Previews Stuff (February edition)

Hi, Everybody!

The Cerebus in Hell? Auctions continue:
*NEW* The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood *NEW*

CEREBUS IN HELL? original artwork - 7 strips for publication 2019

Nick Calm Agent of C.O.D.P.I.E.C.E. #1

Teenage Mutant Ninja Cerbi #1.

And The Un-Bedable Vark #1.
(And if he posts something after I post this, look for bonecrusher86 on the eBays.)

So open your checkbooks and bid, Bid, BID!!! (Or not, I don't care what you do. I got Girl Scout Cookies to hustle...)

Anyway, Travis is back:

Diamond Preview Picks: February 2018

Travis Pelkie returns with his regular monthly selection for Cerebus fans of comics and books featured in the latest Diamond Previews catalog. Travis is co-founder of the Atomic Junk Shop, a site about comics and other fun pop culture. To see your comics featured here or at the Atomic Junk Shop feel free to send an email to Travis at: atomicjunkshoptravis [at] outlook [dot] com.

The jokes on Cerebus, VIRGIL stole the iPod...

LOVE AND AARDVARKS #1

FEB180955

(W) Dave Sim, Sandeep Atwal (A) Dave Sim, Gustave Dore (CA) Lee Thacker

Jingles' 10 CGC-graded copies of Love & Rockets No. 21; if only Cerebus had married Maggie and Hopey; Jerusalem Crickets and The Crazy Catholics Hallelujah Chorus; An Ox's Nard;  Cerebus develops "Cerebus Go"; God vs. Tarim; Philosophers on Jesus' teachings; "Aardvark Amuck"; Epic-length "Satan the Closeted Gilbert & Sullivan Fan";  Infernal Realms Police Training; John Lennon in Hell?;  Drinking in Hell;  Infernal Intercontinental Wrestling Title. 

Yay! Another phone book with my name in the back!

MINDS REMASTERED EDITION

APR178991

(W) Dave Sim (A/CA) Dave Sim

The multi-year Cerebus Restoration project continues! Minds, the tenth volume of the 6,000 page Cerebus epic, finds the titular misanthropic aardvark hurtling through space alongside Cirin, his opponent and fellow aardvark, both heading for a direct collision with their small-m maker - "Dave" - a mysterious being who talks with them about themselves and their world, and who just might resemble Cerebus writer/cartoonist Dave Sim. Minds is the groundbreaking conclusion to the first two-thirds of the Cerebus epic, presented here for the first time in remastered form: painstakingly restored page-by-page from original artwork and photo negatives, and revealing detail never before present on the printed page. This volume also includes eight brand-new pages of extras, including a 6,000 word essay by Sean Michael Robinson.

Travis sez: Of course you're getting these.  A Love and Rockets parody cover for Cerebus in Hell?, and the remastered Minds?  Just take my damn money already! 

ACTION COMICS #1000  
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(W) Various (A) Various (CA) Michael Allred

Celebrate 1000 issues of Action Comics with an all-star lineup of top talent as they pay tribute to the comic that started it all! From today's explosive action to a previously unpublished tale illustrated by the legendary Curt Swan to the Man of Tomorrow's future-this very special, oversized issue presents the best of the best in Superman stories!

Travis sez: The one that basically started it all, Action Comics reaches issue 1000 (through numbering shenanigans, of course).  Variant covers, because of course there are, but the '60s one is by Mike Allred and is of course stunning. 

APAMA THE UNDISCOVERED ANIMAL #1
 FEB181600

(W) Sikora, Ted, Miller, Milo (A/CA) Benito Gallego

The most inexplicable superhero of all time! Cleveland ice cream truck driver, Ilyia Zjarsky, goes hiking and stumbles upon the spirit force of the most savage creature mankind has never known! The acclaimed saga is printed in single issues for the first time ever in a new monthly ongoing series!

TAP DANCE KILLER #1

FEB181601

(W) Sikora, Ted (A/CA) Nikolaus Harrison

Actress Nikki St Clair was the sweetest gal in the city until she was cast in a horror show musical as the Tap Dance Killer. Now, unable to shake the role, this 1920s-esque bizarre mobster assassin is out on the streets dealing damage with a theatrical flair that leaves 'em, quite literally, slain in the isles! This first issue also features the first appearance of a knockout new villain!

Travis sez: The folks at Hero Tomorrow have some good comics, especially if you like Silver Age Marvel.  Apama is quite good, although you can probably find the trade with this issue easy enough, but it's very good stuff and worth a look.

