The $40 Pull List - May 2008
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 - 11/07 - 12/07 - 01/08 - 02/08 - 03/08 - 04/08
This month, the “mainstays” ended up being pretty good. We got a solid conclusion to the Annihilation: Conquest story, as well a nice goodbye issue from Kurt Busiek on Superman, but some of the minis faltered a bit. Both the Twelve and Young Avengers Presents seemed lacking, added to that a weak issue of Marvel Comics Presents made this month something of a downer.
This month’s read kind of made me realize how stagnant things have gotten. After a month like this, it is time to shake things up a little bit. Part of this whole experiment was to see if we could avoid getting caught in the trap of reading unenjoyable books month after month - and while it is true that some titles will have an off month here and there, a bad month overall is a good chance to shake things up a bit and let some fresh air in.
On to the specifics - April’s issues!
Jonah Hex #30, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/02/08 ON TIME
As always, Jonah Hex is a solid read. This issue was a little weak by its usual standard, but better the story falter a little on a short, simple story than on a drawn out complicated one. Not the best we have seen, but far from the worst and still ultimately passable.
The art was a solid improvement over last issue’s outing. Jordi Bennet seems to have a better handle on things than Gares did - so there is at least that. Sadly, no artistic stability anytime soon, though I am looking forward to seeing Darwyn Cooke’s take on Jonah Hex in July. That should be interesting.
Status: SAFE
The Twelve #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/02/08 ON TIME
Honestly, the most frustrating thing about J. Michael Straczynski’s writing style is the fact that he seems to give you almost nothing, but makes you want to read more. It is maddening - the promise of something awesome just over the hill, but that something awesome just never seems to come.
This issue is a good example of that. We get a little plot development - just a hair - and a few moments which could explode into something more, but they just don’t. More “it’s coming, just you wait!” In the past, I have always given Straczynski the benefit of the doubt, but as he has never come through in the end, with each passing series, it is harder and harder to show patience.
Not ready to give up on this one yet, but if we don’t start getting something of substance soon, I may just have to abandon this one.
Status: SAFE
Nova #12, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/09/08 ON TIME
You could almost insert this issue in right before Annihilation: Conquest #6, and it would be a seamless addition. If you are one of the few who aren’t following both series, this issue basically explains how the cure for the transmode virus comes about, and how Nova and the rest of the cavalry that pop up in #6 come together and begin their assault. Outside that, it was a fine issue of Nova that added a great deal to Gamora’s ongoing story. Hopefully her contributions to the series won’t be totally forgotten by the time issue #13 comes around.
Now that Annihilation: Conquest has been put to rest, hopefully we can get back to Nova’s story. I know there has been talk of his appearance in the whole Secret Invasion story - much to my dismay - with luck the impact of that story in this ongoing will be minimal
Status: SAFE
Annihilation: Conquest #6, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 04/16/08 ON TIME
Of course, this issue didn’t have Galactus laying waste to several star systems, but in its own way it was an explosive ending. As I predicted, the victory was on a much smaller scale, with Quasar finally coming to her own and delivering the killing blow. The seeds were sown for the new Guardians of the Galaxy series, and everyone rode off into the sunset. In the end, I am not sure if this series was “event-worthy,” but it was still an entertaining read. Hopefully Marvel will lay off the Annihilation concept for a while, and allow these characters time to grow in their own respective ongoing titles. Events are great - but events without solid character foundation tend to get cheap and unentertaining. It’s time to take a break!
Glad to have read this in any case, however. Looking forward to checking out Guardians of the Galaxy/
Status: SERIES CONCLUDED
Marvel Comics Presents #8, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/30/08 ON TIME
No bones about it - this issue was terrible.
