Instead, I plan to carry on as I've been these past two years, using this space as a way to complain about things, vent about things, and (sometimes) talk positively about things.
Since it's the New Year, though, I figured I shouldn't start things off by complaining.
So...um. Yeah. How are things with you? Good? Good. That's good.
See? Positive.
[Editor's Note: This is where my little, snarky preamble originally ended before diving into this week's new comics. But, because it's been a crazy week in comics news, I figured it was important to mention something else.]
Yesterday, Marvel Comics announced that Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief for the past ten-plus years, will be replaced by editor Axel Alonso. Quesada will remain with Marvel as the Chief Creative Officer. Marvel also announced that longtime editor Tom Breevort has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Publishing.
Quesada's run at Marvel was one of the most successful in the history of the company, and he helped bring the publisher out of its financial crisis of the 1990s. With the introduction of the Marvel Knights line, mega-events like Civil War and the restructuring of the Avengers books, and with the hiring of high profile talent such as Kevin Smith and making a deal with Stephen King to adapt his Dark Tower books, Quesada returned Marvel to prominence in the 2000s.
More importantly for the medium, though, Quesada was responsible for bringing on formerly independent creators like Brian Bendis, Ed Brubaker, and a host of others into mainstream comics.
As a result, the quality of comics--especially from a writing standpoint--skyrocketed. There are many positives to point to when talking about Quesada's time at the top, but I think his eye for talent will be the things he's most fondly remembered for.
With that, let's get into this week's new books.
First up, we have the final issue of Eric Powell's Dark Horse mini-series, Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities and the Ghastly Fiend of London.
I've mentioned each issue of this series, because, as you know, I'm a huge Powell fan. The book is great, and if you haven't yet checked it out, you may want to wait on the trade. However, each single issue features a short Goon back-up story, and every installment has been fantastic.Here's DH's solicitation information:
Billy the Kid's mission to stop Jack the Ripper comes to its explosive finish! In this issue, the Ripper kills people, the freaks look freaky, and Billy says something offensive. Don't miss the conclusion to Eric Powell and Kyle Hotz's weirdest tale yet!
* Goon backup story by Eric Powell!
* Powell's The Goon was named the number--four essential indie comic by ugo.com!
Next up, we have the return of one of my favorite comics characters. From Peter David, IDW releases Fallen Angel: Return of the Son, issue one.
This has been one of the best series on the stands since its inception at DC Comics, some five years ago. When the book moved to IDW, the quality of the series was maintained, and the stories became more epic in nature as the threats against the characters grew, seemingly on an issue-to-issue basis.All of the issues for the entire series are now collected, so you have no excuse to not get caught up! Here's the blurb from IDW on today's release:
Once upon a time, Jude, the son of the Fallen Angel, was the greatest power in Bete Noire, before being brought low. Now he serves the needs of others while angrily remembering his glory days.
But that may be about to change with the arrival of the ageless individual for whom Bete Noire was originally named-Enoch, son of Cain, has come to the city that Shapes the World, claiming that he's capable of restoring Jude to his former glory... but what will be the cost to Jude... to the Fallen Angel... and to the rest of the world?
And, finally. I never do this, but...there's a statue that comes out today from DC Direct that is just too cool not to mention. From the Batman Black and White line of statues comes the Arkham Asylum (video game) Batman.
Like I said, too cool. And the Black and White series has featured some of the very best Batman statues ever, adapting great comics versions of the character to the 3D form.Here's the description from DC:
SCULPTED BY DAVE CORTES
From within the walls of Arkham Asylum, The Joker orchestrates the most elaborate scheme of his career: create an unstoppable army of Bane-like creatures to take over Gotham City. Only Batman, using an amalgam of detective, combat and stealth skills, can end his arch-nemesis' plans.
This very special Batman Black and White statue was developed using actual character designs from the best-selling game Batman: Arkham Asylum, current holder of the Guinness World Record for "Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever," and the winner of several industry game awards.
This statue based on the video game design measures approximately 7.25" high x 6.25" wide x 4.75" deep, is painted in monochromatic tones, features a Bat-logo-shaped base and is packaged in a black and white box.
Limited Edition. Manufactured to order.
The price is steep--$80--but if this is the kind of thing you're into...well. I'm sure you already know about it.
And with that we wrap up the year's first WfW. Not to fear, though. Something tells me there will be 51 more to come. Before I head back to work, what are you Waiting for?
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