Previews for September 2011

It’s that magic time each month when I get to thumb through the new Previews catalog.  Each month a catalog comes out that lists almost all the items your local comic shop can order for delivery 3 months out.  This is how it works in comic retailing; owners order in advance based on their sales history and anticipated interest for new product.  They purchase the items and they assume all risk for any unsold items.  It’s part science and part gut instinct.  That’s the retailing side but as a fan I have the choice to pre-order (usually at a discount) or to wait and see what the issues look like on the stand.  

Many comic sites will list all the items available and I am not here for that.  Instead I will give you my four must buys for the entire catalog along with few items from each “major” publisher and my pick for “the back half” (this is where the smaller publishers are grouped in the catalog).  I have also included the page numbers from the catalog.  

My overall pick for this month are the mini-comic bundles for Halloween.  These little comics are a great replacement for candy and they help promote reading and (just maybe) an interest in comic books.  They cost about the same as candy so why not ask your shop to order you a few bundles, they are many titles to choose from.

 

Dark Horse

Pg. 24 – Buffy Freefall #1

*Pgs. 38-39 – Dark Horse Presents #3

This series has been a lot of fun.  I remember the original run of DH Presents and this new series captures the spirit of the original.  I don't usually like anthologies but with no ads this book is well worth the $7.99.

Pg. 53 – The Manara Library Vol 1 HC

Pg. 59 – Marvel Classic #2 Hulk

 

DC Comics

Pg. 66 – Justice League #1

Pg. 67 – Justice League International #1

Pg. 77 – Action #1

Pg. 78 – Superman #1

Pg. 81 – Batman #1

Pg. 82 – Detective #1

Pg. 87 – Batwoman #1

Pg. 91 – Red Hood & the Outlaws #1

Pg. 110 – Men of War #1

Pg. 111 – All-Star Western #1

Pg. 114 – Hawk and Dove #1

Pg. 118 – Batman: Noel HC

*Pg. 119 – The Bible HC

It was hard to choose between this and the Spy vs. Spy Omnibus but I think The Bible will not be available long.  This is vintage Kubert from the 1970's but I think the title and subject matter will keep casual readers away.  It will be overlooked again.  All of the other DC titles will be available in $1 boxes and the Spy vs. Spy book should be available on Amazon or elsewhere online for a discount well into the holiday season.  If you want The Bible you better get it now.

Pg. 127 – Spy vs. Spy Omnibus HC

 

IDW

Pg. 142 – Star Trek Ongoing #1

*Pg. 151 – GI Joe: Cobra Civil War 100 Page Spectacular

I am not a GI Joe comic guy but the art and buzz from other readers has me interested.  IDW is making it easy to catch up and jump on with this 100 page collection.  The art style reminds of bronze age Marvel but with modern sensibilities.  My comic friends tell me the stories are some of the best in comics right now so I will go ahead and give it try.

Pg. 155 – Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #4

 

Image

*Pg. 178 – 27 Second Set #1

The only series from Image that I am still following.  The off beat art, story and format (yes format; the size and paper) captures my interest still.  The first mini-series was tight and satisfying but with enough room left to tell more stories.  I think this series derserves to have those stories read.

Pg. 181 – The Big Lie

Pg. 198 – The Infinite #2

 

Back Half:

Pg. 230 – Rust Volume #1 HC

Pg. 231 – Mr. Murder is Dead HC

Pg. 253 – Planet of the Apes #6

Pg. 256 – Grampa Won’t Wake Up

*Pg. 298 – Holy Terror

Frank Miller reworked Batman saga years in the making sees print in the funky 300 format with a "new" hero.  Damn.  I am still interested and will buy this book.  Curse you Miller for creating such great comics.

Pg. 306 – Black Metal Vol. 2

Pg. 338 – The Batman Files Deluxe HC

 

Of course Marvel has to be different and instead of listing their books inside the Previews catalog they choose to print an insert catalog for their product.  The page numbers below refer to pages in the Marvel insert.  I list them last since they make extra work for me when planning my comic spending for the month.  Back of the bus for you Marvel.

Marvel:

Pg.1 – Fear Itself #6

Pgs. 22-23 – Amazing Spider-Man #669-670

Pgs. 31 – New Avengers #16.1

*Pgs. 40-41 – Daredevil #3-4

I haven't picked up the new series yet but this month I am going to try it out.  Anytime Marvel re-launches a classic character it is time to peek in.  It could be craptastical, and let's be honest most are, but it could also be the next classic take on the character.  Hated today beloved tomorrow is a common theme in comic fandom so I always try to at least give the new team a chance. 

Pg. 75 – PunisherMax #17

Pg. 85 – Art of Spider-Man Classic

Pg. 95 – Castle

Pg. 103 – Marvel Ghost Stories GN-TPB

That's it for this month and I hope that my smaller cut at the massive list of comics helps you in making your choices for September 2011.  Please feel free to leave a comment or send me an email.  I can also be heard on the Pittsburgh Comics Podcast located at http://pittsburghcomics.com.

Peace and Leftcoastlove,

Sean