(W) Ales Kot (A/CA) Luca Casalanguida, Heather Moore
Vietnam, 1969. Juarez, forty years later. Three men tied by the war they left behind-on collision course with a new one.
We’re back! Feels good to be writing about comics again. What better to return to than a new Ales Kot miniseries? Unless I’m misremembering, Kot’s last creator-owned series was Days of Hate so it’s been a little bit. Loving the art and can’t wait to check this out. Since Lost Soldiers is hitting shelves so soon, make sure to let the store know if you want to grab a copy.
Hedra (One-Shot)
JUN2000077
July 29, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W/A/CA) Jesse Lonergan
In a glorious exploration of the comics medium with echoes of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Flash Gordon, Chris Ware, and Moebius, a lone astronaut leaves a world ravaged by nuclear war in search of life. What she finds is beyond all explanation.
Every once in a while, they get me with the name drops in a solicit. Hedra got me here with 2001, Chris Ware, and Moebius (haven’t seen Flash Gordon, sorry! That song is good, though). I’ve not heard of Jesse Lonergan but I will certainly be picking this up. As with Lost Soldiers, this one comes out soon, so let us know if you’d like a copy set aside for you.
Under-Earth
JUN200622
October 21, 2020
Publisher: IDW – Top Shelf
(W/A/CA) Chris Gooch
The inmates of an extensive underground prison struggle to build meaningful lives in a broken system, in the most ambitious graphic novel to date from rising indie star Chris Gooch (Bottled and Deep Breaths).
Under-Earth takes place in a subterranean landfill, hollowed out to serve as a massive improvised prison. Sunken into the trash and debris of the past – Gameboys, iPhones, coffee cups, old cars – we follow two parallel stories.
In the first, a new arrival struggles to adapt to the everyday violence, physical labour, and poverty of the prison city. Overwhelmed and alone, he finds a connection with a fellow inmate through an old, beat-up novel. While these two silent and uncommunicative men grow closer thanks to their book, the stress of their environment will test their new bond.
Meanwhile, a pair of thieves pull off a risky job in exchange for the prisons’ schematics and the promise of escape – only to be betrayed by their employer. On the run with their hope for escape now gone, the two women set their minds to revenge. Yet as they lay their plans, their focus shifts from an obsession with the outside world to the life they have with each other.
Equal parts sincerity and violence, Under-Earth explores humanity’s inextinguishable drive to find meaning, connection, and even family – and how fragile such constructions can be.
This looks and sounds great. For long time readers, you may remember when I included Chris Gooch’s Deep Breaths on an older posting of Previews, not having seen their work before. I picked that up and really enjoyed what I read (I think I need to finish a few of the short stories). This would be a great one to take a chance on!
Department of Truth #1
JUL2000012
September 30, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W) James Tynion IV (W/CA) Martin Simmonds
SERIES PREMIERE! Cole Turner has studied conspiracy theories all his life, but he isn’t prepared for what happens when he discovers that all of them are true, from the JFK assassination to flat Earth theory and reptilian shapeshifters. One organization has been covering them up for generations. What is the deep, dark secret behind the Department of Truth? Bestselling writer JAMES TYNION IV (Batman, Something is Killing the Children) debuts his first Image ONGOING SERIES alongside breakout artist MARTIN SIMMONDS (Dying is Easy)!
Tynion’s take on an SCP/X-Files/Bureau of Control type of organization? Yeah, I’m into that.
Stillwater #1
JUL2000017
September 16, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Mike Spicer (A/CA) Ramon K. Perez
SERIES PREMIERE! Nobody dies. In the town of Stillwater, that’s not just a promise. It’s a threat. Join superstar writer CHIP ZDARSKY (THE WHITE TREES, Daredevil) and Eisner Award-winning artist RAM N K PÉREZ (Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand, Jane) as they dive into a world of horror and intrigue in this new ongoing Skybound series.
Though I do miss seeing more of Chip Zdarsky’s art on the shelves, his writing has been great. I can’t say I expected for him to do a horror book but that is a very welcomed surprise. Looking forward to Perez and Chip’s work on this!
Dracula Motherf**ker
JUL2000019
October 7, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Alex de Campi (A/CA) Erica Henderson
Vienna, 1889: Dracula’s brides nail him to the bottom of his coffin. Los Angeles, 1974: an aging starlet decides to raise the stakes. Crime scene photographer Quincy Harker is the only man who knows it happened, but will anyone believe him before he gets his own chalk outline? And are Dracula’s three brides there to help him…or use him as bait? A pulpy, pulse-pounding graphic novel of California psych-horror from acclaimed creators ALEX DE CAMPI and ERICA HENDERSON.
