COMIC BOOK REVOLUTION

Solicit Commentary - September 2011

Solicit Commentary has locked and loaded for what may be the biggest month for solicits ever. As a matter of fact, this month is so huge that I cannot do it alone. So I have enlisted my fellow Revolution Writer, Jordan, to join me from now on as we take on the massive selection of upcoming comics for this September. What comics look great and what looks terrible? Let's find out!

 

Jordan: It’s my first time joining the amazing Andrenn’s solicit commentary and I picked one of the best month to start solicit commentary with DC launching the New 52. School is back in session folks and let’s see what the Big Three are bringing to the table.

 

Image Comics Solicits for September 2010

DC Comics Solicits for September 2010

Marvel Comics Solicits for September 2010

 

Image

Witchblade #150

 

Andrenn: So ends another legendary run. Man, with Greg Pak ending his run on Hulk in August, Kirkman and Capullo off Haunt and all the creative teams being jumbled around at DC this is the one that saddens me the most. Marz took Witchblade from a rather forgettable title and turned it into one of the best comics on the shelves. I feel bad that I stopped reading a few months back. With this being the end, I will definitely be there. Seeing Marz and Sejic leave though? I have no idea who could replace these two amazingly talented creators.

 

Haunt #19

 

Andrenn: Speaking of new creative teams: HOT DAMN! When this was announced a week or so back I was tempted to write up a whole article about it in how excited I am. I still am tempted to do that. But that's what we've got Solicit Commentary for. When Kirkman and Capullo were announced as off the book I was frustrated to no ends by it. Then I tried to be hopeful as to who could replace them. Jon Goff? Brian Holguin? I never expected the amazing team of Joe Casey and Nathan Fox!

Now I'm not the biggest fan of Casey and this is really my first introduction to Fox's art, but from what I have seen from them in the past this is a good reason to get excited. Butcher Baker is one of the best new ongoings on the stands and Avengers: The Origin was a very fun comic. From what I've looked at from Fox on art this is going to be a gorgeous looking comic as well. Overall, this creative team looks like a great choice by McFarlane and it sounds like he is giving them free reigns to do their own thing. If its anywhere near as good as when he did the same for Brian Holguin and David Hine so long ago on Spawn then things are looking up for Haunt. I cannot wait to check out this new creative team, it may have me even more excited than all of the DCU Relaunch creative teams.

 

Artifacts #13

 

Andrenn: Dale Keown as the final artist is pretty awesome. I figured it would be Marc Silvestri the way they talked about it but Keown is another amazing choice to end this series on.

 

Jordan: I have missed out on this series, I need to check out the trade or back issues, but Dale Keown is on the art! This is awesome!

 

Green Wake vol. 1 TP

 

Andrenn: Danial has been loving this series. Every review so far has been high praise. I'm not at all familiar with it, this fell low under my radar sadly. But, it is a horror comic and Rossmo is a fantastic artist so those are two reasons to check it out. I will definitely be picking this bad boy up in the near future.

 

Spawn: Origins Book 4 HC

 

Andrenn: Yet another reminder that I have yet to start picking up the Origins Hardcovers. Man, what is wrong with me? I claim to be a huge Spawn fan yet I have not been eating up all the delicious looking Hardcovers? I love hardcovers! I live for them! I have over 100 issues in TPB but what does that matter? I would much rather have 50 issues in four hardcovers that look gorgeous like these do! I seriously need to fix this, guys. I think I'm getting ill every time I think about how I don't have an awesome Spawn Hardcover.

 

Avengelyne

 

Jordan: This series looks awesome and I find Liefeld to be a fantastic idea man. Stuff like this is where he excels. Fantastic plotter/story man, but he is a weak writer and polarizing artist. This is why Avengelyne will be great. He provides the idea and lets others work it.

 

Elephantmen #36

 

Andrenn: Axel Medllin is back! WHOO! I was worried for a moment there that he was off the series or going to be gone for a while. That would be a damn shame because his artwork is fantastic. Sadly not a lot to say about the solicit. Just excited for more Axel Medllin goodness on Elephantmen.

 

Invincible #86

 

Andrenn: More Corey Walker goodness! YES! Only he will not be colored by Dave McCaig. Sadness. Still, this arc is looking to be great. I am glad that Kirkman is addressing the Scourge Virus so soon. Normally you would think he would choose to sit on this plot point for a few years. I certainly hope it does not lead to the death of Allen but at this rate you can never tell in Invincible. Either way, I could not be more hyped for this arc. As much as I love Invincible, I wish we could just rush past the next few issues in a month so we could get to this arc.

