Broken Frontier

Howdy folks, Mike from the Comic Bug here again.  I think I announced that this was going to be a weekly encounter for us here at Broken Frontier, but much like that abusive boyfriend that never keeps his promises, I’ve been out foolin’ around on you.  Ya see, it’s convention season and I’m out shillin’ all over the west coast.  More on that another time. 
Just know, baby, that I still love you and I’m doing all I can to keep this on some sort of frequency.  Wouldn’t want you growing bored of me now, would I?

But enough of the explaining.  This column isn’t about excuses, it’s about comics, dammit!  And if there’s one thing we should be used to as comic book readers, it’s tardiness.  Our last installment delved into the first half of the Previews for June, all the glossy, full-colored offerings with advertisements and movie deals.  This week, we’re gonna dive head first into the comic book ghetto… Those poor bastards that have shunned or have been shunned by the mainstream.  The guys and gals that probably need our attention and pennies the most.  I’m talking about the BEST of the REST folks! 

Class, please open your textbooks (that is PREVIEWS) to page 210 and let’s get started with today’s lesson…

PAGE 222: Biff! Bam! Pow! #1 (Amaze Ink/Slave Labor):  This one comes to us courtesy of Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer.  Back in the day, Evan Dorkin brought us some of the silliest madness on the stands via titles such as “DORK!” and “Milk & Cheese”.  It’s nice to see him getting back in the saddle.  Biff! Bam! Pow! appears to be another grab-bag of belly laughs for those with short attention spans.  (8 copies)

PAGE 224:  Rex Libris Volume 1:  I, Librarian TP (Amaze Ink/Slave Labor):  When this was being released in pamphlet form, we really couldn’t keep it in stock.  We didn’t go overboard on our orders, but I guess we underestimated the crossover appeal of comic books and stories about librarians.  Put it this way, we learned that a librarian will buy anything related to the library… and it appears that many librarians buy comics.  James Turner’s unique art style just sealed the deal for the rest of Rex’s readers.  (5 copies)

PAGE 228:  APE ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT

Bizarre New World #2:  I had the pleasure of receiving a preview copy of Bizarre New World #1 today and gave it an eager read.  Although the premise is similar to Greatest American Hero (normal everyday guy gets superpowers), the execution is totally different.  Without spoiling too much, our “hero” really is an everyday guy.  He has doubts, frustrations and a sense of wonderment with his newly discovered ability to fly.  The writing is sharp and the pacing and artwork are a “10”!  Not to turn into a comic reviewer on you, but I think this book is going to be one of the sleepers of the year.  (25 copies)

The Black Coat: “…Or Give Me Death” #2:  “The Black Coat” proved itself back in the days of Speakeasy… or was that Alias?  Either way, we carried this book last time around and we sold through every time.  It’s a beautiful book and deserves a look.
(8 copies)

White Picket Fences #2:  I know nothing about this book other than the fact that it takes place on the eve of a war of the worlds.  APE really seems to be on the upswing this year and we’ll be checking this out based on the strength of their reputation for producing quality comics.  (5 copies)

PAGE 230:  Starkweather: Immortal #0:  Will Piers Anthony have a smooth transition to comics readers like Orson Scott Card or Laurell K. Hamilton?  With lush, fully painted artwork supplied by Patrick McEvoy, this book has a pretty good shot.   Subtract a few units for the $5.00 price tag.  (8 copies)

PAGE 232:  Okko: The Cycle of Water #4:  We’ve gone through over 20 copies (counting reorders) of the first two issues of this splendid title.  I think we’ll order strongly out the gate this time out. (15 copies)

PAGE 232:  The Killer Volume 1 HC:  Another surprise hit from Archaia Studios. These guys sure know how to pick ‘em!  We’ve moved somewhere around 30 copies of the first few issues of this book, too.  We’ll be stocking up on the hardcovers.  (4 copies)

PAGE 234:  Fathom:  Killian’s Vessel #1:  I think this is Sean “Cheeks” Galloway’s first comics work outside of DC’s kids line.  I’ve seen his stuff at conventions, checked out his interview on that animated Hellboy DVD and seen him graciously interact with fans and admirers.  He’s got a unique, energetic style to his art and seems to be really enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead of him.  Add that all up and you’ve got yourself a SUPERSTAR folks!  Might as well get on the bus early, right?  (30 copies)

PAGE 238:  Black Summer #0:  Maybe I’m just fantasizing here, but it looks like this Warren Ellis penned mini is going to feature a super-hero maiming our very own Commander in Chief.  If this cover isn’t misleading, expect this book to attract its own fair share of mass-media coverage.  Except, this time, you’re talking about an under-ordered small press comic rather than a massive crossover event from a major publisher.  My money’s on the wraparound cover set in the Oval Office.  (Regular cover, 10 copies/Wraparound, 40 copies)

