The $40 Pull List - March 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
February was kind of a downer. While mainstays like Jonah Hex delivered, and Superman was shockingly good, there were some real disappointments. Which titles were duds? Well, you should know already, since you are religiously following the list, but if you don’t - read on to find out!
Jonah Hex #28, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/06/08 ON TIME
A pretty darned good issue. Really dark, quite bloody, but a nice examination of Jonah Hex’s complicated morals. The art was a definite step up from the previous issue - there were still some issues, but a few shining moments that really put Hex’s monstrous face on display really made up for it. The way the issue dealt with homosexuality was well done - it seemed to fit the time well, and really handled the topic with a good sense of perspective.
Hex is on a roll again. Looking forward is issue #29!
Status: SAFE
The Twelve #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/06/08 ON TIME
This issue seemed like a step backwards. Of course, it makes sense that Straczynski would want to develop each of the characters, he is doing so in such a haphazard way that almost none of them has any real depth. They went from being shallow Golden Age stereotypes to shallow modern ones. All of the progress from last issue seemed to die as the story shifted to a totally different set of temporal refugees. There are some good plot threads here that I want to read more of - Rock Man being separated from his people (are they real? They must be), the Phantom Reporter and the Electro robot… I get the sense that that is a match made in heaven. But we only get a couple of panels on all of these, instead most of the issue is spent with the clichéd “hero lost in time assumes a black man is a criminal, and refuses to help the mixed couple after he realizes the truth” angle. Give me a break.
This is being billed as a “book-length thriller.” That seems like an excuse for a lot of padding and some laborious exposition, something Straczynski has proven to be good at. Even the best novelist knows that you have to have something happen in the first couple chapters to hook the readers, and since the only thing of note that has happened in this series is the group waking up in the future - something we knew was going to happen anyway - this series is failing even as a graphic novel. And what was up with the Blue Blade’s death? That whole scene at the beginning of the issue made no sense at all, and was promptly forgotten. Was it supposed to be foreshadowing? A plot progression, followed by an issue-long flashback? And why should I care about his murder, when he was presumed dead anyway, and we haven’t really been introduced to him as a character anyway?
This issue proved a dire disappointment, and the way things are going, the series itself isn’t going to be much better. Going to give it one more chance, but if the solicit is true, and we are going to see zombified versions of this cast, this title is going to be dropped in a second.
Status: SAFE
Annihilation: Conquest #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 02/13/08 RELEASED 02/06/08
Yikes. Hate to say it, but the issue can only be described as a nosedive. Not that the quality of the series as a whole is suddenly terrible, but absolutely nothing happened in this issue. Nothing at all. Well, there was a bit of bickering, and some whining, and a convenient introduction of a bit of deus ex machine (Sorry, the hidden army of sentinels that were conveniently isolated from everything is a little hard to swallow). Even the art seemed just a little off this issue.
Hopefully, this is just a rare blip, and things will improve a bit next issue.
Status: SAFE
Green Lantern Corps #21, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/13/08 ON TIME
Kripes - talk about a bad time to start this issue. A fill-in arc! And a particularly poor one at that. There was so little to enjoy about this issue. The story was uninspired, the characters were two-dimensional, and all of the book’s classic cast were missing.
One more issue to this arc - it is probably best to hold off on that issue and start picking this title up again with issue #23.
Status: SAFE - HIATUS UNTIL ISSUE #23
Nova Annual #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/13/08 ON TIME
A nice homage to the cover of the first The Man Called Nova issue, a nice touch there.
This issue treated us to a retelling of Nova’s origin - slightly updated for modern times, but a great recap nonetheless for those of you who haven’t been following Nova since was back then. The bulk of the issue was a future what-if featuring a rebuild Nova Corps a few decades in the future, engaging 
the Phalanx in a final battle around their last stronghold - Earth. Finally, we get a lead-in to the next issue, with Nova battling a manifestation of the transmode virus within him. Great issue and an outstanding annual. Best read of the week bar-none.
Status: SAFE
Superman #673, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 02/13/08 ON TIME
The last issue was weak for logical reasons, but this one had to be the best Superman issue I have read in a long time. It had all the elements - Superman in danger, the normal human helping him to turn the table, and ultimately victory through a totally improbably but wholly Superman act. And a nice tug on the heartstrings at the end. An outstanding issue. If they keep up like this one, Superman will be on the list for a long time to come.
Status: SAFE
Ultimate Iron Man II #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/13/08 ON TIME
Another decent issue - and a far better example of how a novel-style story is supposed to work in a comic. Things happened! One weakness in this volume is that there really doesn’t seem to be an overarching point. There is great character development, but it doesn’t really seem like we are building to anything particular. I’ll bet that at the end of the next issue, things are just going to end again, much like they did last time around. Decent content, but no payoff. May not be the best approach, but in an industry where the build is usually lacking, instead focusing on huge payoff “moments” instead of a good story, that is acceptable for a change. Should finish up fairly well.
Status: SAFE
Marvel Comics Presents #6, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/13/08 ON TIME
The first story in this month’s issue was part 6 of the Vanguard story. We are finally starting to see a little more of the title group, but the twist that the story has suddenly taken really has put a damper on what came before. It is a little better in terms of a serial installment, which makes it a little more enjoyable, but the sudden twist is a bit jarring. The fact that we have another 6 months to go before this one wraps up makes things all the worse. Hopefully the individual parts continue to be decent reads - still doesn’t mute the disappointment of the overall structure of this story.
The second part of the three part Savage Land story was another highlight. In usual 3 act format, this time the villains gained the upper hand, leaving us with a bit of a climax heading into the final part. Gage should be applauded for his work here - this is what every story in this comic should be like.