Speaking of horror — this looks great. Beyond the pulpy goodness of the cover and description, I would have immediately been on board for a team up of Alex de Campi and Erica Henderson. Is it too early to be excited for Halloween season? I think at this point each year (when we see previews for books coming out in October) is when I start to think about it.
We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1
JUL200871
September 2, 2020
Publisher: Vault Comics
(W) Al Ewing (A/CA) Simone Di Meo
* For fans of Decorum and Something is Killing the Children comes a new sci-fi epic from Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk) and Simone Di Meo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) on the edge of space where humanity is harvesting the corpses of giant alien gods to survive. * No one has ever seen a living god, but Captain Malik is obsessed with being the first. * Captain Malik and the crew of the Vihaan II harvest the only resources that matter from the giant corpses of alien gods found on the edge of human space. While other autopsy ships race to salvage the meat, minerals, and metals that sustain the human race, Malik sees an opportunity to finally break free from this system. * But Malik’s obsession with the gods will push his crew into the darkest reaches of space, bringing them face to face with a threat unlike anything they’ve ever imagined – unless the rogue agent on their trail can stop them first…
Josh (the Shorter) has been telling me for years that I need to be reading Al Ewing’s work. While I did pick up that amazing cosmic-looking Immortal Hulk #25 last year, I’ll admit that I haven’t read it yet. I love the premise of We Only Find Them When They’re Dead and will be jumping on board. Plus, you have to give props to titles that sounds like they could be the name of a midwest emo/math rock band.
Lonely Receiver #1
JUL200989
September 2, 2020
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
(W) Zac Thompson (A/CA) Jen Hickman
Catrin Vander, a lonely video producer, buys an Artificial Intelligence partner that’s meant to bond for life. After ten years together, her holographic wife suddenly discon-nects without a warning. The breakup drives Catrin to the point of near insanity. She’s alone for the first time in years and reeling from a loss she can’t comprehend.
Set in the new future, drenched in pastels and sunshine, LONELY RECEIVER is a horror/breakup story in five parts. Written by Zac Thompson (UNDONE BY BLOOD, THE REPLACER, HER INFERNAL DESCENT, No One’s Rose, X-Men) and illustrated in color by Jen Hickman (MOTH & WHISPER, Test).
Lonely Receiver sounds like a darker take on Spike Jonze’s film Her. Will Alan Watts make an appearance? We’ll have to find out.
As always, if you have any further questions feel free to call us or email us at info@fanfareland.com
The Godzilla Bonus Packs are expected to arrive later at the end of May. We will reserve one pack per box pre-purchased and call customers when they arrive.
Japanese Booster Packs are also available for $4.99 each + Tax
Update (6/8/20): We just received a fresh shipment of Commander 2020 decks!
From the world of the Eisner Award-winning Black Hammer series comes a bizarre sci-fi adventure origin story!
Wacky space adventurer Colonel Randall Weird leaves Black Hammer farm and embarks on a strange journey through space and time for something that he’s long forgotten with his sanity and life at stake!
“Jeff Lemire’s Black Hammer feels like it’s walking two roads-one honoring the past of superhero comics, and one forging a path into the future of the genre.”-Cullen Bunn
At this point, every Black Hammer spinoff has made my Previews picks. I don’t see that changing anytime soon. This may be the one I’m most excited for — Colonel Weird is such a great character and I’ve loved Tyler Crook’s work in B.P.R.D. and Harrow County.
Adventureman #1
FEB200011
April 29, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Matt Fraction (A/CA) Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson
SERIES PREMIERE! A CATACLYSMIC ADVENTURE DECADES IN THE MAKING! In this WILDLY AFFORDABLE TRIPLE-LENGTH FIRST ISSUE, revisit how the legend of the greatest pulp hero of them all, ADVENTUREMAN, ended in a heartbreaking CLIFFHANGER with our hero facing execution at the vile hand of his ultra-nemesis BARON BIZARRE on the eve of the MACABRAPOCALYPSE…or did it?!? Eighty years after his apparent demise, single mother Claire and her Adventurefan son Tommy seem to be the only two people alive that remember the thrilling ADVENTUREMAN sagas…but from that memory burns THE SPARK OF RESURRECTION! WHERE HIS STORY ENDED…HER STORY BEGINS! This sense-obliterating, earth-shaking, imagination-quaking adventure that spans generations comes to you from MATT FRACTION (SEX CRIMINALS, Hawkeye) and TERRY & RACHEL DODSON (X-Men/Fantastic Four, RED ONE)!!!
