Here are the books that make an impression on me staring at this week's no-doubt largely accurate list of books shipping from Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. to comic book and hobby shops across North America.
I might not buy all of the works listed here. I might not buy any. You never know. I'd sure look at the following, though.
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AUG111044 BILL GRIFFITH LOST AND FOUND 1970 -- 1994 TP $35.00
I've always enjoyed Bill Griffith's not-Zippy work whenever I've encountered it, and actively sought some out when some of his underground comics were praised by various cartoonist back in the Fantagraphics office in the mid-1990s. This volume is a welcome surprise, and I hope it's not totally buried in the forthcoming year's worth of archival work ahead. For this week at least, it's the belle of the new comics ball.
NOV110340 STEVE CANYON HC VOL 01 1947-1948 $49.99AUG110688 MMW ATLAS ERA TALES TO ASTONISH HC VOL 04 $64.99
AUG110689 MMW ATLAS ERA TALES TO ASTONISH HC VOL 04 DM VAR ED 174 $64.99
OCT111329 HAND OF FIRE COMICS ART OF JACK KIRBY HC $65.00
AUG111228 WALLY WOOD STRANGE WORLDS OF SCIENCE FICTION HC $39.95
It's not exactly a flush week for comics at the comics shop from my viewpoint, but it's worth noting I seem to be a bit more interested in works that cost an arm and a leg over those priced at a finger. The Steve Canyon work I remember being handsome (of course) and more engaging at the start than later on in its run, so this would be one to have. The Atlas volumes -- god knows why there's a variant edition on a $65 hardcover, but okay -- finish Marvel's reprinting of the Tales To Astonish series, and those are solid, fun comics. I'd be most interested in checking out Charles Hatfield's monograph on Jack Kirby, as I don't get to read enough Charles Hatfield and I can't get enough information about Jack Kirby. Similarly, everything by Wally Wood is worth every bit of attention and consideration one can give it.
NOV111118 TWIN SPICA GN VOL 11 $13.95
This is the only manga series offering that jumped out at me. It's been a while since I've seen a volume of this series, but the later one were better than the early ones, which is a promising sign.
NOV110529 DAREDEVIL #8 $2.99
NOV110491 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #512 $3.99
NOV110133 BATMAN #5 $2.99
NOV110222 TINY TITANS #48 $2.99
NOV110111 WONDER WOMAN #5 $2.99
NOV110358 PROPHET #21 CHURCHLAND CVR $2.99
NOV110359 PROPHET #21 LIEFELD VAR CVR $2.99
Here's what looks worth a look in the superhero comic book realm. Daredevil and the Iron Man series are two of Marvel's solid performers; Daredevil in particularly is well-regarded right now. That same kind of fan seems predisposed towards the Batman and Wonder Woman relaunches from DC, although I've barely seen them. I have to think it's a strength to have strong performing comics named after your character as opposed to "Ascendancy Of The Chartreuse Lanterns" or whatever. I like that Tiny Titans comic book; more importantly, little kids genuinely like that Tiny Titans comic book. The Prophet soft re-launch is the one to watch, and I enjoyed that comic when I read it recently. I bet it sells well, too, in the better shops.
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The full list of this week's releases, including some titles with multiple cover variations and a long, impressive list of toys and other stuff that isn't comics, can be found here. Despite this official list there's no guarantee a comic will show up in the stores as promised, or in all of the stores as opposed to just a few. Also, stores choose what they carry and don't carry so your shop may not carry a specific publication. There are a lot of comics out there.
To find your local comic book store, check this list; and for one I can personally recommend because I've shopped there, albeit a while back, try this.
The above titles are listed with their Diamond order code in the first field, which may assist you in finding comics at your shop or having them order something for you they don't have in-stock. Ordering through a direct market shop can be a frustrating experience, so if you have a direct line to something -- you know another shop has it, you know a bookstore has it -- I'd urge you to consider all of your options.
If I failed to list your comic, that's on me. I apologize.
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