The Vanguard and the Weapon Omega stories have been faltering for a long time. The former lacked any punch this issue - it just ended up being a lot of quibbling over semantics, and the revelation that there was a super-duper soldier from World War II (who is now dead) just fell flat. I am not sure where this story is supposed to be going, but I stopped caring a long time ago. The Weapon Omega story failed for the same reason - we didn’t see anything in this installment that we weren’t shown several issues ago. Things seem to be reaching a climax, but we keep retreading the same ground over and over again on our way there. Both of these stories are about twice as long as they need to be - we should have been finished with them around issue #6 and well on our way to something more.
The X-51 story was a mess - confusing and really uninteresting. Luckily we get more of that next issue. The Cyclops and Wolverine story was pretty well pointless - hate to say it, but we got nothing out of this issue that we haven’t been reading in the other X-books for the last couple months.
If I didn’t want the anthology to succeed so badly, and if there hadn’t been so many outstanding issues prior to this, I would drop it after such a bad issue. As it is - it gets another chance. Even if it is hanging by a thread. As it is, next month it looks like we are going to be saddled with 3/4 sagging ongoing stories. That does not bode well for the book as a whole.
Status: SAFE
Superman #675, $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 04/16/08 ON TIME
Boy, just when I finally get hooked on Superman, Busiek has to up and leave. The stinker!
As you already know, this issue was Busiek’s last, and he definitely went out with a bang. We had the full spectrum of angles here - lots of action, moral conflict, the big-bad villains threatening Metropolis to get to Superman, Big Blue being forced to fight with a villain, a giant, unstoppable monster, Superman winning the day with brains and brawn, and a few family moments. A great conclusion to a great run.
So what to do now? Superman has been outstanding, but sometimes when you are on a budget you don’t always drop a title just because it is bad. The end of a good run is sometimes a good time to say goodbye as well. So as good as Superman has been - instead of risking what seems like inevitable disappointment, perhaps it would be a good idea to say goodbye to Superman for now, and go out on a high note. Gives us a chance to try something else new!
Status: DROPPED
Young Avengers Presents #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/26/08 RELEASED 04/02/08
Man, is it just me, or is it kind of contrived that both this team and the Runaways both have Skrull team members who are in homosexual relationships? I know this is great stuff for the GLAAD folks, but if you ask me, it seems a little forced. There is nothing at all wrong with homosexual relationships in comics, but in both Young Avengers and Runaways, it seems like they were added just for the “hip” factor. Those little “moments” in this issue really didn’t seem to add much to the story. There is a time and a place for this kind of thing - and it didn’t really seem like either.
Beyond that minor gripe, the story was decent. No real advancement though - just seemed like a character showcase. Which, I suppose, is all these issues are meant to be.
Young Avengers Presents #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/23/08 ON TIME
This issue was a little better than the last, but on the flip-side of the coin, I am really not interested in the whole “love” angle. These are teenagers for crying out loud! Yes, teenagers are angsty, hormone-ridden balls of lust, but they just don’t have these deep, meaningful loves that consume their very existence. To them it might feel like it, but those feelings evaporate the next time an attractive guy or girl crosses their paths.
Again, the story wasn’t bad, but there was too much sex in the middle of it. But four issues into this thing, there hasn’t been a single issue that I really enjoyed. Thus far it has ranged from horrific to barely passable, always waiting for the next issue for things to get better. Time to cut our losses, I think.
Status: DROPPED
Teen Titans #58, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/30/08 ON TIME
Well, that was kind of interesting. A lot happened in this issue - I get the sense a lot of it is going to have to be dealt with a ways down the road. McKeever has opened up a can of worms with Miss Martian that is going to take some time to unravel. Of course, these past few issues seem to be happening all at the same time - so there is a little timeline confusion, but nothing too difficult.
Robin’s reaction to her request seemed a little off though. His whole training revolves around the covert - with the experience he has, in the community he is in, would he really freak out about “forging federal documents” when really all he was being asked for was help leading a normal life? Something tells me he would understand that request a lot better than McKeever gave him credit for.
Honestly, this issue wasn’t nearly as strong as the previous two have been, but then, Miss Martian’s issues are far more complex. I am sure it will be several arcs down the line before everything in this issue is fully dealth with.