 

The Infinite #2

 

Jordan: I love Kirkman and Liefeld’s art so, yeah, match made in heaven for me.

 

Andrenn: I was not planning on commenting on The Infinite anymore but I just wanted to point out that there is going to be a tone difference between me and the Jiving Jordan. (He called me Amazing, I had to return the favor!) As compared to me, Jordan looks like Mr. Sunshine. So everyone that does not like how negative I tend to get during these hopefully you will enjoy the more positive balance.

 

Magdalena #9

 

Andrenn: Oh yeah, there was a Magdalena ongoing wasn't there? I kind of forgot about it.

 

Spawn #211

 

Andrenn: FINALLY a Spawn/Violator throw down! That took way too long. Also, we learn of the Clown's origin? I remember in #186 Clown mentions some ancient ones, the death of his Father and some other jazz but it was all nudging and hinting. Very interesting.

 

DC

Justice League #1

 

Jordan: Geoff Johns and Jim Lee tell a new origin for the Justice League for a new age. It will be fantastic. Johns rocks the large cast like no one else. Just read JSA for proof of that. While Jim Lee’s stay on the book will be short, most likely, it will still be amazing for the first few arcs. I do not care what people say about the new costumes, I dig them.

 

Andrenn: See what I said about him being Mr. Sunshine? I feel like Shawn now as I get ready to spit some hate onto the world. Now I admit the team is awesome. And hey, if you could promise me Jim Lee for even just one arc I would totally be on that. But we know he'll be gone in a matter of minutes no matter how much he tweets about drawing. The idea of setting it in the past is kind of interesting but really at this point I just have my fingers crossed it does not take Johns eight issues to get things going.

 

Justice League International #1

 

Jordan: Where did the Brunette go? That said I love this line up and I am glad to see Booster Gold makes it into the DCnU.

 

Aquaman #1

 

Jordan: Before the New 52 was announced, this book was my most anticipated comics of 2011. Now, it is still ranked high and for a great reason. I can’t wait to see Aquaman return to greatness.

 

Andrenn: I was initially pretty hyped for the idea of Johns doing Aquaman. Cheesy as the character is when viewed in pop culture, in comics he is actually a good character. Ivan Reis on board also is very promising. But, with the slew of some really cool looking comics coming out with this Relaunch this gets lost in the tide for me.

 

Wonder Woman #1

 

Jordan: Yet another Status Quo for Wonder Woman. I would like to see this one stick and I think the decision to keep to the Mythic side of the character. It’s what works for her.

 

Andrenn: Cliff Chiang is drawing Wonder Woman. If you are not all buying it at this point you clearly are not paying attention. Azarello is also an interesting choice. I honestly want to check this out for the art alone, but I am hopeful the writing can finally make a Wonder Woman fan out of me.

 

Flash #1

 

Jordan: A new villain that can challenge the Flash and Manapul on the art duties? This is a must read for me. I am a sucker for new Flash villains when they show up.

 

Andrenn: Everyone is making a stink about Manapul writing the Flash. I for one am hopeful he can do a good job and is taking some pointers from Johns. He will be drawing it and that alone sells me on it. If I check it out or not will be a last minute decision though since I want to buy it for Manapul's art but I do not like Barry Allen at all and I am uncertain about Manapul's writing.

 

Captain Atom #1

 

Jordan: Sounds like Captain Atom is becoming like Dr. Manhattan.

 

The Fury of Firestorm #1

 

Jordan: Keeping with the trend of dropping Firestorm plot threads, the self-destruction angle is dropped for a new angle. Gail Simone and Ethan Van Sciver are promising Super-science and intrigue, and I am very interested in this title.

 

Green Arrow #1

 

Jordan: Not sure about this one, though, I like he is out of the woods. In addition, can we avoid the obvious Robin Hood angles this time?

 

The Savage Hawkman #1

 

Jordan: Let’s not get this too confusing this time, DC. The promise of action adventure makes this one interesting and worth checking into.

 

Andrenn: Fun Fact, Tony Daniel and Phillip Tan have both drawn Spawn. I know that has nothing to do with this new Hawkman series, but it is just a fun coincidence I like to point out now.

 

Mister Terrific #1

 

Jordan: No JSA but we will still see at least one JSA character in the Relaunch. Mister Terrific is not the first character I would have picked from the JSA to get a solo in the Relaunch (Power Girl or Alan Scott would be more likely for me, honestly)

 

Andrenn: A nice choice to get his own ongoing but terrible, absolutely terrible redesign. Ugh. Horrendous. I agree with Jordan though, PG or Alan Scott ongoing for the DCU (I refuse to add the "n") would be cool.