The Captain America story was solid - a little confusing though. In one swoop Venditta managed to pay homage to the US soldiers in WWII, while at the same time making them out to be demons. Why would they beat up an unarmed man like that - another American? Made no sense at all. The sneers and the ribbing -perfectly ok. The assault, however, killed all the good the story had to offer. Worth a read, but one flaw kept it from being a perfect story.
The Weapon Omega story showed a little improvement - finally. On the whole it rounded out a pretty solid issue.
Status: SAFE
Young Avengers Presents #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/27/08 ON TIME
To say this issue was a step up from the last one would be an enormous understatement. It didn’t blow me away, but it was a solid one-shot story, and shed a lot of light on Hulkling’s character. Not much to add to that really - just a huge relief that this issue wasn’t quite so offensive as the last.
Status: SAFE
Teen Titans #56, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/27/08 ON TIME
“– Devil. I’m Kid Devil.” Kid Devil mopes. Ah, that opening sequence was classic. The whole issue was quite the riot. Sure, it might have seemed like a “Dump on Kid Devil” party, but it really brought out a lot of fun character traits of the whole team. Robin and Wonder Girl as the team’s leaders - burdened more with responsibility (Thanks to their “seniors” likely), Ravager upset not that he threw a party, but did it when she wasn’t there, and the Blue Beetle just laughing, a great scene. All to set up the temptation for a turn to the dark side - woven masterfully. McKeever is really on his game here. A month’s too long to wait.
Status: SAFE
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #5, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 02/27/08 ON TIME
Decent issue - really little to add beyond what I have talked about before. We are getting into the climax of the story, so all three are going at it pretty much non-stop at this point. A good, mindless read. Will be wrapping up next month.
Status: SAFE
Rex Libris #10, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 01/30/08 RELEASED 02/27/08
Sad that this title comes out so infrequently - even sadder that it is coming to an end. Slave Labor is going all digital, and while there still may be some hope of that and trades, it isn’t the same as getting the occasional comic issue.
It will be missed, though there is no harm in enjoying it while it lasts. And based on this issue, it will have a comfortable home here on the Pull List until the last issue comes.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #19 (#3), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 01/30/08 DELAYED UNTIL 03/12/08
Delayed - again. This makes me sad. It would seem that the move to Dark Horse really hasn’t done much to improve things where this title is concerned. At least they are being up front with the updated release dates. I would imagine #20 will see a delay too, sadly.
TITLES CARRYING OVER
Jonah Hex #29, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/05/08
The Twelve #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/05/08
Annihilation: Conquest #5, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 03/12/08
Marvel Comics Presents #7, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/12/08
Superman #674, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 03/12/08
Nova #11, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/12/08
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #19 (#3), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 01/30/08 DELAYED UNTIL 03/12/08
Ultimate Iron Man II #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/26/08
Young Avengers Presents #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/26/08
Teen Titans #57, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/26/08
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #6, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 03/26/08
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #20 (#4), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 03/26/08
Green Lantern Corps #23, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/09/08
Rex Libris #11, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 04/08
New Titles
DC Special: Raven #1 (of 5), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/05/08
OK, so this makes the list a little Teen Titans heavy, but it isn’t like she is a part of the current ongoing title, so why not? Plus it is Marv Wolfman, so if anyone is going to turn out a good Raven mini, it is him. Should be a solid series.
MARCH TOTAL: $39.87
Budget = $40.00 + $3.22 (Fear Agent #19) + $.40 (Bank) = $43.62
$43.62 (Budget) - $39.87 (March issues) - $3.09 (tax) = $.66 banked for April
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.
Post your comments in the Forum!
February 4, 2008
The $40 Pull List - February 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
Well, last month, there was a bit of an oops -Ultimate Iron Man II #2 was left off the list. Of course, picking that up would have put us over budget - but since neither Rex Libris nor Fear Agent #19 came out, we had the room. So we got lucky there! Sorry for the confusion to anyone who might have missed that issue.
There is a lot to talk about with this month’s issues, so let’s get right to it!
Superman #672, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 01/09/08 ON TIME
Eh - this issue was enjoyable, but there were little things that bothered me. Specifically, the way Lois handled Chris.
OK - you are taking care of a Kryptonian child, and he gets sick. Superman can’t be found. What to do? Stick him with a baby-sitter and run away? That is what it seemed like Busiek had Lois doing. Granted, she doesn’t have the same access that she did prior to Infinite Crisis, but there were a load of resources available to her to at least try. Call Martha Kent. Try to get a hold of Kara. Something.
If what was going on with Chris was really minor, she wouldn’t be so worried. Wouldn’t be out pleading with the air hoping Clark could hear her. Wouldn’t be saying things like “I’m out of my depth here” and “I really need help.” Which meant she should be trying to get some help (instead of leaving him with a stranger), and if that failed - taking the watch off so Chris’s immune system can get stronger and fight the disease. Then when Clark got back, she could work out what to do next time Chris got sick. And at that point, she would have known what was wrong!
Overall a decent issue, but Lois was portrayed horribly there. Seemed like a lot of needless drama stretched out over an issue, when 2 pages would have done the job. Still looking forward to the next issue - but I am not entirely sold on Busiek’s characterizations here…
Status: SAFE
Jonah Hex #27, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/02/08 ON TIME
Best issue of Jonah Hex in a while, and largely because Hex was just along for the ride. Palmiotti and Gray still went back to the flashback formula here, which was annoying, but the rest of the story bucked the usual Jonah Hex formula that it was easy to dismiss. Star Man was an interesting character, and his relationship with Jonah Hex was really quite good. Especially considering he really got the best of Hex in every confrontation - that isn’t something you see too often.
The art was a step down from previous issues. Jordi Bernet work was kind of muddy and confusing. There are actually a couple of panels where someone else is confused for Hex - and if it is even possible to make that mistake, there is a problem with the art. Thankfully it is only a fill-in, which makes it easier to bear. And the story being the strongest in a while really balanced things out.
