The $40 Pull List – November 2007
Nov 06
If this is your first time reading the $40 Pull List, I invite you to see how it works by checking out some of the previous month’s editions (listed below). Those will give you a good idea of how the column works, and what you can expect month after month. If you are interested in the “rules” for the Pull-List, check out the very first column, the 01/07 edition. 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!
01/07 – 02/07 – 03/07 – 04/07 – 05/07 – 06/07 – 07/07 – 08/07 – 09/07 – 10/07
Man – you folks really didn’t make it easy on me this month! Last month’s poll on Wyrms #6 ended in a tie. So what to do? Well, the choice was made easy – the book got pushed back once again to December 5th. Finally, it seems to make the most sense to drop it all together instead of making an exception. It sucks to drop a book at the very end, but too much about that whole title just stinks right now. The Dabel/Marvel split is probably one of the most interesting stories this year that we know nothing about, and on the surface it seems like Marvel may have ground Dabel under their monolithic heel and had such an ironclad contract that Dabel can do nothing but smile and talk about how wonderful it was. I know, I know – that is a hasty conclusion based on very, very little information, but for my part, I prefer to err on the side of caution and just drop the book all together, and stay away from any formerly Dabel titles. If I knew all the facts, my decision might be different, but for now this feels like the right thing to do.
This month was a rough one when it came to books being off schedule. Two of the Marvel books we had on the list were pushed back into November, and the Fear Agent shipping schedule actually got pushed back up, so we got the Tales of the Fear Agent issue a month early. The late titles were irksome, since October was a five Wednesday month (so they had the extra month to work with), and the Fear Agent (though more Fear Agent is usually a good thing) just erased half the benefit we got from those titles shipping late. This makes things really messy in terms of the list for November – but that is just one of the perils of running on such a tight budget. In the end – with Annihilation: Conquest starting in full swing, Rex Libris #9 finally coming out, and the requirement that we try one new title every month (I have decided that Annihilation: Conquest doesn’t count, since we were buying the Star-Lord prelude mini), some tough, tough cuts have to be made this month. Perhaps it is a good thing – the list was getting a little too comfortable, after all. Time to shake things up!
Superman #668, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 10/10/07. ON TIME
Superman #669, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 10/24/07. ON TIME
Superman double shipped this month, as we get the first two parts of the Third Kryptonian arc. The first reference to the “Third Kryptonian” was before this title was on the list, but they did an excellent job of recapping the mystery in the first few pages of #668. #669 got a little dull – now that we know who the Third Kryptonian is, I suppose it made sense that we got an entire issue devoted to her back-story. It isn’t at all interesting, but when you keep adding survivors of a dead planet, I suppose it makes sense that the story has to become a little more complicated as you go along. Plus – this story allows for the logical leap of other Kryptonian survivors in the universe – not a direction they should go, but if they ever do, it is nice to have some built in justification for it.
The story is decent – the exposition was a drag in #669, but #670 promises to be all action. While the story is decent, the art does leave a little to be desired. Action sequences seem fine, but Leonardi does seem to have a hard time with stationary poses. Whenever he has someone just standing there without anything to partially obscure the body, it seems lumpy and uncomfortable. Still – it could be worse, and it is only really noticeable in a few panels. Looking forward to seeing this one wrap up.
Now there is an Annual due out next month, but since it is the end of the Camelot Falls arc, and we weren’t really reading this title when that arc was in full swing, I am inclined to ship it. It is another $3.99 title, and I can’t justify making any more cuts to the list to accomodate it. October double-shipped Superman at regular cover price. Two more Superman issues in November at a buck more a pop is just asking too much.
Status: SAFE
The Exterminators #22, $2.99, Vertigo/DC Comics. Due out 10/10/07. ON TIME
Man – this title is an enigma. On the one hand – this issue was enjoyable. There was a lot of great action, the camps seem very well defined, and the story wasn’t at all confusing.
