COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS FOR MARCH 2015: PART 1: EVE OF A NEW YEAR EDITION

KC is always prepared for an impromptu New Year's Eve party.

KC is always prepared for an impromptu New Year’s Eve party.


by KC Carlson

NEW STUFF

Avengers: Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Avengers: Everybody Wants to Rule the World


Avengers: Everybody Wants to Rule the World Prose Novel (Marvel): Just in time for Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron (and not the only time you’ll read that phrase this month), this is an all-new novel by the New York Times-bestselling author of Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon and Groot — Steal the Galaxy! and Guardians 3000 (aka Dan Abnett)! The Mighty Avengers face an array of their greatest foes, all at once. In Berlin, Captain America battles the forces of Hydra. In the Savage Land, Hawkeye and the Black Widow attempt to foil A.I.M. In Washington, Iron Man fights to stop Ultron. In Siberia, Thor takes on an entire army. And in Mangapore, Bruce Banner and Nick Fury battle the High Evolutionary! Only one thing is certain: This isn’t a coincidence. But what larger, deadlier threat lies behind these simultaneous attacks on Earth? (A multi-million-dollar movie?) New cover by John Cassaday. 304-page hardcover novel. Available in April.

Umm, I have a potentially stupid question… Do they mean Mangapore or Madripoor? The former is a fictional city in Dan Abnett’s Sinister Dexter series for 2000 AD/IDW, and the latter is a well-established fictional city in the Marvel Universe (see Wolverine). Holy unintentional potential trademark infringement… or just lousy proofreading?

X-Men: Days of Future Past Prose Novel

X-Men: Days of Future Past Prose Novel


BTW, the relatively recent X-Men: Days of Future Past Prose Novel is now available for pre-ordering in a cheaper, softcover (oh, so soft…) format. In case you were interested.

Batman Earth One Volume 2

Batman Earth One Volume 2


Batman Earth One Volume 2 (DC Comics): The long-awaited follow-up to the best-selling and critically acclaimed first volume finds Batman trying to reconcile the increasingly conflicting ideologies of Detective Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne’s head of security, Alfred Pennyworth. (Sounds a lot like the Gotham TV show, no?) Meanwhile, Gotham is plunged into terror by a enigmatic anarchist and killer calling himself the Riddler, there’s a bizarre creature prowling Gotham’s sewers, and who knows what Harvey Dent’s secret agenda is! By the same creators of Volume One: Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, and Jon Sibal. 160-page color hardcover. Available in May.

THIS MONTH IN CLASSIC COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS

Avengers: Scarlet Witch by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning

Avengers: Scarlet Witch by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning


Avengers: Scarlet Witch by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (Marvel): I’m always partial to these kinds of collections of generally non-ongoing-title characters whose adventures play out in various miniseries, one-shots, and notable guest appearances over the years, and usually by a variety of creators. (Hint: Not every story in here is by D‘n’A, although the lead miniseries is.) This is a great collection for those folks who are curious and want to read more about the Scarlet Witch before seeing the Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron film this summer, where she makes a key appearance. She’s got one of the most complex and convoluted histories of any Marvel character, and while this book probably won’t answer every question you might have about the always mysterious Wanda Maximoff, you will at least get the most recent origin story of the character, as well as many “lost” bits and pieces of her publishing history — all conveniently in one place. Features work by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, John Higgins, Sean McKeever, Jo Duffy, Kerry Gammill, John Ridgway, Richard Howell, Jeff Parker, Charlie Adlard, and a cover by Marko Djurdjevic. Collects Scarlet Witch #1-4 and Avengers Origins: Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1 — plus material from Marvel Team-Up (1972) #125, Solo Avengers #5, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #60-63 and #143-144, and Mystic Arcana: Scarlet Witch. 232-page color softcover. Available in April.

