.  Best part..the first issue is only a buck!!
Image will be sending Mara #1, a new title by the talented(if overworked) Brian Wood. This one tells the tale of a young girl growing up in a sports obsessed world.
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THESE WILL BE THE ONLY NEW COMICS AVAILABLE ON DECEMBER 26TH


AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #700
AQUAMAN #15
AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #15.1
BEFORE WATCHMEN NITE OWL #4 (OF 4)
CROSSED BADLANDS #20
DEATHMATCH #1
DEATHMATCH #1 MORGUE VARIANT
JUSTICE LEAGUE #15
JUSTICE LEAGUE #15 COMBO PACK
MARA #1 (OF 6)
SHADOW SPECIAL #1

NEW COMICS Wednesday DECEMBER 19th

Wow! What a big week. But what would you expect for the last shipment before Christmas.
Lots of great titles, just not much new to mention.
Marvel is still pushing things shipping their NOW titles so quickly though.
Several of this weeks books are 2nd issues for titles we just got THIS week.

I'm glad to see DC hasn't abandoned the Elseworlds line with their NU 52 launch.
This week gives us the first issue of JSA the Whistling Skull. A new tale set in the Liberty Files universe. With Tony Harris on art, a perfect fit for the time period it is set in.
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NEW COMICS Wednesday - December 12th

Marvel Now continues with Cable and X-Force, and Avengers Arena. The first is pretty self explanatory the 2nd is a revamped Avengers Academy where all the kids are trapped in one of Arcades murderworld arenas forced to fight to the death. The cover is even a tribute to Battle Royale in case anyone misses the plot reference.
Amazing Spider-man #699.1 smacks of Marvel trying to squeeze out an extra buck before the BIG #700 ships Christmas week.( Like selling a few hundred thousand comics at $7.00 a piece isnt good enough).
Image gets in the seasonal mood by shipping a batch of buck comic reprints.
Titles like Revival, Saga, Fatale, and 4 more. Great way to get fans to help promote the paperback collections for each of these titles as Christmas presents for loved ones looking for something good to read over the holidays.

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Not much new this week.
Marvel now continues to grow with the release of Avengers #1, and the new version of the Thunderbolts featuring Deadpool and Punisher.
And yes All-New X-Men is on #3 already.
Detective #15 sports one of those cool Joker mask covers as it gets into the Death of the Family crossover.

The new Valiant stuff has been pretty good, and the company is making a smart move releasing the first paperback of X-O Manowar for $9.99.
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Image joins the #1 parade

You don't have spend all your hard-earned comic book dollars on the new Marvel Now books if you're looking for a new #1 to try out.

Image, who for the past year have been putting out new books in small waves that have become increasingly stronger in quality, has launched a tsunami of new titles starting this season that shows no signs of slowing down.

Back in January, they brought us a number of new series including the reboot of one of the year's best books, PROPHET, which John Parker at Comics Alliance calls "the premiere science fiction experience in comics." More recently, we were introduced to Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson's trippy mini-series HAPPY!

Starting this month, Image whips up a major storm that will continue to crash down on us into January and possibly beyond.

NOWHERE MEN hits shelves this week and is one to watch. It's a new ongoing written by Image publisher Eric Stephenson. The book follows a popular science supergroup named World Corp with some form of drama/tension at the heart of the story. I'm often on the lookout for something off the wall that is reminiscent of Vertigo's early days with books like Doom Patrol and The Invisibles but also offers the polish of modern comic storytelling such as Planetary. Hickman's current ongoing The Manhattan Projects is a good example of that and is another science genre comic which happens to be published by Image. The few pages of preview art for Nowhere Men floating around the Web look great. Nate Bellegarde, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Finch all lend their talent on illustration.

POINT OF IMPACT (B&W)

Written by Jay  Faerber and art by Koray Kuranel. A murder mystery intertwined with a love triangle. The cast includes a beautiful corpse, a homicide detective (her friend), a journalist (her husband), a former soldier (her lover). Plus there appears to be some form of a conspiracy. The cover had me doing a double-take. It looked like the opening panel of the story. Whether deliberate or inadvertent, it was clever, and I wish they'd kept it up with the second issue. I'm not familiar with the work of either Fearber (Dynamo, Noble Causes) or Kuranel. In the back pages, Faerber writes Robert B. Parker was a big influence for him. The story moves quickly, and Kuranel's black and white artwork is well-suited. I'm enjoying this title more than I was expecting.
(4-issue limited series)

COMEBACK

Written by Ed Brisson and illustrated by Michael Walsh, the first book introduces us to an illegal time travel agency that turns a profit selling its services to families who want to save loved ones. By the end of the issue, we learn someone is out to get them and tension is bubbling just below the surface, preparing to explode. Both script and art are influenced by Ed Brubaker/Sean Phillips books like Sleeper and Incognito, which is a really good place to be seek inspiration. Jordie Bellaire on colours has a hand in this title as well.
(5-issue limited series)

MULTIPLE WARHEADS: ALPHABET TO INFINITY

Written and illustrated by Brandon Graham, the mind behind the new incarnation of Prophet, the sci-fi fantasy Multiple Warheads is the essence of its creator. Here's the summary: " Sexica and her Werewolf boyfriend Nikoli travel across a sci-fi, fantasy Russia smoking singing cigarettes. Meanwhile the organ hunter Nura is sent out with a severed head and instructions to find its body." Brandon Graham comics evoke in me the same feeling I get when I read European comic artists. The imagination, narrative and script techniques, not to mention the personality in his style, create such a unique, immersive experience that I lose myself in the book.

The first issue of this 4-issue mini-series is 48 pages long (and dense) and only $4. Good value for your comic book money. Plus, people have lots of good things to say about this book. If you're a fan of King City and quite likely Prophet, then you're already buying this. For the rest of you, if your taste in comics bends toward indie creators or you're just looking for something that is different and good quality, you can't go wrong here. Issue #2 comes out this week, and issue #1 went back for a second printing and will be available again next week in case you missed out the first time.

A few books more you might want to look up:

CLONE - Juan Jose Ryp on art. I really like his look. He has the same qualities I like about Geof Darrow, Darick Robertson or Steve Dillon. He's illustrated a number of books, including Black Summer with Warren Ellis for Avatar, and also Wolverine: The Best There Is with Charlie Huston.

WHERE IS JAKE ELLIS - the follow-up to the 5 issue series Who Is Jake Ellis. Nathan Edmondson writes and Tonci Zonjic on art. (another 5-issue mini-series this go around)

And coming next month is BLACKACRE, which is getting some of the most wonderful endorsements in a long time from comic creators whose work I adore. The first issue of Brian Wood's new powers mini-series, MARA hits shelves. It features art by Ming Doyle who has this really cool (now completed) Web strip titled The Loneliest Astrounauts  (do yourself a favour and read this one from the start), and, for a third time, Jordie Bellaire. Also CHANGE by Ales Kot and Morgan Jeske. And then in January, we get TODD, THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH that I'm hoping turns out to be a nutty series to make me laugh with ultraviolence and zany comedy. And Mara, Change and Todd are all mini-series which makes it easier to commit both money and time.

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And Image is also giving everyone a second chance to jump onto some of their best titles with IMAGE FIRSTS. Reprint copies of the first issue of seven of their top titles will be on sale in early December for only a dollar each. It is easily one of the best comic promotion concepts going.