Still going strong - looking forward to next month.
Status: SAFE
Nova #10, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/09/08 ON TIME
I have no idea why I ever doubt Abnett and Lanning. It is almost like they deliberately choose to include things in Nova that are meant to tense up disgruntled Marvel readers who have been burned one too many times. When I first saw that this arc was going to feature Gamora - Nova’s “heat of battle” lover, I thought that was another chance for the title to fail.
As the story unfolded, it became clear that Gamora wanted to kill Nova because she was Select - and he rejected that. This made sense - but it also would have glossed over the relationship they had during Annihilation. Boy do I feel like a sap. Not only did it touch on their relationship, and explain why they weren’t together, it added a tension to it that opens the door wide for the whole thing to be revisited! Seriously - Gamora, conflicted because she lacks Richard’s integrity? Who saw that coming?
Historically, this is about where a Nova series withers and gets canned. As a long time fan of old buckethead, I can’t even begin to describe how great it is to see Nova not only safe, but quite possibly the best Marvel book on the market right now.
Status: SAFE
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #2 (#18), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 12/26/07 RELEASED 01/16/08
A pretty good delay on this one, which has be worried. But boy was the issue worth the wait. One thing is certain about Fear Agent - you never have cause to complain about padding and empty issues. You all know the type of book - a title with a two issue story arc that gets stretched to six to make a better trade, or any title that champions “Decompressed storytelling” - Fear Agent is the opposite of that. In this issue we get a good background on Mara (her character acquires some real depth), SHOCKING SWERVES from Heath’s rival Keith, and a bizarre, unexpected, cliffhanger ending. You really can’t heap enough praise on this title. Can’t wait for #19.
Status: SAFE
Marvel Comics Presents #5, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/16/08 ON TIME
Overall, another decent issue, but still plagued by the same old problems. Namely - it seems like Marvel forgot what a good anthology looks like. There are some highlights, but it is really the creators themselves that make that happen. This title’s biggest weakness is in the editorial - John Barber really needs to be shown what a good anthology looks like, and how it is made, so that he can do a better job planning out this title.
In Vanguard, the fifth installment, we are finally introduced to the “title” team? See, this is the problem with a 12 part story in an anthology, you have to have an excellent understanding of serial storytelling, and a rigid outline. Vanguard is a good story, when read all at once. But Guggenheim just doesn’t have that skill. Again - not saying he is a bad writer, but in all art, you can’t just jump forms and expect to have the same level of skill. A great painter isn’t necessarily a good sketch artist. The basics may be good, but to transition forms like that does require practice and discipline. In this case, it seems like Guggenheim just wrote a long story and arbitrarily divided it into parts. It is frustrating, because Vanguard is a good story, but it is wrong for this title, and the divisions are damaging the story. And thus damaging the anthology itself - at a time when the industry really needs this book to succeed.
Savage Land was the first of two new features this month, this one the first of three parts. This was the highlight of the issue by far. I had a big smile on my face reading this story because it dripped with old-fashioned flavor. The lines were awesome - Ka-Zar’s bit about giving them Vinranium freely was one of the best. The posturing, the clear divisions of good and evil, the reckless villain brute force - I love it. And speaking of serial storytelling, this is one that got it right. This one part was a complete story, and while the story will obviously continue, you could walk away after reading it and be perfectly satisfied. Gage truly is the man.
The second new story was a Wrecking Crew one-shot, which just details their escape from prison. Maybe this will tie into the Weapon Omega story down the road, but having two Omega Flight stories in the same issue seemed a little lopsided. It was decent, but nothing to write home about.
Finally the fifth part of the Weapon Omega story - and like Vanguard, it too suffers from the serial format. Unlike Vanguard, it doesn’t have the quality to make it worth the effort. I mean, it isn’t terrible, but it seems like the same thing month after month. Five months of Pointer is Crazy doesn’t really give you reason to keep coming back.
The Savage Land story was worth the cover price alone. As long as there continues to be gems in each issue, it will continue to be safe.
Status: SAFE
Green Arrow/Black Canary #4, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/09/08 ON TIME
This title has become one of the most amazingly frustrating comics on the market to read. On the one hand, the mood has been fantastic. Winick is writing this title with fluff and humor, which is great. You don’t get enough of that in comics these days. Trouble is - the whole story he has written so far centers on death. Ollie’s “death,” Connor’s “death.” Winick seems to be going for an old-school mood, but he is forgetting to tell an old-school story.
Then there are the characterizations. The way he handled Wonder Woman and Batman in this issue were perfect. He “got” Batman, and has got him since the Wedding Special. Batman’s appearance in the issue was a high point. But Superman? All Ollie has to do is scream “Clark!” and he comes running? Because Superman hears everything in the world, and you just have to get his attention? What kind of monster does that make Superman, who can hear every murder and rape in the world, but chooses to do nothing about it? It was dues ex machina at its worst, especially since having a JLA Communicator would have been more logical, and more believable.
I just don’t get what Winick is trying to do here. How can he be this outstanding and this terrible each and every issue? It pains me, but it might be time for this title to go.
Status: DROPPED
Annihilation: Conquest #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 01/02/08 ON TIME
I think the difference between Conquest and the original Annihilation event was that this one seems so much more personal. The original had epic battles, this one has epic personal confrontations. The deaths in this issue were shocking - one extremely surprising - and the issue ended with one heck of a cliffhanger. Something tells me Star-Lord is going to live through it, but this doesn’t mean #4 isn’t going to have a really brutal start.
Nova is outshining this in terms of pure quality, but the event itself is still quite enjoyable. Glad to have found a place for it on the list.