On the other hand, there is almost a Lucifer-level of incomprehensibility here. Recalling Lucifer - if you didn’t read that series from issue 1, you were going to be hopelessly lost if you tried to jump in at any point after the first few arcs. While the individual issues here have a base level of enjoyment, when it comes to understanding the cast and the world around them, it is very much the same. This book has been on the list for months now – you would figure by now the main characters themselves would be totally transparent at the very least. No such luck.
This is a well written book – I just think it might be better suited for the trades. And considering the budget crunch this month, I really can’t afford to be lenient with this book any longer.
Status: DROPPED
Hellblazer #237, $2.99, DC Comics/Vertigo. Due out 10/24/07. ON TIME
Hrm. Well, maybe this arc is good – or maybe I am just being too forgiving. A couple bad issues to start this arc, and last issues good one was enough to get me singing its praises again. This issue though – kind of a dull ending. This whole Lord Burnham character was just way more interesting with his followers behind them – and the way they were disposed of left a lot to be desired. And Constantine had no impact at all on the story, he was just there. And four issues of an impotent protagonist really isn’t a positive.
This could have just been an off arc, but once again – budget crunch. Stack up the last four issues of this book with the other titles still on the list, and it falls short. I am afraid this one has to go as well.
Status: DROPPED
Jonah Hex #24, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/03/07. ON TIME
Ah- something different! A Bat Lash appearance, to warm us all up for his upcoming mini, and an El Diablo appearance, as a Halloween treat! The issue was solid through and through, and plenty of fun Fanboy moments. The expansion of the DCU western universe has been a long time in coming, and this issue seemed to herald that. Hope to see some more El Diablo at some point in the future!
Status: SAFE
Nova #7, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/10/07. ON TIME
Ah – I didn’t actually think Nova would stay under the sway of the Phalanx for very long, though this issue does open up a whole bunch of potential story threads where Gamora is concerned. Of course, it looks like she isn’t really done in this title, so we have a few issues to get that all resolved.
As with every month so far, this title is a joy. Can’t wait for #8
Status: SAFE
Fear Agent: The Last Goodbye #4, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 10/17/07
Tales of the Fear Agent: Twelve Steps in One #1, $2.99, Dark Horse. Released 10/31/07
Yikes – that one shot wasn’t supposed to be out until next month! Luckily, we had enough late books this month to give the budget some padding.
But – wow – was that last issue of The Last Goodbye tense, or what? It might be easy to wish that we got this story first, but upon reflection, I am glad we got to know Heath before this story was told. It makes it so much more of a kick in the gut now that we know and like Heath. Remender hit a home run with this issue.
Twelve Steps in One? Not bad, Could have done without the back-up story, but overall it wasn’t a waste, even if it was a bit of a let-down after the end of The Last Goodbye. Still – a nice filler before the next series gets off the ground.
Status: SAFE (Continues as Fear Agent: Hatchet Job)
Bomb Queen IV #2 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 10/03/07. ON TIME
Editor Girl is awesome. That really is the first thing that comes to mind about this issue. Bomb Queen is her usual… well, self, but the supporting cast made this issue great. Heck of a read.
Status: SAFE
Teen Titans #52, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/24/07. ON TIME
Might be kind of a surprise to hear it, but the Future Titans just plain bore me. And the overkill at the end of this issue definitely didn’t help that. I really don’t know where McKeever is going here, and based on his comments about what is coming in future arcs, it seems like his heart just isn’t into this. Still waiting for the “good” stories to start up next arc as he says. With luck, this is really an editorial thing, and these first few issues were just stories the editors wanted wrapped up before he got into his stuff. The issue wasn’t bad – but if this is as good as his run on this book is going to get, there are other things I rather try out on the Pull List.
So, considering the tight budget we have next month, it makes very little sense to bother with the next two issues. When the writer himself publically proclaims that the good stuff is starting after this arc is over – if you aren’t enjoying this arc, why bother finishing it? I would still like to see what McKeever has planned for these characters after the Titans of Tomorrow arc is wrapped up though. So rather than completely dropping this book, I am just going to put it on hiatus until Teen Titans #55 hits in January.