Check out  Revival, The Manhattan Projects and one of my new favourites, Fatale, plus a few others for only a buck each. They are all solid titles. Heck for that price, get two copies and spread the word that Image is publishing some of the most creative books on the stands today.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY -NOVEMBER 28th

Looks like DC is trying to get back on track with the Before Watchmen stuff, as they ship 2 this week, and probably 2 more Dec. 5th.
The Marvel Now books really start to pile on as the 2nd issues arrive while the first issues are still rolling out.
This week sees the start of the new version of the FF, a complete change from the previous version of this title as we get a team of characters who have all been part of the Fantastic Four at one time or another.
DC ships a hard copy version of the Arrow comic that has been running digitaly since the T.V. series started.
Alex Ross does full art for the first issue only of Masks. The series will be a team-up title of the various costumed adventurers they publish, including Green Hornet,The Spider, The Shadow, and more.
Brony's beware, the first issue of My Little Pony finally arrives, and there are at least 6 different covers, featuring the various colours of Pony( plus a great Jill Thompson variant.)

The Boys came to an end with issue #72 a few weeks back, and the final paperback collecting the last arc is here. If you've never tried the Boys, now is a great time to start. Pick up the final book, volume 12, and you can buy any(or all)of the first 11 volumes for 50% off each.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 21st

A couple more Marvel Now first issues as Captain America and Hulk restart.
I'm not sure what's up with either, as the cover for Cap looks like he's in some kinda wasteland and Hulk is wearing what looks like an armored chestplate?
Catwoman continues its Death of the Family tie-in. This weeks issues were all great, so I'm looking forward to this.
Minimum Carnage comes to an end with the Omega issue.
The writer is promising BIG things for Amazing Spider-Man #698, as they gear up for the giant #700 issue arriving on Christmas.
Walking Dead volume #17 arrives. Watch how fast this thing moves as it collects issue #97- #102.
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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14th

Well Marvel Now kicks into high gear this week with 4 #1's. Thor and Fantastic Four have regular fans and the new creative teams should deliver some great stuff.
X-Men Legacy looks a little different as the book centers on Legion, and just how long he can keep his powers, and sanity in check.
All New X-Men oddly enough will feature All Old X-men as the X-Men teens take up residence in the present alonside their messed up future counterparts.
The Joker continues to rampage through the Bat titles as Batman #14 kicks the story into high gear. Don't miss Suicide Squad #14 as it enters the game( should be easy to spot with one of those BAT-MASK style covers).
Fables Werewolves of the Heartland finally arrives. Seems like we've been hearing about this book for over a year now(we have). This is NOT reprint material. This is an ALL-NEW story featuring Bigby as he runs into a pack of werewolves somewhere in the heart of America, as he hunts out a new location for Fabletown.
Fans of the Boys will be sad to see the final issue #72 arrive this week, but the title goes out with a bang.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 7th

DC has fallen behind on the Watchmen stuff, but has time to start another mini. This one is all about the villian, Moloch.
Buffy fans will thrill to another mini-series to collect as the Willow 4 parter starts.
Marvel Now kicks into gear at last as they restart Deadpool and Iron Man this week, neither of which really needs much of a description beyond their titles.
Valiant adds another book to their roster as Shadowman begins.
Freelancers is a new Boom title about a couple of female mercs. For a buck its worth a try.
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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 31st

Avengers cease fighting with X-Men and team up instead in A+X. A new on-going title featuring 2 short team-ups.
Its a 5 week month, so DC sends us a couple more Annuals. Action, Batgirl, Swamp Thing and Justice League Dark.
Ghosts #1 is one of those over-sized anthology books DC does a few times a year. They are always a great package for the money.
Joe Kubert Presents will feature at least 2 short stories by the man himself. The Hawkman I'm really looking forward to.
CBLDF Annual gives us a nice little package of shorts by a variety of artists. This year includes a new Walking dead piece featuring the Governor.
It's Halloween on Wednesday, so remember to grab a couple free Halloween comics on your way out.

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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 24th

We aren't quite finished with AVX just yet, we still get to see the baby versions go to battle. Lets hope this one-shot doesn't end as gruesome as the main series did.

Bravest Warriors is a spin-off of sorts from Adventure Time. Based on an on-line cartoon from the same creator, it should sell to the same fans.

The littlest Simpson gets her own special at last, as Maggie #1 arrives.
Another One-shot from DC updating classic characters gives Madame Xanadu a new look.
Wolverine goes the adult route as he starts his own MAX series. I guess now we can read him swear as he kills people.
Punisher War Zone, picks up where the regular Rucka series left off. Frank is on his own again and hunted by the Avengers. This series will most likely set up the new Thunderbolts title that groups Punisher with Deadpool, Elektra and the Red-Hulk.
Walking Dead Magazine will be full of T.V. show info and behind the scenes with the actors type stuff. At $10.00 a pop it will have to be a lot more than just clip shots of last season.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 17th

Well it's starting to feel more like winter than fall outside. Good time of year to grab some books and settle in where it's warm.

AVX Consequences#1 went quick. Remember this is a WEEKLY title and orders are already set on the following 4 issues.
Batman and Batgirl sold out quick as well. If you want to follow the rest of the Joker story make sure to let me know, Catwoman #13 says it is a prelude, but it might have little to do with the main story.

Cyberforce relaunches with the help of Kickstarter, for only 25 cents!(get 1 free with any purchase)
Marvel Now point 1 gives us preview stories for a bunch of titles and characters relaunching soon.
Walking Dead continues to fly out of the store, and #103 will move twice as fast with the extra, Li'l Rick variant cover.

Check out the front table for Walking Dead and other horror titles on special pricing for Halloween.

Jonathan Hickman says good-bye to Fantastic Four

This is it. Fantastic Four #611, the last issue of Fantastic Four written by Jonathan Hickman, hits stands this week.

I've been trying to think about what to say about this book since it was first announced back in the spring that Hickman would be leaving in October. A "top 5 favourite moments" list seemed cheap and somehow missed how deeply this book affected so many readers, including myself. So I read as many reviews as I could find, and they all seemed be saying the same thing: this book has heart. They almost unanimously conclude the emotional centre is the driving force behind the narrative.

"Hickman’s FF had more then a dead Galactus (issue #584) at its core, it has character growth.... Johnny Storm no longer is some hothead twenty-something, he’s a boy who comes to grip with immaturity through sacrifice. Reed Richards is attempting to solve the world’s problems, because he has that power, and is realizing what the difference between having knowledge and using it means."

(via Chris Hart @ What Culture)

"I think something got broken on the inside of me, since last winter’s Fantastic Four #587, but broken in that way that ultimately ends in growth rather than limitation. Broken like how Hemingway meant it when he said, “The world breaks everyone and after many are strong in the broken places”. You’ll remember this issue well, you’ve heard about it, even if you never read a page of Fantastic Four your entire life. This was the issue that Johnny Storm faced unbelievable odds, the entirety of the Annihilation Wave, while trapped in the Negative Zone.

