COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS FOR NOVEMBER 2014: Comic Collections and Batman!

KC Carlson & friend.

KC Carlson & friend.


by KC Carlson

HOLY BATMANIA!

Greetings, citizens!

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock (or been eaten by a giant clam!), you probably already heard that the original 1966-68 Batman TV show is finally coming to home video, just in time for Christmas. (And holiday sales!) But what you probably didn’t know is that DC Comics is going to be distributing the various Blu-ray and DVD sets through comics’ legendary direct market — and that means WE CAN SELL ‘EM TO YOU!

Plus, DC and Diamond Previews have an exclusive Blu-ray plus book offer! Their version of the Batman: The Complete Television Series Blu-ray set comes with a new edition of the Batman: The TV Stories book, offered in hardcover for the first time and expanded to 192 pages with three additional digital-first stories featuring the Joker, Catwoman, and Egghead!

Since there are four different sets and formats to choose from, rather than duplicate all the information repeatedly, we are going to offer a brief description of each one, accompanied by a link where you can read more and directly order it.

Batman: Complete TV Series Blu-ray & Book Set (Limited Edition)

Batman: Complete TV Series Blu-ray & Book Set (Limited Edition)


Batman: Complete TV Series Blu-ray & Book Set (Limited Edition): See below for a brief description of the Blu-ray box set, and see above for the limited edition book. More details here.

Batman: Complete TV Series Blu-ray Set

Batman: Complete TV Series Blu-ray Set


Batman: Complete TV Series Blu-ray Set: All 120 original broadcast episodes remastered in HD in a numbered, limited-edition collection

Various replica collectibles

UltraViolet digital copy

32-page episode guide

Three hours of all-new extras

More details here.

Batman: Complete TV Series DVD Set

Batman: Complete TV Series DVD Set


Batman: Complete TV Series DVD Set: All 120 original broadcast episodes remastered

32-page episode guide

Three hours of all-new extras

More details here.

Batman: Complete Television Season One Set

Batman: Complete Television Season One Set


Batman: Complete Television Season One Set: All 34 first season episodes

Three hours of all-new extras

More details here.

To sum up: The 32-page episode guide only appears with the Complete Series sets. And the various replica collectibles and UltraViolet digital copy are only available with the Blu-ray format collection.

The three hours of extra material include:

* Hanging With Batman: interview with Adam West

* Holy Memorabilia Batman!: the most sought-after collectables

* Batmania Born: The art and design behind the fiction

* Bats of the Round Table: Adam West and his celebrity friends chatting about all things Bat ‘66.

* Adam West commentary for episodes #1 & 2 (?) – sharing his script notes.

* Na Na Na Batman!: Hollywood stars recount their favorite Batman memories.

Happy Bat-shopping! Same Bat-time, same Bat-website!

Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga Book 1

Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga Book 1


Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga Book 1 (DC Comics): The first of three volumes collecting the serialized 53 chapters of original comics starring Batman, written and illustrated by Jiro Kuwata, and originally published in 1966 in Japan in Shonen King magazine. Never before translated to English nor fully collected even in Japan, this will be the first appearance of the material in the USA. (And those of you familiar with the Chip Kidd-edited Batmanga! book from 2008 know how wonderfully weird this is! Hint: atomic age dinosaurs!) 352-page B&W (w/spot color), 5.75” x 8.1875” softcover. (NOTE: Will be digital-first.) Available in December.

Batman ‘66: The Lost Episode

Batman ‘66: The Lost Episode


Batman ‘66: The Lost Episode (DC Comics): Okay, this sounds cool… During the original Batman TV show run, legendary science fiction writer Harlan Ellison delivered an outline for a story that would have introduced Two-Face to the TV series! That never happened. Now, “The Two-Way Crimes of Two-Face” is being adapted by two old Batman pros — writer Len Wein and artist José Luis García-López. Also included in this special edition are Ellison’s original story outline as well as the complete, original pencils by García-López. Holy Lost Treasure, Batman! 80-page color one-shot special. (NOTE: Will be digital-first.)

