I really don't understand the publishing schedules of comic companies. Take this week for instance, there are approximately a dozen must read books being released this week when last week only had a couple issues. In fact, there are typically the odd week or two that have only 5 or 6 books I even feel the need to pick up and some out of collector obligation mentality. Why do they have Cap, Black Adam, Green Lantern, Avengers Intiative, Daredevil, several Avengers books, Ultimate Spider-Man and so on all on the same day? Just about any of these books would be enough to get me to go the shop that week, so why not spread them out to slower weeks where they won't compete with each other or will bring people into the shop where they might see other books being released? Did I miss something in that one marketing class I took in university or is releasing more high quality books in one week than the audience can reasonably afford or justify throwing money down seem, especially if on a budget, a stupid move on Marvel and DC's part? If spread out, wouldn't you go pick up Cap if it was the only book that week you wanted? I know I wouldn't hold off a week for more books and I'd probably go to the shop, pick it up and come home with one or two other books I didn't intend on since "I was already there" and wanted to justify my trip, which was originally only for one book.
Anyways, enough with the marketing of comics. I don't run a shop, so I have no real experience with how the sales go up or down depending on where it's released. Let's just be thankful there are so many good books this week and call it a day. So, without taking up anymore of your time, hit the jump for the previews!
ACTION COMICS #861Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank & Jonathan Sibal
"Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes," Part 4! Superman's mission to reunite the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st century continues on the one planet more dangerous than Earth: the cold, knowledge-obsessed world of Colu! But what fate has befallen Brainiac 5? And what are the horrible secrets behind Earth's "new" super-heroes - the Justice League?
Kirk Says: I've been following along with this story, but I'm not well versed in Legion lore. So, I'm not sure if this rather long winded and slow paced storyline is my not appreciating the characters and setting due to not knowing or caring about the characters or if it's just the story meandering about with no clear goal or focus. Also, Frank's art has been disappointing to me, at least compared to his old work on Supreme Power and what have you.
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #9Written by Dan Slott
Art by Stefano Caselli
KILLED IN ACTION (Part 2 of 4)
"The First Casualty"
The Initiative's biggest secret hasn't come back to haunt them, it's come back to KILL THEM! Blood will run, heads will roll, and this time "dead" means DEAD! Say goodbye to at LEAST one regular cast member as KILLED IN ACTION starts racking up its body count. You know, maybe this WASN'T such a good time for TASKMASTER, ANT-MAN, and the new recruits to sign up…
Kirk Says: This is probably the best Avengers book and it looks to be really hitting its stride with this story arc. Taskmaster should have been the drill instructor from the beginning. He's simply too good a character to let go to waste and this reminds me of the time he was training the amnesic Deadpool in his Udon costume (well it was Deadpool, but wasn't - it was complicated but funny as hell). This book is shaping up to be a major factor in the Skrull invasion and this issue features a Skrull infiltrator as one of the new recruits. Really looking forward to this one. Did I mention Ant Man is in this now? Buy it!
BLACK ADAM: THE DARK AGE #6 (OF 8)Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy
The stunning conclusion of the most important chapter of Black Adam's life! All will be revealed as the magic word that has eluded him for so long comes to light, and the final fate of Isis is revealed.
Kirk Says: I think Black Adam is going to kill some people this issue, especially if those assassins with the magic bullets interfer with his resurrecting Isis. This was my favourite mini-series from last year and I can't wait to see how it finishes. Of note, this is the first time I've noticed the (of 8) on the solicit. I always thought it was a 6 issue mini. I must have been mistaken and I'm too lazy to go back and check, but I'm all aboard for 2 more issues.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #34Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting
Is this the NEW Captain America?!
Kirk Says: Little skimpy on the solicit, but we all know what's going down in this issue. Bucky had his throw down with Tony last issue and both went over the letter Cap gave Tony after he died. That equals Bucky as the all new, all shinier holofoil edition of Cap as we see here. The costume is still butt ugly, but can't wait to read this issue.
Of note, I've been working my way through the Captain America Omnibus and it simply rocks. I was really worried about the pages getting guttered or cheap, flimsy paper quality, but this thing is just a step below the Absolutes in terms of quality. Extras are actually really good for a change. Usually they just stick 30 pages of rehashed script and a couple covers and call it a day. This one has lots of interviews, character sketches, reprints of Winter Soldier one shot from Civil War where he teamed up with Young Avengers (it was one of the best single issues that year) and so on. They even took the House of M tie-in and stuck it at the end so it doesn't disrupt the flow of the book. If you are still waiting to get in on this book, which is easily the best super hero title on the market, the omnibus is definitely the way to go.
and it simply rocks. I was really worried about the pages getting guttered or cheap, flimsy paper quality, but this thing is just a step below the 
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE #6 (OF 8)Written by Adam Beechen & Justin Gray
Art by Allan Goldman & Julio Ferreira and Fabrizio Fiorentino & Adam DeKraker
The enigmatic Healers - aliens sent to Earth to stop the spread of Lady Styx's infection - have tagged Animal Man as patient zero. Can Starfire save him before they cut him open for dissection? Also, Forerunner's adventures continue as she runs afoul of the Thanagarian battle fleet.