"…Although the issue [FF#15] is titled “The One Where Power Pack Shows Up”, this issue is told from the point of view of Franklin Richards, the Mutant child of Reed Richards and Susan Storm-Richards, who is just now rediscovering his reality-warping powers. And also from the point of view of an omniscient narrator. There is a moment, about half the way through, where Franklin breaks through the Fourth Wall (well maybe not Fourth Wall, but whichever Wall separates the characters from the omniscient narrator). This moment shows a single mastery of the medium of comics. But also a mastery of the self that undoes the polluting intellectualism of Freud."

(via Shathley Q @ Pop Matters)

"What's not being talked about nearly enough is Jonathan Hickman's come down from one of the greatest runs in Marvel history. Not just talking Fantastic Four books but across the line, Hickman's time on the title(s) will be considered a new high water mark in modern superhero storytelling….

"Hickman has been winding down his books so elegantly, like a slow dance through an empty house, it's moving day and the lights are getting shut off, room by room. Hickman has been letting go of the characters that he's worked so hard on and wrapping things up."

(via Rich Johnston @ Bleeding Cool)


At risk of sounding even more hokey than these reviews, this little bit of comic book magic that Hickman and his group of artists he's worked infuse into Fantastic Four and the spinoff series, FF, doesn't happen very often, especially in mainstream books with well-known characters.

Hickman's stories are filled with hope even when things look darkest. There are tender moments between family members. Love blossoming. The cast shares pain along the way.

And we had massive, fantastical, galactic stories that included Celestials and Galactus both dead and live, the N-Zone and infinity gauntlets, the new Light Brigade and Council of Reeds, the war of four cities, interstellar battles between legendary warrior races Kree and Inhumans, and the already classic death (and rebirth) of a favourite character. A new, spinoff series even launched during his tenure.

All these ingredients remind me in so many ways of Chris Claremont's heyday on Uncanny X-Men in the 1980s (even introducing the FF title reminded me a little of New Mutants). Most importantly, Hickman like Claremont allowed the characters to change and develop under his guidance. They matured. They grew. Readers often complain there are no ramifications that come out of the big cross-over event stories. Here, Hickman delivers exactly what those critical comic fans are looking for: personal stories with life-altering moments that will stay with the characters and change them forever.

It's sad to see his time on the book come to close, but it's so much better to end on a high note. And Hickman is saying good-bye most admirably.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY- OCTOBER 10th

NO DELAY FROM THANKSGIVING MONDAY! THE BOOKS WILL BE ON THE SHELVES AS USUAL AT 10:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY MORNING.

WOW, a big week,as the Marvel relaunches start.
Uncanny Avengers premieres with a ton of variant covers, although the main one looks fine as it is. (Check the on-line store for a limited time sale on a variants package)
AVX Consequences, will deal, I presume, with the death of Prof. X and what the destruction caused by the battle amounts to. This one will be tricky to keep up with because as a weekly series, a lot of customers are going to miss out on issue 2-3 without realizing it. GET ORDERS for this book in with your store NOW. Don't wait to see how the first issue plays out. If you want all 5 issues you have to ask for them ahead of time.

Red She-Hulk has Banners girl-friend taking over where Red-Hulk left off.
Marvel Universe VS. the Avengers is pretty self explanatory.
DC is publishing more of their on-line stuff in actual comic form. AME Comi Girls is based on the Anime style figures produced the last year or so. The first issue features Wonder Woman.
Phantom Stranger #1 and Team 7 #1 ship, not really first issues as they had a #0 issue last month.
The BIG book of the week is the Walking Dead Michonne Special. Technically just reprints of her first appearance and her origin, but seeing as how the origin story has only been available in Playboy up until now....this one will sell out quick.

HALLOWEEN COMICS

Its that time of year again when the ghosts and goblins or more likely Sheriff Rick and Carl (and maybe Michonne) will be banging on your door, looking for treats.

Well you know what I always say,

"Rot their brains, not their teeth"


This year, give the little ghouls a real treat and stick a comic book in their pumpkin. A comic book will last them a lot longer than candy or chips, and is a lot less messy to save or share. And unlike peanuts or milk chocolate, very few kids are actually allergic to printed words and colourful pictures.
Comics & More has a great deal with a pack of 10 comics for only $2.00.
At 20cents a piece its cheaper than almost any sugary treat you could buy.

Shop early to get the best selection, I know from past experience, these packs sell fast. And don't underestimate how many you'll need. There's 2 more benefits to the comics, they won't go bad if you get stuck with a few leftovers, and you won't be tempted to eat them yourself.

While you're here, pick up a treat for yourself. There are plenty of horror related titles available in store, Marvel Zombies, for one, would make a great read to pass the time between visitors. Or catch up on your Walking Dead. The comic is different enough to the T.V. series that you won't have to worry about spoiling the show for yourself.
  All 16 volumes of the comic will be on sale starting  October 13th,  a whopping 25% off each,
with a special intro price of $5.00 for volume 1, thats half price!!

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 3rd

Well the end is in sight, as Avengers VS. X-Men #12 ships. Is there a final battle that is responsible for all the upcoming relaunches of the Marvel titles? Or is it something as simple as Marvel hoping to outsell DC in November?
Daredevil End of Days is a mini-series like those stories from a few years back that were simply titled "...the end". Punisher the End and Hulk the End were great, but the X-Men one dragged on for a year and a half.
Legends of the Dark Knight #1 is a collection of short on-line stories being collected in comic book format for the first time. Some great creators in the mix including Jeff Lemire.
A couple of big crossovers start, as Green Lantern #13 begins the Rise of the 3rd Army. At Marvel, Minimum Carnage begins, set to run through Scarlet Spider and Venom.
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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 26TH

The big #1 this week should make us all happy. Happy #1 is a Grant Morrison title from Image comics with art by Darick Robertson. It's a crazy story about an Ex-cop hitman and a tiny blue horse, sounds like typical Morrison.

DC gives us the revival of Rose and Thorn in a one-shot. These National Comics stories have been pretty good so far.. just not sure where the characters go from here.
Talon #0 starts off the new regular series for the Court of Owls character, as he tries to adjust to a life without his masters.
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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 19th

Not sure what the big deal was over AVX #11, you'd think people didn't know how many times Xavier has died and come back. Maybe reading Avengers #30 this week will lend more insight.
The DC #0's have been great so far, I'm kinda looking forward to Justice League #0, the all Shazam issue. Wonder Woman #0 should be a great read too. Sword of Sorcery #0 brings Amethyst back to the DC Universe, and DC Presents #0 gives us a last(first) look at some of the DC 52 that have already been canceled, such as Hawk & Dove and O.M.A.C. Could be an important comic if it gives us any more info on WHO is really controlling OMAC now.
NOT part of the DC 52, Ghost #0 brings back a classic Dark Horse character. Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Noto should deliver, on this one.
Finally getting the Justice League Flash figure this week. These have been selling out fast, and Flash has been a really popular request for some reason.