Status: SAFE
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #4, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 01/23/08
This issue really bounced back strong, mostly because we finally get to see Freddy and Ash tangle. It is still a little lacking, missing the performances Campbell and Englund would bring to the table, but what is happening on the page is cool enough that you wished you could see it on the screen. And ends up being enough.
This isn’t a title that is going to break new ground in the horror genre, but it is proving good for an entertaining couple issues. Should be safe through the rest of its run.
Status: SAFE
Ultimate Iron Man II #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/23/08 ON TIME
This is a dense story - it is no surprise that some people seem to be having a hard time with it. We really don’t see good character builds like this in comics very often, and it is tough to get used to. Tony is flawed but slowly learning, making mistakes in his dealings with Obadiah, who has the makings of a great villain. Confrontations are tense, but not as decisive as they normally are in a comic - every little conflict is just one little push in a larger war - so it is all about build.
Another great chapter from Card. This one is building nicely.
Status: SAFE
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08 ON TIME
Now this is more like it. A lot of reviewers have been harsh on McKeever’s run, myself included, but I have come to discover that it all seems to be for different reasons. I read some reviews of this issue by people who were complaining that it was more of the same. Everyone still moping about Connor’s death, even though McKeever supposedly promised that would stop. I am not sure what those reviewers were reading - but this issue read more like a pronouncement that they were all finally going to move on. What, you aren’t allowed to have your characters come to a realization like that?
The flaws in McKeever’s early issues weren’t the death of Connor- they were the tone. McKeever is a great pick for this title, but not a great pick to take over the dark and “serious” mood the title has carried for the past several years. Truth is - McKeever is good at writing teens. But this title was so wrapped up in a direction that “teens” would not take that it was impossible to just shift gears. You can’t tie up the plot threads like the ones this title had dangling with teenage characters when they were written for adults.
McKeever was right - this issue was far and away better than his previous few. Not because of the death of Connor, or Kara leaving the team, but because the team finally has the right voice. Looks like waiting for #55 was the right choice after all.
Status: SAFE
The Twelve #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/09/08 ON TIME
For starters, I really dug the presentation of this book. The aged and classic look worked well.
The issue really ended up being little more than an introduction to the characters, and I do have to say that JMS did very well with that. The strengths of each character were highlighted, right next to their character flaws. Even the Phantom Reporter, who was basically a powerless nothing, continued to be just that. But he made a great narrator - he was very observant, and he was the closest to the reader in normalcy, so seeing things through his eyes was a very easy thing to do. JMS did a great job of flushing out these characters for the modern era by shining a light on the cheese and the weaknesses that wouldn’t fly today, and making them the core parts of the character.
The patriotism angle was a good one too - and I really hope that JMS doesn’t make a 180 on that. Patriotism is a great thing - and while you aren’t supposed to blindly obey, that isn’t the same thing as giving everything you can for your country. People these days have used the right to dissent as an excuse for selfishness, and this one issue really highlighted the difference between that generation and this one.
Now if later on down the road, these Twelve see the “errors of their ways” and become like the modern heroes in that ideal, I am going to be very disappointed. A great start - can’t wait to read issue #2.
Status: SAFE
Young Avengers Presents #1 (of 6), $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/23/08 ON TIME
Wow - this issue made me really, really, really annoyed. I didn’t peg Brubaker for a soap-boxer, but the first three pages were totally disgusting- Chaykinesque even. He plays the race card by having the black hero in school doing a report on the Tuskegee Experiments (because, of course, his skin color is what defines him, not his heroism). He has all the white kids in the class taunting him, telling him that if he doesn’t like this country, he should move to Russia, and screaming about 9-11 (because all whites are warmongering, intolerant rednecks). That was particularly interesting, because every white, male student in the room was attacking him, while every other student was a minority female. Curious.
The final straw? The “leader” of the white students attacking poor Eli was named Tancredo. An OBVIOUS allusion to Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado, who ran for president on the immigration issue. Because of COURSE wanting to secure the border is racist - I mean, everyone who wants to prevent people from coming into the country illegally, cutting in line in front of the hard working people who came here the proper way, and potentially exposing the country to unwanted hostile elements from a terrorist group are really just saying “We hate Mexicans too!”
I was so mortified and disgusted by how offensive the first three pages were that it was hard to continue. But I pressed on. Really, the issue was kind of empty past that though - sadly. It did a tiny bit by invoking Jeff Mace, but it was really too little, too late. The issue ended up being 99% about how terrible “whitey” is, and 1% spent actually tying the Patriot and Captain America mantles together, and showing that in a way, Eli does carry some of Steve’s legacy, just like Bucky does.
A real bad issue for Brubaker. It would have been one thing if he just told a dull story, but he missed the point of the character completely, spent way too much proselytizing, and injecting insane politics into what should have been a nice story that helped define Patriot’s character.
In my opinion, this is one of the reasons that black heroes have such a hard time establishing themselves: it always becomes about the color of their skin. Even here, where there is such a great chance to tie Patriot into a real heroic legacy, Brubaker spends the entire issue talking about how racist America is. Not only was this issue a failure for him, but it also really diminished his luster in my eyes. I can’t possibly look at another issue of Captain America by him the same way.
You really lost a lot of respect from me in this issue, Ed.
As to the series itself - I still like the Young Avengers, and next issue will be written by a new team - so perhaps one more chance is in order.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #19 (#3), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 01/30/08 DELAYED UNTIL 02/27/08
Rex Libris #10, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 01/30/08 DELAYED
Titles Carrying Over
Superman #673, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 02/13/08
Jonah Hex #28, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/06/08
Nova Annual #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/13/08
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #3 (#19), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 01/30/08 DELAYED UNTIL 02/27/08
Marvel Comics Presents #6, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/13/08
Annihilation: Conquest #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 02/13/08
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #5, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 02/27/08
Rex Libris #10, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 01/30/08 DELAYED
Teen Titans #56, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/27/08
The Twelve #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/06/08
Ultimate Iron Man II #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/13/08
Young Avengers Presents #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/27/08
New Titles
Green Lantern Corps #21, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/13/08
Both this title and Green Lantern have been on fire for some time now. The List is a little sci-fi heavy right now, but across the board, the sci-fi titles are the cream of the crop. When you only have $40 to spend, you have to buy what is good! This issue is the first issue of this title’s Alpha Lanterns arc - seems like a good time to jump aboard.
