Welcome to this weeks spec and drek, the 3rd edition for 2021. This is where we pick the winners each week we (or shall I say myself) 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.
DC Picks
Future State Immortal Wonder Woman #1 has a great looking Momoko variant. But seriously DC, couldn’t come up with a different title to describe Wonder Woman? Just seems like it’s a blatant ripoff from Marvel’s use of the word Immortal. But anyways..
For you people on the Tim Fox bandwagon, this might be one of the books to nab as it’s not his first cover appearance as Batman but it is the first cover that shows his identity as Batman.
Future State The Next Batman #2 is out but I think these hefty price tags are a turnoff for some. Seems like you’re not getting more story than a normal book as the extra content is just backup story’s.
There’s already a 2nd printing for this one as well in the works.
Marvel Picks
Symbiote Spider-Man King in Black #1 got a 2nd printing. Already sold out at most online retailers and a few listings on eBay at around the $15 price mark. If anything comes out of this, could end up being a good pickup for the long term gamble I think. But….
I smell potential pump and dump from some though that might of loaded up on these. Most retailers went heavy on the first printing (still easily available) so they likely didn’t bother with the 2nd prints. This causes false demand based on low supply, don’t fall for it I say. If you can’t find at cover, skip for now.. unless you just really want it that badly. It’s never wrong to say you buy something at the premium prices because you simply want it for yourself. Only spend what you’re willing to spend. I think prices will drop over time so might be better to wait, let the hype of what some might call “scarce” come down gradually when nobody cares a month from now.
If you really think Mister E is gonna make a big significant comeback into the world of Marvel, seek out his actual first appearance in Marvel Spotlight #9 from 1980.
King in Black #3 continues the great big Knull is Coming event. It’s an event book. Gonna make you a millionaire one day? Heck no but we still pay attention cause they like to base future stories and characters coming out of these types of books.
I don’t ever encounter that many Iron Fist fans and as many times as I’ve given him a chance over the years, I just can’t get into him. I’m hoping Larry Hama changes that with this new series, Iron Fist Heart of the Dragon #1.
Limited to 1 per at Midtown and sold out at TFAW and some others on a quick check, might not be a bad pickup.
I can say one thing though, the cover art so far for some of the open order and regulars have been great. If it heats up, great, I’m just hoping there’s a story I can get into and enjoy. So hopefully the story is there and we have a winner title.
You miss out on Daredevil #25? Yeah? Well, now there’s a 2nd printing that has Elektra on the cover as Daredevil. Supply will be higher than demand so it’s a slower gain in value as retailers were ready this round. But ya never know right? The market works in mysterious ways..
I keep having this gut feeling that something big will eventually come out of Avengers with this Phoenix story.
Avengers #41 is on this list just because anything could happen that causes a stir and gets people scrambling for the book.
Indie and Small Publisher Picks
Crimson Flower #1 is a new Kindt book. It’s a revenge book, which I normally enjoy so yeah, it’s a check out for me. I do have a feeling some might be turned off on the style of art though for the interiors and the covers, which sadly aren’t great appealing covers. But never judge a book by it’s cover.. (or interiors?), cause the story could end up being mind blowing right?
I’ve been eye’ing this next one since it hit in Previews. Hoping for a great read for Abbott 1973 #1.
Abbott 1973 #1 (of 5) (Cover B – Allen)
I normally enjoy Zac Thompson’s stories so this next book he’s got coming out of Aftershock has got my attention, since I’m also into tech for the day job and normally enjoy a good horror story. Mix the two and you might have a winner.
Cutting Edge Devils Mirror #1 is a new Titan book that has my interest. Who doesn’t love a good devil looking monster on the cover. That got my attention on it’s own.
It’s only a two issue series so no breaking the bank picking these up. If you end up liking them, great. If not, well, you didn’t invest so much money and time into more than 2 issues.
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.
Do not overpay for the 1:25 Daredevil #25 2nd print ratio variant. Buy low, sell high. If you missed out, then you miss out. If you want cause you just love it more than life itself and have extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, by all means, buy buy buy!
I’m also looking into getting Abbott 1973 #1 My shop didn’t order me any copies even though I pre order before FOC. Good thing I can order on TFAW.
I wasn’t a big Iron Fist fan until Brubaker and Aja had their turn with the Immortal Iron Fist. Still one of my favorite series, and the spin-offs as well (Immortal Weapons, 5-Ronin).
The Aja cover was enough to give this a shot.
Always such a great list
I always enjoy reading these!