BIG book sale

When I say BIG book, of course I'm talking about some REALLY big books.
In my continuing effort to find the floor in the basement here at the store, I have brought some more stuff  up for the front sale table.
This time around it's DC Showcases and Archives. AT 50% off U.S cover.
That's less than $10.00 a piece for the Showcases and $25.00 for the Archives.
The DC Showcase are those huge 500+ page B&W reprints of classic 60's and 70's stories. ( At $10.00 each, that's less than 2 cents a page!!)
And the Archives are similar, only more expensive cause of the deluxe colour hardcover format.
Anyway, I'm counting on all you regular bargain hunters to get in here and help me move some of the extras volumes that are taking up way too much space.
There's a nice selection of most superhero titles and quite a few of the War, Adventure,and Mystery type too. ( quite a few of these feature brilliant art by the late Joe Kubert)

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12th

And Zero month continues. I must say I was pleasantly surprised how brisk the sales were on the first weeks batch, with a couple selling through before Wednesday night. With this week including several Batman titles, shopping early might be wise. Demon Knights will be an interesting read after the events shown in this weeks Stormwatch. And Resurrection Man comes full circle as it ends with #0 as Mitch learns his origin at last.
Marvel is promising media coverage on Avengers VS. X-Men #11, I'm not sure what the BIG news will be...maybe someone will die, IF Marvel actually has the guts to kill one of their characters. Marvel seems sure it will be attention grabbing though, as they are shipping every comic they can with Avengers and or X-Men in the title the same day. (11 books at my count)

The Judas Coin hrdcvr is a new original story written and drawn by Simonson, tracing the impact of one of the 30 pieces of silver on the DC Universe. Timed nicely to coincide with launch of the Phantom Stranger comic, although I doubt this story is connected in any way to the New 52 continuity of Batman.
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And the winners are...

Well a couple of my customers have their Halloween cut out for them, as they have just won a Court of Owls mask.

The 2 winners drawn at random after closing last night are:

Jason Chorney
and
Shawn Mclaren

If they dont show up in the next 10 minutes, I'll give the prizes to someone else...
Just kidding.
If they aren't regular readers of this blog, I'll contact them personally and let them know to come in and pick up the masks.
Thanks to everyone who entered, and for helping me sell through my copies of Batman Inc. #3, despite holding them back for the extra month.

In the continuing effort to clean out the basement here at the store, I am having a sale on some used board games. Any games on the front sale table with a RED tag are priced to go , as low as $5-10. Most are just slightly used as trial or demo games here at the store. All pieces and rules should be in the boxes, but all of them are being sold AS IS, so check them out before you leave.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 5th

ZERO month is here. But I prefer to think of it as Origin month.
DC ships the first batch of #0 issues as they give late-comers to the NEW 52 a fresh place to start, and answer some questions for those of us who've been reading since the #1's. Green Lantern #0 is the introduction of the newest Green Lantern, who seems to feel the need to cover his face.
Archie Comics superheroes get a new start as the Crusaders on-line comics come to print.


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ON THE SHELVES WEDNESDAY

Well, DC really packed a lot in this weeks shipment. The only problem is what to read first.
Check below for some thoughts on what I've had a chance to read so far.
May contain some spoilery type info.

NO CON WEEKEND

Well as more than a few people have noticed already, Comics & More is not in it's usual spot at FanExpo this weekend. In Fact I'm not there at all!
This is the first year since the show began that I haven't had a booth at the show, and I find it refreshing. Sure I'll notice a dip in the old bank balance between now and Christmas, but staying in the store this weekend is already paying off in different ways.
I'm taking the time to clean up some of the mess in the basement, and sell off a pile of overstock for 25 cents each outside on this beautiful sidewalk shopping day.
Rooting through the basement I've run across some real finds, that will get my wall looking full again.
Valiant comics have been selling like crazy since it's relaunch a few months ago... so the run of original Valiants I'm bringing up should move quick(and probably piss off anyone at the show paying huge sums of cash for them right now)
Speaking of huge sales..I can bet one of the sentences driving every dealer nuts right now is" Do you have any old Walking Deads"? I know cause I hear it at the store almost every day.
Well I don't have a great run or anything, but I have brought up some amazing copies from #9 through #12. These are all original near mint never read copies that have been sitting in storage way too long.
My customers know I always put a more than fair price on wallstock so these won't last long. So get to the store as soon as you can to snap them up. And it won't cost you $45.00 to get in the store.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 29th

Well DC is really filling up the 5th week this time around.
5 Annuals on the same day, all of them pretty important books. Green Lantern Annual gives us the Black Hand story we've been waiting for since the end of Blackest Night, and Detective Annual pits Batman against Black Mask,(but will he be wearing Jokers Face??).
Justice League Int. Annual may be the end of the title...and the start of something new, as it ties into Justice League #12, also shipping this week.(The variant cover on JLA #12 will be going fast with that cover)
DC also revives a couple classic characters with the mini-series Phantom Lady, and the one-shot National Comics Looker.
On the all-ages side, we get L'il Homer, the adventures of Barts dad when he was a kid.
Anyone with kids heading back to school, may want to ease their young ones grief, with a copy of the latest volume of Amulet.
The Walking Dead pins that were meant to promote the story leading up to issue #100, are finally here. If you don't manage to snag them all at the FanExpo this weekend, pick up the ones you missed, here next Wednesday. (or order a set of 7 for only $3.00 on the on-line store now!)

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MARVEL SHIPPING LISTS

Well no big surprise that I've had several customers asking for Hit-Girl #3 today. After all, there it is right on the front page of Marvel Comics .com, under shipping this week.
The problem is I haven't even officially confirmed orders on it yet as it DOESN'T SHIP TILL SEPTEMBER 26TH.
And that's IF Marvel doesn't update it again. You'd think with the BILLIONS of dollars Disney invested buying out Marvel they could afford a couple of unpaid interns to update their site regularly so I(and other retailers) don't look like idiots when customers insist" BUT THE MARVEL SITE SAYS IT CAME OUT TODAY".
Someone (more than a few people actually)at Marvel knows that book wasn't gonna be out this week, because they update Diamond Comics Distributor and retailers every week. It would just be nice if they had the brains to tell their OWN staff so stuff like this doesn't keep happening.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY- AUGUST 22nd

The last of the Before Watchmen minis starts as the big blue guy gets his own title. Dr Manhattan looks like another good one.
Buffy spins off another mini-series as Spike gets his own title again. Just what is up with those space bugs anyway?
Wolverine Annual ties up the Clandestine story by Alan Davis.
DC and Marvel have been doing a lot of rebooting and relaunching lately, but nothing they do can top Archie #636. The big two would have restarted the title as Archina #1 if they were running things. Yes this is the issue where the Riverdale gang really gets to see how the other side lives as the kids all swap genders. (At least I hope its just the kids, Mr Weatherbee as a woman would be pretty scary)
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BATMAN INCORPORATED #3 is finally available this week. It was delayed due to content they may have seemed insensitive after the events earlier in the month. Now It has become apparent that SOME stores did NOT observe DC's request to hold back this issue(despite the fact they were given total refunds on the book and therefore did not even technically own them).
Well I know my customers are the type who would wait and buy the book legitimately rather than run to another store just to read something a few weeks before everyone else.
As such, I will be rewarding my loyal customers with a special chance at a great prize.
Anyone buying a copy of BATMAN INC. #3 between August 22nd and Sept. 1st will be entered in a draw to win a Court of Owls mask. Theres 2 available , but only one entry per person. Random draw will be held on Saturday Sept 1st. Odds of winning depend on sales, but will be better than 50-1.
Prizes courtesy of the amazingly talented and hugely generous Jeff Lemire.  BUY UNDERWATER WELDER !