THIS MONTH IN CLASSIC COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS

Absolute Green Arrow by Kevin Smith

Absolute Green Arrow by Kevin Smith


Absolute Green Arrow by Kevin Smith (DC Comics): Collecting Green Arrow #1-15, a great run of comics that Kevin Smith actually finished! Green Arrow comes back from the dead, from a time when that sort of thing was actually still interesting. Art by Phil Hester and Ande Parks with a cover by Matt Wagner. NOTE: These issues were previously solicited as the Green Arrow by Kevin Smith Deluxe Edition HC, which has been canceled by DC. 400-page, oversize (8.25” x 12.5”) color hardcover. Available in February 2015.

Aces High

Aces High


Aces High (Fantagraphics): As you might guess from the title, this volume collects George Evans’ classic work for EC Comics — specifically, his incredible aviation war stories. Alongside all of his highly-acclaimed stories for Aces High, EC’s famous air war title, there’s a bonus rarity: Evans’ never-before-reprinted 3-D story of World War I ace Frank Luke (in regular, easy-on-the-eyes 2-D). In addition, there are other war stories (in collaboration with Harvey Kurtzman) and several crime and shock stories. Also includes essays and notes by EC experts about Evans and his stories. 216-page, 7.25” x 10.25” B&W hardcover.

Adventures in Oz Volume 1

Adventures in Oz Volume 1


Adventures in Oz Volume 1 (IDW): This month, IDW is soliciting a new Oz book by acclaimed artist/writer Eric Shanower. We don’t really know much about its contents… But hey! It’s Eric Shanower writing and drawing wonderfully beautiful Oz stories! What more do you need to know? 160-page oversized 9.5” x 13” color hardcover.

Complete Junior and Sunny by Al Feldstein

Complete Junior and Sunny by Al Feldstein


Complete Junior and Sunny by Al Feldstein (IDW): Considered to be one of the foremost examples of late 1940s “good girl” and “headlight” (ask your grandad) art comics, this new collection gathers up all the Junior and Sunny stories by legendary EC Comics editor/writer/artist Al Feldstein created for the notorious Victor Fox of Fox Feature Publications. Along with a historical introduction by Grant Geissman, the book also presents the one issue of Meet Corliss Archer that Feldstein did for Fox. From IDW’s sell copy: “Although the stories are basically charming, ‘typical teenage’ period pieces, Feldstein’s artwork for them often pushes the envelope for the time, with titillating covers depicting ample ‘headlights’, and often-suggestive images in the stories themselves. It’s probably a good thing that Dr. Fredric Wertham never found out about Junior and Sunny! Seduction of the innocent, indeed!” So, probably not for impressionable young kids… who can probably see worse on TV. 400-page color hardcover. Available in December.

Ditko’s Shorts

Ditko’s Shorts


Ditko’s Shorts (IDW): From the occasionally bizarre brain of Craig Yoe comes this potentially fascinating book featuring classic stories by Steve Ditko that are either 1, 2, or 3 pages long! Taken from rare comic books from a who’s who of publishers, all have been meticulously restored for this book. And, as you can probably guess, the story genres will be all over the place — including horror, fantasy, science fiction, western, and even humor stories. Introductory material is by punk rocker and comics historian Fester Faceplant, as well as Yoe himself, who points out “only a brilliant master could tell a dramatic, compelling tale in such compact form.” What a cool idea for a comic collection! And just twisted enough to be uniquely Ditko. 112-page 8.5” x 11” color hardcover.

The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror Volume 4

The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror Volume 4


The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror Volume 4 (Dark Horse): Collecting the classic Vault of Horror issues #30-35 — in full color using Mirthful Marie Severin’s original color guides. Check out the all-star line up of creators: William M. Gaines! Al Feldstein! Johnny Craig! Jerry DeFuccio! Graham Ingels! Joe Orlando! Jack Davis! Jack Kamen! George Evans! I hope that’s it, because I’m all out of exclamation points! Forward by Jonathan Mayberry. 216-page color 8” x 11” hardcover. Available in February.

The Flash: A Celebration of 75 Years

The Flash: A Celebration of 75 Years


The Flash: A Celebration of 75 Years (DC Comics): Yet another giant anniversary collection solicited by DC without any idea of its actual contents. It’ll probably be great, featuring work on classic stories by Gardner Fox, John Broome, Carmine Infantino, Harry Lampert, Geoff Johns, Scott Kolins, and possibly others. Cover by that great new DC artist TBD! 400-page hardcover. Available in January 2015. Maybe.

