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 – 05/08 – 06/08 – 07/08 – 08/08 – 09/08 – 10/08

Sorry for the delay on this one folks – bad timing all around. Still- out in time for Wednesday!

In any case, this was a really strong month. Marvel Apes, the new title to the list, threw us a curve ball by deciding to be bi-weekly instead of monthly, and Fear Agent disappointed by once again being delayed. Wonder Woman came back strong, a great relief, and Nova afforded a real fanboy moment for me. An incredibly strong month, combined with Marvel Apes double-shipping at $3.99, and the return of The Twelve next moth really puts us in a budget pickle for October that will need to be addressed. Read on!

SEPTEMBER’S PICKS

Jonah Hex #35, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/03/08 ON TIME

Weird definitely describes this issue. Some critics of Jonah Hex have suggested that it always seems to be a different variation of the same story – usually involving abusing women, rape, and a twist of some kind. Well, this is true, certainly. But formulaic storytelling is far from uncommon in comics, and usually in Jonah Hex it is done well.

As to reoccurring themes – well, rape is one that pops up again in this issue, in a way you might not expect. That, of course, has to do with the twist! Overall though, this was just a bizarre issue, but enjoyable. Once again, Jonah Hex’s place is secure.

Status: SAFE

Nova #17, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/24/08 ON TIME

Ah – what more could any old New Warriors fan ask for than an appearance by Darkhawk? Sure, there is a gap between what we saw in The Loners and what happened here, but that is the kind of thing that could be addressed should Darkhawk be the center of his own story at another time. Nova did make frequent mention of Darkhawk’s aggression issues, which featured prominently in The Losers, so there was a tiny tidbit of continuity there.

This was a decent story on its own, and it was also a pretty solid tie-in to Secret Invasion. Solid action, nice character appearances for the longtime Nova fan, the return of Worldmind, and a shock ending. Should be interesting to see how this story plays out next issue.

Status: SAFE

Teen Titans #63, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/24/08 ON TIME

Well, in the aftermath of last issues shocker, we discover that only Marvin appears to have died in the attack – Wendy isn’t doing so well, but she is at least among the living. Ares hasn’t gone away, but is lurking in the background, preparing something. Of course, Wonder Girl is clearly part of his plan, but what specifically is wrong with her remains unknown. In the meantime, the main story this issue deals with Bombshell in a murderous hunt for her father after escaping from prison.

A few good scenes – this story wasn’t quite as strong as past issues, but it is clearly the beginning of something much bigger. The Teen Titans are still short many members – a status quo that will no doubt be addressed once the Terror Titans story comes full circle.

Still enjoyable, and still very worth reading. Can’t wait to see what comes next.

Status: SAFE

Green Lantern Corps #28, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/10/08 ON TIME

Lantern Saarek takes center stage this issue by using his unique “gift” to help identify the group of Sinestro Lanterns that is murdering the families of Rookie Green Lanterns. The story itself was pretty straight forward – not much thinking needed, just a lot of action and anger, plus a little character development as Ice comes calling on Guy.

This title is still in a build-phase towards Blackest Night – and the mission Saarek has been dispatched on might well be another major step towards that upcoming event. Overall, this issue was solid – a strong addition to the pull list overall. No disappointment here.

Status: SAFE

Wonder Woman #24, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/10/08 ON TIME

Oh yes – this is exactly what I missed last issue. The Gorillas, the courting, her mother, with a little action thrown in at the end. The last arc was so jarring because almost all of that went away without warning, and we got something quite different. I am very glad to see that it is back (though, Simone did kind of progress from “they’re dating” to “they’re in love and he is meeting her mother” really, really fast. A minor quibble really – the title in every respect seems right back on track.

Though, I must admit, I agree with the criticism of Diana’s costume… I much preferred the skirt look myself. Way more dignified and practical. Odds of it coming back ever seem to be nill, but it isn’t too much to hope, is it?

Status: SAFE

House of Mystery #5, $2.99, DC/Vertigo. Due Out 09/03/08 ON TIME

The best parts about the “stories within the story” are that the tellers themselves think the most interesting parts of their tale are the most mundane. Artistic storytelling really takes center stage, as the narrator explains what they see as the most compelling parts, while the real meat of the story unfolds in each panel. Best part about this title, bar none.

The issues taken as a whole? Thus far, I am torn. This title has strength, but in 5 issues, not a lot has happened. We have seen Fig finally come full circle – in and out of the House that she created, but outside the things you could figure out in the very first issue, we really don’t have a lot of meat yet. Once upon a time, this title would be strong enough to have a safe spot on the list, but with so MANY good books on it right now, something has to give. Sadly, with this title at the end of an arc, the timing is just too perfect not to say goodbye, and give something else a shot.

Status: DROPPED

Invincible Iron Man #5, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/03/08 ON TIME

Once again, another great issue. Of course, considering the ending, you just know that this had to be part of Stark’s plan, and suddenly Iron Man will emerge whole and win the day in the end – yeah, a little cheeseball, but it is a superhero comic, and Matt Fraction is writing a mighty fine one.

It took a long, long time. I never understood why Marvel suddenly pushed Iron Man so hard. Finally they have a real reason. This title shot right up to the top in terms of quality among the entire Marvel line, and as long as this creative team is writing it, it should remain there. This title has to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. Keep them coming!