New Comics Wednesday- AUGUST 15th

Before Watchmen continues with the first issue of Rorschach. Azzarello and Bermejo should really deliver on this one.
Oeming leaves Bendis to go it solo with his new Victories series.
Deadpool Kills Marvel has been such a sleeper hit that it sells out before it hits the shelves. Customers looking for issues 3 and 4 will have to wait for re-orders to arrive.
Walking Dead #101 arrives,....It'll be interesting to see how many people who jumped on the #100 will pick up the monthly from this point.
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New Comics Wednesday - AUGUST 8th

COMICS WILL BE ON THE SHELVES WHEN WE OPEN ON WEDNESDAY AS USUAL. NO DELAY FROM THE HOLIDAY MONDAY

Not much new in the first issues department, but that will change as we get closer to Marvel Now!
Valiant gives us their relaunch of Archer and Armstrong, one of my favourites from the old company.
Gambit gets his own title again, although this time its supposed to be an on-going one.
Marvel continues their 50th anniversary of Spider-Man by giving us a new issue of Sensational Spider-Man #33.1.
Daredevil Annual  #1 continues with the 2nd part of Alan Davis bringing back his Clandestine group.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1st

I was a little upset at some of the graphic content appearing in Saga, without any kind of mature readers label, but now Image is giving us Black Kiss 2. This is one of the comics that started the whole need for a Comic Legal Defense Fund in the first place!! Will it be poly-bagged like the first time around, or can any kid who comes in the store just flip through it at their leisure?
Marvel plays it safe however with another Hawkeye regular? series, and First X-Men. Lost tales of an  unknown group from before Prof. X put together his first team. Neal Adams is working with a proven writer this time(Christos Gage) so it should be a lot more coherent than Batman Odyssey was.
Peter Parker #156.1 is a retro-fit story, the first of a weekly set of revival comics celebrating Spidys 50th anniversary.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY JULY 25th

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URGENT SHIPPING UPDATE ON BATMAN INCORPORATED #3
Out of respect for the victims and families in Aurora, Colorado DC Entertainment has made the decision to postpone the release of BATMAN INCORPORATED #3 for one month because the comic contains content that may be perceived as insensitive in light of recent events. We request that retailers do not make this issue available as previously solicited. Its new on sale date is August 22, 2012.
This includes all versions of BATMAN INCORPORATED #3, previously set to go on sale 7/25 .
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Archie comics jumps on the 99% bandwagon with a special issue featuring a great Jill Thompson cover.
Mad magazine puts out a special ALL Batman issue full of some of the stuff they've done over the last 50 years or so.
Marvel decides we don't have enough X-Men titles, so they relaunch an old one, X-Treme X-Men. It sounds a lot more like the old Exiles book though.

National Comics is an anthology type book that will feature single stories updating classic characters. Up first, is Kid Eternity by Jeff Lemire. Also from Jeff Lemire, is the official release of Underwater Welder. I've had a ton of pre-orders on this one( I've increased my order 3 times), and if there aren't any on the table when you get here, just wait a week and more will be coming in.

For the kids, another batch of those great DC Pets books arrive. I still can't believe they did one with Swamp Thing!
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SALE TIME

Well it's that time of year again when I need to call on your help to clean out my basement.
I have way too much stock building up and that's good for you bargain hunters out there.
Tomorrow, SATURDAY the 14th looks like it should be a nice day(if a little on the hot side), so I will be putting a few tables full of bargain priced books out front of the store.
There will be hundreds of Marvel collections priced to sell, only
 $5.00 a piece for paperbacks and $10.00 a piece for hrdcvrs.,
That's more than 50% off, and closer to 70% off in some cases. Some are stocked in depth but most are the last of their kind, and Marvel has taken them out of print.
If this sale goes over well, and weather permits, I will continue with more books next week, and add a huge pile of DC paperbacks to the mix.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - JULY 18th

Well the NEW Captain Marvel starts this week( a few months ahead of the BIG Marvel relaunch), hopefully she'll make a big enough impression that people will come back for her actual first appearance which came in THIS week in Avenging Spider-Man #9.
IDW continues to combine ALL their franchise characters into team-up books as they launch
Danger Girl/G.I. Joe #1.
DC continues to prove their marketing genius, as they ship a preview book for Batman Earth One. A hardcover book that shipped 2 weeks ago and I'm still waiting for re-orders to be filled on it.

Anthologies!

It's great to see so many anthologies on comic store shelves recently. With last month's launch of Creator-Owned Heroes (Image), three of the four top-selling comic companies are currently publishing a regular anthology series - only Marvel is the outlier. With so many titles, there is enough range in talent, content and style to appeal to pretty near any reader.


Dark Horse Presents

Only one year old for the newly-revived print edition (following 36 digital issues on MySpace), DHP is proving to be a powerhouse for comic talent and new properties. Harlan Ellison, Fiona Staples, Steve Niles, Neal Adams, John Layman, Sam Keith, Francesco Francavilla, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Brian Wood...the list goes on and on and on. This monthly series edited by Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson is great value for the money at $8 for a minimum of 80 pages. It features a mix of serialized and singles stories, established characters and franchises - such as Concrete, Hellboy, and Criminal Macabre - as well as new stories and characters.

Each issue of this title covers a range of genres. It's been a great testing ground for new ideas such as Resident Alien and Carla Speed McNeil's Finder: Third World, as well as serving as the launch pad for new DH series, like Brian Wood's new eco-thriller, The Massive. You'll even find the occasional prose story.

While some of the serialized stories are being collected into one-shots worth picking up for those of you who aren't reading this series regularly (*ahem* Resident Alien and Skeleton Key), much of the material can only be found within these covers. Plus Richardson's introductions (often insightful, always interesting) are one of the reasons I like picking up this book.


Mystery in Space (Vertigo)

"This one-shot anthology is loaded with unsettling short stories that will hijack your imagination and take you to strange, mysterious places. Journey to the edge of the abyss with Michael Allred! Plus: Broken hearts will be cryogenically frozen, a zero-gravity menage á trois will be compromised by aliens, and solar systems will spiral out of control when top comics talents and exciting newcomers collide!" 

Eighty pages of solid sci-fi, this is Vertigo's latest instalment to their recently launched bi-annual anthology series. Last year, they published one sci-fi and one horror book - Strange Adventures and The Unexpected respectively - both excellent. When Strange Adventures was released, there were many reviews comparing it to Dark Horse Presents, but they are two entirely different beasts in my opinion. Vertigo's are one-shot issues packed with standalone stories that play within one of the two genres. Each entry so far has proven its worth both in content and talent. Mike Allred, Kyle Baker, Andy Diggle, Ann Nocenti, Robert Rodi, Ming Doyle, Duane Swierczynski, Davide Gianfelice, Michael Wm. Kaluta are just a few of the top caliber names you'll find in this issue of Mystery in Space.




Creator-Owned Heroes (Image) issue #1

"AMERICAN MUSCLE, Part One by STEVE NILES & KEVIN MELLON

 The world ended a long time ago. How it happened exactly and what exists in the wasteland have always been a mystery. Now Chloe, Gil and a gang of rebels have escaped the last human stronghold and are blazing across Post-Apocalypse America in search of paradise.

