Welcome to this weeks spec and drek. This is where we pick the winners each week we think will be spec worthy, a great read or just cool looking art on the cover. I also dive into the pesky drek, the book you should probably avoid if you can or perhaps not invest so heavily into.
I’m doing these a bit early again this week to knock them out of the way. It’s been super busy lately with a new puppy, work, doing a training for work and trying to keep up with CHU along with me now finding time to sort through books to sell since it’s the yearly dump off I normally do around the holidays.
DC Picks
These Tales from the Dark Multiverse are really the best things coming out of DC I think. So that pushes Wonder Woman War of the Gods as my front runner pick.
Will it heat up? Probably not, it’s just a reader for me.
Marvel Picks
I’m just gonna go ahead and mention this one to get it out of the way. Civil War Snapshots #1 is introducing a new character. Honestly, is it because nobody was ordering it that it’s selling out or is the new character actually going to stick around? Seems like a one off type of hero.
I’ll be honest, I think in a month nobody will care. So if you find them, flip but I wouldn’t go too heavy on it if you have to own a copy. Pre-sales have all been around the cover price range for the B cover (that’s the one people are going after at retailers) with one selling for $30 or so, which is odd considering no others have sold above $10. Shill bid to pump? Maybe.. tread carefully people..
There’s also something off about Cap’s face on this cover. Like his mouth is shifted too far right or something.. he’s also got that look like he just came out of the bathroom and it wasn’t a satisfying biological release..
It’s finally here, King in Black, the huge event title that Donny Cates has been building up since Venom #3 so long ago.. Knull is here! The new big Marvel Universe baddie.. BTW, seems Venom #3 has dropped again in prices, recent 9.8’s are selling for a tad bit under $300 where over the summer we saw raw copies almost fetching that much, so if you missed out, now might be a good time to buy for the collection as I can only see this start to rise over time when more and more get tucked away into personal collections.
I’ve read it, I actually liked it so far. Might be a fun event title. If you’re part of the forums, you might of noticed there’s some talk about Sentry and Void coming out of this book that might cause a stir with some past issues.
Lots of covers for this one. If you can’t decide, just buy Cover A.
Indie and Small Publisher Picks
The one you should be reading. That Texas Blood #6.
This next one I’m curious on the story telling since I like this creators artwork. It’s rare when creators can both write and draw.
E Ratic #1 (Cover A – Andrews)
E Ratic #1 (Cover B – Deodato Jr)
Giga #1 is getting a second print. There’s also some foil version as well. I would only buy the foil if you find it at cover price.
But TFAW does have the Foil Version for only $7.99 so if you do want it, that’s the cheapest I’ve found it online from retailers.
This last pick I’m hoping is a great read. Knock Em Dead #1 is a new Aftershock title.
Now on with the dreaded “drek” pick, every writer and artists worst nightmare when it comes to selling their hard work.
The book to avoid or not fall victim to in buying at ratio inflated prices.
Batman Catwoman #1. It’s the love saga that I think ultimately doomed King’s run on Batman and they’re bringing this sappy love story that will never truly be or happen back? Hard pass for me..
So jump on sentry /void books now?
Potentially yes. If you are a forum member I stepped this out in the lounge pretty thoroughly. If not, go join the forum. Forum.comicsheatingup.net trust me. A lot goes on over there worth reading.
There is no way I wouldn’t buy Bat/Cat.
Is god of light revealed in KIB #1?
Think dceased is the best of dc
King in black I’ll get but I’m staying away from the 400 tie ins unless 1 has a new character because what I’ve learned with death metal…they don’t really matter but they cost 4.99-5.99
That Texas blood my ship can’t seem to get all the copies so I’m waiting for tpb
Anybody else notice a dip in quality in both companies books? I find myself more drawn to indie mostly the horror ones & because they only last 4-6 issues..most of my supes are long time automatic buys or alleged keys (marvel) & cover buys (Alex Ross)
I’ve always been more of an Indie reader myself, then Marvel. I’ve never been big into DC characters except Batman for the most part. I do like Swamp Thing though, the latest 100 page giants they were doing were entertaining reads..
Hopefully that future state swamp thing is good. I’m honestly gonna pass on most of that except swamp thing, Wonder Woman spec & maybe Batman…the whole “it doesn’t really matter” turns me off
You need to pick up Teen Titans #1 Future State. It brings the Red X character from cartoons to DC continuity. The Next Batman and the New Wonder Woman should be grabs also. The rest, pass.
I am right with you. I am way more in to the Indy titles . It’s all I have been reading lately. I also like the shorter story and commitment .
It looks like Catwoman has a huge arm on the Batman/Catwoman cover…but it is really Batman’s. Poor placement.
I thought the whip or whatever it is coming around the side of Batman looked out of place..
Lol, that’s the first thing I noticed…”what is up with Catwoma’s burly arm…and why does Batman have such a dainty arm….?!”
Had to do a double take…
I will buy Bat-Cat when it shows up in the $1 clearance sales at TFAW or Midtown…
Or maybe read it when you can get it free on Comixology… 😉
Tom King is a garbage person and writer
Why do you say that about him as a person? I have talked with him numerous times and I would not say he is a garbage person.
I wouldn’t call him a “garbage” person.. considering he is ex-CIA..
I agree . I would say it is a very sad thing yes that comics creators won’t let us enjoy comics and want to shove their political views in our faces .
Then don’t read it then. It’s a very simple solution.
I wasn’t asking for your solution . Don’t need your solution .
Then don’t post on a public website where anyone can chime in..
I haven’t seen Tom King do this. I have seen others like Erik Larson do it, but not Tom King.
Even if he does, don’t read it if you don’t like it. One’s political views doesn’t necessarily mean they’re garbage writers either, just because you don’t necessarily agree with their views.
The only chitty thing that I’m aware of Tom King doing was falsely accusing Jae Lee of being a Comicsgate collaborator (in what seemed to be misguided attempt at virtue signaling). He did apologize publicly for this, though.
What’s the chance they kill off Knull in this event ? I mean I really want to know ..
Deaths mean nothing though..
You didn’t answer the question … just wanted to know if there is any indication that will be killed off .
Only Donny Cates, Stegman and the Marvel Editors know if that happens.. but I did answer it.. if he does die, he’ll be back eventually…
You seem like a very pleasant person. I bet you have lots of friends.
There is no indication from the first issue they are going to kill him. But issues 2-4 are still up in the air. There is no way of knowing.
How about the secret variant for the KIB to go with?