On The Shelves: 4/26/06

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My weekly look at select comic books being released Wednesday, 4/26/06. The full shipping is list available at ComicList.

[NOTE: Not all of these titles will actually arrive in all stores. If your LCBS offers a pre-ordering service, be sure to take advantage of it. If not, find another one; or try Khepri.com or MidtownComics.com]

Not sure why this is being listed again as it came out about a month back, but it’s a great read, with simple but effective artwork and a straightforward but emotionally engaging story. Check out its web site for more info.

AMAZE INK (SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS)
Tron #1, $3.50

I remember when Tron, the movie, first came out and the amount of hype behind it that was simply impossible to live up to. Launching with a much lower profile and zero expectations on my part, I’m hoping the comic book version is much more satisfying.

DARK HORSE COMICS
Guy Davis Thugshots Jarcudi The Shiv Shot Glass, $5.99
Guy Davis Thugshots Jimmy The Pipe Shot Glass, $5.99
Guy Davis Thugshots Luckless Louie Shot Glass, $5.99
Guy Davis Thugshots No Nose Dempsey Shot Glass, $5.99

Ha! “Thugshots”. I love it!

DC COMICS
American Way #3 (Of 8), $2.99
Batman #652, $2.50
Blue Beetle #2, $2.99
Ion #1 (Of 12), $2.99

American Way doesn’t seem to have much buzz behind it, does it? I wonder if this is one of those projects DC’s marketing people couldn’t get a handle on so they just threw it out there with some posters and…well, not much else. It may not be the most original concept, but it’s certainly better executed than most of Wildstorm’s other projects. Considering John Ridley‘s one of their higher profile contributors outside of comics, perhaps they’re planning a push for the TPB? Or maybe they’re waiting for the movie deal? *** Blue Beetle #1 was intriguing enough that I’ll pick up #2, but I have to admit to being a bit pessimistic about its long-term prospects. It launched with an impressive 50k copies, though, so it should complete its first arc, maybe its second, before leveling off around Firestorm‘s pre-Infinite Crisis range and talks of a creative team shakeup ensue. As it is, there’s three different artists on the first five issues, so that’s not an auspicious beginning. *** I have no plans to pick up Ion, but if I was even vaguely curious, that stupid mask of his would keep me from bothering. Didn’t he have a similarly ridiculous mask back in the 90s?

DYNAMIC FORCES
DF Moon Knight #1 Moench Sgn, $19.99

I’ve never understood the appeal of a comic signed by someone who wasn’t involved with it. For the fan/collector or the creator. Yes, Moench created Moon Knight, but he had nothing to do with this new series. Hell, Marvel didn’t even bother to send him a copy of Essential Moon Knight!

IMAGE COMICS
Godland #10, $2.99

I wonder if Image collects their fee before or after the comics ship? If after, with as many late-shipping titles as they put out — the majority of them, it seems — I feel sorry for whomever keeps track of their cash flow.

MARVEL COMICS
All New Off Handbook Marvel Universe A To Z #4, $3.99
Black Panther #15, $2.99
Daughters Of The Dragon #4 (Of 6), $2.99
Defenders Indefensible Premiere HC, $19.99
Incredible Hulk #94, $2.99
Iron Man The Inevitable #5 (Of 6), $2.99
Storm #3 (Of 6), $2.99
X-Factor #6, $2.99

Marvel’s really been picking my pocket the past few months! At the same time, they’re missing several opportunities thanks to ill-advised crossovers that are actively keeping me away from several titles. Not to mention the ones that simply, you know, suck. *** How in the world does the lousy Defenders mini rate a Hardcover with no mainstream creators, a cast of B-list characters (sorry Hulk, but it’s true) and an absolutely puerile story? Priced at $20, I’m guessing they’re counting on soaking the double-dippers who’ll pony up $15 for the softcover six months later. *** Speaking of the Hulk, derivative as it may be, I’m actually enjoying Greg Pak’s “Planet Hulk” story so far. If the rumors of an ending involving Thor’s return being derailed are true, I’m probably one of the few who are happy about that. The more disconnected this story is from “Civil War” and the rest of Bendis-Millar nonsense in the MU, the better. *** I’m also probably one of the few who won’t be missing Ryan Sook on X-Factor. I mean, come on; dude couldn’t complete TWO issues before needing a fill-in and ultimately bailing on the series? That’s bullshit. Dennis Calero‘s just fine with me, and hopefully they let him stay on past #12.

SUPERVERSE PRODUCTIONS
Zoom Suit #1, AR

Sometimes too much PR can be a bad thing as Zoom Suit already feels overexposed and underwhelming and I haven’t read a single issue yet.

Written by Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Guy LeCharles Gonzalez is the Chief Content Officer for LibraryPass, and former publisher & marketing director for Writer’s Digest. Previously, he was also project lead for the Panorama Project; director, content strategy & audience development for Library Journal & School Library Journal; and founding director of programming & business development for the original Digital Book World.

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