What I’m Getting Wednesday

I’m going to comment on the economy again because I do not want anyone to get complacent and think that we have put the worse behind us, because we have not. Easy credit is one reason we are in this mess, continuing to make credit easy is not a solution to get out of this mess. Rewarding companies that screwed up with government back guarantees is backasswards. If a business fails, let it fail. Yes the pain and consequences will be harsh and severe, but what is the plus in delaying the inevitable. Printing more and more money does nothing but devalue our currency and feed into inflation. If yesterday you had $10 and tomorrow you have $20, it is meaningless if bread is now three times higher then what it was. If I had a lot of money I would be moving it out of this country into a numbered Swiss bank account and making sure it was not in dollars. Remember this collapse is not a failure of capitalism, it is a failure of a debt driven economy and eventually debt must be repaid. Hang onto your hats boys and girls because the ride has just begun and neither Presidential candidate has a clue how to fix it.

The books I looking forward to the most:

Hellboy in the Chapel of Moloch – Mike Mignola writing and drawing a one-shot on Hellboy – what is not to love? The Migolaverse is a place I always enjoy visiting and to see Mike on the drawing board again is a special treat. The company line “On the heels of the second Hellboy feature film, legendary artist and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola returns to the drawing table for this standalone adventure of the world's greatest paranormal detective! Hellboy investigates an ancient chapel in Eastern Europe where an artist compelled by something more sinister than any muse has sequestered himself to complete his "life's work."”

Thor #11 – JMS has me looking forward to this book all the time, but the lag time between issues is becoming worrisome. I hope he is not leaving the series. The word “As Thor ventures further beyond the walls of the Shining City into Midgard, the sinister Loki begins to tip her deceitful hand. In spite of her promise to reform since being restored to life by the God of Thunder, Loki’s insidious moves against Balder, Thor, and the rest of Asgard start bearing poisonous fruit.”

Final Crisis Rage of the Red Lanterns #1 – Geoff Johns is setting up “Blackest Night” which is fast approaching, how that ties to FC is beyond me, but Johns on GL stuff is something I would always look forward to reading. The hype “The prelude to "The Blackest Night" begins here! They come from a place of great anger and hatred. They are the Red Lanterns and they will have their revenge against the greatest Green Lantern - Sinestro. That is, unless the Guardians have theirs first."

Joker Original Graphic Novel Hard Cover – The hype “In the all-new, hardcover original graphic novel JOKER, writer Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS) and artist Lee Bermejo (HELLBLAZER covers) – the creative team behind the acclaimed miniseries LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL – show an even darker and more disturbing side to the most dangerous man in Gotham: The Joker.After yet another stint in Arkham Asylum, The Joker finds "his city" divided among mobsters and costumed villains. Not content to settle for a piece of the pie, The Joker vows to take back the whole damn enchilada by any means necessary. Look for appearances by a slew of Gotham's most wanted, including gritty takes on Two-Face, Riddler, Killer Croc, Penguin, Harley Quinn and even Batman! Not since THE KILLING JOKE have you seen such a powerful tale of The Joker – you won't want to miss this one!” I enjoyed the Lex Luthor mini-series and I believe Azz is okay in the super hero world telling tales of the villains.

Madam Xanadu #5 – In the span of five issues this has become my one of my favorite series. Matt Wagner’s story is so much fun as he uses the regular DCU all the time and weaves it into Madam Xanadu’s origin story. Amy Reeder Handley’s art is just breathtaking and beautiful. The word “Madame Xanadu returns to Europe as mystic advisor to Marie Antoinette, and as political tensions begin to boil, the Phantom Stranger makes his return. This time he seeks to kick-start the revolution and ensure that Paris's streets run red – a blood sacrifice that will keep certain demonic forces at bay. Interfering in this cruelty, Madame Xanadu discovers that the price of saving others may be her own immortality.”

Garth Ennis Battlefields Night Witches #1 (of 3) – Ennis writes some of the best war stories I have ever read. His work in this area is phenomenal. Check out War Stories Volume 1 and Volume 2 from DC to see what I mean. The company line “Late summer, 1942. As the German army smashes deep into Soviet Russia and the defenders of the Motherland retreat in disarray, a new bomber squadron arrives at a Russian forward airbase. Its crews will fly flimsy wooden biplanes on lethal night missions over the German lines, risking fiery death as they fling themselves against the invaders - but for these pilots, the consequences of capture will be even worse. For the pilots of the 599th Night Bomber Regiment are women! In the deadly skies of the Eastern Front, amidst the carnage of the Great Patriotic War, they will become a legend known, to friend and foe alike, as the Night Witches.”