Status: SAFE

Manhunter #34, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/03/08 ON TIME

Off the bat – credit where credit is due – I have criticized many comic creators for jumping on hot-button issues, and immigration seems to be a favorite. Too often a writer will jump on the opportunity to paint one side of an important issue as monstrous demons – or racists in the case of immigration. Andreyko does it right here – mentioning a controversial issue, but doing so in a balanced way. I know he has read some people slam him on his liberal views on the issue – I for one have the opposite view, and I have to admit I really appreciate him taking the time to present a view of the opposing position that is more substantial than the usual hateful rhetoric. Kudos. If more comic writers handled issues like this with this kind of sensitivity, I don’t think politics in comics would be such a bad thing.

The issue itself was a lot better. The story was a bit more clear, and the scenes transitioned a lot better. Is it wrong that I feel that something horrible is going to happen to Kate’s son very soon?

Marked improvement. Back to being the great title it always was. Whew!

Status: SAFE

Avengers: The Initiative #17, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/24/08 ON TIME

Being able to say I told you so is always fun. Every since the very idea of Secret Invasion started to be floated about, the first thing I asked was why they couldn’t just have 3D Man appear and start rooting out Skrulls. That is exactly what we are getting in this story, and I am loving every minute of it.

Marvel is so weird these days. They are still really bogged down by some questionable marketing gimmicks and directives from the top, but they have such an outstanding group of creators that books like this one, Nova, and Invincible Iron Man can’t help but be fantastic. What’s not to love about this series?

Status: SAFE

Ultimate Spider-Man #126, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/24/08 ON TIME

This issue felt like the end of the arc, but we have one more chapter to go – namely, the return of Carnage, and Gwen Stacy along with it. Not a bad thing to go to, especially after what was a really exciting issue that featured an appearance by The Ultimates. Nick Fury’s team showed up to battle Spider-Man, who had been taken over by the Venom symbiote. Just another ordinary day in the life of Peter Parker, right?

This arc hasn’t been the strongest, but this was the best issue thus-far, the first this arc that really lived up to this title’s high standards. A great read.

Status: SAFE

Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/03/08 ON TIME

Can I really say much about this issue that wasn’t said about the last one? Terry Moore is the perfect man to take on this title. It is strange – it is such a calm read – but you find yourself smiling a lot as you go through it. Nothing sensational – no shocking moments, nothing you don’t expect – just a slice of life story about an ordinary teenage girl who happens to know someone extraordinary. It is really sad to think that this title is only a mini right now. Hopefully sales are such that this will change before it ends. Loving it so far.

Status: SAFE

Marvel Apes #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/03/08 ON TIME
Marvel Apes #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Released 09/17/08

OK, well, it wasn’t terrible. The first issue showed a little promise – it was good cheesy fun with a dark ending. I liked it. Trouble was – the second issue came out suddenly 2 weeks later. At the time last month’s list was made, they really hadn’t announced a date for the second issue. I went ahead and picked it up anyway, just to read (though not as an official purchase), and was a bit let down by the second issue. Vampires? Seriously? Ape Vampires? Why didn’t they just make is Zombies if they were going to blend gimmicks. Or Skrulls. Not a smart move I don’t think.

In any case – there are only two issues of this series left. And at $3.99 a pop, I am not about to cancel another good title or two just to make room for this book for one more month. It isn’t worth it.

Status: DROPPED

LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES

Fear Agent #24, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 08/27/08 DELAYED UNTIL 10/15/08

This is just getting more and more frustrating. Great book – but it is impossible to get really behind it since the thing never comes out on time. Now the rumor is that Rick Remender is planning on ending it? Using the “I like stories to end eventually” excuse? I am sorry – if you mean a story to be finite, you write it that way – and Fear Agent is set up to be an ongoing story, not a closed one.

I don’t get why they can’t put this book out on time. This is the biggest reason it is so hard to get people behind quality books from publishers other than Marvel or DC- a shocking disrespect for the consumer. Too many prospective comic creators bust their butts month in and out just to try and get the chance to get the opportunity to break into this industry – there is no excuse for this kind of thing.

Rant over really – but I wish for once they could put this book out on time. Once would be a start!

TITLES CARRYING OVER

Jonah Hex #36, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/01/08
Nova #18, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/29/08
Teen Titans #64, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/29/08
Green Lantern Corps #29, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/08/08
Wonder Woman #25, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/08/08
Invincible Iron Man #5, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/08/08
Fear Agent #24, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 08/27/08 DELAYED UNTIL 10/15/08
Manhunter #35, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/01/08
Avengers: The Initiative #18, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/29/08
Ultimate Spider-Man #127, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/22/08
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/08/08
The Twelve #8, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 10/08/08
Rex Libris #13, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out ?

NEW TITLES

Supergirl #34, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 10/01/08

If ever there was a character in need of a new direction, it is Supergirl. Well, she is finally getting it, starting with this issue. I do like what I see so far – and I wouldn’t mind having a representative from the Superman family on this list. Heaven knows I have tried a few times. Plus, this book will feature art from Jamal Igle and Keith Champagne. I loved their work on Firestorm, happy to give them another chance here. Hope it is good!

OCTOBER TOTAL: $38.87

Budget = $40.00 + $.69 (Bank) + $3.22 (Fear Agent #24) = $43.91

$43.91 (Budget) – $38.87 (October issues) – $3.01 (tax) = $2.03 banked for September

I am enjoying using the Facebook Comic Book application as a supplement to this list, so I am going to stick with that this month, and work on expanding it there. It will give you updates on release dates for all the titles you might be interested in. The $40 Pull List is logged there – I haven’t updated all the old titles that were once on the list as of yet, but it is current for this month’s issues. Check it out, add the application, and you can keep an eye on these titles for shipping changes and other information!

Post your comments in the Forum!