TRIGGERGIRL 6, Part One, by JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JUSTIN GRAY & PHIL NOTO In this sci-fi thriller, the sixth in a series of genetically modified assassins born in a secret laboratory sets her sights on the ultimate target. But what happens when the perfect killing machine takes a personal interest in her target only to uncover a conspiracy that may change the fate of the entire human race? 


PLUS! An interview with NEIL GAIMAN! Triggergirl cosplay! Con photos! And original articles all celebrating the creator-owned spirit of independence!"

One part comic, book one part magazine. "These days, some comics can be read in a few minutes and without letters page, they're a quick read for your money," writes Jimmy Palmiotti in his editorial. So he, Justin and Steve have embarked on a mission to provide readers with a more value-for-your-money comic experience.

This is not something new. In addition to Marvel reintroducing letters pages to some books, the Ed Brubaker and Steve Phillips Criminal and Incognito series have included essays and long editorials that provide additional minutes of reading pleasure. It's too early for me to have an opinion on the two strips in Creator-Owned. But after taking in most of the first issue, including the non-strip material in the back half of the book, I must say it's a fascinating read. I'll be curious to see how long Jimmy and Justin can keep it up.

The first issue also includes interviews with Neil Gaiman, rambling columns by Palmiotti, Gray and Niles, backstage information on the cover design, and even some convention and cosplay photos. Everything a comic geek could ask for. Cover-to-cover fun.


One part comic, book one part magazine. Jimmie Palmiotti's editorial pretty much captures what these guys are trying to nail with this maga-comic.


I haven't yet got around to reading the second issue (which is on shelves now, it's too early to have an opinion on the two strips. But based on the first issue, including the non-strip material in the back half of the book, I must say it's a fascinating read. I'll be curious to see how long Jimmy and Justin can keep it up.


The first issue also includes interviews with Neil Gaiman and Niles, rambling writing by Palmiotti and Gray, and backstage details on the cover design. Most comics fans will be entertained from cover to cover.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - JULY 11th

Adventure Time is such a huge hit, its getting a spin-off. Then again, so is Chew, as Agent Poyo gets his own mini-series.
The new Valiant invasion continues with Bloodshot #1. I've been really impresssed with all the
Valiants so far.
Another blast from the past as goth hero, the Crow, returns.

A new Vertigo mini-series starts called Punk Rock Jesus. The title pretty much says it all.
Same can be said with Space Punisher.
Transformers Generation One, picks up where the classic Transformers left off 20+ years ago at Marvel.
Darwyn Cooke fans will snap up the newest installment of Richard Stark's Parker

Revival is a new twist on the zombie story as the plague hits one small town over one day and the story deals more with the aftermath. Its by the Hack/Slash guy Tim Seeley.
I doubt its a coincidence that it arrives the same day as Walking Dead #100.
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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - JULY 4th

I'll start off by saying,
YES!! THE NEW COMICS WILL BE ON THE SHELVES WEDNESDAY MORNING AS USUAL
 Other than that, theres not much to mention.
Before Watchmen comtinues with the first issue of Ozymandias.
Man-Thing gets a short mini-series, with a final story by the late Steve Gerber.
Its time to feel like a kid again as The Muppets get a new mini-series and He-Man Masters of the Universe makes it to the comic page again.
The long awaited Batman Year One finally arrives, just in time for the movie to help promote it.

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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY JUNE 27th

Another jam-packed week, not much new though.
Before Watchmen Nite Owl #1 gives us a little more background on the real hero of the series.
That crazy little girl from Kick-Ass gets her own series, as Hit-Girl #1 arrives.(Can the movie be far behind?)
Amazing Fantasy 15 is a newly remastered reprint of the first Spider-Man issues.

YES!!  For all those people still whining about the Before watchmen stuff, you can get an actual Alan Moore comic this week as L.E.O.G. Century #3 finally ships. This is the last part of the 3 issue mini-series he started a couple years ago. Don't hold your breath waiting for his next big project.

Mind the Gap #2 was supposed to be out last week.. but some printing error meant it had to be reshipped.

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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - JUNE 20th

Well the BIG day is finally here. Astonishing X-Men #51, featuring the wedding of Northstar arrives, and I can only hope the public remembers all the hype from last month and comes looking for it.
I'm tempted to rack it alphabetically under "A" instead of with the X-Men as usual just so it would be sitting beside Before Watchmen The Comedian #1.
I've  had a few people come in off the street lately to ask if there are really new Watchmen stories. So it looks like this thing could actually be reaching lapsed readers like the new 52 did.
Mars Attacks #1 ships with a record breaking 55 different variant covers, 1 for each of the original card set. Of course trying to find specific covers when few stores would buy anywhere near 55 copies...
Great week for Lemire fans as the first volume of Frankenstein ships along with a new printing of Lost Dogs, his first original graphic novel.

Remember when you pick up your Walking Dead #99 to reserve a copy of #100. DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF THINKING  THERE WILL BE LOTS TO GO AROUND. Orders so far are about 4-5 times normal numbers...but if just a few people decide to grab all 8 covers,  they won't last long.

WALKING DEAD #100

Walking Dead hits the #100 milestone in July, and the hit comic will feature 8 different covers on this landmark issue. Walking Dead sells out fast every month, and trying to find ANY backstock issues at all is tough these days. Whether you are a fan of the comic or the t.v. show, you'll want to make sure not to miss out on your copy by reserving one today, either in person at the store or by e-mail, or by logging on to the on-line store.
http://shop.comicsnmore.ca/online/
The on-line shop actually has a special pre-order sale price of $25.00 for a set of all 8 regular edition covers. But you must order and pay before July 1st.
As usual, we do not offer shipping, so this deal is only available to anyone able to pay for and pick up the comics at the store.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - JUNE 13th

Some great new first issues this week.
Starting with the Before Watchmen-Silk Spectre. This is the Amanda Conner one, and the previews look great.
American Vampire continues to move at a rate that demands another mini-series. Lord of Nightmares continues with the postwar characters from the Survival of the Fittest mini-series.
Rock legends Kiss, return to comics with a new series from IDW. This series should stand on its own and you will not need to read the recent Archie Meets Kiss mini-series to follow it.
Brian Wood sets out to deliver a tale that is truly Massive. What good is an environmentalist in a world that's already ended?
Untold Tales of Punisher Max, is exactly that. Stories that take place in the Max universe before Jason Aaaron ended his run with a bang(a lot of bangs actually).
Joe Quesada, the head honcho at Marvel once said that the regular Marvel universe and the Ultimate one would never cross-over. If they did it would mean " We at Marvel have truly run out of ideas".
Well aside from the numerous times the Ultimates have met up with Marvel Zombies and that whole Squadron Supreme thing, here we have the "official" first meeting of the 2 universes.
Peter Parker meets Miles Morales in , Spider-Men, a 5 issue limited series. I'm actually looking forward to this one, as I have for the most part been enjoying the NEW Ultimate Spider-Man.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - JUNE 6th

Very busy week, along with new issues of Action, Detective and Avengers/X-Men, NOT to mention the big news on Earth 2 #2, and hey a little thing we call Walking Dead volume 16.
We also get the first of the Before Watchmen titles shipping. This is the start of the Darwyn Cooke mini covering  the Minutemen. I really think DC made a smart move with the scheduling on this thing. It may sound like a major investment as it incorporates 34 issues across 7 mini-series, but it will be shipping as 1 comic a week throughout the summer. Take advantage of a special pre-pay discount. GET THE FULL SERIES FOR $100.00, AND I'LL THROW IN A COPY OF THE WATCHMEN PAPERBACK FOR FREE! (upgrade to hardcover or Absolute for a small charge)

Image starts off Creator Owned heroes, an odd name for an anthology title from a company that basically ALL their titles are Creator Owned! Sounds like they are taking advantage of recent creator rights controversy, even to the point of shipping it the same day as Before Watchmen.
Speaking of creators, Image also ships Spawn #220,as Mcfarlane returns to the comic he started ...and forgot about for 200 or so issues. There are a pile of variant covers, but you may have to hunt around for most of them. Spawn has been a real slow seller here for years now, so it doesnt get
ordered in any real numbers.

