If this is your first time reading the $40 Pull List, I invite you to see how it works by reading the first edition. Therin you will find all the rules governing the list, and the selection of titles. It isn’t too complicated, though, so just dive right in if you don’t feel like reading back issues! In addition, this column contains Spoilers, so if you are waiting for the trade, read at your own risk!

Crazy month – it looks like the list is about to undergo a little turmoil over the next few months. This is nothing new – since the first installment back in January, there are only three original titles left on the list – Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, Jonah Hex, and Noble Causes. Noble Causes was on the brink for a while because of lateness, it hasn’t been solicited in a while, so it looks like that is going to get all caught up. Minis are expected to leave gaps from time to time, and we have two coming to an end in short order. Silent War wraps up this month, and Wyrms is going to skip a month before reaching its conclusion in August. The Brave and the Bold is on rocky ground right now, and though it looks like Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane is going to be safe for the foreseeable future, it is going to take a three month hiatus once Sean McKeever ends his run.

So, long story short – it is time to start thinking of replacement titles!

JUNE’S PICKS

Silent War #6, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 06/27/07. ON TIME

The political problems I started having with this issue didn’t really go away, but since the story quality did pick back up again, it did kind of get overshadowed. The ending of this series is curious – there are definite comparisons to the poorly received Sopranos finale, for better or worse. It was a really strange way to end a mini series, especially considering the fact that there is no sequel announced, these characters are not widely used in other titles in the Marvel Universe, and the preexisting confusion among fans regarding this series’ place in continuity with regards to the events in World War Hulk. This issue was a step up from the last two, but I have to admit that it was a wholly unsatisfying ending.

Status: MINI SERIES – COMPLETE

Superman #663, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 06/06/07. ON TIME

Interesting – but I must admit, I am not being blown away by this. This issue felt like it was marking time – granted, Superman is faced with a heavy dilemma as a result of Arion’s revelation, but none of the hand-wringing from this issue added in a meaningful way to the soul searching of #662. The end shows promise for what is to come, but I do so hate issues that are just padding for the final couple pages.

Not ready to give up on this yet, but things really need to pick up in #664.

Status: SAFE

The Exterminators #18, $2.99, Vertigo/DC Comics. Due out 06/06/07. ON TIME

A marked improvement from the last issue. I did manage to talk to many avid followers of this series after what I thought was a let down last issue, and they almost all agreed that maybe it wasn’t the best place to start. And since this issue was pretty much wrapping up the story that started in #17, well, I wasn’t expecting much. Maybe the lack of expectation helped my enjoyment of the issue, but regardless. It was certainly good enough to give the next arc a try.

The Brave and the Bold #4, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/20/07. ON TIME

This title is just getting more and more convoluted. Supergirl as a character was a little easier to digest this issue, as was Lobo, but the whole Batman/Tharok thing was just weird and a little difficult to swallow, and the upcoming “Legion” team up.

I don’t know – it just seems like this series is a series of connected plot devices designed to bring different characters together, and not much more than that. The overall story is scattershot, confusing, and really not all that interesting. Going to give this one another issue or two, but I have a feeling it won’t last beyond that.

Status: SAFE

Wyrms #5, $2.99, Marvel/Dabel Brothers. Due out 06/20/07. ON TIME

Seems like we skipped a little bit between the end of last issue, and the start of this one. I almost wonder if the “relationship” between Will and Patience was even worth including in the comic adaptation. In the book it is ok, but in the comic narrative, it seems out of left field. A minor quibble, though.

A lot happens in this issue, and we are set up for the conclusion next month when the confrontation between Patience and the Unwyrm will finally occur. This mini is really enjoyable – going to be a shame to see it end. Dabel did a great job on it.

Status: SAFE

Hellblazer #233, $2.99, DC Comics/Vertigo. Due out 06/20/07. ON TIME

A little better than last issue – in fact, this issue helps last issue makes a little more sense to the uninformed, so that is a good thing. This issue touches on why Constantine was so inclined to get Ravenclaw, and exactly what happened to him there. It was gritty and interesting, and a good step in the right direction.

I still don’t feel that pressing need to read this book, though. There are some books you can barely wait to get home to crack open. It seems like this book should be one of those, but I am not feeling it. Maybe next month everything will fall into place.

Status: SAFE

Spider-man Loves Mary Jane #19, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/06/07 ON TIME

To be honest, I was planning on dropping this title immediately after McKeever ended his run. There was no reason at all to expect that this title was really going to continue at all. For the longest time it seemed as if Marvel had no real interest in it, and it was only devout fan demand that kept it alive. One would think that as soon as McKeever moved on to DC, they would drop it like a rock. Who would have guessed that they would have actually got someone like Terry Moore to take over? So not only does it seem like this title will be safe until McKeever departs, but it most probably will be around once it returns from its short hiatus as well. Excellent.

This issue was no better or worse than what we have gotten over the past few weeks – it remains a consistently enjoyable read. No complains here!

Status: SAFE

Jonah Hex #20, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/06/07. ON TIME

Another good month – though this might have been a little tougher for the new reader to get into. Most issues of Jonah Hex stand perfectly well on their own. While this was another single-issue story, there were a few plots and characters from previous issues that popped up here. Familiarity with them was not critical to the enjoyment of this issue, but it did add a little color. Thankfully, since this title has been on this list since pretty well the beginning, no one here is a “new” reader. Another good month.