That is just what looks to be the crème de la crème of my list, the rest of the list is below.


Checkmate #31 – The final issue in this series and it should have been cancelled after Rucka left the book six issues ago as it was apparent no one had a clue what to do with this concept. What’s inside “All the pieces on the Checkmate board have converged on China. Is it the end of the world as we know it in this series finale issue? Or will Chimera save the day?”

Ferryman #2 (of 5) – The first issue was interesting seeing the Ferryman find his fare and then deliver him to the devil. Last issue the Ferryman tried to quit, but the devil told him he can’t quit. The company line “In issue #2, Ferryman Gideon Thorne won't let a little thing like being dead keep him from getting a job done, because when you're a Ferryman, failure is not an option. The question is: who's his target . . . and who is Thorne really working for?”

Jack of Fables #27 – This arc has been one of my favorites with the focus being on the Paige sisters. Plus the Bookburner is headed to town. The hype “Hillary Page is the gal who stole away to Americana to find her father and ended up kicking Jack Horner square in the tacklebox. Now she's held captive with no hope of escape, and it looks like all of the good guys are about to be murdered by a malicious ovoid and a camel. Can Jack save the day?”

Justice League of America #26 – Last issue we left off in the middle of the convoluted story involving Vixen and Animal Man. What’s inside “The JLA stands helpless against the power of Anansi, the African spider god who has warped their histories. Vixen makes her final stand, brokering a deal with the powerful villain. But will she be forced to sacrifice the JLA and Animal Man? Or does her last-ditch effort mean something far worse.”

Legion of Super Heroes #47 – I’m bummed out that this series is ending with #50. This incarnation of the Legion had the shortest lifespan. It is sad to realize we will not have a Legion book on the stands after this series ends. Hopefully another re-launch will be forthcoming. The hype “While war looms and a traitor plots against the Legion, Brainiac 5, whose dreams are haunted by the ghost of Dream Girl, seeks help from a spiritualist. It all leads to supernatural possession, savage action and…a marriage proposal! Introducing the marvelous Meander, mistress of the mysterious!”

Northlanders #11 – Looking forward to this next arc, as each arc focuses on a new person and we are not locked into one central character. The word “A new Northlanders epic kicks off here! Taking place during the tail end of Viking rule in Ireland, a series of mysterious murders and arsons against wealthy citizens leaves the Viking occupiers worried that a potential uprising might ignite. When surprising details involving the crimes are revealed, though, their jobs become much harder.”

Rann Thanagar Holy War #6 (of 8) – This series with the one-shots, has been going on for close to a year. I also find it amusing that Starlin is revamping Hawkman’s history but Busiek and Johns are writing him like he has been since Johns brought him back. The company line “The opposing forces of Lady Styx and Synnar threaten to tear Rann apart as Styx's fleet enters the planet's airspace and Synnar establishes his basecamp on the surface. Is there anything that Adam Strange can do to stop the tides of war from engulfing his adopted home planet? Or is it too late for him and his galactic allies to win the day?”

Reign in Hell #4 (of 8) – An eight part series for this type of story feels too long and I think six issues would have been better. I’m not vested in either side in this battle andin that way it reminds me of out current US election. What’s inside “A "Sightings" tale! It's the unlikely return of a major character as a mysterious prisoner is discovered during the war between Neron and Lord Satanus. Also, prolonged exposure to Hell begins to take an unexpected toll on the DCU heroes who have been forced into the underworld.”

Superman #681 – The first chapter in “New Krypton” was excellent and I’m looking forward to the rest of this story a lot. The hype “"New Krypton" Part 2! Picking up directly from SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON SPECIAL #1, 100,000 Kryptonians have descended on Earth. But their introduction to the world follows a bumpy road, and humans and Kryptonians alike are wary of one another. Meanwhile, Clark must say goodbye to a long-standing member of his supporting cast while the threat behind Atlas makes his next move against the Man of Steel!”

Superman/Batman #53 – This writing team has been doing a great job on this book and while this series does not seem to impact regular continuity, the stories are entertaining and well done. The company line “Superman's powers leap into the body of The Dark Knight! Now Batman contains the incredible abilities of a Kryptonian while the Man of Steel stands powerless. How will they adjust physically and psychologically to these bizarre changes? Part 1 of the 4-part "Super/Bat," featuring art by Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS).”