 

DC Universe Presents #1

 

Jordan: A showcase title is a nice move for DC. It allows them to focus on characters that cannot carry a series or could use a solo feature. It is worth noting that this was originally going to be Adventure Comics #1

 

Andrenn: Not at all interested in Deadman.  But if a character I actually care about comes along then I'll check it out.

 

Action Comics #1

 

Jordan: Grant. Morrison. Superman. Year One. ‘Nuff. Said.

 

Andrenn: Not a Morrison fan, not a Superman fan, but I am buying this. It honestly sounds very cool and clearly Morrison is very passionate about this project from all he has said on it. I think this is the most excited I have ever seen him for something. Another big reason to check it out is Morales on art. Fantastic artist. The premise is awesome, the team is awesome, I am there.

 

Superman #1

 

Jordan: Rumor is the Kent-Lane marriage will not be surviving the reboot. I wonder if this will be OMD style or divorce style. Not sure how it will go down, but it will go down here. Think it is likely to happen so Superman can bone Wonder Woman in cannon. Also I am a fan somewhat of the costume. It makes him look alien. I know I will get flack for this but it looks decent when drawn like how Jim Lee does it.

 

Andrenn: Jordan is a fan of the costume? This may be Jordan's first and last Solicit Commentary. As for ending the marriage, I could not care less, but I admit that I do wonder how it will end: magic reset or divorce ? Lois has every reason to leave Clark, he shows up for dinner once or twice a year.

 

Superboy #1

 

Jordan: Superboy is still a clone of Kryptonian DNA and Human DNA. Wonder if that means it is still going to be Superman and Luthor, but I really doubt the Luthor part will stick. Just a feeling I have.

 

Supergirl #1

 

Jordan: I love the new costume and the decision to make her act like a true teen, should be interesting. I just hope it doesn’t backfire.

 

Batman #1

 

Jordan: Snyder and Capullo? TAKE MY MONEY.

 

Andrenn: Take my money, indeed. I do not even need to read it. I will just buy the comic and look at the cover and be satisfied. Now I have praised Snyder for his work on American Vampire and Detective Comics. Giving him the reigns to the Bat-franchise is a brilliant move from DC. Add in the amazing Greg Capullo (who some nuts are actually upset is drawing this, serious?) and you've got me sold. I cannot wait to see what this team does with the Batman.

 

Detective Comics #1

 

Jordan: Tony Daniel is still on the title? I am not sold on this one. His run on Batman was not that great. Still worth checking out his take on Bruce, I guess.

 

Andrenn: Tony Daniel did a great job on his first run of Batman. Then his more recent stuff happened and that has been very weak. The Gotham Ripper sounds like a lame story to be honest and, overall, I have no interest in this title.

 

Batwing #1

 

Jordan: Of all of the Batman, Inc. characters to get a spin-off, they choose Batwing. Batwing. Really? Why not Cassandra Cain? Why not Knightrunner? Why not Knight and Squire? Why Batwing? WHY?!

 

Andrenn: Well, I think its obvious why they chose him. But, I totally agree Cassandra or Nightrunner would have been a much better choice for an ongoing. Batwing got...what, one panel in Batman, Inc? Total crap. Though, hey, if there is an interesting story to tell with him I may check it out.

 

 

Batman: The Dark Knight #1

 

Jordan: Hey, it’s David Finch! Maybe he will actually be able to put out more than two issues in five months. Dude has Image-itis so bad, it’s hilarious. The dude needs to get a co-writer or something. At least he has an extra set of hands on the art duties.

 

Andrenn: He does technically have an extra set of hands on art duties, Jay Fabok will be doing art with him and supposedly Fabok has a very similar art style. I feel bad for everyone who, like me, was excited for The Dark Knight and are now going to have to get a pointless relaunch that is doomed to miss its schedule once again. Though hey, the premise is kind of cool.

 

Batman and Robin #1

 

Jordan: Damian and Bruce Wayne together? This should be an interesting Father/Son tale.

 

Andrenn: Could not be happier about Damian sticking around. I love the little guy. Tomasi and Gleason finally getting to do their run is also great. While I loved the dynamic Dick and Damian have I'm very curious to see how they handle the not so loving father and son dynamic.

 

Batgirl #1

 

Jordan: Looks like there is no magic fix, folks. From Bleeding Cool- “For example – Batgirl. The Killing Joke still happened and she was Oracle. Now she will go through physical rehabilitation and become a more seasoned and nuanced character because she had these incredible and diverse experiences.” You know what, I can go work with this. Also, her costume does look like a cyborgnetic, biomechanical, exo-skeleton suit that will help her return to crime fighting.

