Previews Review for June 2002 by Randy Lander While my Snap Judgments reviews cover books as they are released, I'm as avid a follower of "what's next" as anyone else. Thus these Preview reviews, covering the Diamond Previews that allow fans to preorder comics from their local retailer. This installment covers the April previews for comics due to ship out in June 2002. Some other places to get more information on preordering, as well as some very different takes on what is most important in the previews, can be had from Chris Ekman (Things to Come) and Johanna Draper Carlson (Comics Worth Reading), among others. June kicks off the summer, and that means summer convention season, and that means a lot of big releases. Looking through the Previews, I noted a number of new series kicking off, but what really struck me was just how many trade paperbacks and original hardcovers I was interested in for this month. June is going to be an expensive, but rewarding, month for me and I suspect for a lot of fans. PICK OF THE MONTH: If I were only going to order one thing for this month, this would be it. Incredible Hulk Vol. 1: Return of the Monster TP (Marvel) - In a month that is full of great collection offerings, both new and reprinted, this stands out for me as the pick of the month. Bruce Jones and John Romita Jr. have done an unbelievable job of reinvigorating my interest in a character I never really liked much outside of Peter David's run, and this is a collection of their first extended arc. I must confess, however, that I'd buy a hardcover of this in a heartbeat, given how impressive the Ultimate Spider-Man hardcover was and how great Romita Jr.'s artwork would look in a larger size. OTHER SELECTIONS OF NOTE: Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel: Reunion (Dark Horse) - I'm mildly intrigued by what happened off-screen between Buffy and Angel during their rendezvous at the beginning of the season... but the solicitation artwork puts me right off. Rather than an emotional and powerful story of two lovers who can't be together at least taking some solace in an unexpected return from the dead, it appears we'll be getting "Buffy and Angel team up to fight monsters." Yawn. Enemy Ace Archives Vol. 1 HC (DC) - I generally don't buy DC archives, because they are so expensive, but I'm as tempted by this one as I am by the upcoming Sergeant Rock archives. With stories by Bob Kanigher and art by Joe Kubert, as well as my affection for many of DC's World War II character concepts, I may just break down and pick this up when it comes out. JLA: Destiny #1 (DC) - On the one hand, this is yet another JLA spinoff. On the other, it's an Elseworlds, which I have a weak spot for, and it's by John Arcudi (who did a fantastic JLA one-shot with Superpower) and Tom Mandrake (whose art is always gorgeous). I'll probably wait and hope for a trade, but I'll definitely at least take a look at the first issue. JSA: Darkness Falls TP (DC) - Well, it's about time. After an overly long delay following oversensitivity to the events of 9-11, DC is finally rescheduling the next JSA trade, the first stories co-written by Geoff Johns, who would eventually turn the book into something stronger than it started out as. This should provide a more satisfying read than the first trade, and hopefully another good incentive to help get readers into the JSA title, which is currently quite good. Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia HC (DC) - I don't like Wonder Woman much, and I find DC's hardcovers overpriced most of the time. However, this is an original graphic novel by Greg Rucka and JG Jones. Rucka has been so consisently good that I'll give anything he does a try, sight unseen, and JG Jones has done stunning artwork on Black Widow and Marvel Boy, among others. Though I'm not a Wonder Woman fan, I am very much looking forward to this hardcover. Black Sun #1 (DC/Wildstorm) - The story premise doesn't sound much different from a lot of Wildstorm's mystical mini-series, but writing by the underrated Marc Andreyko and a tie-in character from the highly underrated The Establishment puts this on my reading list. Trevor Scott's artwork, supposedly featuring a new digital process, also looks pretty interesting, and though I'm afraid the book will fly under everyone's radar, I'm at least looking forward to it. 100 Bullets: A Foregone Tomorrow TP (DC/Vertigo) - Another collection of one of my favorite series, this one including several terrific one-issue stories. In particular, this one has the story of JFK's assassination that was one of my favorite stories in the book. Demonstrating that DC does know what it's doing as far as trade marketing, at least sometimes, there is also a new story arc beginning this month in the 100 Bullets series, and the trades are only half a year behind, rather than a full year. Hellblazer #175 (DC/Vertigo) - Though I've been enjoying the work by Azzarello and Frusin on the book, I can't deny being anxious to see what Lucifer creator Mike Carey will come up with for his short