How could you not pick this up? It is “wildy affordable,” after all. The Dodson’s work in Previews looks great (go pick up X-Men/Fantastic Four!) and I’ll try anything new from Matt Fraction.
The Ludocrats #1 (of 5)
FEB200052
April 1, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Kieron Gillen, Jim Rossignol (A) Tamra Bonvillain (A/CA) Jeff Stokely
SERIES PREMIERE! The Ludocrat! The ludicrous aristocrat! A collision of the ornate fantasy of Dune and an M-rated Asterix & Obelix! Baron Otto Von Hades and Professor Hades Zero-K are here, and they’re going to save us all have a nice time.
KIERON GILLEN (DIE, THE WICKED + THE DIVINE) and JIM ROSSIGNOL (Sir, You Are Being Hunted) write! JEFF STOKELY (The Spire) draws! TAMRA BONVILLAIN (Once & Future) colors! Clayton Cowles (BITTER ROOT, DIE) letters! The universe screams in pleasure, writhing, finally satisfied, complete, joyous!
At first glance, this may not be a book that would typically catch my eye but the creators attached to it have pulled me in. That’s one of the greatest things about comics as a medium, as well — there’s almost no barrier to entry in trying something new!
Dead Dog’s Bite #1 (of 4)
FEB200238
April 8, 2020
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
(W/A) Tyler Boss (CA) Ian Bertram
Cormac Guffin has gone missing. It’s been three days and no one has seen hide nor hair of her. The police have nothing, and the townsfolk are acting more like a funeral procession than a search party. If Cormac has any hope of being found, it rests on the slouching shoulders of her best friend Joe. Joe will need her wits about her though, because, like any story worth hearing, nothing is what it seems.
From award-winning cartoonist Tyler Boss (4 Kids Walk into a Bank) comes the story of a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a candy wrapper.
o From award-winning cartoonist Tyler Boss (4 Kids Walk into a Bank)
Ooh right, I do have a copy of 4 Kids Walk into a Bank on my shelf. Looks like it may be time to finally dip into that. I’ve heard great things about that book and the premise of Dead Dog’s Bite certainly has me interested.
After winning five Eisner Awards and topping year-end “best of lists,” the comic book of 2019 was Mister Miracle. The comic book of 2020 will be Strange Adventures. The Mister Miracle team of writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads are joined by fan-favorite artist Evan “Doc” Shaner to bring you an epic tale in the tradition of Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, and DC: The New Frontier-a story of blood, war, and love that readers will be talking about for years to come. Adam Strange is the hero of Rann, a man famous throughout the galaxy for his bravery and honor. After leading his adopted home to victory in a great planetary war, Adam and his wife Alanna retire to Earth, where they are greeted by cheers, awards, and parades. But not all is as happy and nice as it seems, as the decisions Adam made during battles on Rann come back to haunt his family and threaten the entire DC Universe. And now a surprise DC hero will have to choose between saving Adam Strange and saving the world. A story like no other, Strange Adventures is an ambitious, thrilling, shocking, and beautiful 12-issue saga that will push Adam Strange to the breaking point-and beyond!
If you’ve been following comic books even just a little bit over the past year or so, you already know that Tom King and Mitch Gerads doing a limited series together is a big deal. If you’re new to that concept, go on out and treat yourself to a copy of Mister Miracle. You’re in for a treat.
Decorum #1
JAN200108
March 11, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Jonathon Hickman (A/CA) Mike Huddleston
SERIES PREMIERE! There are many assassins in the known universe. This is the story of the most well-mannered one. “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what knife you use.”
If you’re familiar with Jonathon Hickman’s creater-owned work, I know what you may be asking yourself right now — is this book going to take the next 10 years to wrap up? Who knows! Last I heard, Hickman’s been waiting to put out solicits until books were completed or near completion but either way, I’m also very excited for a new Hickman book. Some what recent recommended reading: House of X/Powers of X (soon to be collected together as Dawn of X), Black Monday Murders, and East of West.
X-Ray Robot #1 (of 4)
JAN200303
March 25, 2020
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
(W/A/CA) Mike Allred
Max is a family man seeking a more interesting life. While conducting a new experiment at work, the fabric of his reality is torn before his eyes, and a robotic figure appears, claiming to be his 277-year-old self. The robot is able to “X-Ray” multiple dimensions and battles a nihilistic entity from another dimension who wants to take all life to its “Pre-Big Bang” status. Max and the robot embark on an interdimensional roadtrip through past and future to take down the “Nihilist” and save the universe! o Mike Allred’s new bizarre superhero character X-Ray Robot! “One of the best cartoonists in all of comics has done it again! X-Ray Robot is another Allred homerun!!” -Brian Michael Bendis “Michael Allred kicks so much ass I can barely stand it. X-Ray Robot is the work of a master!” -Rob Thomas creator of Veronica Mars
I guess this makes for book number three on the list this month of “hey, these are creators I don’t want to pass up on!” Mike Allred’s art is rad and I will always check out something new from him. Recommended reading: X-Statix and Silver Surfer.