 

Andrenn: Batman is the book I'm most excited for overall, but I admit I'm just as excited for Batgirl to finally have Babs back in the suit and out on patrol. Simone writing guarantees this will be a fantastic written comic and Syaf, while I had my doubts about him, has improved a lot. Emperor Aquaman looked awesome. So fingers are crossed that this lives up to some pretty high expectations as the return of Barbara Gordon to the role.

 

Also very glad to see they're being realistic about this and not just giving her a magical robot suit that lets her walk. That would be BS. Physical rehabilitation is the most realistic thing in the DCU when you've got Supermen and magic space rings.

 

Batwoman #1

 

Jordan: Finally!

 

Nightwing #1

 

Jordan: I’ve been against Dick returning to Nightwing, BUT if the solicits for the final issue of “Batman” in August are any indication, this will be a natural switch back and the fact the costume harkens all of his roles in the past makes it better. Yeah, it does look like the Robin costume from Batman and Robin, just without a cape and bat-nipples.

 

Andrenn: Dick returning to Nightwing is a smart move. I liked him a lot as Batman, in some ways more than Bruce, but I think if we're going to relaunch/reboot/redoodle everything making him Nightwing again is a good choice. Higgins has been an awesome partner for Scott Snyder so I have faith in him to continue Snyder's great character work for Dick.

 

Catwoman #1

 

Jordan: She’s Sexy and Addicted!

 

Andrenn: Guillem March draws a sexy Catwoman.  Sexy is good in my book. Not sure about Winnick on writing but, overall, I'm curious to see how this one goes.

 

Birds of Prey #1

 

Jordan: I like the writer, I just don’t care for the costumes.

 

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1

 

Jordan: Gingers United! The anti-Teen Titans. Also what deal did Scott Lobdell make to get three books in the DC New 52?

 

Andrenn: Kenneth Rocafort is awesome and I admit I am actually kind of curious how this ongoing could play out. Especially if Jason is going for more of a hero role than just being a dick like he usually is.

 

Green Lantern #1

 

Jordan: A new and unexpected Green Lantern? Calling it now, Sinestro. Also, is Hal Jordan not the focus of the title anymore? Makes Justice League much more important.

 

Andrenn: Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke on Green Lantern. Yes. If I can afford it than this is definitely on the pull list and it will be glorious. Not sure about the new Green Lantern thing though. Sinestro sounds like a brilliant choice but then what about the Sinestro Corps? I guess Arkillo could take over.

 

Green Lantern Corps #1

 

Jordan: Guy Gardner and John Stewart team up to enforce the peace. Also, will John Stewart actually get a true feature or will this be another repeat of Green Lantern with Guy being practically the only lead character.

 

Andrenn: Peter Tomasi will be writing Guy Gardner and the rest of the GLC. That should tell you that this will be awesome.

 

Green Lantern: New Guardians #1

 

Jordan: Kyle lived! Also, the New Guardians are the second stringers of the corps? Of course, the cover is not the true cover nor is it the actual team, so who knows. Still wouldn’t mind seeing Akrillo getting some love.

 

Andrenn: Love the concept, love the creative team, can't wait to see who is actually on the team under Kyle's leadership. If I can afford it than this bad boy will be a for sure purchase as I can't wait to see what happens in this.

 

Red Lanterns #1

 

Jordan: How long can the attraction last? Can rage keep the readers interested. It would be interesting in seeing how long this series can run.

 

Andrenn: I remember early 2010 calling for a Geoff Johns Atrocitus ongoing. This isn't quite what I had in mind but Peter Milligan is a brilliant choice for the title. He sounds like he's got a lot of excitement for it and the premise is awesome. Atrocitus is the best thing to happen to the DCU in a long time so him and his Red Lanterns taking center stage is great. While I'm unsure about Benes on art I have hopes he can pull through and make this one of the best ongoings on the stands. A definite must buy for me.

 

Justice League Dark #1

 

Jordan: Justice League in name only, but still the idea of a mystical super-team is awesome.

 

Andrenn: Another awesome concept and very cool creative team. I hate Zatanna's redesign but if she's still the same great character than I can get over it. Won't be checking this out for now but like with so many other titles, I'm interested so if I hear good things I'll check it out.

 

Swamp Thing #1

 

Jordan: Swamp Thing. *Du du duh* Swamp Thing *Du du Duh* I think I love you. The character marks his big return to the main universe.