Superman / Batman vs Vampires and Werewolves #2 (of 6) – The first issue was a surprise to me as I guess I had limited expectations. Tom Mandrake’s art and the story line have me looking forward to issue #2. The word “A man is killed by a mysterious creature – his body drained of blood. A woman is savagely attacked by a ferocious beast – her jugular ripped out. Bat wings flutter across the moon and the howl of a wolf echoes through the streets, for the creatures of the night have risen from the grave, and humanity's only salvation is the combined might of The Last Son of Krypton and The Dark Knight Detective. Blood will run red when Superman and Batman face off against vampires and werewolves for the fate of the entire DCU!”

Superman/Batman Search For Kryptonite HC – This arc was so well done I wanted to keep a copy and I might us well pick it up as a hard cover. This volume contains “The epic adventure from SUPERMAN/BATMAN #44-49 by Michael Green and Mike Johnson, two of the writers of the hit TV series Heroes, is collected in hardcover! The World's Finest team has a new mission: collect all Kryptonite from across the globe — no matter who gets in their way!”

Teen Titans #64 – Last issue was a decent issue, but I still think this team can not ever be the same as long as characters in this book have other ties (Robin). The hype “The Teen Titans uncover the mystery and motivation behind Bombshell's origin, and no one is more surprised at the answers than Bombshell herself! Meanwhile, Wonder Girl is confronted with the figure behind her recent misfortunes and discovers why family reunions can be absolute hell.”

Trinity #22 – So we have seen how the world has changed with the Trinity being replaced and we have seen what happened to the evil Trinity, what happened to Bruce, Clark and Diana? The company line “Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman no more! The heroic Trinity have met their fates at the hands of their villainous counterparts in the Troika. Now the Earth trembles helplessly in the hands of the villainous group while Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman's accomplishments are being forgotten!”

Astonishing X-Men Ghost Boxes #1 (of 2) – I dropped the regular series, but I wanted to read Ellis on the X-Men with a different artist as I keep thinking it is the art that is killing the book. The word “You met Subject X in the pages of Astonishing X-Men! But what was he really doing and who he was doing it for? Find out in this essential 2-issue tie-in series to Warren Ellis and Simone Bianchi’s opening salvo on Astonishing X-Men! Ghost Boxes is about the choices that man made and could have made, and the ripples they cause. Ghost Boxes is about the real stakes of the Ghost Box storyline, and what will happen if the X-Men fail to solve the mystery.”

Captain America Theater of War Operation Zero Point – I thought I would try out this one shot books highlighting Cap’s career. The company line “The first in a series of specials covering the length and breadth of the larger-than-life legend of Captain America, as told by the industry’s leading experts in the field! First up, it’s 1944, and wouldn't you know it? Them sneaky Nazis have managed to crack the secrets of electro-magnetic physics…yeah, that's right: apples may fall down in the free world, but schnitzels are falling up in the skies over a mysterious lab in a Polish forest, thanks to a little help from a nearby forced-labor camp. Sure, we could send in the Marines, but why bother when we've got Captain America?! But even Cap may be meeting his match against the lab's sadistic cybernetic commandant. Because everyone knows, the only thing worse than a Nazi is a Robot Nazi!”

Essential Marvel Horror Volume #2 – I know I have sworn these books off, but this was ordered a few months ago. This volume contains “A voodoo virtuoso. A devil-tainted demi-druid. A half-mad minister. A creature of the crypts, a man-mountain of marble and a giddy giggling ghoul -- these are the horrific heroes who protect the world from forces even more frightening than themselves! Demons, zombies, warlocks and terrorists -- all in these nightmarish narratives from the shocking scarefest of the seventies! Guest- starring Spider-Man, Spider-Woman and the Thing! Collecting SUPERNATURAL THRILLERS #5 and #7-15 (Living Mummy); STRANGE TALES #169-173, TALES OF THE ZOMBIE #6 and #10 and MARVEL TEAM-UP #24 (Brother Voodoo); HAUNT OF HORROR #2-5 and MONSTERS UNLEASHED #11 (Gabriel the Devil Hunter); STRANGE TALES #174 and #176-177, and MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #11 (Golem); MARVEL CHILLERS #1-2 and MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #33 (Modred the Mystic); and DEAD OF NIGHT #11, MARVEL SPOTLIGHT #26 and MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #18 (Scarecrow).”

Iron Fist #19 – This arc by the new creative team has started off strong and I’m certainly hanging onto this book for now. The hype “Danny races to discover why all the previous Iron Fists except Orson Randall have died at age 33. But Danny’s just turned 33 himself, and a mysterious man with abilities too weird to fathom has shown up out of nowhere to kill him. So, yeah, that might have something to do with it. What killed every other Iron Fist, this one guy? Nah, couldn’t be. Unless…is this ultra-powerful man more than just a man? And how did the last Iron Fist, Orson Randall, dodge the inescapable fate that apparently killed all 65 of his predecessors? Don’t miss this blood-chilling chapter in the ever-growing mythos of THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST!”