TOTAL: $40.83
Budget = $40.00 + $3.22 (Fear Agent #19) + $3.18 (Rex Libris #10) - $3.22 (Ultimate Iron Man II #3) + $1.21 (Bank) = $44.39
$44.39 (Budget) - $40.83 (February issues) - $3.16 (tax) = $.40 banked for February
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.
Post your comments in the Forum!
January 1, 2008
The $40 Pull List - January 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
Welcome to the first installment of the $40 Pull List of 2008! Well, maybe it isn’t quite 2008 for another day, but this that is just a technicality!
Even more special (at least to me) is that this installment represents the one-year anniversary of the column. When I first started The $40 Pull List, it was my hope to emulate the problems the average comic reader on a budget might face when shopping week after week in this turbulent world of crossovers, late and double-shipped titles, and mega-events. Over the last year we have had our share of all of them, and I have had the distinct pleasure of banging my head against my desk time and time again when I just couldn’t make the numbers work for what I wanted to buy that month.
Since this is an anniversary column, I figures it was a good idea to do something special. Well, since day one, this column has been very number driven. Sure quality mattered, but at the end of the day it was the pure numbers that one out. With that in mind, I decided that a little stat-based recap of the year was in order.
Since the first column, 35 titles have appeared on the list (of which, 13 are still standing as of the December 2007 list) costing a grand total of $479.09. For some fun, those 35 titles (in order from shortest stint on the list to the longest) are:
Doctor Fate 04/07 (1 day), #1 (Cancelled before released)
Who Wants to be a Superhero? Feedback 01/07 (1 month), #1 (dropped from the list before released)
Exiles 01/07 (1 month), #90 (1 issue)
Dynamo 5 03/07 (1 month), #1 (1 month)
Runaways 04/07 (1 month), #25 (1 month)
Ultimate Civil War: Spider-Ham 01/07 (1 month), #1 (one shot)
Deadpool/GLI: Summer Fun 07/07 (1 month), #1 (one-shot)
The Twelve 12/07-ONGOING (1+ month), #0 (1+ issues)
Ultimate Iron Man II 12/07-ONGOING (1+ months), #1 (1+ issues)
Wolverine 01/07-02/07 (2 months) , #50-51 (2 issues)
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash 11/07-ONGOING (2+ months), #1-3 (3+ issues)
Blade of the Immortal 02/07-04/07 (3 months) , #122-124 (3 issues)
Sam Noir: Ronin Holiday 02/07-03/07 (2 months) , #1-3 (3 issues)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 03/07-05/07 (3 months), #1-3 (3 issues)
The Helmet of Fate (various) 01/07-03/07 (3 months) , Detective Chimp, Ibis The Invincible, Sargon The Sorcerer, Black Alice, & Zauriel (5 issues)
All-Star Superman 01/07-04/07 (4 months), #6-7 (2 issues)
The Order 07/07-10/07 (4 months), #1-3 (3 issues)
Teen Titans 09/07-ONGOING (4+ months), #51-52, 55+ (2+ issues)
Green Arrow/Black Canary 09/07-ONGOING (4+ months), #0 (Wedding Special)-3 (4+ issues)
Marvel Comics Presents 09/07-ONGOING (4+ months), #1-4 (4+ issues)
Bomb Queen 08/07-12/07 (5 months), V4#1-4 (4 issues)
Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord 07/07-11/07 (5 months), #1-4 (4 issues)
World War Hulk 06/07-11/07 (6 months), #1-5 (5 issues)
The Brave and the Bold 02/07-07/07 (6 months) , #1-5 (5 issues)
Silent War 01/07-06/07 (6 months) , #1-6 (6 issues)
The Exterminators 05/07-10/07 (6 months), #17-22 (6 issues)
Noble Causes 01/07-07/07 (7 months) , #26-30 (5 issues)
Fear Agent (Dark Horse) 06/07-ONGOING (7+ months), #1(12)-#2(18) (7+ issues)
Superman 05/07-ONGOING (8+ months), #662-671 (10+ issues)
Wyrms 02/07-10/07 (9 months), #1-5 (5 issues)
Hellblazer 02/07-10/07 (9 months) , #229-237 (9 issues)
Nova 04/07-ONGOING (9+ months) , #1-9 (9+ issues)
Rex Libris 02/07-ONGOING (11+ months) , #7-9 (3+ issues)
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane 01/07-ONGOING (12+ months), #14-20 (7+ issues)
Jonah Hex 01/07-ONGOING(12+ months), #15-26 (12+ issues)
Not including Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane (which is kind of in limbo at the moment), the only title that has survived since month one is Jonah Hex. Doctor Fate, the cancelled-before-it-ever-began title, has the honor of the shortest stint on the list, with the Who Wants to be a Superhero issue getting an honorable mention for not actually lasting on the list long enough for the issue to come out.
Yeah - kind of a dry recap, but a rather fun exercise nonetheless. With that out of the way, on to last month’s issues!
Superman #671, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 12/12/07 ON TIME
Seems like a placeholder issue - but I would think that Busiek could have done more with it. It was generic - which really isn’t all that bad per se. Sometimes you just have to do the Superman fights the monster story. But with all that has happened, and considering all that is promised to happen, I kind of expected a little more here. I’ll just chalk this one up as an off issue.