 

Andrenn: Scott Snyder is doing a horror comic. I am going to buy it. End of story. Still haven't read the Alan Moore run but I'll make sure to fix that before September. I'm very excited to see what Snyder does with the character and Paqeuette on art assures us that it will look great. This one is another must buy and will be added to the pull list.

 

Animal Man #1

 

Jordan: A Grant Morrison style tale has been promised and that alone is intriguing.

 

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1

 

Jordan: An agency of freaks that fight the evils of the world. Awesome. Frankenstein has gotten some love from Grant Morrison in the past, so it’s nice to see him get another great writer behind him.

 

Andrenn: Not at all familiar with the character, but I got to read Lemmire's Frankenstein Flashpoint mini start in June and it was excellent. So, if him doing an ongoing is even half as good then I'll be sold. Again, this is another wait and see title but I am seriously thinking of picking this one up.

 

I, Vampire #1

 

Jordan: As long as this does not mean DC will get a vampire infestation anytime soon, I am glad. It does sound like a cool non-superhero tale.

 

Resurrection Man #1

 

Jordan: Resurrection Man, Hell Yeah! I love this character and I want to read more of him. You know what though, I would be willing to give this series up for a JSA series or Stephanie Brown series.

 

Demon Knights #1

 

Jordan: Medieval era storytelling? Awesome. I love that the Demon is getting some love especially in his best setting possible.

 

Andrenn: Paul Cornell on the Demon set in Medieval times? If you are not sold on this then you clearly are not paying attention.

 

Stormwatch #1

 

Jordan: DC and WIldstorm are now one. They finally fixed that End of the World bullshit that destroyed the Wildstorm Universe. I’m hoping for Manchester Black to be on this team. I am really wanting him to be on this team.

 

Andrenn: Never read a Wildstorm book to save my life. Though, it is cool that since Wildstorm closed down the characters are now living in the DCU. Curious to see how they are handled and this is easily the biggest move for them.  If it goes well then they will stay here for the long haul.

 

Voodoo #1

 

Jordan: Not much to say about this one, other than Ron Marz is writing for DC again which is awesome.

 

Andrenn: Ron Marz writing for DC is seriously awesome. Much as I loved him at Top Cow I am glad to see him returning to DC and handling a very cool looking title. Also the art is sure to look gorgeous. If I hear good things I'll pick this up.

 

Grifter #1

 

Jordan: They Live, the comic series. That’s awesome.

 

Deathstroke #1

 

Jordan: He finally gets another series. Why did they ruin Titans when they could have just given him his own series? I am curious to see where this is going.

 

Andrenn: Interesting that Higgins is writing both Nightwing and his nemesis Deathstroke. I cannot help but wonder if that was on purpose. I think this could lead to a very cool crossover between the title but maybe that's just me being hopeful.

 

Suicide Squad #1

 

Jordan: Screw this new costume for Harley Quinn. I am glad to see the concept of the Suicide Squad survive into the DcnU.

 

Andrenn: Harley looks horrendous, Dead Shot looks like he's out of Dead Space and King Shark looks like he's going to hammer in the final nail of the coffin for this horrendous looking comic. In every way a comic looks like it should be avoided, this looks like it should be avoided. Run over a bunny if you have to in order to avoid this title.

 

O.M.A.C #1

 

Jordan: Didio is writing yet again. Bleh. Kirby art style might be enough for me to buy it, though.

 

Andrenn: Didio is writing! Yay! Because everyone loves Didio on writing. He's such a fantastic writer. Right? Right? Guys? Anybody?

 

Blackhawks #1

 

Jordan: It’s GI JOE! But not in the copyright infringing way. They even got a GI Joe writer to work on the book.

 

Men of War #1

 

Jordan: A modern war anthology set in the DC Universe? Color me interested. It does have a great premise about it. This is the comic that takes aim at the Modern Warfare crowd, which is a massive market.

 

All-Star Western #1

 

Jordan: A Western anthology is a great way to show off the other Western sides of the DC universe besides Jonah Hex and they can still focus on Hex. This is perfect.

 

Teen Titans #1

 

Jordan: XTREME HOLOFOIL EDITION: 2011. You know what, seriously, I like this team and the designs mostly, especially Tim. He needed a new non-Dr. Midnight costume for once and it looks cool.

 

Andrenn: Okay, that's it. Jordan and I are going to have a long talk after this article goes up. Those redesigns, yes all of them, are absolutely hideous. I liked the Red Robin costume from before. Superboy? Are you kidding me with that? Brett Booth is probably the worst artist in DC's stable. Second only to Ryan Benjamin who still cannot figure out how the human face looks. Giving him a title like Teen Titans insures I won't be going near this one. Terrible costumes, terrible artist choice, all around this title looks like a train wreck.