Kirk Says: I like Forerunner. I can't really deny that fact and it's really the only reason I've stuck with this series this long. It's not that these issues are absolutely horrible, but they aren't great and the Animal Man / Starfire / Strange story should have been finished by now if they hadn't dragged it out so long. And Forerunner's doesn't seem to have any purpose or direction.
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #13Story 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: Countdown has been doing extremely well for itself the past month and a half. After 30 some odd issues of product placements and glorified advertisements for other books passed off as story, it looks like the book has finally found its way and now that Prime has been thrown into the mix, we're finally seeing the book this should have been from the start. Now, we'll finally get to see just how strong Monarch actually is compared to Prime.
DAREDEVIL #104Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Michael Lark
Can Matt Murdock balance the scales of justice and save his wife? Can Daredevil bring peace to the streets of Hell's Kitchen, which are caught in a super-powered gang war? And what is the terrible secret Mr. Fear is hiding? By Brubaker and Lark.
Kirk Says: You all remember last issue's cliffhanger right? The actual issue was slim pickings, but those last couple pages were intense and ended with Ox strung up in chains as Matt fired up the blow torch for some old school interrogation. Now, Brubaker only has to deliver on that setup.
FANTASTIC FOUR #553Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art by Paul Pelletier
The unexpected conclusion! When the Fantastic Four meet their future couterparts, they finally learn the astonishing outcome of Reed Richards' secret, post-Civil War plan.
Kirk Says: Oh god, what the hell happened to Susan's face in the future? She's been disfigured. Ignoring the cover, I've been enjoying McDuffie's run when he isn't putting the Silver Surfer in armlocks. This Dr Doom back from the future story is taking an interesting turn and, it might just be me, but it felt like more than a month since the last issue came out. FF's not the best Marvel title, but it's been fairly solid with glimpses of greatness and I can't wait for Hitch and Millar to take over, no offense the current team.
GREEN LANTERN #27Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Mike McKone and various
The build-up to FINAL CRISIS continues in Part 2 of "The Alpha Lanterns"! In the aftermath of the Sinestro Corps War, a select few have been chosen to undergo a transformation that will leave them forever altered and forever committed to the Green Lantern Corps. But what other laws are the Guardians unleashing, and why do Hal Jordan and John Stewart want to stop them? Plus, a visit to Oa's Death Row!
Kirk Says: God, art by various? Are you kidding me? Is this another schizofrenic issue of Green Lantern? Sinestro Corps War was incredible, but it looks like it killed all the artists on GL and GLC. Couldn't DC have sprung for a big name fill-in for the couple issues instead of sticking 3 or 4 artists on each book?
I guess art isn't everything, but this is part 2 of the Alpha Lanterns arc and all we've seen of them is a random splash page. And what the heck does this have to do with Final Crisis? It may sound like I'm pissed about this title, but I still love it. I just hate seeing DC treat it like a second class citizen again now that it's not the cash cow summer blockbuster anymore.
MIGHTY AVENGERS #8Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Mark Bagley
It’s the Mighty Avengers versus the New Avengers who have been overtaken by a symbiote virus. So, yeah, it’s Avengers versus Avengers symbiotes!! Janet gets new powers!! And the Mighty Avengers declare war on a foreign country!! All this and Mark Bagley too!!
Kirk Says: This book must be on an accelerated schedule, but it could just be the fact it's monthly again and not 3 months late like it was under Cho that's throwing me. Last issue was actually a lot of fun and I enjoyed it immensely. Hopefully they can keep up the pace. If not, there's always Mark Bagley's beautiful artwork to gawk at.
NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #1Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Carlo Pagulayan
Continuing directly from the pages of NEW AVENGERS #37: The Hood's gang of super-criminals takes the fight right to the Avengers’ door!! Its wall-to-wall action and the end of an era for one Avenger and a major defection for another.
This double-sized issue ties into or wraps up threads from Civil War, World War Hulk, both Avengers titles and the upcoming Secret Invasion!! Avengers writer Bendis welcomes rising star Carlo Pagulayan on his Avengers debut...
Kirk Says: Is this Annual #1 or #2? The Marvel watermark on the cover image says #2, but the solicit says #1. I don't remember a first annual, but it's highly possible there was one. Previews have The Hood's gang beating on Tigra...again as they search for the whereabouts of the New Avengers. I figured Bendis would stir clear of that after the fan outlash over the last time she showed up. Maybe she shows up later in the issue to help out or get payback. Only reason I can think of for him doing that again.
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #118Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Stuart Immonen
It begins here…“Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends!” Things are changing in the young life of Peter Parker: Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four is now his buddy---and the hot–headed super hero has taken a liking to Peter’s classmate, Liz Allen! But something is horribly wrong with Liz—something that will soon affect the life of every student at Midtown High—including Peter’s ex-girlfriend, Kitty Pryde!