Status: SAFE
Jonah Hex #26, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 12/05/07 ON TIME
Another great issue that started to drift back to the old formula, but wasn’t muddied up by an overly complex story. As a reader, you know how Hex works- his motivations are as plain as day. The strength of the story replies not on how surprised you are the Hex does the same thing month in and month out, but rather how the different characters in each story deal with the force of nature that is Jonah Hex. This month you had no question that those women would get what was coming to you, and you sure knew that Hex was going to get his bounty on their victims in the end (mercy? From Jonah Hex? Are you kidding?), but it was the journey that was important. Once again, another stellar issue.
Status: SAFE
Nova #9, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07 ON TIME
Cosmo had better be back at some point. Seriously - the character really adds a little flavor of the down-to-Earth that has made the Human Rocket such a great character in the past. The series is still outstanding, but Nova was always a character that had a certain boyishness about him. Sure, a battle-hardened Richard Rider is a fact right now, but something to soften that a little bit from time to time would do a great deal for the long-term health of this book. What better than a dog? Well, a good natured dog who can hold his own in a high-powered fight is a good step.
Nova is an outstanding title that is only going to get better once Paul Pelletier comes aboard. This one should be safe for a long time.
Status: SAFE
Bomb Queen IV #4 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 12/26/07 ON TIME
This one wrapped up pretty strong - we got a nice plot resolution, and they managed to do so in a way that preserved Bomb Queen’s character integrity. Nicely done.
I really am not at all sure if there is another volume of Bomb Queen in the works. I am sure there is - but I am having a heck of a time finding a solicit for it. This is probably for the best, it does seem like a good time to give this title a rest. We will revisit it once there is a new issue announced (or I finally see the existing announcement).
Status: MINI-SERIES ENDED
Marvel Comics Presents #4, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07 ON TIME
A real solid issue this month. It lacked a strong marquee character story to sell it, but there were some solid highs. The one-shot stole the show - the Outlaw Kid story was worth the cover price alone. For a moment it was sad to see that it was only a 1 parter, but stretching that story out might have hurt it overall. So for now it is best to just hope that he makes another appearance soon! The Hellcat story came to an end, which was a real plus - the last part was about as average as the rest. The Vanguard story had a big twist, but sadly I think it was the least interesting installment so far. Every long story is going to have its ups and downs, and we have a long way to go with that one. The Guardian story? It is just confusing, and it feels like they are just treading water there. That has been a consistent low point to the series thus-far, so it is really no surprise there.
Despite the lows, this month’s issue was still an enjoyable read. Looking forward to two new starts next month!
Status: SAFE
Green Arrow/Black Canary #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 12/12/07 ON TIME
You know, I might be one of the few people out there that are really enjoying this title. I will admit that there are a lot of holes in the plot - a lot. But on the whole, it has been fairly fun.
But to end the story with another cliffhanger death like that? What in the world? Maybe it is a feint, like Ollie’s “death” was. Maybe they just killed him off, only to bring him back after Final Crisis. Whatever the reason, it was a bad call. If this month was as tight as previous months, the way that was pulled off might be enough to get me to drop this one. As it stands - I am willing to give one more issue for them to explain themselves.
Status: SAFE
Annihilation: Conquest #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 12/05/07 ON TIME
I am really enjoying how the status-quo following the last Annihilation is really a factor here. Instead of just rehashing the exact formula of the last event, this story seems like a logical continuation. The same players are active, plus several more, and the events that are unfolding seem like a normal shift in the balance of power, with one group seeking to fill the void left in the wake of the Wave. The danger is real, but everything is way more confusing and chaotic than the clear-cut battle-lines of the first Annihilation. I like it.
This event continues to be great - one of the shining jewels of the Marvel crown.
Status: SAFE
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #3, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 12/26/07 ON TIME
As I feared, this one is starting to get old fast. The dialogue kills it - there is so much that is visual about slasher movies that a comic can’t quite capture, especially with these characters. And so much of what makes Ash great is Bruce Campbell, and lacking him - well, the punch is gone. It is still passable and I am still curious to see how this one ends, but I am not quite as excited about it as I once was.
Status: SAFE
The Twelve: Preview, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/05/07 ON TIME
Honestly, this one was a little tough to get through. It was the Golden Age, though, so unless you are really used to reading obscure stories from that period, you might not have gotten as much enjoyment out of it. Actually, to some it might seem like homework. The industry has evolved a lot since those bygone days and by today’s standards some of these were just plain shoddy, no matter how imaginative the characters are. Rockman is a weird underground version of Namor, but for all of his unoriginality, he actually seems to have the most potential of the three that have been introduced this far. The Phantom Reporter? Well, he is just bad. Outside the overdone look, the writing on his one and only appearance was simply terrible. Though he might have a future as well - a little bit of fine tuning and he would be a perfect fit with the Great Lakes… Initiative. Or whatever they are called these days. The Laughing Mask could go either way. He is a character in dire need of a complete remake, but they can only do so much here - they still have to retain the look and feel of the original.
Not as excited as I was before I read the preview, but I am still looking forward to the first issue.
Status: SAFE
Ultimate Iron Man II, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07 ON TIME
This one picks right up where the last one left off, and once again Card is off to a great start. The story is deep and interesting, and the threads of the Ultimate Universe as we know it are beginning to show themselves. That “Previously” page was a bit thick - but well worth it if you haven’t followed the story until now (otherwise - it is safe to skip it). Card once again proved my faith in him as a writer - we got a really tight story in which things actually happened - all wrapping up with a nice ending that makes you want to pick up the next issue. A lot of comic scribes today should take lessons from this issue. Well done - can’t wait to see where this story takes us.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #2 (#18), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 12/26/07 DELAYED
You know, I am really not sure what happened here. There is some problems at my local comic shop of choice of late, and they may not have gotten this one in - on the other hand, I can’t find a copy, nor have I found mention of it anywhere. And since it was dropped for the shipping lists - well, who knows. Hopefully it will be out soon. I will continue to keep an eye out for it.