 

Static Shock #1

 

Jordan: It’s DC’s Spider-Man, and rightfully so. Static is an awesome character and I hope they keep the hard hitting, real stuff, that the past stories are known for. Love the costume and I am glad Henderson is not on the title.

 

Andrenn: Also glad to see Henderson off the title, heard nothing but horror stories about her Teen Titans run. Love the redesign, very cool. This series sounds like a ton of fun and if I hear good things I'll be picking it up.

 

Hawk and Dove #1

 

Jordan: Liefeld makes his return to DC since those two fill-in issues he did with Gail Simone on Teen Titans. I can understand why they picked him, but not sure if it will work. That said, I love Gates and Liefeld. I will be up for buying this.

 

Andrenn: Because everyone was clamoring for a Hawk and Dove ongoing. Everyone loves those two characters. Yep. And Liefeld? Perfect choice to draw a character like Hawk, always gritting his teeth and looking like he's about to bite your face off.

 

Blue Beetle #1

 

Jordan: The fans got what they want. Be sure to buy this one this time!

 

Andrenn: Not the biggest Blue Beetle fan but I'm still incredibly happy to see him getting his own ongoing again. Bedard is an awesome choice of writer so this should be a lot of fun.

 

Legion of Superheroes #1

 

Jordan: Glad to see the Legion survived and they are remaining stable outside of the few sent to the past. It is rare that LOSH remains this stable after such a startling event.

 

Legion Lost #1

 

Jordan: The best of the LOSH are stuck in the past with Nicieza writing. I can dig it.

 

Batman: Noel

 

Andrenn: Oh yeah, I remember hearing about this back in 2009 I think. Sounded very cool and it still sounds very cool. Looks like the perfect gift for the Batfan for this Christmas. I love Bermejo on art and while his writing I'm unsure about the premise sounds like a ton of fun. I'll be pre-ordering this bad boy right away.

 

Batman: The Black Mirror HC

 

Andrenn: Scott Snyder's awesome Detective run is finally getting collected. They picked Jock's best cover of those issues, such a fantastic image. Cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

 

War of the Green Lanterns HC

 

Andrenn: Really looking forward to reading this crossover. I've heard less than impressive things but I still want to check it out.

 

Teen Titans by Geoff Johns Omnibus Vol. 1

 

Andrenn: I remember hearing Kevin praise this run in a recent post he did about the top 10 best runs of the decade. I'm a fan of the Wolfman/Perez run and I've always been curious about Johns' run. I'll hopefully be picking this up sometime.

 

Showcase Presents: Ghosts vol. 1 TP

 

Andrenn: This looks like a cool and creepy collection of fun stories. I love Anthology horror and this looks to be that. Definitely going to check this one out.

 

Spy vs. Spy by Prohias Omnibus HC

 

Andrenn: I've always loved the Spy vs. Spy cartoons on MAD TV and the actual comic strips as well, what little I've seen of them. One big hardcover collection of them sounds fantastic. Definitely want to get this bad boy sometime soon.

 

American Vampire: Survival of the fittest #4

 

Andrenn: Simple solicit but it promises more fun so I'm looking forward to it.

 

American Vampire #17

 

Andrenn: A lost tale of Skinner Sweet and the revelation that him and Jim Book were old friends? Man, when Snyder told me about this in our interview it sounded fantastic then and it sounds even more amazing now. While it sucks that Albuquerque is once again MIA on the art the fill in artist Jordi Bernet has some fantastic looking artwork so I'm still excited as all hell for this one.

 

Marvel

Fear Itself #6

 

Jordan: The story enters the dark before the dawn and the solicit promises to be interesting. Dark Asgard? Chaos and Destruction? Spider-man has to choose?! Sure it sounds like every event of the past few years, but it sounds different. I just hope Fraction does not fail like he did with Utopia. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far and the solicits sounds interesting.

 

Andrenn: Oh sweet Comic Book Jesus is it over yet? I swear this is the event that never ends. We got the obligatory “big character death” can't we just pretend nothing will ever be the same and move on from there?

 

Ghost Rider #3

 

Andrenn: So it looks like the new Ghost Rider is for real and she'll be sticking around way past this opening arc. I'm not sure why that saddens me but it does. We've still got Danny so hopefully he'll show up and take center stage in the near future.