stint on the book. I really don't have any particular attachment to John Constantine, but with creative teams including Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Steve Dillon, Marcelo Frusin and now Mike Carey, the editors at Vertigo have managed to make Hellblazer a must-read for a long time now. The Filth #1 (DC/Vertigo) - This could very well be an exercise in "weird for weirdness sake," but Grant Morrison is currently providing me with a lot of entertainment over in New X-Men, and I'm more interested than I otherwise would be in seeing what he comes up with here. Art by Chris Weston and Gary Erskine is icing on the cake. I look forward to the inevitable (and inevitably a couple years off) trade collection. Jonny Double TP (DC/Vertigo) - In another of the "it's about time" trade collections from Vertigo, the first work by the 100 Bullets team is finally collected into a trade. Jonny Double is about a private investigator who gets involved in a youth gang's attempt to raid Al Capone's bank accounts, and it's as stylish and engaging as 100 Bullets. Leave it to Chance Vol. 1: Shaman's Rain (Image) - This has been a long-rumored project, announced and then delayed, but it seems it has finally come to pass. Leave it to Chance is a charming and enjoyable action series that blends the best of Little Orphan Annie, Nancy Drew and a touch of Hellboy into an all-ages book that anyone can enjoy. Image is reprinting the series in European style oversized hardcover albums, and though I already have most of the issues, I can't wait to have them in this format, which will suit the stories even better. Micronauts #1 (Image) - The folks who brought back G.I. Joe are now tackling the Micronauts, another 80s nostalgia favorite. I don't have any particular attachment to these characters the way I did to G.I. Joe, but I suspect this will be one of the last of the nostalgia books that actually does well in sales. I also suspect that it will bring yet another round of "nostalgia is killing the industry" rants. Savage Dragon #100 (Image) - Whether you like it or not, you have to give Erik Larsen credit for Savage Dragon. He's the only Image creator still doing his own book, and though Spawn reached 100 first, it had long since stopped being McFarlane's work by that time. This issue is a 100-page monster of an issue, with an all-star cast of inkers and pin-up artists, and a finale to the long-running (and somewhat poorly received) "Savage World" storyline. It's not necessarily the best jumping-on point for Savage Dragon ever, but it's a triumph for the creator, and he deserves kudos for devoting himself so fully to the book. Spider-Man/Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do #1 (Marvel) - I just reread the Green Arrow hardcover, and was surprised that it was even better when read all in one sitting. I have no doubt that this will be a great read, although in fairness I have an affection for the Spider-Man/Black Cat relationship given that it was going on when I first started really reading the character. With the Dodsons no doubt providing appropriately cheesecake art, and Smith's name at the helm, this ought to provide surprisingly strong sales for yet another Spider-Man mini-series. Elektra #11 (Marvel) - The most common reaction I've had when I try to suggest Rucka's Elektra to people is that they can't stand the artwork. Well, as of this issue, the regular artist has changed, and the issue is the first one in a new story. Folks who like Rucka's other work, like Detective, Queen & Country or especially his work on Elektra/Wolverine or the Atticus Kodiak novels, should really check this book out. The Call of Duty: The Brotherhood #1 (Marvel) - The idea of a book about firefighters is a great one, but the execution already looks a bit questionable. Setting it in the Marvel universe, so that it's firefighters and super-heroes co-existing, seems a mistake. Putting a creative team that is better known for more action-oriented and less human-interest seems like a mistake. And naming it so that it's associated in any way with one of the worst titles Marvel has produced, The Brotherhood, seems an enormous mistake. The Call of Duty may turn out to be a great book, but it's starting off with a shaky foundation. The Thing: Freakshow #1 (Marvel) - A Thing mini-series by the writer and artist who are currently making DC's The Flash shine? I'm there. Incredible Hulk: The End (Marvel) - Though I'm enjoying the Hulk as written by Bruce Jones, for me the definitive Hulk was done by Peter David and Dale Keown. It seems fitting that they would write an end to the character, set in the far future and giving a possible capstone to the overall story of the Hulk. This will make a nice addition to my lengthy run of Hulk issues written by Peter David. Alias HC (Marvel) - If I hadn't already bought all of the issues, I'd definitely pick this collection up. Alias is some of Bendis's strongest work, and given Bendis's love for DVD-style extras, I have no doubt we'll see some impressive extra features to round