Starship Down #1 (of 4)
JAN200305
March 18, 2020
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
(W) Justin Giampaoli (A/CA) Andrea Mutti
A cultural anthropologist consults with US Naval Intelligence to investigate the discovery of an extraterrestrial ship buried under the ice for thousands of years in Siberia. The meddling Russians, Vatican officials, the international media spotlight, and her own insecurities all threaten her efforts to keep the fabric of society from crumbling. o A brand-new thriller with blistering art from Andrea Mutti.
First contact and clandestine organizations — two big checkmarks in my favorite kinds of story ideas. I will definitely be checking this one out!
Hellboy & B.P.R.D.: Return of Effie Kolb #1 (of 2)
DEC190218
February 19, 2020
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
(W/CA) Mike Mignola (A) Zach Howard
Years after he banished the Crooked Man, Hellboy returns to Appalachia when a young psychic warns Tom Ferrell of looming danger. But the Crooked Man’s house is no longer empty, and threats both new and old simmer in the Virginia woods. Mike Mignola returns to continue the tale of “The Crooked Man.” He’s joined by artist Zach Howard and colorist Dave Stewart for a stellar fright fest!
The Crooked Man is one of the best Hellboy short stories ever written (and beautifully drawn by Richard Corben) and is a strong contender for my favorite. I can’t wait to see Mignola revisit such a classic tale in that universe. Pictured above is cover B drawn by Mignola himself.
Tartarus #1
DEC190067
February 12, 2020
Publisher: Image Comics
(W) Johnnie Christmas (A/CA) Jack Cole
SERIES PREMIERE! A new adventure series with all the sci-fi drama of Breaking Bad set in Mos Eisley! Promising young cadet Tilde is framed for crimes against the empire after discovering her mother was the ruthless warlord of the deadly colony Tartarus, a vital player in the galactic war. Now, Tilde’s only way home may be to reclaim her mother’s dark crown. #1 New York Times bestseller JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS (Alien 3) and artistic phenom JACK T. COLE (The Unsound) kick off this ongoing series with 44 big pages of story!
I was introduced to both Johnnie Christmas and Jack Cole in Image Comics’ Island magazine so it’s cool to see them working together. The premise sounds like it could be a really rad, pulpy sci-f to boot. If you’re looking to brush up on their work beforehand, check out The Unsound drawn by Jack Cole and Firebug written and drawn by Johnnie Christmas.
X-Men+Fantastic Four #1 (of 4)
DEC190770
February 5, 2020
Publisher: Marvel Comics
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A/CA) Terry Dodson
KRAKOA. Every mutant on Earth lives there … except for one. But now it’s time for FRANKLIN RICHARDS to come home. It’s the X-MEN VS. the FANTASTIC FOUR and nothing will ever be the same. Rated T+
It’s Chip Zdarsky, y’all. The guy needs you to buy his book, it’s all he’s got. That, and a burning disdain for Ryan Stegman.
Godkillers #1
DEC191337
February 19, 2020
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
(W) Mark Sable (A) Maan House (CA) Jeremy Haun
Abdul Alhazred is an Arab-American folklore professor-turned-soldier whose fear of death stems from uncertainty about the existence of an afterlife. Then he joins THE GODKILLERS, a special forces unit tasked with fighting insurgents who use mythological creatures as weapons of mass destruction. Now that he knows that the supernatural exists, he’ll have to decide which is worse – death or the nightmarish monsters he thought were mere legends. From writer Mark Sable (Grounded, Fearless, Supergirl) and newcomer artist Maan House, THE GODKILLERS is a monster story for the modern age.
So, I think I’m still not over B.P.R.D. being finished. I’m not saying that The Godkillers is going to fill that void but the premise certainly gives off some similar vibes. I guess I’m a sucker for secret task forces coming face-to-face with the fringes of reality.
Two troubled teenagers discover they can manipulate emotions by firing finger guns. There will be laughs. There will be tears. There will be uncomfortable teen feelings and angst. Oh yeah… and chaos. So much chaos.
Pretty short solicit here but Vault has been showing time after time that it’s always worth picking up and trying their new series.