Howard Nostrand’s Nightmares

Howard Nostrand’s Nightmares


Howard Nostrand’s Nightmares (IDW): Featuring five classic stories stories that probably inspired the Comics Code Authority. (Well, not really, but you get what I mean, right…?) Artist Howard Nostrand is known for his dripping, oozing, downright gory artwork, and Craig Yoe has found the very best/worse examples for this new collection. If you like classic horror art by Wally Wood or Jack Davis, you’ll love this, because Nostrand was inspired by both artists. 148-page 8.5” x 11” color hardcover. Available in December.

MARVEL EPIC COLLECTIONS:

Captain America Epic Collection: Captain America Lives Again

Captain America Epic Collection: Captain America Lives Again


Captain America Epic Collection: Captain America Lives Again (Marvel): Volume 1 of Captain America collects Avengers #4 (1963) and material from Strange Tales (1951) #114 (nudge nudge wink wink) and Tales of Suspense (1959) #58-96 (modern Cap’s first regular series). This is Cap material from his revival in the Silver Age. (Cap is one of the few lucky superhereo characters to have two origin stories, and this is the second one.) And almost all of it is pure Stan Lee/Jack Kirby greatness! Nowhere else will you get almost all of the classic Tales of Suspense run in one book. Which, incidentally, recaps Cap’s original 1940 origin a time or two as well. Also features work by Roy Thomas, Gil Kane, George Tuska, John Romita, Dick Ayres, and Jack Sparling. Cover by Kirby. A cornerstone of the Marvel Universe! 488-page color softcover.

Wolverine Epic Collection: Madripoor Nights

Wolverine Epic Collection: Madripoor Nights


Wolverine Epic Collection: Madripoor Nights (Marvel): Collecting the beginnings of Wolverine’s massively popular solo career, featuring key early stories set on the mysterious and dangerous East Indian island of Madripoor. That’s one of the more important locales in the modern Marvel Universe, where we’ll meet many new characters –Tyger Tyger, Roughouse and Bloodsport, the crimelord Roche, and drug kingpin Nguyen Ngoc Coy (and his surprising niece!) — plus old friends (?) like the Hulk, Sabretooth, and Jessica Drew (aka Spider-Woman). Collects Wolverine (1988) #1-16 and material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #1-10 and Marvel Age Annual #4. Written by Chris Claremont and Peter David, with art by John Buscema and Gene Colan. Cover by John Buscema. 504-page color softcover. Bob Greenberger will have more about this collection on the Westfield blog soon!

Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age All-Winners Volume 2

Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age All-Winners Volume 2


Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age All-Winners Volume 2 (Marvel): More WW II-era team-up adventures of Marvel’s Golden Age greats as Captain America foils a plot against General Douglas MacArthur, the Human Torch stops a plan to freeze the English Channel (not the WW II version of BBC America), and the Destroyer presumably destroys the Devil himself. Plus, Sub-Mariner and the unfortunately named The Whizzer! And check out these credits: Written by Mickey Spillane (and others), with art by Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, Mike Sekowsky, John Forte, and others and a cover by Alex Schomburg and Richard Isanove. Collects All-Winners Comics (1941) #5-8. (Comics were much bigger back then.) 280-page color remastered softcover. Available in February 2015.

Marvel Masterworks: The Sub-Mariner Volume 6

Marvel Masterworks: The Sub-Mariner Volume 6


Marvel Masterworks: The Sub-Mariner Volume 6 (Marvel): Following the death of Namor’s true love and wife-to-be The Lady Dorma, the Sub-Mariner goes on a rampage (as he is wont to do), leaving a swath of destruction across the surface world. While keeping himself busy doing that, he discovers that his long-thought-dead father, Captain Leonard MacKenzie, is still alive! While searching for him, Namor encounters Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the Human Torch — as well as some of his greatest enemies including Tiger Shark, Sting-Ray, and Lady Dorma killer Llyra. Also, Namor, Dr. Doom, and M.O.D.O.K. battle each other for control of the Cosmic Cube! Just another typical Thursday in the Marvel Universe, with classic artwork by Gentleman Gene Colan. Written by Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas with additional art by Ross Andru, George Tuska, and Marie Severin. Cover by Gil Kane. Collects Sub-Mariner (1968) #39-49 and Daredevil #77. 280-page color remastered hardcover. Available in February 2015.