out the collection of the first two Alias story arcs. In addition, Marvel has released their first hardcover now, and I've seen just how great the production values are. This one should be well worth the $30. Marvel: Fanboys & Badgirls - Bill & Joe's Marvelous Adventure! HC (Marvel) - I'd like to believe this is an elaborate April Fool's gag, but I don't. Instead, I think this is the most impressive combination of hubris and bad business sense I've yet seen from the New Marvel. A hardcover, featuring "behind the scenes" stories of the changes in Marvel since Bill Jemas and Joe Quesada took over? It plays into the pro wrestling vibe the two have brought to the company, but personally, I hate pro wrestling and I hate the dirty laundry of the industry... why would I want to pay $35 to read more of it? Dear God, why would anyone? New trades (Marvel) - Marvel has a great month for trade collections this month, including the next volumes of Exiles (Vol. 2: A World Apart) and New X-Men (Vol. 2: Imperial), the enormous Essential Tomb of Dracula which collects the classic Marv Wolfman/Gene Colan work that created (among other memorable characters) Blade and Daredevil: Wake Up, Bendis's first stab at Daredevil with David Mack on artwork. Arsenic Lullabies Vol. 2 #1 (AAA Milwaukee Publishing) - Wisely renaming their publishing company to get to the first slot in the catalog, the sick and funny Arsenic Lullaby creators are also relaunching the series with a new number one. Arsenic Lullaby is sick, wrong and outrageously funny, and this is as good an excuse as any to give the book a chance. The Castaways (Absence of Ink Comic Press) - The strongest feature in Absence of Ink's anthology book gets a collection, and it's well worth your time. The writing and artwork is very strong, and the story of a young boy riding a train across Depression-era America is an unusual choice for subject matter. Forlorn Funnies #1 (Absence of Ink Comic Press) - Though I'm not familiar with Hornschemeier's work, he seems to be well-regarded amongst folks whose opinions I respect, and the folks at Absence of Ink seem to have an eye for spotting talent. Worth a look. ACTOR Auction Guide Wizard World 2001 (ACTOR) - Printing up black and white images of the pieces that went for auction at Wizard World seems a great way for fans who can't make that convention (or afford auction prices) to contribute to ACTOR, a worthwhile charity. But charging $6 for 28 pages, and offering a signed edition for $30, leaves a bad taste in my mouth reminiscent of the one I get from Dynamic Forces, even if it is all for a good cause. Girl Genius Collection Volume 1 (Airship Entertainment) - Also doing the renaming thing, the Foglios have renamed their company "Airship Entertainment" to get a spot near the front. Given the spotty shipping record of Girl Genius, I decided to wait for more sizable chunks of story, and now those are being offered, with the first softcover and hardcover collections of Girl Genius, a humorous steampunk adventure book, solicited this month. Badlands: The Unproduced Screenplay (AIT/Planet Lar) - I haven't read Badlands yet (though I look forward to it when AIT/Planet Lar re-releases the book soon) but I'm fascinated with the idea of reading the screenplay that Grant wrote for the story just the same. This is another unconventional winner of an idea from iconoclastic publisher Larry Young. Randy the Skeleton TP (Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics) - Atop my "to do" list for this year's San Diego Comic Convention is to purchase all the Sugar Buzz comics from Ian Carney after reading a short mini-book he handed me at the Con last year. This is another feature written by him, a collection of stories from a variety of places, and it sounds just as funny and off-beat as his other work. Imagination Rocket (Behemoth Books) - In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I wrote the foreword for this book, but I have no monetary stake in it, so I have no problem recommending it. This is another use of comics for education from Brian Clopper, and it's got some recognizable names (Stuart Immonen, Jon "Bean" Hastings) from comics working on some entertaining stories. It's primarily aimed at younger readers, but fans of indie talent would be wise to give it a look. Route 666 #1 (Crossgen) - As Crossgen broadens the genres they are exploring, I find myself growing more and more interested in their line. I honestly don't expect this to be a truly scary horror comic, if only because I have yet to find a really scary horror comic, but it has a neat premise and a good artist attached, and I'm interested to see how it plays out. Sojourn Vol. 1 TP (Crossgen) - With The Path and the Comics on the Web feature sparking my interest, I recently went back and tried Sojourn, largely because of my appreciation for Greg Land's art. Though I have my problems with it, I found I quite enjoyed the epic fantasy style and the gorgeous artwork, and this will mark the first trade paperback I'm buying from Crossgen... but probably