On The Shelves: 08/09/06, by Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Reprinted courtesy of Comic Book Commentary.

Read GOOD Comics, not just the ones you're used to! Try something new EVERY month.

Before I take my first look at this week's list and write a single comment, I should point out the extreme level of disinterest I'm feeling towards comics these days. Like the cynical old man on the porch who hasn't heard a good song in decades, here's my weekly look at select comic books being released Wednesday, 8/9/06. The full shipping is list available at ComicList.

[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


Incredible Hulk #97


APE ENTERTAINMENT
Black Coat Call To Arms #4 (Of 4), $2.99

This is a good comic book.

ARCANA STUDIO
10th Muse Ezra #1, $3.95

What do you do when a character you like teams up with one you have no interest in? I skipped the Blacklight/Bomb Queen team-up over the same dilemma.

DARK HORSE COMICS
Conan & The Songs Of The Dead #2 (Of 5), $2.99

Conan always treats me well.

DC COMICS
Firestorm The Nuclear Man #28, $2.99
Martian Manhunter #1 (Of 8), $2.99

Firestorm is the little comic that could. Nothing flashy; simply gets the job done. Which, of course, is a death wish in the direct market these days. *** Apparently DC hit off some prominent bloggers with review copies of Martian Manhunter #1, presumably to counter the negative buzz from his ugly redesign and not-so-hot Brave New World preview. Optimists take it as a sign of DC taking the blogiverse seriously. I say it's a sign of desperation. Unless, of course, it was one of the creators behind it, then I at least applaud the willingness to stump for a work-for-hire project. Desperation still, but laudable.

MARVEL COMICS
Incredible Hulk #97, $2.99

Yay, "Planet Hulk"! Fun comics rule.