Status: ON HIATUS – RETURNS TO THE LIST IN JANUARY
Marvel Comics Presents #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/17/07. ON TIME
A good mix of stories this month, with the Hellcat effort being the only real downer. The story just isn’t working – the gimmick has been done before, and with much more interesting characters (Deadpool’s was the best I have seen in some time). The Taskmaster spot was a lot of fun, and I am really enjoying the Vanguard opener. Weapon Omega I could take or leave – it isn’t blowing me away, but it also isn’t dragging the title down.
Marvel seems to have a good mix going in this title, but I am extremely concerned that they have already dropped stories that feature Marquee characters. You need a Spider-Man, Wolverine, or Hulk on the cover to sell this book. I appreciate having the outlet for lower-tiered characters to have their stories told, but I understand the nature of this business. Sales mean a title keeps getting published, and I’d much rather have 3/4 stores for the more obscure characters and have this title last years than to keep the big names out all together, only to be spearheading “Save Marvel Comics Presents” drives a year from now. Come on Marvel – this is the one time you NEED to put the marketing muscle of these characters behind a book!
Status: SAFE
Green Arrow/Black Canary #1, $3.50, DC Comics. Due Out 10/10/07. ON TIME
Awesome last page. Actually, awesome issue all together. The characters were in perfect form and used logically – the only questions I have were things that are bound to be wrapped up as the plot progresses. This was a great follow-up to the Wedding issue – I can’t wait to see where Winick is taking this story.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/07/07.
World War Hulk #5, $3.99, Marvel Comics. 10/31/07. DELAYED UNTIL 11/14/07
Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07. DELAYED UNTIL 11/07
A whole mess of delayed books caused some serious issues this month. World War Hulk is especially annoying. If it were over, half the budget problems this month would be solved. But, it is the last issue – and I am inclined to let that one stand. Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord delay into November causes an even bigger problem, but that has been an outstanding read, and since we are going to be continuing into the main Annihilation: Conquest event, that one stands as well. Rex Libris – its fate was decided three months ago, and that title is too good to go back on now.
The Order #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/17/07 DELAYED UNTIL 11/07/07
The Order though – I didn’t miss it. The title has been hit and miss in its first three issues – and there hasn’t been anything about it that hooked me to the point where I am ready to cancel another book to keep it. So The Order is off.
Status: DROPPED
-=NOVEMBER PULL LIST=-
Titles Carrying Over
Superman #670, $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 11/07/07.
Jonah Hex #25, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 11/07/07.
Nova #8, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/14/07.
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #1, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 11/28/07.
Bomb Queen IV #3 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 11/28/07.
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08.
Marvel Comics Presents #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/14/07.
Green Arrow/Black Canary #2, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 11/14/07.
Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/07/07.
World War Hulk #5, $3.99, Marvel Comics. 10/31/07. DELAYED UNTIL 11/14/07
Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07. DELAYED UNTIL 11/07/07
Annihilation: Conquest #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 11/07/07
New Titles
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #1, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 11/07/07.
Why not? We kind of cut out our horror elements with Hellblazer and The Exterminators this month, and since part of the problem with those titles was their heaviness – why not go for a light slasher to fill the void? Granted, it wouldn’t work for the long term, but this is a mini. And come on – how many of you wanted to actually see this as a movie? I know I did. So it should be a fun diversion. With luck!
TOTAL: $43.34
Budget = $40.00 + $4.29 (LATE October issues) – $3.22 (Tales of the Fear Agent) + $2.98 (Bank) = 44.05
$44.05 (Budget) – $39.35 (November issues) – $3.50 (tax) = $1.20 banked for December
Man – that was a tough one this month – but we made it just under the wire. I am sure a lot of you will have something to say about the cuts this month – go ahead and let me have it!
Here is this month’s Pull-List to print out and bring with you to the store: Here you go! Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the file, as always. If you don’t have it, you can download the latest version for free at Adobe.com.
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