Marvel Firsts: The 1980s Volume 3

Marvel Firsts: The 1980s Volume 3


Marvel Firsts: The 1980s Volume 3 (Marvel): Another fascinating collection of Marvel #1 issues and first appearances, providing a look back at some of Marvel’s winners (and even a dud or two) from one of the weirdest decades ever — the 1980s. Collects The ‘Nam #1, Comet Man #1, Fallen Angels #1, Mephisto Vs. … #1, Marvel Graphic Novel #31 (Wolfpack), Spellbound (1988) #1, Excalibur Special Edition, X-Terminators #1, Havok & Wolverine: Meltdown #1, Shadowmasters #1, and material from Amazing Spider-Man Annual #22, Marvel Age Annual #4, and Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #10, 17, 25, 26, 29, 38. Features work by Chris Claremont, Walter Simonson, Louise Simonson, Michael Golden, John Buscema, Alan Davis, Kelley Jones, Doug Murray, and many, many others. 480-page color softcover. Available in December.

Nightwing Volume 1: Bludhaven

Nightwing Volume 1: Bludhaven


Nightwing Volume 1: Bludhaven (DC Comics): Collecting great 1990s stories — the initial four-issue miniseries and the first eight issues of his regular series. Dick Grayson discovers new details about his parents’ murder that suggests that there was much more to their deaths than he ever expected. Written by Denny O’Neil and Chuck Dixon and art by Greg Land, Scott McDaniel, Karl Story, and others. 288-page color softcover. Available in December. Bob Greenberger will soon be writing more about this collection on the Westfield blog.

Twilight

Twilight


Twilight (DC Comics): A beautiful “lost” miniseries from 1990 by Howard Chaykin and José Luis García-López. A potential revamp of many of DC’s quirky space characters — including Tommy Tomorrow, Star Rovers, Star Hawkins, Space Ranger, Manhunter 2070 and Space Cabbie — Twilight was one of DC’s early Prestige Format miniseries. It was frankly overshadowed by many other projects during that exciting era of comics. García-López’s beautiful artwork is not to be missed. 160-page color softcover. Available in December.

Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: Return to Plain Awful - The Don Rosa Library Volume 2

Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: Return to Plain Awful – The Don Rosa Library Volume 2


Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: Return to Plain Awful – The Don Rosa Library Volume 2 (Fantagraphics): The second collection of Don Rosa’s wildly popular take on Carl Barks’ classic Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck tales. The ducks are back to globetrotting as Duckburg’s richest tycoon is on the hunt for legendary square eggs — and he’s bringing Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie along in “Return to Plain Awful”, Rosa’s sequel to Barks’ “Lost in the Andes”. Then, in “His Majesty McDuck”, Scrooge beats the IRS by seceding from the Union… only to have his new country colonized by the Beagle Boys! Plus, there are plenty of extras, such as a Rosa cover art gallery and behind-the-scenes factoids. Recommended! 216-page color hardcover. Available in December.

Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: The Don Rosa Library Volumes 1 & 2

Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: The Don Rosa Library Volumes 1 & 2


Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck: The Don Rosa Library Volumes 1 & 2 (Fantagraphics): The first two volumes (of this ultimate ten-volume series) are collected in a lovely customized full-color slipcase. Includes the above mentioned “Return To Plain Awful” Volume 2 and the just recently published “A Matter of Gravity” Volume 1. 424-page, color, two-volume, slipcased hardcovers. Available in December. And if it’s slipcased hardcovers you crave, check out the newly combined Walt Disney Donald Duck Box Set, featuring the Carl Barks volumes “Lost in the Andes” and “Trail of the Unicorn” also from Fantagraphics.