Kirk Says: I like Immonen on USM, but I would love it if he quit and went back and teamed up with Ellis for another round of insanity known as Nextwave. Ah well, USM is the linchpin of the Ulitimate Universe. It's on time, consistently good and the measuring stick for any title in that universe. There's not much to say other than that one issue of this book is better than three of ASM, making this the best Spidey title on the market right now.
ULTIMATE X-MEN #90Written by Robert Kirkman
Art by Salvador Larroca
New series artist Salvador Larroca arrives—as Apocalypse begins! Sinister has been resurrected, the pieces are moving into place, and everything is starting to come together. Can the X-Men prevent the coming of Apocalypse? The story arc that’s been building for a year kicks off here!
Kirk Says: I like Apocalypse. I like alternate versions of him, either from cartoons or due to time travel or, in this case, when he's Ultimatized. Kirkman's run hasn't been great, but it's been improving as of late. I'll stick around until this finishes out I guess, but I expect this book to be cancelled come Ultimatum.
Y: THE LAST MAN #60Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Pia Guerra & José Marzan Jr.
It's the dramatic conclusion you've been waiting for as Yorick and company reach the end of their journey in this very special 48-page issue.
Kirk Says: Y: The Last Man. The best Vertigo book currently being published and the next in a growing list of creator owned books who, at the height of their popularity, passed the torch as they ended their runs. This looks like it will have time skip based on the cover, but only Vaughan knows what's going to happen. I feel sorry for the people waiting for the trade. You'll have to suffer another month or two before it comes out.
Follow each of us on Twitter:
7 comments:
The New Avengers Annual would be #2. I believe that #1 was Luke Cage/Jessica Jones wedding.
It's Annual #2. Annual #1 came out before Civil War and featured the New Avengers versus the new Super-Adaptoid (in the form of former Black Widow Yelena Belova). It also featured the wedding of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones.
I'm kinda torn on the Countdown issue coming this week, mainly with the Monarch-Prime showdown. On one hand, Prime's just been asking for it for months now with his cockiness, so I'd like to see him get whupped. But on the other hand, they've been playing Monarch as ridiculously powerful, I think too much so, and him single-handedly beating Prime would be hyperbole.
Oh well, I'm sure I'll be glad with the fight itself, though, as the two tear Earth-51 up in their duel.
I'm so with you on wondering why they cram all the good books into one week. There is always one week a month where I feel like I'm giving away a kidney at the comic shop and this one is it. Then I'll go all OCD because I won't know where to start first...
it's being titled as new avengers annual #1. because books with #1 sell more than #2. same with the x-men annual that came out before ES. you didn't really think that was the first x-annual?
also, the new recruit who is a skrull is crusader with the freedom ring, not part of the invasion (or so we think DUN DUN DUN!).
also, the new cap costume looks a billion times less shitty without ross making it shine like a thousand suns. so it looks ok in the book.
and marvel's scheduling has been fubar for a while now. that's what happens when you let books be delayed and delayed and delayed. seems the x-editors are the only ones who enforce deadlines ever.
Wouldn't it come out the same though? I mean, even if they spaced out comics more so that big releases aren't all in the same week, you'll still end up spending the same, just in two or three weeks instead of one.
And man, I have't gone to comic store in over five months(new car payment and all) but damn if the combo of Y and Ult. Spiderman don't make me want to head over there. I'm just scared I'll step in, black out, and find myself driving tne minutes later, my wallet cleaned out and my backseat full of singles and TPBs.
@hector - It's the same and it isn't the same.
Let's say you buy 5 comics a month and you have enough cash to pick up the odd special / mini / one shot / random issue. So, like $20 a month for comics.
If every comic you buy is released on the same day, and based on this week's list, you could be collecting almost any 5 from previews, then you won't come back to the shop for another month.
Fine, you spent bought your 5, no big deal when teh books are released then, right? Well, what if we put Captain America off in the first month and Daredevil a week later? You'd have to come back 2 more times to the shop, espcially if you're a Brubaker fan.
When you arrive to pick up those books, you WILL look around the shop again, check out the new books on the racks, maybe some back issues, etc unless you have some pressing issue that requires you immediately leave. When people look at stuff, the chances of buying something goes up. Even if you don't buy something, there's a higher chance someone will buy it.
Just go through past previews and you can see weeks where I'm struggling to get 5 or 6 books. If someone who buys as many as me has trouble, then others are most likely not buying anything that week and not coming to the shops.
Think video games for a second. If you don't buy one new, day one, you most likely don't go back and pick it up until it's become cheap or discounted. Same with comics. You don't go to teh shop the day it comes out, most likely you won't buy it til it hits the dollar bins or trades.
Putting so many good books at once just seems to promote not coming to comic shops for the average buyer. Go once, seeya next month or have books kept in the pull list until more than one or two are in there.
I'm probably reading too much into it, but I just find it weird that so many high quality books come out at one time every month. Nova is usually released on these weeks as well, since it typically goes toe to toe with GL and Black Adam for Book of the Week.
Post a Comment
Thanks for checking out the Weekly Crisis - Comic Book Review Blog. Comments are always appreciated. You can sign in and comment with any Google, Wordpress, Live Journal, AIM, OpenID or TypePad account.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.