 

New Avengers #16

 

Jordan: Daredevil should never be an Avenger. Didn’t Bendis make a point in the original New Avengers series that Daredevil doesn’t work as an Avenger. Also, it’s like Bendis doesn’t like it when people get to play with his old toys. When Luke Cage was announced to be leading the Thunderbolts, it was also announced Bendis has him in New Avengers. Same here with Daredevil, it seems. The Man Without Fear gets a new series and he instantly has to be with New Avengers. The character just doesn’t work well on a team like this. Maybe as a reserve member, but not full time.

 

Andrenn: Odd choice for the Avengers. I seriously have my doubts he'll stick around though. I think this will be a one arc gig and then Daredevil will realize how ridiculous it is for him to be there. Or Marvel will just let Bendis continue to waste everyone's time. Probably the 2^nd option.

 

Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #523

 

Jordan: American Panther?! Really? Really? Really? Yep, folks Marvel is where it’s at. House of Ideas my a…

 

Andrenn: American Panther and he's fighting the KKK. Of course. Because the KKK are a super power after all. Even when Spawn fought the KKK they were still just regular dumb hicks. Also I could make a crack about American Panther using guns but really I'll leave that to you, dear commenters. I look forward to seeing the Super-KKK in Avengers later this year.

 

Fear Itself: Hulk vs. Dracula #1 and #2

 

Andrenn: How can this be? A comic that, by name alone, sounds like something I would buy immediately and love looks absolutely crap-tastic? The creative team is good, the title is amazing HULK. Vs. DRACULA. 2 things I love in one dish? I should be hyped as all hell for this! But I'm not. Because its another damn pointless and stupid tie-in to the crap that is Fear Itself. Way to ruin an awesome idea, Marvel.

 

Uncanny X-men #543

 

Jordan: It’s near the end of the series! Colossus is taking over as Juggernaut and dukes it out with the Worthy Cain Marko. This is awesome! Oh wait, Greg Land is doing the art? Screw this noise. Next!

 

Andrenn: Screw this noise indeed, Jordan. The idea of Collosus becoming the Juggernaut makes absolutely no sense. That cover is so hideous though that no one will be able to read the contents inside .

 

Journey Into Mystery #627 #628

 

Andrenn: Mephisto? A bar? Whilce Portacio? Marvel I do believe you have a winning formula. Seriously if there were ever an award for best Solicitation for a comic this one would win hands down, this sounds like a ton of fun.

 

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1 & #2

 

Andrenn: I really want to check this out. I love Ultimate Spider-Man after all. But, really, at this point I wonder what's the point. Ultimate Spider-Man without Peter Parker is like a PB and J sandwich without the PB and J. But, at the same time, I'm very curious to see who's in the new costume.  I really want Bendis to pick up on the plot-threads he left dangling from the previous series (Johnny and Jessica, I'm looking at you) and I feel like Sara Pichelli got stuck doing crap fill-in art last time so I really want to see her cut-loose and take full control on art. But, with Peter dead and all the awesome looking DCU books this one may get lost in the shuffle. At this point its up in the air if I'll get this or not.

On a side note, the polybag gimmick and giving us two issues in one month makes me want to skip it. In the Internet Age where one person needs to open his polybag and add a photo from his Iphone in a matter of seconds to show who the new Spidey is its seriously pointless. I also hate Marvel's latest double-dipping policy of giving readers two comics a month. At first it seems cool but for readers like me on a budget its really frustrating.

 

Jordan: DC isn’t the only company releasing new relaunches in September, Marvel is entering the second month of the Ultimate Comics Rebirth and we get a new Spider-man series! The fact it is obvious that it will be a new person behind the mask makes these two issues interesting. Let’s see if Bendis can catch Lightning for the third time with the third relaunch of Ultimate Spider-man.

 

Ultimate Comics: X-Men #1

 

Jordan: Finally! The biggest thing missing from the big misstep of the last Ultimate Comics relaunch was a regular X-book. We had Ultimate X, for sure, but it is pretty much a bi-annual book right now. Still interested in how it will work since Marvel killed off nearly every major X-men in Ultimatum.

 

Andrenn: Never liked the Ultimate X-men. For a lot of reasons really, the team has just never really been interesting at all to me. While I love Paco Medina and hope he stays long time he's the only reason I'd consider picking this up, that and seeing what Kitty is up to.

 

Ultimate Comics: Ultimates #2

 

Jordan: You know the last Ultimate Relaunch went bad when Millar is pretty much kicked off the Ultimates. Without Millar and Loeb, it should be interesting in where Hickman will take the books. This is largely his Avengers audition, let’s see him nock it out of the park. The story sounds interesting and it all sounds like it should be awesome.

 

John Carter: A Princess of Mars #1

 

Jordan: Another graphic adaptation from Marvel. This time it is of the classic Edgar Rice Borroughs’ novels? This should be interesting. I love the original stories, so this will be a treat for fans, hopefully.