Marvel Masterworks Volume #106 Journey into Mystery – My last Atlas Era horror collection that I plan to buy. After a point this material is very familiar and I will have plenty in my collection. The volume contains “Written by STAN LEE & VARIOUSPenciled by GENE COLAN, RUSS HEATH, JOHN ROMITA, JERRY ROBINSON, DICK AYERS, JOE MANEELY, TONY DiPRETA, ED WINIARSKI, JACK ABEL, PAUL REINMAN, JOHN FORTE, MORT LAWRENCE, SAM KWESKIN, CAL MASSEY, MAC PAKULA, VIC CARRABOTTA, JAY SCOTT PIKE, HOWARD POST, CARL HUBBELL, DICK BRIEFER, ED GOLDFARB, BILL BENULIS, AL LUSTER, C.A. WINTER & VARIOUS Cover by RUSS HEATHThe MARVEL MASTERWORKS are taking a macabre JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY this October, and you’re invited! It’s a ten-issue fright fest from the pre-Code days when the scare reigned supreme, and the only thing more horrific than not having a dime in your pocket were the stories inside! Featuring artwork by a collection of the Atlas Era’s finest, you’ll be wowed by the gruesome turns of future Marvel Age greats Gene Colan, John Romita and Dick Ayers, and taken into a whole new world of horror by such titans of the 1950s as Joe Maneely, Tony DiPreta, Paul Reinman, Jay Scott Pike and more! So take one foot out of the grave, wrap your hands around a murderous intent to scare, and reserve your copy today! Collecting JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #1-10.”

Nova #18 – One of my favorite series from Marvel as this book is consistently good and is usually moving the character forward. The hype “The Skrulls are assaulting Project Pegasus, and only Nova - and a roster of unexpected allies - stands in their way. But whatever happens, Richard Rider's life will be changed forever!”

Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #3 – Suppose to be about Peter and MJ having sex for the first time. Not sure this needs to be a comic book story. The word “The relationship between Peter Parker and Mary Jane is one of the most iconic and popular romances in all of comics -- and in this very special issue by series writer Brian Michael Bendis (SECRET INVASION), and red-hot artist David Lafuente [HELLCAT], that relationship delves into an area never before seen in any Spider-Man comic! Destined to be one of the most controversial issues of the year!”

Wolverine Origins #29 – The Original Sin storyline has been less then scintillating. The company line “Continued from X-MEN LEGACY 217! It’s WOLVERINE versus the HELLFIRE CLUB as he seeks his missing son, DAKEN! The bodies will fly and the blood will run as PROFESSOR X learns the secret of Wolverine’s early days with the original new X-MEN! Things were not as they seemed—but who was deceiving whom? And is there time to save Daken’s soul?”

X-Men First Class Giant-Size Special #1 – I hear that this series is coming back again as a mini-series. I hope so as I’ve enjoyed this revamped looked at the X-Men’s early years. What’s inside “Just in time for Halloween, The Beast starts conducting investigations into his own "X" files around the world! Are there aliens among us- or things even weirder? Featuring special guest-star artists and classic material too! And emboldened by the safety net of Nowlan inks, Parker even drew the cover!”

Freedom Formula #3 (of 5) – This series is another winner from Radical comics. What impresses me is the great artists they find for these stories and the stories themselves are all terrific. The company line “The mystery of Daedalus deepens, and it becomes increasingly clear that he is somehow tied to Zee's past. Meanwhile, the corporation's stranglehold on the city tightens, and more street racers are being hunted and executed. As they close in, Zee makes a fatal mistake!”

Astounding Wolf-Man #9 – The monthly pace is going to be a big help on this series as I actually remember how last issue ended. The hype “Gary Hampton is on the run. His identity is public, and he is wanted for murder. His life has taken a drastic turn for the worse at a time when things seemed their darkest. Now he no longer uses his newfound abilities to help others, he must use them to stay alive!”

Proof #13 – Every time I see a new issue is coming out I just smile as each issue is something to look forward to. The company line “The Image universe invades Proof on Halloween night! Savage Dragon helps Proof and Ginger search for the missing Dover Demon. Plus, 'Thunderbirds: Part Four,' in which the origin of the golem is revealed. With a special section written and drawn by the SCREAMLAND creative team!”