Nova #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/13/07. ON TIME

A bit of an action issue which featured the first meeting of Robbie Baldwin and Nova since the Stamford Incident. In a reaction that pretty well sums up my feelings about Penance, Nova decides after seeing what happened to his friend that he is going to leave Earth. Yeah, I am feeling you there Richard…

It seems like these three issues were really just a warm up for the series. Upcoming we will see the second Annihilation tie-in, and the rebuilding of the Nova Corps. Should be a decent run. I have to say that I am really enjoying the presentation here. Nova is presented as a well rounded and powerful figure, and every time I see the smoke-trail when he takes off I smile. Very much the Human Rocket.

Status: SAFE

Fear Agent #1, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due out 06/13/07. RELEASED 06/06/07

Only one bad thing about this issue – politics! A small mention is one thing, but it seemed like it went on for pages in this issue.

The good news is that even though this is a flashback series, a real effort was made to make it a smooth transition for those who followed the Image run of this book. Remender is promises in the afterward to this issue that it is basically going to be a war book with a sci-fi bent to it – and this first issue certainly reflected that. This series has the makings of a fast paced and exciting read. Can’t wait to learn a little more about who the Fear Agents were and what happened to them.

Status: SAFE

World War Hulk #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 06/13/07. ON TIME

Great exciting issue with terrible art. I am sorry to you John Romita Jr. fans out there, but it really isn’t that good. The characters look so rigid and lumpy. I honestly can’t see why he has such a devoted fanbase – stacking his work in this issue against Rob Liefeld’s best, JRJR wins by a nose, but only because he is less scribbly and can draw feet. Though I have serious questions about the same mouth and grimace that every character seems to always have.

But enough bashing. The art aside, this was a pretty exciting issue. Pak has a great story here, and I can’t wait to see where he goes with it. Action packed and exciting – that is exactly the sort of thing you want out of a summer event. The art isn’t so bad that it will get in the way of enjoying a solid story. It wasn’t Annihilation-Prologue bad, after all…

Status: SAFE

Noble Causes #30, $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 05/16/07. RELEASED 06/13/07.

Man, this one was starting to worry me. It was pretty late to begin with, and though it was released on 6/13, my local comic shop didn’t get a copy, so until the last moment, I was under the impression that this issue just didn’t come out yet. I was beginning to fear that Noble Causes would be the very first title to fall victim to the 2 months late rule. Thankfully, the mistake was mine (though it is still late!), and it will be safe for a little while. Well, it will have a chance to catch up anyway – there is no solicit yet for issue #32, and it has been announced that #31 won’t be hitting until late July or early August, so there is going to be some waiting here.

This issue? Outstanding. A whole bunch of lose plot ends were addressed – Rusty accepted what his father did was out of love, Liz regained her memory, and things look bad for Gaia. Still really sad at how late this issue was, but at least the quality is there to make it a little worth the wait.

LATE OR UNRELEASED PULL LIST ISSUES

Noble Causes #31, $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 06/13/07.
Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07.

-=JULY PULL LIST=-
Titles carrying over:

Superman #664, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/11/07.
The Exterminators #19, $2.99, Vertigo/DC Comics. Due out 07/05/07.
The Brave and the Bold #5, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/18/07.
Wyrms #6, $2.99, Marvel/Dabel Brothers. Due out 08/15/07.
Hellblazer #234, $2.99, DC Comics/Vertigo. Due out 07/18/07.
Spider-man Loves Mary Jane #20, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/11/07
Jonah Hex #21, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/05/07.
Nova #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/11/07.
World War Hulk #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/18/07.
Fear Agent #2, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 07/18/07.

New Titles:

Deadpool/GLI – Summer Fun #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/11/07

Whenever Deadpool crosses paths with the Great Lakes Whatever, it is good fun. Very little rational for this pick is required – anyone who doesn’t like the idea of this one-shot has a serious fun deficiency. You should get that looked at.

The Order #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/18/07.

The title formerly known as The Champions- legal problems aside, I have always had a soft spot for small time underdog Marvel teams, and the Champions of Los Angeles certainly fit that bill. And hey – if the Runaways are still technically an LA team, this makes two supergroups in Southern California. I think that is the most we have had – ever! Matt Fraction was the man behind the awesome funeral of Stilt-Man in Punisher War Journal, and the acclaimed Casanova series at Image. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this team.

READER’S CHOICE, $2.99. See Below

TOTAL: $41.38

Budget = $40.00 + $1.99 (Banked) + $3.77 (LATE books) = $45.76

$45.76 (Budget) – $41.38 (May issues) – $3.21 (tax) = $1.17 banked for August

READER’S CHOICE

Looking over the list of titles coming out this week, I had two problems coming up with a final issue to round out the month.

First off, it was tough to pick a title that really stood out. The list has become really diverse. We have Sci-fi, Western, Quasi-horror mystical, Superhero, Teen Drama, Mega-Event, even Comedy this month. So what is left out there that would really add something special to the list?

The second problem is distribution. By a weird quirk, there is no title on the list that is set to come out on the 25th this month. Since most comic readers enjoy the weekly trek to the shop, that seemed like a problem that should be solved.

Since I am indecisive about what to pick, I leave it up to you. Which of the following issues set to be released on 7/25 should be included in the list this month? The poll will last for 7 days, and the title receiving the most votes will be added to the list.

Usagi Yojimbo #104, Dark Horse
X-Men #201, Marvel
Annihilation: Conquest – Starlord #1, Marvel
Teen Titans #49, DC Comics
Jack of Fables #13, DC Comics/Vertigo

As always, I have made a list to print out a list to take with you to the store (which will be updated again once the last title is added next week): Here you go! Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the file – I am sure most of you have that though. If not, you can download the latest version for free at Adobe.com.

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