Marvel rebrands the Thunderbolts title as Dark Avengers. I really cant understand the logic of a book getting a new cast, and a new direction, but keeping the OLD numbering.
Boom keeps on giving us the buck book treatment, to great effect. Extermination #1 starts off a new Heroes and villians versus aliens, apocalyptic story. For a buck its well worth a look.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - MAY 30th

Well DC finally decided to fill in the 5th Wednesdays that pop up every few months. This week we get 2 great Annuals, Animal Man and Batman. Both are stand-alone stories, and yet essential reading for anyone following the regular titles.
DC also rounds off their MAY new titles launch, with Ravagers #1 which wraps up the Culling storyline that ran through Titans and Superboy this month.
While we will all miss the regular adventures of the Tiny Titans, the same team of creators are launching the new Superman Family Addventures.
Probably the coolest book of the week is another crossover mini-series from IDW.
Star Trek Next Gen meets Dr Who, a team-up made in fan-boy heaven.

In the toy section this week we will be getting the first of the NEW DC52 action figures based on Jim Lee's Justice League. It may be a little hard to find for the first little while though, because DC has announced  comic shops will be getting partial shipments only.
 NO EXPLANATION FOR THE SHORTAGE.....ALTHOUGH THE DC WEBSITE WHICH IS NOW APPARENTLY SELLING DIRECT TO FANS, SEEMS TO HAVE PLENTY OF STOCK AS THEY BOAST NEXT DAY SHIPPING!!!!
SEEMS LIKE DC HAS A PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING THAT PRE-ORDER CUSTOMERS COME FIRST( AS A RETAILER I HAD TO CONFIRM THE ORDER FOR THESE FIGURES SEVERAL MONTHS AGO.)

The other summer event comics of 2012

 While there are still a few days left in May, we are fully into the summer
weather. And summertime means comic book event season is upon us.

If you’ve had your fill of movie tie-in books, Avengers pounding on X-Men (and vice
versa), Batman’s private army gripped in battle against Gotham’s latest menace, the
Court of Owls, both Marvel and DC are serving up a few more big events to help you
spend your comic book dollar.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - MAY 23rd

YES! THE NEW COMICS WILL BE ON THE SHELVES WEDNESDAY AS USUAL.


After a short break while DC restarted their entire universe...Batman Inc.returns. I'm surprised its not an Owls crossover.
All-Star Western, IS an Owls crossover however. One that will probably be overlooked by many...to their regret. The OWLS crossover has been very well handled and the All-Star Western issue will be quite interesting to read as we will be seeing the Court of Owls in its earliest incarnation.

The brilliant mind of Matt Kindt, brings us Mind Mgmt. A sci-fi thriller, is the best way I can describe something this unique.

Astonishing X-Men #50 leads us into the Marvel event of the decade(or month at least).They seem to be making a big deal over a subject Archie comics did months ago.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY MAY 16th

Not much in the first issue department to note. But Marvel is sending a couple of .1 issues, for Hulk and Fantastic Four.
Seems an odd time to send a Spider-Man Ends of the Earth one-shot, 3 issues into the main story, but hey...its Marvel!
Hope everyone enjoyed the Avengers movie...enough to buy some of the huge pile of Avengers comics shipping all on the same day.
A couple more DC NEW 52 collections arrive, Catwoman and Green Lantern. These have been selling great so far, considering I thought everyone had already bought them in singles form. The amazing price on them helps. Most are $14.99 for a 6 issue story.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - MAY 9th

Busy week again, with another batch of first issues. Also, 3 chapters of the Night of Owls at once this time.

Garth Ennis starts of the Adults-only Fury comic, the previous mini-series from a while back was hilarious, in a warped way.

Hulk gets to smash the Avengers in a weekly mini-series. The first 2 parts arrive together due to a trucking accident.
More Marvel Zombies, this time it's undead Nazis in WW2. Peter David takes over the story in issue 3, so you may want to be sure to pick up the first 2.

John Byrne tries something a little different with Trio. A super-hero team book with ONLY 3 members!!

DC has put together another anthology of mature short stories, this time with the title, Mystery in Space.

Takio is a monthly series picking up where the great stand-alone hardcover left off. Probably one of the most popular, fastest selling books I've had here in a while. Kids, especially young girls, loved it.
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NEW COMICS Wednesday- MAY 2nd

Well its certainly a big week this time around, right before Free Comic Day.
DC starts off round 2 of the NEW 52 Universe with 4 titles replacing the slower selling ones from the original launch 8 months ago. The 2 biggest based on advance orders are Earth 2 and Worlds Finest featuring Huntress and Power Girl. This is basically a testament to DC fans love of the JSA. I'm just a little worried that the new version of Dial H will get lost in such a busy week, and G.I. Combat could well end up going the way of Men of War. (To make sure they all get a good look, I will be offering an in-store package deal of $10.00 for the 4 #1's together.)
2 more pieces of the Night of Owls ship, just as Teen Titans Annual starts off the Culling, which will crossover with Superboy and Legion Lost.
Outside the New DCU, Dc also starts a new Smallville title based on the t.v. show continuity.
Marvel is shipping Exiled #1, the start of the cross-over between Journey into Mystery and New Mutants.
The Valiant Universe rises again, starting with X-O Man of War. It actually looks pretty good with Carey Nord on art.
The Shadow first issue from Dynamite went quick, lets see if another pulp character, The Spider, does as well.
And Bart Simpsons pal Milhouse gets his own solo title, even if it is just for one issue.

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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - APRIL 25th

Well AVX seems to be selling well enough, lets see how many people will follow the battles into the secondary title, AVX VS. It'll probably vary depending on the characters involved each issue.

Archie #632 is the 2nd part of the Archie/Valerie romance story, which continues into their future together as a married couple with kids! That's 3 wives he has now in alternate futures. Makes me wonder how far they'll take the gender-switching story coming up in a few months.
IDW releases another of those 100 page spectaculars as they reprint some of the Archie comics TMNT stories. I think that's the last time I read any Turtles stuff.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - APRIL 18th

Dynamite reaches back to the past to revive another Pulp hero with the Shadow #1. Garth Ennis claims to be a huge fan of the original works and will keep true to the characters origins.
DC will be publishing Girl with the Dragon Tattoo graphic novels soon, and sends us a free preview to get us ready.
Punisher #10 is the 2nd chapter of the Omega story, and judging by how fast the Avenging Spider-Man sold out this week, people still love good old fashioned crossovers.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - APRIL 11th

Well, when it rains it pours. Lots of new stuff this time around.