Damage Control: The Complete Collection

Damage Control: The Complete Collection


Damage Control: The Complete Collection (Marvel): One of Marvel’s most beloved concepts, created by one of comics’ most beloved creators, Damage Control (created by Dwayne McDuffie) was one of those unique ideas that could only really work in the Marvel Universe. The premise was simple — who cleans up after Galactus (or fill-in-the-blank super-villain) and (insert super-hero) completely trashes your city? And further… how do you collect Dr. Doom’s unpaid bill? Plus, how do you deal with the aftermath of World War Hulk? Bob Greenberger will have more of the history of this wonderfully fun series very soon right here at the Westfield Blog! Collects Damage Control (1989-A) #1-4, Damage Control (1989-B) #1-4, Damage Control (1991) #1-4, World War Hulk Aftersmash: Damage Control #1-3, and material from Marvel Age Annual #4 and Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #19. Everything here is written by Dwayne McDuffie, with art by Ernie Colón, Kyle Baker, and Salva Espin. 376-page color softcover.

Frankenstein: The Mad Science of Dick Briefer

Frankenstein: The Mad Science of Dick Briefer


Frankenstein: The Mad Science of Dick Briefer (Dark Horse): These cultish adventures are frequently collected, but Dark Horse’s usual high standards of reproduction may make this the definitive collection! Dick Briefer’s Frankenstein is a much misunderstood gentle soul, in one of Golden Age comics’ most unique monster series, mixing screwball comedy with traditional horror — while also being a canny observation of postwar America. Horrifyingly funny and historical! How can you go wrong? Collects Prize Publications’ Frankenstein #1-6 from 1945-1946. 260-page 7” x 10” color hardcover. Available in May.

Marvel Masterworks: The Fantastic Four Volume 17

Marvel Masterworks: The Fantastic Four Volume 17


Marvel Masterworks: The Fantastic Four Volume 17 (Marvel): More timeless tales about Marvel’s First Family from 1976-1978, featuring work by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and George Pérez, with Ron Wilson, Sal Buscema, Bill Mantlo, Marv Wolfman, Gerry Conway, Jim Shooter, and Archie Goodwin. Presenting stories too cosmic to be believed! Reed Richards is replaced by his evil Counter-Earth counterpart and Thundra, Tigra, the Mad Thinker, and Annihilus all join the battle for Reed’s life in the heart of the Negative Zone! Then, the FF must battle through the Eliminator, Salem’s Seven, Klaw and the Molecule Man. But most cosmic of all — The Impossible Man rampages through the Marvel Bullpen, causing both torment and team up! Will he turn the FF into the new Fantastic Five? And battle the Frightful Four? (Auggh! Too much math!!!) 272-page remastered color hardcover. Available in June in two cover formats.

Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Activity Book Facsimile Collection

Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Activity Book Facsimile Collection


Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Activity Book Facsimile Collection (Marvel): This sounds so weird it must be cool. Marvel sez: “Love Marvel’s classic Secret Wars story, but wish it was a little more interactive? Well, this is the book for you! Discover — or rediscover — the unbridled joy of being a child of the ’80s with this awesome replica collection of tie-in coloring books, sticker albums, and stamp books! It’s got adventures, it’s got games, it’s got puzzles, it’s got posters — it even has stickers! (We’ve replaced the original stamps with stickers in our version — no licking required!) Dig out your crayons and indulge in some unadulterated Secret Wars fun! If the Beyonder had this to enjoy, he would never have made it to Earth for Secret Wars II! Collecting the Secret Wars: The Crime of Centuries and Escape From Doom coloring books, the Secret Wars: Secret of Spider-Man’s Shield and Tower of Doom sticker books, the Secret Wars: Stamp Fun and Spider-Man’s Stamp Fun stamp books, and more.” I can’t wait to cover my mom’s refrigerator with Secret Wars stickers — all over again! Thank goodness there’s no more licking. Has anybody told Lockjaw yet? 160-page color softcover. Available in May.

Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Volume 1

Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Volume 1


Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Volume 1 (Marvel): Marvel’s first Star Wars Epic Collection features work originally produced by Dark Horse Comics. This first volume of the series is focused on the years following Star Wars: Episode III– Revenge of the Sith. After the Clone Wars end, the Republic has fallen and Palpatine exerts his ruthless grip on his new Galactic Empire. Now, the few Jedi that remain must decide whether to hold true to their faith, or abandon it completely in the face of a brutal purge — one carried out by the new Dark Lord of the Sith: Darth Vader! Features work by John Ostrander, Randy Stradley, Haden Blackman, Alexander Freed, Luke Ross, Douglas Wheatley, Jim Hall, Chris Scalf, Marco Castiello, Andrea Chella, and Rick Leonardi with a cover by Ross. Collecting Star Wars: Republic #78-80, Star Wars: Purge #1, Star Wars: Purge — Seconds to Die #1, Star Wars: Purge — The Hidden Blade #1, Star Wars: Purge — The Tyrant’s Fist #1-2, Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5, and Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5. Let the dark times begin! 440-page color softcover. Available in April.

Weirdworld

Weirdworld


Weirdworld (Marvel): You’ve probably already seen Bob Greenberger’s excellent preview of this book elsewhere at the Westfield blog. I can’t add anything to his extremely detailed behind-the-scenes history and extensive overview of the series, other than to say it’s truly one of Marvel’s “lost classics” and very much worth your time to check out! Written by the amazing (but oft unsung) Doug Moench with beautiful artwork by Mike Ploog, Pat Broderick, and John Buscema. Collects material from Marvel Premiere #38, Marvel Super Action (1976) #1, Marvel Fanfare (1982) #24-26, Marvel Super Special #11-13, and Epic Illustrated #9 and #11-13. 312-page color softcover.

Also Available:

Cerebus: High Society 30th Anniversary Remastered Gold Edition

Cerebus: High Society 30th Anniversary Remastered Gold Edition


Cerebus: High Society 30th Anniversary Remastered Gold Edition (Aardvark Vanaheim): Wow, has it been that long ago?! One of the longest (and funniest, among other things) serials in comics, this was originally published as Cerebus #26-50. It’s been completely digitally remastered (so even the finest lines are distinctly clear and not blocked-up — as often happened in the original). And it’s signed and numbered by creator Dave Sim to boot! And the cover now has a snazzy gold logo. Plus, it’s available to comics shops only and limited to pre-orders only (so if you really, really want it, you better order it NOW)! This is actually a resolicitation, and all previous orders have been canceled, so if you ordered this previously, you need to order it again now to make sure you get one. 500-page 7” x 10” B&W softcover.

Eerie Archives Volume 19

Eerie Archives Volume 19


Eerie Archives Volume 19 (Dark Horse): Featuring more time-travelling adventures of The Rook, as well as plenty of aliens, classic creatures, and ever-popular tales of human folly! Features work by Richard Corben, Alex Nino, Bruce Jones, and more. 272-page 8” x 11” color hardcover. Available in May.

Savage Sword of Conan Volume 19

Savage Sword of Conan Volume 19


Savage Sword of Conan Volume 19 (Dark Horse): Collecting Marvel’s Savage Sword of Conan #192-201, including a story where Conan meets his maker — writer Robert E. Howard! Features work by Roy Thomas, John Buscema, Ernie Chan, Tony DeZuniga, and a cover by Joe Jusko. 504-page 7” x 10” B&W softcover. Available in May.

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents Classics Volume 5

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents Classics Volume 5


T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents Classics Volume 5 (IDW): Another in this great series of collections featuring the 1960s T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents (and related) series. This volume collects the classic adventures of Dynamo, NoMan, Menthor, and more from T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents issues #12-14 and Dynamo #4. Features classic work by Wally Wood, Gil Kane, Steve Skeates, Dan Adkins, Mike Sekowsky, Steve Ditko, and many more — with a new cover by Ryan Brown. 208-page 6.5” x 10.2 “ color softcover.

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NEXT WEEK: Newspaper strip books (Dick Tracy, Buck Rogers, and more!), big things (Annihilation: Conquest Omnibus, Don Rosa’s Scrooge McDuck Artist’s Edition), and even some weird things (Secret Wars Mega Box Set, a crossover between Alter Ego and Back Issue).

KC CARLSON SEZ: I got coal in my Christmas stocking again this year, but that’s okay because I also got a really, really old train for Christmas! Woo hoo! Black lung, here I come!

WESTFIELD COMICS is not responsible for the stupid things that KC says. Especially that thing that really irritated you. A complete list of 2014 complaints can be found at doesnotexiststupidhead.com.

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