Poyo’s Spec and Drek for August 21st, 2019

Where does the time go. We are already in the 3rd week of August and with some recent spec news in the past week, this weeks books are looking a little exciting.

It’s a big Indie and Small Publisher week, which I’m not complaining. I love me some indie books but I’ll still pick a few from the big two.

DC Picks

Batman #232 Facsimile Edition

The story that introduced Ra’s al Ghul is reprinted in the first of DC’s new line of facsimile edition comics. In ‘Daughter of the Demon,’ Ra’s reveals that he knows Batman’s secret identity-and that he needs the Caped Crusader’s help to save his daughter, Talia. It’s a tale that established Ra’s al Ghul as one of Batman’s most cunning and unpredictable foes!

This is a must for me. I’ll likely never own an original, at least in NM type shape. I love that DC is now doing these as well.

Batman #77

‘City of Bane’ continues! The last of the independent villains are on the run, leaving Gotham City entirely to Bane and his cronies-including Flashpoint Batman and Gotham Girl! Though this means a semblance of peace on the streets, the iron grip of tyranny is squeezing all life out of Gotham. And with Bane’s machinations keeping other heroes out, the city really needs the Batman to return. Is Bruce Wayne ready to face his toughest foes yet…his father and the man who broke his back?

She’s not Robin, but if the new Robin is basically Gothan Girl, I’m cool with that. Let’s just hope DC doesn’t decide to use her and any future Gotham Girls as characters to kill off, multiple times, to only come back.

Marvel Picks

Marvel has a slow week for me this week. I’m sure there will be some surprise in one of their books but what really caught my attention was Spider-Man City At War #6, the regular Crain variant. This cover is screaming me to buy it..  just a really sweet cover.

I think this might be considered the first appearance of Spidey’s Anti-Oct Suit in comics. Could be a sleeper, long term hold pickup if this suit ever makes it out of this series into the mainsteam Marvel Universe. I haven’t read issue #5 yet so someone correct me if there’s an appearance briefly in that issue.

The honorable mention this week goes to Marvel Comics Presents #8, which might provide more details about this new gal.

Another book to possibly grab and hold, watch the market closely is Captain Marvel #8 2nd Printing. It will be the first cover appearance by Star and quite frankly, is a better cover than the first print.

 

Indie and Small Publisher Picks

Strayed #1

Most cats have nine lives, but the fates of billions rest on this feline. In the far future, a military-industrial complex reigns over all humanity and actively destroys distant alien worlds. The galaxy’s only hope can be found through an unlikely pair: an astral-projecting cat named Lou and his loving owner Kiara. Trading nine lives for the well-being of billions, their revolt is a battle for love, friendship, compassion, and the soul of humanity. 

There’s also a pretty awesome Strayed #1 (Dustin Nguyen Variant Cover) as well.

This one looks interesting and when I was browsing all the issues, I came across issue #3 that has an awesome Ziritt cover. You all remember Ziritt right? From Space Riders (Black Mask)? Great comic and great artist.

I know it’s not coming out this week but I just felt the need to share it. We need more Ziritt artwork in our lives. Might not be for everyone but I’m loving it.

This next pick might likely go down as one of my favorite books and stories of the year.

Canto #3 (of 6) (Cover A – Zucker)

Into the belly of the beast! Canto consults with the Hermit and learns the surprising truth about the slavers. Canto’s path is now laid out before him, but is he prepared to face a foe known only as the Shrouded Man?

Awesome series and I hope after the 6th issue this isn’t the end of Canto.

You can pick up issue #4 out on 9/11 and issue #5 out on 10/02 on pre-orders. This new shop I’m linking has some great pre-order pricing. It’s turning into my go-to shop as their pre-order prices are lower than Midtown’s on some issues.

Headless #1

Salem, Massachusetts: 1987. Two teenagers have been found dead, brutally murdered, but not by a man. When gruesome murders become a common occurrence in this sleepy town it is evident that the Headless Horseman has returned! Two brothers, having recently arrived in Salem, find themselves in a centuries-old battle between the Knights Templar (whose task it is to banish all magic from Salem) and the Headless Horseman, the one originally responsible for turning the women of Salem into witches. All Hell breaks loose when the brothers discover they are closer to his true identity than they realize…

Headless almost has that Paper Girls vibe going on the cover.

Dead End Kids #2 is already doing well on pre-sales. At time of writing there’s an auction at $20.50 with 3 days left.

Land That Time Forgot 1975 #1

Journey with us back in time to the groovy era of the ’70s when magazine sized graphic novels roamed the Earth and fans thrilled to the Edgar Rice Burroughs’ film, The Land That Time Forgot, in theaters! Tyler Bowen is lost in a world of prehistoric terrors and creatures of legend. But he’s not alone, for a submarine of German soldiers has also become stranded here, bringing modern monsters into the primeval world. The incredible story is collected here in beautiful black & white for the first time in over four decades!

Land That Time Forgot just brings back memories. It’s the nostalgic pick of the week.

The Love She Offered #2 has no listing at time of writing but is sold out at most major online retailers.

The first issue was hard to find as expect low print run as most retailers likely overlooked this indie book. I expect the same for this issue.

Planet Caravan #1

The newest entry in the new BINGE! Imprint where Scout releases a World Premiere issue followed by the entire story a few months later in one volume! Jason is the last of his army on the surface of an enormous planet, with his massive permanent mecha-suit – a sentient death-machine called ‘Love’ – as his only companion. The armies of several planets and corporations have clashed there, annihilating each other over the resources of the planet in a seemingly neverending war. Jason’s only desire is to make it home to his wife, Grace. After a long and dangerous journey, he will find a way back to Earth… and to an awful truth.

Scout books have had nice track records on getting picked up with media deals and in general, heating up in the past. We never have enough sci-fi books to read.

Banjax #3 (Cover A – Alves)

‘Chapter 3: A Mission From God.’ Hollywood screenwriter/Aberrant-scribe Rylend Grant’s delightfully twisted deconstruction of the superhero genre kicks things up a notch. Abel Raines’ gratuitously armed and armored Cerberus teams hunt crusader-turned-crazed-vigilante Laird Mason day and night. Just when it looks like all is lost, America’s favorite malicious and malevolent masked lunatic gets a key assist from the unlikeliest of allies.

This is a pick due to it being a great read. Really digging this series. I recommend picking these up to read, particularly those who enjoyed Black Hood series.

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Now on with the dreaded “avoid” pick, every writer and artist worst nightmare when it comes to selling their hard work.

Superman Year One #2 Black Label. I know, it’s Frank Miller but it’s an avoid because Romita Jr. is doing the interiors. I’d pick Liefeld over Romita Jr. Buy if the story is good, not for the art.

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Don’t forget about the CHU Giveaway at https://forum.comicsheatingup.net/t/chu-giveaway-absolute-carnage-mike-deodato-bw-one-per-store-variant/560

If you already entered yourself, don’t forget to start voting for your favorites by clicking the on the symbiote names you like. That’s how we are choosing the overall winner. You can vote on as many as you like.