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Rocky & Bullwinkle Classics Volume 3: Mastermind Moose

Rocky & Bullwinkle Classics Volume 3: Mastermind Moose


Rocky & Bullwinkle Classics Volume 3: Mastermind Moose (IDW): Yet another remastered collection of Moose and Squirrel stories, reprinted from their classic 1960s Gold Key comics, specifically issues #9-12. Also includes stories of Mr. Peabody and Sherman, Dudley Do-Right, and Fractured Fairy Tales. Story and art by Al Kilgore. New cover by Roger Langridge. 122-page color softcover. Available in December.

Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom Archives Volume 4

Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom Archives Volume 4


Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom Archives Volume 4 (Dark Horse): Collecting #23-31 of the classic Gold Key SF series by Dick Wood, Ernie Colón, Dan Spiegle, Donald Glut, Jose Delbo, and others. Forward by Batton Lash. 216-page color softcover. Available in January 2015.

Eerie Archives Volume 18

Eerie Archives Volume 18


Eerie Archives Volume 18 (Dark Horse): Collecting the classic Warren horror magazine Eerie #86-89, spotlighting the work of Richard Corben, including a new interview with Corben and longtime collaborator José Villarrubia. Also features work by Bruce Jones, Bernie Wrightson, and Alex Nino. 256-page color hardcover. Available in January 2015.

Invaders Classic: The Complete Collection Volume 2

Invaders Classic: The Complete Collection Volume 2


Invaders Classic: The Complete Collection Volume 2 (Marvel): Collects Invaders (1975) #23-41, Invaders (1993) #1-4, Giant-Size Invaders #2, and What If? (1977) #4 by Roy Thomas, Frank Robbins Alan Kupperberg, Don Heck, and others. 504-page color softcover. Available in December.

Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus Volume 7

Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus Volume 7


Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus Volume 7 (Dark Horse): Collects four stories from Volume 15, all of Volume 16, and two stories from Volume 17 of the original DH editions of the classic manga by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima. Value priced. 680-page 5” x 7” B&W softcover. Available in January 2015.

The Savage Sword of Conan Volume 18

The Savage Sword of Conan Volume 18


The Savage Sword of Conan Volume 18 (Dark Horse): Collecting Marvel’s classic B&W magazine #181-190, featuring work by Chuck Dixon, Doug Murray, Michael Docherty, Ernie Chan, and others. 560-page B&W softcover. Available in January 2015.

The Spectre Volume 2: The Wrath of God

The Spectre Volume 2: The Wrath of God


The Spectre Volume 2: The Wrath of God (DC Comics): Continuing the great run of fan-favorite Spectre stories by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake, with Joe Phillips, Jim Aparo, Kelley Jones, and John Ridgeway. Featuring the Spear of Destiny, John Constantine, and Superman! Collects issues #13-22. 240-page color softcover. Available in December.

Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender: The Complete Collection Volume 2

Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender: The Complete Collection Volume 2


Uncanny X-Force by Rick Remender: The Complete Collection Volume 2 (Marvel): Collects Uncanny X-Force (2010) #19.1 and #20-35, with art by Billy Tan, Greg Tocchini, Phil Noto, Mike McKone, Jerome Opeña, and others. Cover by Opeña. 408-page color softcover. Available in December.

Wolverine by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection Volume 4

Wolverine by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection Volume 4


Wolverine by Jason Aaron: The Complete Collection Volume 4 (Marvel): Collects Wolverine (2010) #10-20 and #300-304 with art by Renato Guedes, Goran Sudzuka, Ron Garney, Adam Kubert, and more. Cover by Art Adams. 408-page color softcover.

NEXT WEEK: Big Books, Newspaper Strip Collections, Artist’s Editions, and probably something stupid. No guarantees – just hopin’!

________________________________

KC CARLSON SEZ: Recently, Bob Greenberger, in his For Your Consideration: DC’s Tales of the Batman: Len Wein column, casually mentioned that there was a Len Wein/Neal Adams story missing from the collection line-up. Well, somebody from DC saw that and arranged to put that story back in! Yay! Somebody reads our columns!

WESTFIELD COMICS is not responsible for the stupid things that KC says. Especially that thing that really irritated you.

Nananananananana… Batman!

USER COMMENTS

We'd love to hear from you, feel free to add to the discussion!


Notice: Undefined variable: user_ID in /home/wfcomics/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/westfield2010/comments.php on line 73