Plunge #1 (of 6)
DEC190430
February 19, 2020
Publisher: DC Comics
(W) Joe Hill (A) Stuart Immonen (CA) Jeremy Wilson
In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami, an exploration vessel known as the Derleth begins sending an automated distress signal from a remote atoll in the Bering Strait. The only problem is that the Derleth has been missing for 40 years. Marine biologist Moriah Lamb joins the Carpenter Salvage team to recover the Derleth’s dead…only to find that in this remote part of the Arctic Circle the dead have plenty to say to the living…Joe Hill and Stuart Immonen’s Plunge into terror begins here!
I’ve yet to dip into Joe Hill’s new imprint, Hill House, but Plunge has grabbed my attention. There’s not necessarily anything groundbreaking in the description but I enjoy a good ghost ship story. That reminds me, I still need to finish Man of Medan.
Genesys RPG: Expanded Player’s Guide and Game Master’s Screen
The Expanded Player’s Guide contains a wealth of knowledge for players eager to equip their characters with interesting new gear, vehicles, and spells and Game Masters designing their own settings. This is the first expansion book that is for Genesys as a whole, rather than focusing on a specific setting. This 112-page book features three exciting new example settings, a step-by-step guide that makes creating your own settings easier than ever, new rules for creating your own vehicles, quick rules for creating your own adversaries, and new spells and talents for the Genesys Magic System to further customize your games.
The Genesys Game Master’s Screen will help you keep your notes, dice rolls, and plans hidden from your players while also providing handy information. This three-panel screen has the most commonly referenced rules and charts to keep your games flowing quickly and smoothly.
Legend of the Five Rings LCG: Shoju’s Duty Dynasty Pack
Duty above all else. This is the creed of the Scorpion, and it has served them well. Slowly gathering power over the decades, the Emerald Empire’s most deceptive clan found themselves in the spotlight of Otosan Uchi. Now, as the Empire is thrown into chaos, it falls to the ever-loyal Scorpion Clan to hold Rokugan together, and once more put themselves in the spotlight.
Fantasy Flight Games is proud to announce Shoju’s Duty, the final dynasty pack in the Inheritance cycle for Legend of the Five Rings: The Card Game!
Shoju’s Duty introduces a new version of the Scorpion Clan Champion, as well as new tools for every Great Clan to find their place in the new order of Rokugan.
Star Wars Legion Miniatures Game: Paint Sets
The quick flash of a blaster bolt. The deep crimson robes of the Imperial Royal Guard. From the soft glow of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber to the brilliant gleam of a Stormtrooper’s armor, the Star Wars galaxy is awash in vibrant color. These colors illuminate the ground battles of the Galactic Civil War, breathing life into the epic struggle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Soon, you’ll have the chance to bring your own Star Wars armies to life in beautiful color faithful to a galaxy far, far away.
Fantasy Flight Games is excited to announce three paint sets for Star Wars™: Legion!
Core Paint Set
Imperial Paint Set
Rebel Paint Set
With all the essential colors to depict the troopers and vehicles of the Galactic Civil War, these paint sets are the perfect entry point for miniature painters looking to add some thematic flair to their Star Wars: Legion armies. Containing a total of 34 paints, two distinct washes, and two fine tipped brushes between these three sets, you’ll have all the tools you need to take your armies to the next level.
Dragon Ball Super Card Game: Gift Box 2 and Gift Box 3
Wave 1 includes: Wolverine (pictured above), Cyclops, Storm, Emma Frost, Magneto, Cannonball, Magik, Warbird, and Psylocke.
WizKids Unpainted Miniatures: D&D Nolzur’s Wave 10, Pathfinder Deep Cuts Wave 10, WizKids Deep Cuts Wave 10
Nolzur’s Wave 10 includes: Human Female Paladin, Human Female Rogue, Human Female Sorcerer, Goliath Male Barbarian, Goliath Female Barbarian, Elf Female Cleric, Human Male Warlock, Human Female Warlock, Half-Elf Male Monk, Half-Elf Female Monk, Kneku Adventurers, Succubus & Incubus, Iron Golem, Clay Golem, Drider, Grung (pictured above), Air Elemental, Fire Elemental, Earth Elemental, Water Elemental, Black Dragon Wyrmling, Red Dragon Wyrmling, and Blue Dragon Wyrmling.
Pathfinder Wave 10 includes: Half-Orc Male Druid, Elf Male Rogue, Necromancers (pictured above), Bone Golem, and Pit Devil.
WizKids Wave 10 includes: Tend & Lean-To, Bedrolls, Camp Fire & Sitting Log, Archery Range, Horse & Hitch, Well, Heroic Statue, Fountain, Bounty Board, Piles of Wood, Signs & Lights, Guards, Mayor & Town Crier (pictured above), Guillotine, and Hanging Cage.