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08.
Rex Libris #10, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 01/30/08
-=JANUARY 2008 PULL LIST=-
Titles Carrying Over
Superman #672, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 01/09/08
Jonah Hex #27, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/02/08
Nova #10, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/09/08
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #2 (#18), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 12/26/07 DELAYED
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #3 (#19), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 01/30/08
Marvel Comics Presents #5, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/16/08
Green Arrow/Black Canary #4, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/09/08
Annihilation: Conquest #3, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 01/02/08
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #4, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 01/23/08
Rex Libris #10, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 01/30/08
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08
The Twelve #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/09/08
New Titles
Young Avengers Presents #1 (of 6), $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 01/23/08
This month’s “new” book was a tough choice. On the top of the list was Rick Remenders End League. In the end I had to decide against that though, mostly because Fear Agent is such a mainstay on the list. With such a tight budget, you really have to spread things out a bit, you know? The first Young Avengers series was a fantastic one, and though we are getting different writers here, I think it will be good to see these characters back in action. I have high hopes for this series.
TOTAL: $39.83
Budget = $40.00 + $3.22 (Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #2) + $.91 (Bank) = $44.13
$44.13 (Budget) - $39.83 (January issues) - $3.09 (tax) = $1.21 banked for February
The title to watch next month is going to have to be the new Teen Titans. That issue is the start of a new arc, and the arc in which McKeever promised that the “good stuff” will be starting. Hopefully the man is good for his word! Green Arrow/Black Canary is suddenly teetering on the brink - it will take a very strong issue to secure a spot on the February list. And Superman? In retrospect, it does seem like that title has had more than its share of “off” issues for its short time on the list. It really needs a strong start next month to assure safety.
It has been a great first year, and I want to thank all of you for your continued interest in this little experiment. With luck, you will stick around for many more! Thanks for reading!
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.
Post your comments here!
Post your comments in the Forum!
December 3, 2007
The $40 Pull List - December 2007
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
After last month’s culling, the last thing we needed this month was an early book. It looks like Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #2 didn’t really come out early, it just double shipped, and I missed the second issue at the end of the month. Just one more hiccup in an overall rocky month for the list, but not impossible to deal with.
It does seem like it was worth the trouble - it was an outstanding month for all the comics on the list, and nothing really had to face the axe. And with a few minis ending, and the price on a title or two dropping back down to normal levels, we are left with a little more breathing room for January. It is a real lesson on how quickly the pinch can come - one or more publishers put out a late book or two, decide to double ship, and do double-sized issues, and BAM - you are faced with a dilemma. In this case, it just goes to show that they didn’t sell any more books than they otherwise would - the budgeted reader still spends the same amount.
Jonah Hex #25, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 11/07/07. ON TIME
I couple months ago I complained that Jonah Hex was starting to get to formulaic, and right away we get a couple outstanding and fresh Jonah Hex stories. I’d like to think I have that sort of influence! This issue was interesting - an older Jonah Hex coming face-to-face with his son. The story was a tad predictable and a little cliché, but it was well-told, so none of that matters. A good month.
Status: SAFE
Superman #670, $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 11/07/07. ON TIME
This issue was the end of the Third Kryptonian story. And I enjoyed it - though I get the feeling I didn’t always like the things that I was supposed to. Karsta didn’t really seem all that interesting to me. I do kind of like the idea that there are other Kryptonians out there, though there wasn’t anything particularly fresh about that bit of exposition.
Heck, even the destruction of the Kandor bottle wasn’t all that much of a gut-check. It should have been - but heck, wait at least one month before telling us that it is probably ok after all!
Batman and Krypto were the highlights of this issue for me. The art was probably the biggest let-down. But overall, I am still willing to stick this book out.
Status: SAFE
Nova #8, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/14/07. RELEASED: 11/14/07
So what exactly are we going to get in Nova if it isn’t going to tie into the Annihilation: Conquest ongoing? Well, this issue gave us our answer. Once again we have a solid issue, but the zombie thing really is played out. But Marvel seems to be going out of its way to avoid crossovers here, so that really has to be applauded. Decent issue, if the antagonist is a bit tired. But high marks for resisting Crossover Madness.
Status: SAFE
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #1, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 11/28/07. ON TIME
Personally, I think it was really cool that Image maintained the original number on this title. Sure, it is still a mini, and #1 of 5, but that #17 was a welcome sight.
The issue itself was outstanding, though the new readers who jumped aboard Fear Agent at the Dark Horse leap might be a little confused. Thankfully the issue was almost all action, which is exactly the right way to bring the new readers up to speed.
This book is certainly not going anywhere soon. Great stuff.
Status: SAFE
Bomb Queen IV #3 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 11/28/07. ON TIME
She-Spawn, oiy. Not such a fan myself. But the Queen is dead! Say it ain’t so!
This is my first Bomb Queen mini, and while it is enjoyable, I don’t think it will be forever so. Watching Bomb Queen slap a hero around with her boobs is funny the first time, but after a while it gets a little tired - even if it is satire. Enjoyable - but something you probably need in small doses.
Definitely going to finish out this mini though, then we will see. A great book, just not something I would like taking up a permanent spot on this list.
Status: SAFE
Marvel Comics Presents #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/14/07. ON TIME
A little improvement in the Hellcat story this month, but it really still is the weakest story in MCP. The Magneto one shot was interesting - a good, solid, short comic story. Not really about the birth of the Brotherhood, as the title suggests, more the story of his meeting with a former Nazi calling himself Whisper. The lead story - the latest Vanguard installment - was once again the highlight of the issue.