BACKISSUE #104 
FEB181869

Back Issue is the "Fourth World After Kirby" issue, exploring the enduring legacy of Jack Kirby's DC characters! The Return(s) of the New Gods, Why Can't Mister Miracle Escape Cancellation?, the Forever People, Mike Mignola's unrealized New Gods animated movie, the Fourth World in Hollywood, and more. With an all-star lineup, including the work of John Byrne, Paris Cullins, J. M. Dematteis, Mark Evanier, Michael Golden, Rick Hoberg, Walter Simonson, and more! Cover by Steve Rude, re-presenting his variant cover for 2015's Convergence #6.

Travis sez: Back Issue 104 features the story of the Fourth World after Kirby.  Awesome cover by the Dude! 

 BATMAN '66 OMNIBUS HC

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(W) Jeff Parker, Tom Peyer, Art Baltazar, Franco, Len Wein, Harlan Ellison, Mike W. Barr, Ray Fawkes (A) Jonathan Case, Ty Templeton, Ruben Procopio, Chris Sprouse, Christopher Jones, Michael Avon Oeming, Dario Brizuela (CA) Michael Allred

Put on your go-go boots and get ready to "Batusi" as DC reimagines the classic Batman TV show! In these tales, the Dynamic Duo takes on the Riddler, Mr. Freeze, the Penguin, the Mad Hatter, The Joker and more of the world's most colorful Bat-villains! And in BATMAN '66: THE LOST EPISODE #1, an outline from the original TV series featuring Two-Face is adapted to comics for the first time! This new Omnibus collects BATMAN '66 #1-30, BATMAN '66: THE LOST EPISODE #1 and a story from SOLO #7.

Travis sez: If you dig the Batman TV show, or just like good groovy comics, this collection of the entire Batman '66 series is a great bunch of comics.

BEANWORLD OMNIBUS
 FEB180057

(W) Larry Marder (A) Larry Marder

The iconic inhabitants of Larry Marder's unique Beanworld universe are introduced in this complete collection of the Beanworld comic-book run! Join Mr. Spook, Professor Garbanzo, Beanish, and many others as they experience adventures in their world that prove, whether friends or adversaries, they are all ultimately dependent on each other for survival. Marder's deceptively simple artwork illustrates a self-contained ecological fantasy realm with its own unique rules, truths, and lingo. Collects issues #1-#21.

Travis sez: The Beans are collected in a Dark Horse Omnibus, which is good because I missed the third HC, and holy cats, it's expensive on Amazon!  This collects the 21 issues of the original comics series.

EIGHT MILLION WAYS TO DIE

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(W) John K. Snyder III (A/CA) John K. Snyder III
In crime-ravaged 1980's New York, a troubled ex-cop turned unlicensed detective takes on his most dangerous case, hunting down a serial killer-hitman, and ultimately coming face-to-face with his deadliest enemy, himself, in John K. Snyder III's graphic novel adaptation of the celebrated story by Lawrence Block.
Steeped in traditional pulp, Block's writing has a true gift for capturing the art of conversation between his characters. These are the lowlifes of society, for whom Block occasionally finds redemption, but who are more often among the vilest beings in human existence. Snyder's art both encapsulates and elevates these rough-cut gems in a graphic, grainy, and moody setting that evokes the dark, noir magazine covers of the period.

FASHION IN ACTION

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(W) Various (A) Various

The 2080s haven't changed much from the 1980s, except for the jetpacks, Mars colonization, and rocket-fueled cars. Celebrities still need protection from crazed fans, and that's what Frances Knight and her squad Fashion In Action provide with bravado and style, all while facing up against the evil machinations of Dr. Cruel and his sidekick, the violently unpredictable superfan Roxanne. This classic 1980s independent comic series has been painstakingly restored by creator/artist John K. Snyder III, and includes a foreword by John Ostrander, new essays by comic book legends Trina Robbins and Martha Thomases, and an all-star pinup gallery by artists Kevin Wada, Jen Bartel, Rahzzah, Sara Richard, and Gisèle Lagacé.
Travis sez: You go ages without seeing John K. Snyder III, then he's in two books the same month.  IDW features his adaptation of a book by great crime writer Lawrence Block, and then Renegade Arts features a collection of his Fashion in Action comics series from the '80s.

BONE CODA BEHIND THE SCENES BUNDLE
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(W) Jeff Smith (A/CA) Jeff Smith

For a limited time only, Bone Coda, the companion volume to Jeff Smith's Bone will be bundled with the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, Bone, and The Changing Face of Comics! Through interviews with Smith, Scott McCloud, Colleen Doran, Paul Pope, Terry Moore, Harvey Pekar and others, this bonus DVD takes an inside look at the story, art and commerce of Bone from the earliest days of self-publishing to the world wide phenomenon of the Scholastic color books and the creation of the Young Adult graphic novel movement. Coda, which includes behind the scenes essays and photos, as well as the revised edit of comics librarian and historian Stephen Weiner's Bone Companion, also includes the 37 page new Bone chapter!

