Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 01/02/08

Before we get into the Post-Crisis Previews, does anyone happen to know when the comics come out this week? I'm too lazy to call my shop, considering it's closed right now, but I'm getting different dates from different sources. Marvel has the comics shipping as of Jan 4th. Diamond has them on the 2nd. DC lists the 2nd as well, but they have like half a dozen mistakes in their listings, so not very credible. I figured New Year's might be cause for Diamond to delay the shipping of the books though, so I'm really not sure if they'll be out on the 2nd or not.

edit - Diamond is updated as Jan 4th now. I swear, it was Jan 2nd earlier in the day! I guess that confirms another delayed release week though.

Anyways, these previews are for comics that come out sometime this week. I'm pretty sure Annihilation: Conquest will be the Book of the Week this week, but there might be a darkhorse pick out there somewhere. Hit the jump to check out all the books I intend on picking up this week and the usual thoughts and expectations from yours truly.

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST #3
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Art by Tom Raney

The cosmic blockbuster rocks on—as things go horribly wrong for our heroes! The Phalanx closes in on Star-Lord and his scrappy squad, Ronan comes face-to-face with a vengeful enemy, and Quasar & Moondragon discover a deep secret that could save the Kree...but they both might be dead before they can use it! Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning join forces with superstar artist Tom Raney to bring you the sci-fi event that Aint It Cool News says is “…a worthy sequel and every bit the equal to the impressively cohesive and thoroughly entertaining crossover event ANNIHILATION from last year!”

Kirk Says: Conquest. Buy it. 'Nuff Said.


COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #17
Story by Paul Dini
Story consultant Keith Giffen
Scripts by Tony Bedard
Art by Pete Woods and Tom Derenick

It's all-out war as the Challengers find Ray Palmer - and so does everyone else! The fate of a universe hangs in the balance, as heroes and villains from across the multiverse face betrayal and death with Earth as their battlefield!

Plus, more DC Villains origin backup stories, including Harley Quinn!

Kirk Says: Previews already spoiled the outcome of the Evil Bob cliffhanger (by the way, good job on that DC), but this should still be an interesting follow up issue. Not sure what the cover is all about. Forerunner hasn't been with Monarch for a couple months now.


COUNTDOWN TO MYSTERY #4 (OF 8)
Written by Steve Gerber and Matt Sturges
Art by Justiniano, Walden Wong and Stephen Segovia

Kent Nelson, feeling sorry for himself, falls off the wagon and into despair…which would be miserable enough for an obscure, powerless infividual — but Kent possesses the helmet and identity of Doctor Fate! Plus, a shocking new development in the life of Eclipso — unlike everything you've seen in a DC series before!

Kirk Says: I'm really liking this series. Not sure what it has to do with Countdown, but it's been a great ride so far. Each story in this book seems to complement the other quite well. That cover is simply fantastic and I can't wait to see the final version with the proper colouring.


MS. MARVEL #23
Written by Brian Reed
Art by Aaron Lopresti

Carol Danvers is stranded and powerless on Monster Island, surrounded by a nest full of Brood, and trying desperately to survive. When the Lightning Storm team comes to her rescue, things only get worse! Brian Reed (Captain Marvel)
and Aaron Lopresti (Incredible Hulk) continue their run towards Ms. Marvel's historic 25th issue with this tale of Monsters and Marvels!

Kirk Says: Ugh, after several months of solid stories, Ms Marvel has quickly gone downhill with this Brood / Crazy Blue Alien storyline. Machine(wo)man is about the only thing keeping me interesting and I actually really like Ms Marvel's character. Maybe the upcoming Skrull stuff will turn things around for this book.


SILVER SURFER: IN THY NAME #3
Written by Simon Spurrier
Art by Tan Eng Huat

Phase-crucifixions! Astral squid-beasts! Conniving aristocrats! Tangled in all the obstacles and oddities of an exotic Empire, the Silver Surfer finds that his toughest test—to soothe the hatred of ancient enemies—is beyond even the Power Cosmic. But is he prepared to commit the ultimate atrocity to secure a chance for peace…? Cosmic craziness turns to darkness and death, as Spurrier and Huat’s galactic extravaganza takes an unexpected turn with the surprise appearance of a looming figure from the Surfer’s past…

Kirk Says: I've been looking forward to this issue every month since I read the first issue. One of the best mini's on the market and, unless there's some retarded plot twist, it should remain top notch all the way through to the conclusion.


THUNDERBOLTS #118
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Mike Deodato

With his life spiraling downwards, can superhuman psychiatrist Doc Samson pull Penance away from the brink? And who on the Thunderbolts could hate the gamma-irradiated doctor more than the man he’s trying to help?

Kirk Says: The 'fill in' specials did nothing for me and I'm really glad that the actual book is back on track with this issue. Apparently, according to Deodato, Ellis is the cause of the delays and he has had all kinds of free time to complete other projects while waiting for the next script from Ellis. Hopefully this book gets its delay problems under control because I'm really enjoying it and I'd hate to see it become another Astonishing or All-Star title that is delayed into oblivion. Maybe it was just deadline pressure to complete Ultimate Human on time that caused the delays.


ULTIMATE HUMAN #1
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Cary Nord

It’s the Ultimate war between the Hulk and Iron Man! Desperate for a cure to his dark disease, scientist Bruce Banner begs Tony Stark for a release from the curse of the Hulk! Stark agrees, but in the midst of the experimentation, something goes horribly wrong. And you know what happens next: man and monster collide! Be there as writer Warren Ellis (ULTIMATE GALACTUS) begins his next Ultimate epic—and is joined by amazing artist
Cary Nord (Conan)!

Kirk Says: I must hate myself for buying these Ultimate Universe 'events' or specials. I can't think of a single one that I'd call good or memorable. Can't be any worse than Ultimates 3 though, can it?


UNCANNY X-MEN #494
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Billy Tan

The Marauders are back on the hunt for the messiah baby. They’re a step ahead of the X-Men, but how will they fare against the new X-Force? Also, the traitor reveals his (or her) plan for the baby and alters the landscape of the battle dramatically. Who benefits from the actions of this wildcard, if anyone?

Kirk Says: I haven't really given Messiah Complex a fair crack. The opening special really jaded me on the whole thing and I felt ripped off after that overpriced filler issue. However, this crossover has really been shaping up and has improved pretty much every issue. Not sure I buy this evil Bishop turn, but there's still the possibility it's a Skrull. Or mind control or something. That works too, I guess. Either way, I'm really looking forward to this issue.

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