Reality TV comes to comics as Image begins Americas Got Powers. Bryan Hitch draws it, so it should look good, just dont get in a hurry for issue 2.

Avenging Spider-Man #6 starts the crossover with Punisher and Daredevil.
Amazing Spider-Man Hooky is a prestige format sized reprint of one of those large size graphic novels from years back.

Batman Arkham Unhinged #1 begins the next series following the hugely popular video game storyline.

Kids and adults alike will love to see Courtney Crumrin start a new on-going regular comic. The graphic novels were always huge sellers, its just nice to be able to get a monthly fix.
Always confusing when 2 similar titled books start at the same time. Its worse when they are from the same company and have similar themes.
Secret, sounds like a horror,suspense thriller involving government security firms.
Secret Service is basically the same without the horror angle.
Hickman writes Secret, and Millar writes Secret Service.
Both have very distinctive covers that will stand out on the shelves, but I'm betting the Service title, with its Dave Gibbons art will fly quick, taking advantage of the recent hype over the Before Watchmen stuff.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - APRIL 4th

Avengers VS. X-Men #1 ships, I can't see how it can sell any faster than
the #0, but we'll see.
DC New 52 hits month 8, and the first of the casualties ship. OMAC will be
missed, Hawk and Dove ...not so much. At least Men of War #8 ends with a
bang as Jeff Lemire comes in with a Frankenstein in WWII story as the
title switches over to G.I. Combat next month.

We get to see what would happen if a zombie apocalypse hit during a
Comic-Con, in Fanboys VS. Zombies. The first issue is only a buck, so give
it a try.
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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - MARCH 28th

Well the big Avengers VS. X-Men story starts for real ..sort of. After a 4 issue X-Sanction Prelude, we get a #0, before the thing actually really truly begins.
The #1 goes on sale April 4th, and continues bi-weekly for 6 months.

The 4th of the new Vertigo titles starts this week.
The New Deadwardians is a Zombie, Vampire caste story set in the Victorian era.

Yet another Ultimate Spider-Man #1 ships, as the cartoon show gets its own
comic. Marvel really needs to come up with some original names for their
series or they all just start to get lost in the mix. The first issue is FREE, while supplies last.
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MARCH Previews - pt.2

Here's a look at what's coming in May from DC and Vertigo.

MARCH Previews - for MAY 2012

It's been a while since I did this, so I asked for some help from some customers, and amateur blogger Derek stepped up.
Here's his thoughts on some titles shipping in May.


"In 1992, the impossible happened - an upstart independent company created a new,
cohesive universe that managed to go toe-to-toe with the industry's biggest
publishers, forever changing the comics landscape in the process."

Which comic company wrote those words? Don't worry if you're stumped. Those words
easily describe two publishers - Valiant and Image - who are pulling retired
characters off the shelf and dusting them off with  fresh creative teams this May.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - MARCH 21st

Busy week with Batman and JLA shipping together. JLA #7 is the first of 2 fill-in issues done by Gene Ha, so no Jim Lee, but it also starts the back-up story of SHAZAM.
Another new Vertigo this week as Domique Laveau Voodoo Child #1 ships. Beautiful art by Denys Cowan in this one.
Rocketeer Advs. Starts a 2nd mini-series run.
The ever prolific Mark Millar brings us SuperCrooks, about villains off to Spain when it gets too hot in the States.
And...Tiny Titans comes to an end with issue #50. That pitiful sound you hear is myself and 1000's of kids sobbing at the loss of one of the funnest comics I've ever read. Lets hope the Superman Family advs. that replaces it is half as good.

NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY - MARCH 14th

Only a few firsts to mention this time around.
With the  movie just a few months away, it seems like a no-brainer for Marvel to start yet another Avengers on-going title.(I stress the term, NO-BRAINER), I don't think they realize that if the fans actually tried to buy every single Avengers comic they have planned this spring, they wouldn't have the cash to go to a movie.
Vertigo has the 2nd of its new line this month, with Saucer Country. Its a political thriller,UFO conspiracy  story by Paul Cornell.
The big book of the week could be Saga. Brian K. Vaughn( Ex Machina, Y-The Last Man)returns to monthly comics with a space epic that looks like a blend of Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
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NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY- MARCH 7th

Finally after a few dry weeks, we get some new first issues to mention.

Marvel takes us again to the Age of Apocalypse, nothing new really, except they seem to be in the standard Marvel Universe.
DC mines the past as well and gives us another chance to enjoy the Gothic horror series, Night Force.
Hickman starts another mini-series at Image. Manhattan Projects gives us something even scarier hiding behind the development of the A- Bomb.
Fury's Big Week, seems like Marvel trying to sell some random story, barely connected to the Avengers movie.
Vertigo starts off a month of new titles with The Fairest. A spin-off from the excellent series Fables, this one will feature short run stories involving the distaff side of the Fables universe. The first arc is drawn by Phil Jimenez and has covers by Adam Hughes, a perfect pair of artists to deliver a story about the fairest ladies in the land. Remember that this is the first of 4 new titles from Vertigo in March. Make sure to take advantage of my special, offering ALL 4 first issues for $5.00.
And
be sure to check out the front table for a special sale on all the Fables paperbacks currently in print.
20 % off any Fables trade...3 or more 30% of each....and buy 7 or more to get a whopping 40% off.

One to watch: Saga (Image)

 One to watch: Saga (Image)

 

Two great talents in comics team up for an all-new ongoing sci-fi/fantasy epic in Saga.

Established comics writer Brian K. Vaughn

(Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) joins forces with up-and-coming Calgary-based artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40) in

this new, original creator-owned series for Image comics. Expect reviewers, fans and the publisher to be talking about this one in the coming months as Image celebrates 20 years in comics in 2012.

Set against the backdrop of a galactic war, Saga follows new parents Marko and Alana as they risk all fighting the odds to raise their newborn daughter in the midst of a violent struggle. The book has already stirred some controversy with its depiction of a breastfeeding on the cover, so there's bound to be extra interest once it hits shelves.

Promo material is calling this "Star Wars-style action colliding with Game of
Thrones-esque drama", so it's not like Image is building high expectations or
anything. But with Vaughn and Staples at the helm, the book could very well live up
to the hype. BKV needs little introduction. Perhaps best-known for Vertigo's highly
acclaimed Y: The Last Man, Vaughn is an Eisner award winner on Y and Ex Machina
(Wildstorm). He's also written the terrific fable The Pride of Baghdad (Vertigo) - a
story about freedom and loss set during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq - more than
three dozen issues of Runaways (Marvel), as well as a few episodes of the hit TV
series Lost.

Fiona Staples may not be as familiar to readers, but she's earned acclaim over the
past few years and a Shuster award in 2011 for her body of cover art, including a
gorgeous set of covers for DV8: Gods and Monsters (Wildstorm). If you're looking for
a primer on her work, try to find North 40 (Wildstorm) - a dark fantasy tale filled
with magic and demons.

The first issue of Saga is a whopping 44 ad-free pages at the irresistible
introductory price of $2.99. Saga is intended for an adult audience.

Check out some preview pages here.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/prev_img.php?pid=10802&pg=3

- Derek Chezzi