Reprinted courtesy of Guy LeCharles Gonzalez and Comic Book Commentary.

Free time is a precious thing. Don’t waste it reading bad comics out of habit!

I finally made it to MoCCA this past weekend and while it was a good time, it reinforced the sense that I’m steadily drifting towards becoming a casual comics reader with little interest in blogging on a regular basis. I’ll have a write-up later this week, including my impressions of the Comics Foundry preview and how its success or failure will play into the future of comics. [insert dramatic cliffhanger music here…]

Without further ado, here’s my weekly look at select comic books being released Wednesday, 6/27/07. The full shipping list, as always, is available at ComicList. (Note: For the “just the facts, ma’am” crowd, ComicList impresario Charles LePage has launched a no-frills version of his invaluable list called The Bullpen Bulletin.)

[NOTE: Not all of these titles will actually arrive in all stores. If your LCBS offers a pre-ordering service, be sure to take advantage of it. If not, find another one; or try Khepri.com or MidtownComics.com]

PICK OF THE WEEK*

Showcase Presents: Batman Vol 2 (DC Comics)

ANDREWS AND MCMEEL
Harry Potter Order of Phoenix 2008 Wall Calendar, $13.99

Like with Buffy, I swear I’m the only comics fan who doesn’t give a hoot about Harry. I saw the first movie, and while it was entertaining enough, I just don’t get the fuss and have never had any interest in the reading the books despite them seemingly being right up my alley.

CINEFANTASTIQUE
Geek Monthly #5, $5.99

I’m giving this magazine one more shot to impress me, especially since the Comics Foundry preview assured me that it isn’t going to be the comics-friendly “lifestyle” magazine I’d like to see. Based on the Kirsten Bell issue and their web site, though, my expectations are very low.

DC COMICS
Showcase Presents Batman Vol 2 TPB, $16.99

Thanks to “One Year Later”, Grant Morrison, and an increasing lack of interest in the current DCU, Showcase becomes one of the few ways I can still get my Batman fix without feeling like a hypocrite.

DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING
GI Joe Special Missions Vol 1 TPB, $18.99

The Special Missions one-shots have been fun reads, featuring many of the side Joes who haven’t been a part of the main America’s Elite title over its first two years. As “World War III” is about to break out, I suspect many of those characters will have cameos, so this collection will serve as a good primer for anyone jumping onboard now.

IDW PUBLISHING
Fallen Angel IDW #17, $3.99

I remember a few years back when I wouldn’t buy any IDW comics on principle because they were so much more expensive than the average comic. Fallen Angel forced me to reevaluate that stance on a case-by-case basis (as did Devil’s Due’s across-the-board price increases), judging a book by its value instead, and 17 issues later, I’m glad I did.

LOBRAU PRODUCTIONS INC
Collected Toupydoops TPB, $14.95

One of several comics on my to-review pile — which I swear I’m on the verge of plowing through in the next week or two! — I’m about halfway through it and so far it’s an entertaining sitcom built around an intriguing premise, well-drawn and deserving of at least a flip-through.


* POTW DISCLAIMER: My “Pick of the Week” doesn’t necessarily mean I think something is good, only that it’s worth a look. In some cases it may be the most intriguing release of the week for all the wrong reasons. My actual comments about the book in question will usually reveal the reason for my picking it.