not the last. Cathedral Child GN (Cyberosia Publishing) - It's great to see Lea Hernandez's "Texas Steampunk" graphic novel back in print, and if you haven't already read it, trust me that you should seek this out. It's a story of romance, steam-powered computers and murder, and it's a very enjoyable read with intricate and beautiful artwork. The Nodwick Chronicles Vol. 2: Of Gods & Henchmen TP (Dork Storm) - If there's a funnier spoof of the actual adventures that fantasy gaming groups have, I haven't found it. While Dork Tower or Knights of the Dinner Table spoof the gamer, Nodwick takes a look at what the characters' lives must actually be like it, and it is a hilariously funny read for those who know gaming or who simply enjoy seeing anachronistic pop-culture references in a fantasy genre. Williams has a great art style and terrific comedic timing, and I'm glad to see the next volume of Nodwick released in trade form. PVP: The Online Comic Strip Collection Vol. 1: Striptease TP (Dork Storm) - I read PVP every day online, and though it's easy enough to get access to the strips through the archives, I'd really rather have an easy to carry and read book. I also wouldn't mind putting some money into supporting Scott Kurtz's work, and so I'll be picking up the PVP strip collection this month. Dork Storm Special: Lethargic Lad Jumbo-Sized Annual #1 (Dork Storm) - It's a sad month for my wallet but a great month for Dork Storm, because I was also a fan of Lethargic Lad, which went online-only and then sort of disappeared due to a rough market. This is a very funny parody of super-hero cliche, both general and specific, and I'm glad to see it live in print again. Battle Pope: Wrath of God #1 (Funk-O-Tron Productions) - How can you not love a story where the Pope is in trouble with God because he spent time with Mary over Christmas? Battle Pope is always sacrilegious and hysterically funny, and I expect this series to be no less. 30 Days of Night #1 (IDW) - After being blown away by Fused #1, writer Steve Niles has got a few "sight unseen" looks from me for his next series, and this is one of them. It's a good horror premise, the idea of a town where the sun doesn't shine for 30 days and creatures of the night take advantage, and Ben Templesmith's moody and surreal artwork seems an intriguing choice for the subject matter. Hopeless Savages: Ground Zero #1 (Oni Press) - My favorite mini-series of last year, Hopeless Savages, returns this month from Oni. The new artist, Bryan O'Malley, looks very promising from his work on the Oni website, and I expect the story to be just as much fun as the previous series. Which, for the convenience of those who missed it, is reprinted in the Hopeless Savages Vol. 1 TP this month. Sidekicks TP (Oni Press) - J. Torres's tale of super-kids in a school for sidekicks was a nifty idea that suffered from erratic publishing, so I'm glad to see it coming out from Oni Press. This trade reproduces the three issue series that introduced the school and the characters, and it's a lot of fun, with nice manga style art from Takeshi Miyazawa. XXX Livenudegirls #1 (Penny Dreadful Press) - This solicitation spends most of its time explaining that it isn't what the title would seem to indicate, leading me to wonder if maybe the creators shouldn't have picked a different title. In any case, I'm mildly intrigued, but I sure would have liked more information about what the book is rather than what it isn't. Amelia Rules Vol 1: In With the Out Crowd TP (Renaissance Press) - Another of those all-ages books that is a fantastic read but a really hard sell in the current market, Amelia Rules was a funny and touching book about a child of divorce, in full color yet. I'm happy to see a collection made available, and I look forward to it joining other all-ages genius on my shelves, like Akiko or... Scary Godmother: Ghouls Out For Summer TP (Sirius) - Jill Thompson's Scary Godmother, which is always a treat. I skipped the last mini-series, hoping for a collection instead, and now my patience has been rewarded with this trade. Thompson has rarely disappointed with Scary Godmother, and I look forward to reading this trade. Priest Vol. 1 GN (TokyoPop) - Priest might not be my favorite offering from TokyoPop so far, but it's as good an excuse as any to mention what an interesting mix of product they're offering now. Rather than just science-fiction and fantasy, TokyoPop seems to be expanding into the more interesting genres manga has to offer, including horror and the hard-to-quantify stories of racing and school such as GTO or Initial D. Just as it was books like Eagle that finally got me interested in manga, it's books like these that will keep my interest. Doublecross: More or Less (Top Shelf) - Tony Consiglio has long been an impressive member of the mini-comic community, and I'm glad to see his caustic and hilarious Doublecross mini-comics turned into a collection by the always-impressive publisher Top Shelf. Email Randy Lander comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.