 

Amazing Spider-man #669 & #670

 

Andrenn: JJJ taking up the web-slinging biz is a very cool twist for the Spider-Island hullaballoo. I hate the massive flood of tie-ins but the main story looks incredibly fun and awesome so I'm very excited to check it out when it finally debuts. I can't help but think that JJJ swinging a mile in Spidey's shoes will change him on a very personal level. Oh and six-armed villains is always cool.

 

Jordan: Spider-Island Continues on! I’m calling it now, the Jackal is behind the Infestation. Also there is a Spider-JJ Jameson? This should be spectacular.

 

Venom #7

 

Andrenn: FINALLY Anti-Venom and Venom: Round 3! I've been itching for these 2 to go at it since the new Venom ongoing was announced. With Flash being a totally different Venom from Mac and Eddie being on the side of the angels but still a little nuty I can't wait to see how Remender plays up the dynamic between these two. Only down side is that Moore won't be drawing it. Sure Tom Fowler is awesome, Venom #3 proved that, but just look at that cover! Fantastic. Also I have my doubts this is a Spider-Island tie-in but anything to make that extra buck, eh Marvel?

 

Herc #7 & #8

 

Jordan: Spider-Herc, Spider-Herc/ Does whatever a Spider-Herc can/ Spins a web, any size Catches thieves just like flies/ Look Out!/ Here comes the Spider-Herc. Oh Sorry got sidetracked there. Hercules with Spider powers? Sign me up.

 

New Avengers Annual #1

 

Jordan: Wonder Man! Wonder “Mother Lovin’” Man! I hate that he has made his own Revengers team, but I won’t lie. I will probably check it out just for the fact Simon is in this comic. He’s one character I will always read.

 

New Avengers #16.1

 

Jordan: They’re still doing the whole .1 gimmick? This is getting pointless, especially considering they are now becoming storyline starting points instead of one-shots which would be much more serving for the New Readers which this whole dumb gimmick is about. Oh the story, Norman is back, sweet.

 

Andrenn: Norman Osborn returns and the internet lets out a loud sigh of not caring. Oh hey, Neal Adams is drawing it. Still don't care. I got my fill of Norman for a life time during Dark Reign, he could be locked up for 50 years and I wouldn't notice or care at this point.

 

Hulk #40 & #41

 

Jordan: Whoa, Hulk has been around for 40+ issues now? That’s crazy. Surprising it’s lasted this long and how much better it has become since Loeb left it behind.

 

X-Men: Schism #4

 

Jordan: The solicit is the same as the last two issues, so depending on what happens in X-men: Schism #1, it will affect this one, but from a structural stand point, this should be the issue where the crap hits the fan and the X-men break up for real.

 

Daken: Dark Wolverine #14

 

Andrenn: I have no idea what the comic is about. I did not read the solicit. I don't need to. All I know is that image, Moon Knight and Daken during a therapy session...with Moon Knight as the therapist is BRILLIANT. I may buy the comic just to own the cover. I want a poster of this, Marvel.

 

X-Men #17 & #18

 

Jordan: X-men is oddly the one X-book that is very fun, whenever it doesn’t deal with vampires. This FF team up looks to be really enjoyable.

 

S.H.I.E.L.D. : Nick Fury vs S.H.I.E.L.D. Premiere H.C.

 

Jordan: I’ve heard this was a great mini-series and it’s a Hardcover. I know I might have to check it out.

 

Spider-Man: The Return of Anti-Venom HC

 

Andrenn: This was a very cool arc. While it had some issues, Slott really brought Anti-Venom back in a big way and made his impact on the Big Time status quo felt. I'm looking forward to seeing what he and other writers do with the character now that he's back in New York.

 

Venom by Rick Remender Vol. 1 HC

 

Andrenn: Remender's Venom has been excellent so far. Glad to see Marvel acknowledges that by giving it a simple “By Remender” title instead of some goofy arc title. I can't wait to get this bad-boy. Though I am tempted to wait a few years for the Venom by Remender Omnibus. Oh well. I'm too impatient for that.

 

Marvel Ghost Stories TPB

 

Andrenn: Huh, so Marvel is releasing a collection of Ghost Story comics as well. Only these involve their actual characters. Like GHOST Rider, Silver Surfer and the Avengers? A curious choice. I may check this one out as well.

 

Spider-Man: The Vengeance of Venom TPB

 

Andrenn: I think this will look great in between The Birth of Venom TPB and Maximum Carnage. Definitely going to pick this up when it hits the shelves.