Travis sez: I think these have both been offered before, but they're bundled.  The Coda to Bone, as well as a DVD about Jeff Smith's rise in comics.  I'm sure there will be a measured, unbiased feature about Dave Sim's impact on comics self-publishing, right?

 HER INFERNAL DESCENT #1
FEB181023

(W) Lonnie Nadler, Zac Thompson (A/CA) Kyle Charles

A tale of loss told in five parts. Any good mom would march through the inferno of HELL to get her family back. Unable to cope with the burden of grief, a middle-aged mom descends the nine circles of hell to retrieve her forsaken family. Guided by the ghosts of William Blake and Agatha Christie, this no-nonsense mother journeys deep into a bizarre underworld filled with celebrity sinners, surreal landscapes, and absurd tasks. Her Infernal Descent is a retelling of Dante's Inferno that updates the themes for a modern audience. From the writers of the break-out hit The Dregs, and the artist of Roche Limit, this is HELL like you've never seen before. 

Travis sez: It's a retelling of Dante's Inferno with William Blake and Agatha Christie guiding a woman through the nine circles of hell.  Why not?  Wonder if they'll bump into any stray aardvarks?  (Ooh, Stray Aardvarks, there's a parody cover idea!  I could see an aardvark in the place of the ghost costume girl on this issue: https://www.comics.org/issue/103111/cover/4/ )

ELFQUEST: THE FINAL QUEST
 FEB180084

(W) Wendy Pini, Richard Pini (A/CA) Wendy Pini

A tribe of elves navigates friendships and dangerous enemies in a fantasy world of goblins, dwarves, fairies and humans!

This is it-the startling conclusion to the most world-changing chapter in all of ElfQuest: Final Quest! It is time for the Palace of the High Ones to return the elves of the World of Two Moons to their original Star Home, but not all have chosen to go. As human invaders threaten the sacred Father Tree itself, in the heart of the Wolfriders' home, freedom of choice comes with a terrible price. Volume 4 collects issues #19-#24 of The Final Quest.

Travis sez: The final trade of the final issues of the Final Quest (I'm sure there will never be another, after all, didn't the Who also retire in 1982?).

 BATMAN: GHOSTS
FEB180299

(W) Sam Kieth (A/CA) Sam Kieth

When a supernatural creature begins to kill in Gotham City, Batman tries to fight something that he can't even touch. Further complications arise when the monster says he knows about Bruce Wayne's parents' deaths! But when Batman discovers a link to a blind woman, can he defeat this bizarre threat? Collects BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #40-43 and BATMAN/LOBO: DEADLY SERIOUS #1-2.  Travis sez: The Maxx's Sam Kieth on Batman, always an interesting time.

UNCLE SCROOGE #37
FEB180371

(W) Jerry Siegel, Joe Torcivia (A) Giorgio Cavazzano (CA) Dave Alvarez

"Few and Pharoah Between!" In a new-to-USA duck tale by Jerry Siegel (Superman), Scrooge McDuck travels through time to find riches in ancient Egypt-only to wind up stranded in a dystopian future!

Travis sez: Wha?!  Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel wrote Uncle Scrooge stories for the European market?  Whoa.... 

STRANGERS IN PARADISE GALLERY EDITION
 FEB180963

Terry Moore's work as a writer and artist (and letterer) are on display for all to see in the new Terry Moore: Strangers In Paradise Gallery Edition. Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of SIP with this presentation of Moore's art spanning the entire Eisner Award-winning series. The evolution of Terry together with Francine, Katchoo, David and all of the other characters that inhabit the SIP world is captured in this 248-page, large-format, hardcover edition. The artwork contained in this Smythe-sewn deluxe edition is framed by the original 20-page version of the very first SIP story and SIP #90, the series' 2007 finale. Included between these "bookends" is a representational page from each of the 105 issues published between issues #1 and #90. Also included is an extensive Gallery section containing covers and miscellaneous SIP art from the last 25 years. Sourced from high-resolution scans from the original art and reproduced at the actual size, this 12" x 17" deluxe volume is printed at 200 line-screen on heavy paper stock to approximate the look and feel of the original art itself.

Travis sez: Undoubtedly you have a spare kidney, liver, or spleen you could give up for this, a collection of Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise art in Graphitti Designs's Gallery Edition.  So tempting....