Savage #1 (of 4) – Having Steve Niles as part of the writing team is a draw for me and the premise seems interesting. The word “Peter is a shoe salesman desperate for a life transformation. Sam is a hunter of things that would scare the hell out of lesser men. These two will collide in the middle of an epic battle between vicious werewolves and the legendary Big Foot. And that's just the beginning.”

Sword #12 – Okay, when last we left Dara her legs were chopped off and her sword was out of her reach. This series certainly took an unexpected turn, which is a good thing. The hype “What happens when a human attempts to kill a god? Dara's battle with Zakros comes to an end.”

Roadkill: A Jim Kowalkski Adventure - GN – The premise was so over the top, I couldn’t resist trying it and it was only $10. The company line “A biological contagion that turns the living into cannibalistic mutants has been unleashed, and it's up to paranormal trucker Jim Kowalksi to stop it! Jim, along with his talking dog and G.P.S. crystal skull, lead this full-throttle adventure into overdrive. Our heroic trio must battle their way through monster insects, zombie truckers, a crazed country musician, and a doomsday cult led by the insane Reverend Baba-Yaga Boogity.”

Solomon Kane #2 (of 5) – The first issue was well done and I’m anxious to see who is behind the slaying in the forest. The word “Mysteries emerge during Solomon Kane's stay in the Castle of the Devil--the beasts that prey upon the local peasantry make their presence known, and another body is discovered. Kane begins to doubt the legends about the ancient chapel beneath the castle. Did a devil--worshiping monk really die there at the hands of his brothers, or was there something even more sinister afoot? And what lives down there now?”

Beyond Wonderland #3 (of 6) – This sequel has been very different from Return to Wonderland, but equal strong, my favorite Zenoscope book. What’s inside “With her boyfriend missing and best friend murdered, Calie is beginning to realize that she may not have returned from Wonderland alone! Who is the mysterious being stalking her every step and what answers does he hold of her destiny in the battle between this world and Wonderland? The answers he holds will change everything you thought you knew about Wonderland, and pull Calie back into the world she prayed she would never see again!”

No Hero #2 (of 7) – The first issue started off with promise and I usually enjoy Warren Ellis’ examination of what a “real” super hero would be like. The hype “Josh Carver has been recruited into the vigilante superhuman 'rescue team' The Front Line by Carrick Masterson. Which means Josh must become a superhuman by taking Masterson's secret drug FX7. But FX7 could drive him irreparably insane! How much does he want to be a superhuman? Would you take it? Forty years ago, a group of superhumans emerged in San Francisco, guided by the man whose unique new drugs gave them their incredible powers. But the team is not the only thing that's advanced over the years, and there are no easy victories when their luck finally begins to run out!”

Resurrection Annual #1 – I’m basically done with this series, but heard the annual wraps up the first story arc and decided to ride out the ending. The word “When the 'bug' known as Spock escaped from his cell in Judy McCreary's cabin, he nearly disappeared without a trace - 'nearly' being the operative word. Spock was spotted by a group of human survivors still hiding in the forest, unaware of the new status quo. How do these refugees deal with the alien in their midst? Is the group hungry for justice - or just revenge?”

Sheena Dark Rising #1 – Sheena is never the strongest title, but it is usually a light read that is entertaining. The company line “Forced against her will under the 'protective' wing of her billionaire grandfather, SHEENA has been trapped in the concrete jungle of Val Verde City for months. But deep in the jungles of Val Verde lies a deadly secret, a relic from the glory days of Nazi Germany that will threaten SHEENA and all that she holds dear!”

Streets of Glory #6 (of 6) – Wrapping up Ennis western from Avatar. It has been a while between issues and I forget where we left off. The hype “Garth Ennis' powerhouse saga of the Old West comes to its blood-drenched conclusion! The epic end to the series is so huge that it needs a super-sized issue to contain the carnage! The times are changing, and Colonel Joseph R. Dunn is a relic of the past, no longer welcome in Gladback. But no one has ever had luck forcing Dunn to do anything he didn't want to, and he's not interested in leaving, not while his daughter is in danger. Before he is done making things right, the bodies will pile up while the streets run red with glorious blood. Ennis teams with Mike Wolfer for this epic full color series that promises to thrill every fan of Garth's powerful story-telling and brutal violence.”


All in all this week looks to be a good one . We have reprint and original hard covers, trade paperbacks, some new series and some series wrapping up. I know that I still need to cut my list back further, but with so many interesting books out there it is hard to say no. Where I have succeeded in cutting back is letting mini-series lapse and not picking up as many new ones.

Update: Forget to add the book you should be buying, but not enough people are- This week I'm pushing Proof - a true gem that is coming out on time and it is an obvious labor of love for the creators.