Status: SAFE
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #20 (#4), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 03/26/08 RELEASED 04/16/08
Everyone is scum! That about sums this issue up - not that it is a bad thing. Actually, the only character that really wasn’t scum was Charlotte - and strangely enough, she is the only unlikable character in the bunch. Both Mara and Heath have some heavy sins on their back, but they are by far the most sympathetic. Well, Heath anyway, since Mara kind of paid for it in the end.
Still loving this title. Hating how delayed it is, but loving it all the same. I really hope they get their production issues nailed - it seems like the art is holding things up, which is usually the case these days. Hopefully Remender and Company can come up with an artist who is willing to do the work to get this title out on time. Even if it means a rotating art team.
Status: SAFE
Green Lantern Corps #23, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/09/08
Ah, Mongul is getting quite a little collection of rings now, isn’t he? This issue finds a new core group getting together to track down the Sinestro Corps rings floating around the Vega system (which, as Green Lantern fans will note, is usually off limits to the Corps). The issue provides a nice re-introduction to the main characters, and Tomasi gives us a good and accurate look at each of them.
After the mis-fire of issue #21 on the list, #23 is a good starting out point. I don’t forsee this title leaving the list anytime soon.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #21, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 04/30/08 DELAYED UNTIL 05/29/08
Rex Libris #11, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 04/08 DELAYED
Fear Agent is once again delayed, but it seems like they are reshuffling things to make this one monthly once again. Let’s hope that is the case. As for Rex Libris - no idea when that is due out. The April release was tentative - with luck, that will hit shelves sometime this month.
TITLES CARRYING OVER
Jonah Hex #31, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/07/08
The Twelve #5, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/07/08
Marvel Comics Presents #9, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/28/08
Nova #13, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/07/08
Ultimate Iron Man II #5, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/21/08
Teen Titans #59, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/28/08
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #21 (#5), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 04/30/08 [b]DELAYED UNTIL 05/29/08[/b
Green Lantern Corps #24, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/14/08
Rex Libris #11, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 04/08 DELAYED
NEW TITLES
Wonder Woman #20, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/14/08
Since we said goodbye to Superman this month, Wonder Woman seems a logical choice to fill that void. Simone’s run has received fantastic reviews, and coming off the end of a story arc, this seems an ideal time to jump aboard.
Final Crisis #1 (of 7), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/28/08
I fear I may regret this, but since we gave a couple of Marvel Events a try, might as well let DC have their shot.
House of Mystery #1, $2.99, DC/Vertigo. Due Out 05/07/08
This one looks like a lot of fun. And Matt Sturges has done a fantastic job on Jack of Fables - I am curious to see what he has in mind for this old DC concept. Should be a good something different.
Invincible Iron Man #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/07/08
Just a little late for the Iron Man Movie, but could be worth a look. Matt Fraction is awesome these days, and I look forward to seeing what he can do with the biggest villain in the Marvel Universe today. The art end on this book looks solid - LaRocca does a fantastic job and is generally on time, so I don’t think this title will experience the same kind of delays the last Iron Man ongoing did.
Giant-Size Incredible Hulk #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/14/08
Since we don’t want to overload with too many new ongoings and minis, how about a one-shot to round things out? This should be a refreshing issue for those of you who aren’t too fond of the way things have gone for the Hulk these days - Roger Stern returns to tell a “classic” Hulk story featuring Fred Sloan. Should be some good, old-fashioned fun. Looking forward to it.
MAY TOTAL: $44.82
Budget = $40.00 + $3.22 (Fear Agent #21) + $3.18 (Rex Libris #11) + $2.03 (Bank) = $48.43
$48.43 (Budget) - $44.82 (April issues) - $3.47 (tax) = $.014 banked for June
A whole ton of new books to choose from this month - kind of takes care of that list stagnation! Let’s hope it is for the best!
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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