A STUDY IN EMERALD

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(W) Neil Gaiman (A/CA) Shane Oakley

This supernatural mystery set in the world of Sherlock Holmes and Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos features a brilliant detective and his partner as they try to solve a horrific murder.
This complex investigation takes the Baker Street investigators from the slums of Whitechapel all the way to the Queen's Palace as they attempt to find the answers to this bizarre murder of cosmic horror!From the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Locus, World Fantasy, Nebula Award-winning, and New York Times bestselling writer Neil Gaiman comes this graphic novel adaptation with art by Eisner award winning artist Rafael Albuquerque!
Travis sez: a comics adaptation of a story by Neil Himself mashing up Sherlock Holmes and Cthulhu.  The story is dang good, and Rafael Albuquerque is a good artist, so this should be a cool looking book. 

 TANGLED THE SERIES VOL. 2 THE WRITE STORY
FEB181724

(W) Jimmy Gownley (A) Jimmy Gownley, Various, Veronica Di Lorenzo

A new graphic novel series featuring original stories starring Disney Princess Rapunzel from the hit Disney Channel show Tangled: The Series by New York Times-bestselling writer/artist Jimmy Gownley! Rapunzel is totally fangirling because she's about to meet her favorite author! After starting a book club to catch up on anything and everything she missed over the last 18 years, Rapunzel becomes obsessed with the books by J. K. Yewgise. The king invites the author to Corona, and she offers to write Rapunzel's authorized biography. Rapunzel is thrilled! But after a series of mishaps, Eugene accidentally ends up telling most of her story - and he tends to exaggerate. Now Rapunzel's biography is full of lies! Will the princess be able to get herself out of this pickle?

Travis sez: Our pal Jimmy Gownley returns with another Disney Tangled book, although he probably belongs in pun prison for "J.K. Yewgise" (sound it out).  Shaking my head.... 

FRANK THORNE'S BATTLING BEAUTIES 

FEB162027

(A/CA) Frank Thorne

Hermes Press celebrates the career of Frank Thorne, renowned good girl artist extraordinaire with a comprehensive art monograph where he explores his art and the process of creating it step by step. See pencils, preliminaries, final artwork, as well as the final printed comics created by Thorne. This extensive art monograph presents artwork from such titles as Red Sonja, Ghita, Lann, The Iron Devil, and more. This book explores not only the comic book artwork of Thorne but also illustrates the motion pictures concepts and storyboards for the never-made Ghita film.

Travis sez: I think this is offered again, but it features the art of Frank Thorne, one of the few besides Dave and Ger to do a Cerebus cover.

JUGHEAD'S TIME POLICE

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(W) Various (A) Rex Lindsey (CA) Ron Lindsey

Get ready for a wild ride through time! Jughead has been drafted into a time-traveling police force, tasked with keeping history from going haywire. ...But is Jughead the right kid for the job? Collects the complete Jughead's Time Police storyline!

Travis sez: Jughead.  Time Police.  Need I say more? 

XERXES FALL OF HOUSE OF DARIUS #1

 FEB180011

(W) Frank Miller (CA) Frank Miller

Frank Miller returns to the world of 300 with this sprawling historical epic! Persian King Xerxes sets out to conquer the world to avenge his father Darius's defeat and create an empire unlike anything the world has ever seen . . . Until the hardy Greeks produce a god king of their own, Alexander the Great.
Travis sez: Frank Miller returns with a sequel to 300, and it looks ok.

X-MEN: THE DARK PHOENIX SAGA

FEB180915

(W) Chris Claremont, Jo Duffy (A) Dave Cockrum, John Bolton, Mike Collins, John Buscema, Jerry Bingham (A/CA) John Byrne

  The greatest comic-book saga ever told, in one cosmic-sized Omnibus! It begins with a shocking story in which Marvel Girl sacrifices herself...only to be reborn as Phoenix! But when a galaxy-spanning adventure reveals that Jean Grey has somehow attained power beyond conception, Cyclops and the X-Men can only watch as Phoenix is corrupted, absolutely. As the team faces the Shi'ar Empire, Hellfire Club and more, can Jean Grey be redeemed? Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum and John Byrne weave an epic tale of triumph and tragedy that changed everything for the X-Men - and all of comics! It's the full Dark Phoenix Saga, with bonus tales illuminating Jean Grey's defining story! Collecting X-MEN (1963) #97-105, #107-108 and #125-138; and PHOENIX: THE UNTOLD STORY - plus material from CLASSIC X-MEN #6, #8, #13, #18, #24 and #43; BIZARRE ADVENTURES #27 and WHAT IF? (1977) #27.
Travis sez: The classic run of the X-Men, collected here, from when Dave and Chris Claremont had a mutual admiration.

More Diamond Previews picks at Atomic Junk Shop's regular Flippin' Through Previews column.