PAGE 238:  Warren Ellis’ Crecy GN:  In which Ellis parallels our current situation in Iraq with the English invasion of France in the 14th Century.  Perfect compliment to “Black Summer”.  (10 copies)

PAGE 257:  Elvis Road HC:  My, does this one seem ambitious!  “Elvis Road” is described as a 25-foot-long foldout hardcover with “frenzied, inspired and dense drawings”… sounds like the kind of comic you can zone out and stare at for hours.
(2 copies)

PAGE 265:  The Boys #7 & The Boys Volume 1 TP:  Dynamite Entertainment proves here that you can’t keep a good book down.  Dropped by DC/Wildstorm, Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s joyfully offensive series didn’t take long to land on its feet at another publisher.  Cheers to continued success and we’ll be ordering even MORE copies than we would have had none of the hub-bub ever occurred.  (Boys #7, 50 copies/Boys TP, 10 copies)

PAGE 278:  Drafted $.99 Preview:  Devil’s Due has put an unprecedented push behind this book and I gotta tell you, it looks like it could be lots of fun!  I’m always down for a good alien invasion, and it’s pretty cheap to get onboard.  (20 copies)

PAGE 300:  The Black Diamond Detective Agency:  Great cover design on this period mystery tale graphic novel.  By none other than Eddie Campbell.  (3 copies of the SC, 1 of the HC)

PAGE 305-309:  THE GUARDIAN LINE (Guardian Alpha One-Shot, The Seekers, Code & Genesis Five):  Don’t pass up on this line of multi-cultural heroes.  Suitable for all ages with high production values, these books have been steady sellers since the line launched last fall.  They’re offering their first issues again this month too!  (appx. 10 copies each)

PAGE 329:  Maintenance #5:  I know it’s a little late now, but this is a fun little book well worth checking out.  “Maintenance” is the story of two facility janitors… who happen to work at a super-villain headquarters!  Great art and a lively story make this one an easy sell.  (10 copies)

PAGE 342:  Mantlo: A Life In Comics:  I don’t know how this bit of info slipped by me, but WOW!  As a kid growing up on comics in the 80’s, there’s certain names your eyes scan across thousands of times.  John Byrne, Doug Moench, Steve Gerber, Ron Frenz and Bill Mantlo.  Sometimes I wonder “whatever happened to so and so?” and then I resign myself to believing they’re off on some Caribbean Island sipping Mai-Tai’s and enjoying the fruits of their hard labor.  The blurb for this book alerted me to the fact that this just isn’t so for all of them.  I learned that Bill Mantlo is being cared for by his brother, Michael, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.  This is a benefit book and retrospective that everyone should be picking up.  It’s a good cause for one of our own.  (10 copies)

PAGE 348:  Battle of the Bands Volume 1:  Like “Marvel Zombies”, this book takes a fun pairing of words quite literally.  These bands just don’t rock out onstage to see who can get the loudest applause, apparently they duke it out mano-y-mano!  TokyoPop has been getting behind American talent for over a year now and is producing some interesting works.  They’ve got excellent distribution, getting shelved in the major chains across the country.  Comic shops would do well to get behind some of their more interesting titles and water this plant to see how it blossoms.  (5 copies)

PAGE 366:  Modern Masters Volume 12 - Michael Golden SC:   TwoMorrows has been assembling some mighty nice books for this line.  This time out, they’re rolling with Michael Golden and after taking a look at that cover… well, all I can do is try to stuff my tongue back into my mouth.  Michael Golden’s art is a mix of Wally Wood’s attention to hyper-detail and Art Adams/J. Scott Campbell’s accentuated/cartoony anatomy.  Great stuff!  (5 copies)

…and last, but not least, our hidden treasure of the month!

PAGE 388:  Classic Marvel Figurine Collector Magazines (Elektra/Human Torch/Emma Frost/Vision/Thanos):  Sure, these heavy little figures are made out of lead and come with a health warning sticker on the package, but I think they’re PREVIEWS best kept secret.  I don’t know why they’re not being solicited with the Marvel stuff, but these things are great!  The attention to detail is stunning and each miniature comes with a 16 page “info-mag” with awesome character profiles and lavish covers.  Every shop should have these.  Just don’t put ‘em in your mouth!  (at least 3 each)

There you have it, folks!  I didn’t cover every single thing we’re ordering from this section of the Previews, just the new and noteworthy.  There’s still many titles here you should be checking out regularly such as Bongo’s Simpsons line and Archies… I could go on, but I think I’ll save some for next time.  Until then, may you not have an itch you can’t scratch.

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Mike “The Chief” Wellman, is the manager of The Comic Bug, the finest comic store of all Manhattan Beach, CA. His biggest strength is being able to lift 2 long comic boxes 85% full of 70's & 80's comics. Visit The Comic Bug’s website at www.thecomicbug.com.