As pleased as I am that Marvel is putting out an ongoing anthology, it is getting to the point where they really need to look at what they are doing. Magneto is a decent selling point, but they can do better. And half of this book is made up of 12 part stories, and one of them (Weapon Omega) is starting to get a little boring.
I know short comic stories are a lost art in comics, and maybe I am expecting too much, but would it hurt to try to limit these things?
Still enjoying the book, but I am afraid its weaknesses are going to lead it to early cancellation down the road.
Status: SAFE
World War Hulk #5, $3.99, Marvel Comics. 10/31/07. RELEASED 11/14/07
Yeah - this issue kind of fizzled for me. The art was absolutely horrible. There really just isn’t any other way to describe it. I know Romita gets a lot of work at Marvel because he gets his work done on time (though this issue was late? Not too bad though), something he deserves some credit for, and for some reason he has a solid fanbase. But really - wow. I can’t help imagining the improvement that a good, clean artist would bring to this event. It wouldn’t fix all of its woes, but it would go a long way.
This event started with a lot of hype and looks to be ending with a fizzle and a “Huh?” I am kind of glad to put this one behind us.
Status: MINI-SERIES ENDED
Green Arrow/Black Canary #2, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 11/14/07. ON TIME
Still entertaining, which is great. I really get a light feel when I read this book, and when considering the severity of the situation that this title’s story came from, that is surprising. But that isn’t a complaint - far from it. Comics can still be too dark and serious these days, and it is nice to see something a little more fun.
The bits with Speedy seemed a little forced, but if you ignore the gimmick behind her character, she does actually pair up well with Black Canary.
Still have those same lingering questions, but it looks like we may get the answer to some of them next month.
Status: SAFE
Annihilation: Conquest - Star-Lord #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 11/07/07. ON TIME
Nice way to close things out really. Little more to add than that - a great series start to finish. Looking forward to this team in the main event itself.
Status: MINI-SERIES ENDED
Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07. RELEASED 11/21/07
Finally! I know the wait wasn’t really Slave Labor’s fault, but it’s been what - almost six months since the last issue? Thanks Diamond! Ah - dreaming of the days of true competition in comic distribution!
A fun issue - as per usual with Rex Libris. And the addition of the prose in the back is a nice touch, it made this issue easily the longest issue to read this month. I’ll refrain from too much comment (I don’t want to be accused of brownnosing!), but our own Andrea Speed’s contribution to this issue was top notch.
Hopefully we will be seeing #10 on the shelves a lot sooner!
Status: SAFE
Annihilation: Conquest #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 11/07/07 ON TIME
Ah, the big reveal. Can’t say I saw Ultron coming, but he does work.
In all, this go-round with Annihilation isn’t as exciting as the first, but it really wasn’t ever expected to be. It is a sequel after all, and it is really rare that they measure up to the original though. It is still a decent read, and should make for a good event.
Overall, this issue seemed pretty slow. It looks like they are still setting up - hopefully that Ultron is in the open now, the second issue will be much more action packed. Only one way to find out!
Status: SAFE
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #1, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 11/07/07. ON TIME
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #2, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. RELEASED 11/28/07
Yikes - this was not a good month for this to happen! However, a double-ship month is a reality on many books, and sometimes you can’t see them coming. So you have to roll with it. And in a case like this, you would either hit your car floor for the extra change, or you would hold it in your box until next month. Since we are probably going to finish this series out, I decided to pick up #2, and just deduct it from December’s budget (”leaving it in the box”).
The series is decent - certainly light horror fare, and it already seems to be hitting on all of the slasher movie clichés, but that was to be expected. As a comic series itself, this would probably be pretty poor, but as a “what might have been” for a film, it is actually pretty interesting. It really helps to imagine Bruce Campbell’s voice in there, though.
Status: SAFE
LATE AND UNRELEASED ISSUES
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08.
-=DECEMBER PULL LIST=-
Titles Carrying Over
Superman #671, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 12/12/07.
Jonah Hex #26, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 12/05/07.
Nova #9, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07.
Fear Agent: Hatchet Job #2 (#18), $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 12/26/07.
Bomb Queen IV #4 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 12/26/07.
Marvel Comics Presents #4, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07.
Green Arrow/Black Canary #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 12/12/07.
Annihilation: Conquest #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 12/05/07
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #3, $2.99, DC/Wildstorm. Due out 12/26/07.
Teen Titans #55, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 01/23/08.
Rex Libris #10, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due Out 01/30/08.
New Titles
The Twelve: Preview, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/05/07
Kind of sad that the most original idea Marvel has had in a while comes from bringing back old ideas, isn’t it? Nonetheless, this series intrigues me. This issue should serve as a taste of things to come, giving some sketches and ideas for the new series, as well as reprinting some of the old appearances of the characters involved. Should be a good way to gauge whether the mini itself will be worth it.
Ultimate Iron Man II, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 12/12/07
I read the first Ultimate Iron Man, and it was outstanding. It was Card’s first foray into comics, and it was an impressive first comic outing. He definitely made Tony Stark a much more interesting character! With the movie coming out this summer, this series is also well timed. Looking forward to seeing what Card has in store for us.
TOTAL: $34.40
Budget = $40.00 - $3.22 (Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #2) + $1.20 (Bank) = $37.98
$37.98 (Budget) - $34.40 (December issues) - $2.67 (tax) = $.91 banked for January
A much easier month to budget, even with the extra issue last month, thanks to Star-Lord and World War Hulk ending (and Superman going back to regular price). This also left room for two new promising Marvel books - on the whole, there is very little to complain about here! The list has become a tad bit Marvel heavy, but that is something we will have to address in the new year.
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.
Comment on this article at comiXtreme.com!
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November 6, 2007
The $40 Pull List - November 2007
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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