THUNDERCATS
John Layman just finished working on the Art of Sam
Kieth and is now busy writing THUNDERCATS and his own
series Puffed for Image Comics. He talked to THE PULSE
about those series, his past work editing THE
AUTHORITY, and future projects.
You can read it here
THE TITANS/YOUNG JUSTICE: GRADUATION DAY COMPENDIUM
Following the quick sell-outs of THE TITANS/YOUNG
JUSTICE: GRADUATION DAY # 1-3, DC has rushed solicits
of an 80-page collection of the miniseries.
THE TITANS/YOUNG JUSTICE: GRADUATION DAY COMPENDIUM
will collect all three issues of the miniseries, and
is scheduled to arrive in stores on July 30 with a
cover price of $6.95.
The GRADUATION DAY COMPENDIUM also includes eight
story pages from TEEN TITANS # 1 and the now-sold out
OUTSIDERS # 1
“OUTSIDERS and TEEN TITANS will occupy their own
corner of the DC Universe, and GRADUATION DAY is where
it all begins,” says Judd Winick, writer of the
miniseries. “It’s an essential first chapter in an
ongoing story. Since it’s sold out, we’re all thrilled
that readers will have another opportunity to see
where these two new series began.”
“Fan reaction to GRADUATION DAY has been very strong,
and the issues sold out more quickly than anyone
anticipated,” says Bob Wayne, DC’s VP – Sales &
Marketing. “Retailers definitely should stock up on
this compendium in anticipation of momentum that’s
already built for OUTSIDERS and TEEN TITANS.”
Retailers may order THE TITANS/YOUNG JUSTICE:
GRADUATION DAY COMPENDIUM by calling their Diamond
Customer Service Representative or DC Sales
Representative. The order increase cut-off date for
this item is July 20.
THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN
With the Twentieth Century Fox film The League of
Extraordinary Gentlemen set to open on July 11, DC
Comics goes back to press for new printings of THE
LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN VOLUME 2 BUMPER
COMPENDIUM EDITION PARTS 3 AND 4 and THE LEAGUE OF
EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN VOLUME 2 # 5. Both are
scheduled to reach stores on July 16.
“We decided to go back to press after receiving input
from a number of retailers, and we’re happy to help
stores take advantage of the movie’s release,” says
Bob Wayne, DC’s VP – Sales & Marketing. “The League’s
popularity continues to grow, and that popularity is
sure to spread to non-comics readers when they see the
movie.”
These new printings are accompanied by the new, sixth
printing of THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN TP,
with the same cover burst reading “Now a Major Motion
Picture!” that appeared on the previous printing.
Other LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN items are
available as follows: * THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY
GENTLEMEN VOLUME 2 BUMPER COMPENDIUM EDITION PARTS 1
AND 2
* THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN VOLUME 2 # 6
is available for advance reorder and is scheduled to
be in stores on August 13.
* THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN: THE ABSOLUTE
EDITION, VOL. 1 OVERSIZED HC is available for reorder
and features both the original 6-issue miniseries and
Alan Moore’s scripts for the series in two hardcover,
slipcased volumes.
NOW FOR SOME VIEWS: WARNING ! SPOILERS ! WARNING !
GREEN LANTERN
Ben Raab introduces “The Blind” to readers here in
issue # 166. The Blind is a planet destroying weapon
with the Black Circle being heavily involved. So Amon
Sur should be making his presence felt in upcoming
issues. It seems a new rogue is introduced at the end
as well.
We also see Kilowog tormented by demons and that
Ganthet is going to see someone who can help his
plight.
Back on Earth, Jenny and Merayn are out clubbing and
dancing the night away. Looks like a breakup will be
happening soon, but who’ll be first? Jenny & Kyle or
Merayn & John Stewart?
BATMAN
In issue # 616 Batman seeks out answers to the game
played by the mysterious Hush. While Batman goes
one-on-one with Ra’s al Ghul, Harvey chats with Gordon
and Catwoman gets a beat down by Lady Shiva. Three
more issues to find out who the mystery man or woman
is.
CATWOMAN
Ed Brubaker sends Selina and Holly out into the
country. Holly finds out that this isn’t just about
rest and relaxation–when she meets a special guest
star.
This was a great issue. And much less depressing than
practically the last six months of the title. And
artist Cameron Stewart is back, hopefully for the long
haul. Great cover too.
THE FLASH
This is the best read of the week. Perhaps the best
storyline of the year as well.
Zoom confronts Wally and just dominates everyone,
while providing some tragedy to him, something he
feels will make The Flash a better hero.
July should be Flash Month, because the fireworks are
going to explode with the conclusion of “Blitz.”
BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS
I’m not a big fan of this title, but I was interested
to see what happened to Alfred, as he succumbed to a
mysterious illness.
I thought the issue was handled well by writer Scott
Beatty but I just wish this title could get a better
artist. David Ross’s pencils, for me, don’t do
Batman justice.
Members of the Bat-family are here, along with Bane
(who I guess can be considered a member), Atom, Green
Lantern Alan Scott and Superman.
A funny moment in the issue was on Day 13 of the “20
Days Less One” storyline, when a representative of
Gotham County’s Social Services went to the mansion
while investigating suspected abuses of wards in the
care of Bruce Wayne (Jason Todd in particular). Bruce
opens the door in his bathrobe, while Cassie hands him
a mug of coffee– in her little bathrobe. I’m sure we
haven’t heard the last of this.
Then there’s a surprise character at the end, one that
will have me coming back next month.
BIRDS OF PREY
I know this was from last week. But I wanted to see
what all of the commotion was all about. I wanted to
see the “bold new direction” as it’s stated on the
cover of issue # 56.
I haven’t bought an issue of BIRDS OF PREY since issue
# 37, with Chuck Dixon writing Dinah into a downward
spiral when she didn’t even recognize Ra’s al Ghul. I
dropped the title all together and haven’t been back
since. Until now.
I wanted to see how Gail Simone (new writer) and Ed
Benes (new penciller) would treat the character. Even
though there seems to be more cheesecake here, I think
it was a good start.
I just wonder if Dinah’s new look will be the same in
other titles (in particular GREEN ARROW) and whether
or not she’s going to employ her Canary Cry instead of
just getting her ass kicked by the new villain Savant
and his henchman Creote. I’ll be back next month to
check it out.
THE LOSERS
Soon to be the next big hit from VERTIGO. Payback is a
bitch and The Losers are hell bent in getting it from
the C.I.A, who left them for dead, and in particular
from a guy named Max.
THUNDERCATS: DOGS OF WAR
Yeah, WildStorm is hitting me over the head with
nostalgia. I remember the cartoon and wanted to see
how Lion-O and the rest have changed. I’ll probably be
back for more.
TERRA OBSCURA
I’ve bought one TOM STRONG book before, so I was going
into this title with absolutely no knowledge of the
characters. As first issues go, it was well written
and made for an easy jumping on point. Peter Hogan’s
script made this reader extremely comfortable in what
was going on. It made me feel like I’ve read all of
these characters before. I’ll definitely be back.
