New Comics Collected Editions: John Romita Spider-Man Dailies Artist Edition, Madame Web, Epic Doctor Strange, More

Our picks this week. Click the links to buy titles from Amazon, which helps support Pop Culture Safari!

John Romita's Amazing Spider-Man: The Daily Strips Artist's Edition

Celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Amazing Spider-Man with this very special Artist’s Edition!

Spider-Man is one the most popular characters in the history of comics. This Artist’s Edition collects high-resolution scans of the very earliest Amazing Spider-Man daily strips by the two creators most associated with the Web-Slinger, Stan “The Man” Lee and “Jaunty” John Romita!

Approximately 300 (!) original daily strips have been scanned, all from 1977 and 1978. The strip debuted on January 3, 1977, and the entire first two months of the strip are included in this volume. Spider-Man’s origin is recapped and it’s a Who’s Who of all your favorite Spidey characters.

Doctor Strange Epic Collection: I, Dormammu

Doctor Strange is back - brought to you by the occult imaginings of Stan Lee, Bill Everett, Marie Severin and Dan Adkins! 

With a roll call of classic creators like that, this Epic Collection is anything but cursed. Doctor Strange's adventures will take him across the cosmos and into new dimensions as he struggles to save Earth from Kaluu, Umar and the judgment of the Living Tribunal! 

Then, in his own solo series at last, Doctor Strange gains one of his greatest creative teams of all time: Roy Thomas, Gene Colan and Tom Palmer! This trio of talents will pit the Master of the Mystic Arts against Eternity and Dormammu - with the lives of Clea and Victoria Bentley hanging in the balance! 

Collecting DOCTOR STRANGE (1968) #169-179, AVENGERS (1963) #61, and material from STRANGE TALES (1951) #147-168 and NOT BRAND ECHH #13.

Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse: The Official Movie Special

This deluxe book explores the all-new movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the sequel to the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Go behind-the-scenes with the makers of the movie in this lavish volume that features amazing artwork and photography from the visually stunning new film.

Marvel-Verse: Spider-Man & Madame Web

None of Spider-Man's many allies in the Marvel-Verse boasts the precognitive powers of the Madame Web! 

The mysterious Cassandra Webb's incredible future sight helps the web-slinger thwart a criminal who schemes to take over Peter Parker's current employer, the Daily Globe! But when the unstoppable Juggernaut sets out to kidnap Madame Web, can our friendly neighborhood hero stand in his way? Find out in one of the all-time great Spidey sagas! 

Years later, arachnid hero Julia Carpenter gains the skills of a seer and upholds the legacy of Madame Web! But when she foresees Peter trying to stop New York's destruction 24 hours in the future, Julia has bad news for him: He'll have to save the day alone! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #210 and #229-230, and AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1999) #678-679.

New Comics Collected Editions: John Byrne X-Men Artist's Edition, Wonder Man Omnibus, Dr. Strange by Mark Waid

Our picks this week.

John Byrne's X-Men Artist's Edition

With stories like “The Dark Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past!” John Byrne’s work on X-Men became one of the most influential and popular comics of the 1970s. Included in this stellar Artist’s Edition are pages from John Byrne’s classic run and an amazing number of covers!

An Artist’s Edition publishes scans of original art at a high resolution and prints it at the same size it was drawn. While appearing to be in black and white, these images were scanned in color, allowing the viewer the best possible look at the artist’s intentions. You are able to see blue pencil notations, corrections, margin notes, and all the little nuances that make original art so unique and special. The only better way to view comic art is if you were standing over the artist’s shoulder as they were laboring at their drawing table.

Wonder Man: The Early Years Omnibus

Discover the wonder of Wonder Man! Simon Williams is imbued with incredible ionic powers by Baron Zemo to become an enemy of the Avengers but gives his life to save them — and later returns from the grave to join them! Traumatized by his death, Simon must summon all his courage, strength and will to prove himself a hero! His burgeoning confidence sees him head to Hollywood to become a movie star — and a founding member of the West Coast Avengers! But he’s never far from drama with his complicated family tree — which includes Vision, Scarlet Witch, Ultron…and his brother, the Grim Reaper!

Collecting AVENGERS (1963) #9, #52, #131-132, #151-153, #157-160, #164-166, #181, #192-194, #197, #203, #207-208, #211 and #239; GIANT-SIZE AVENGERS #3; MARVEL TEAM-UP (1972) #78 and #136; MARVEL PREMIERE #55; MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE (1974) #78; VISION AND THE SCARLET WITCH (1982) #3; VISION AND THE SCARLET WITCH (1985) #2; WEST COAST AVENGERS (1984) #2; WEST COAST AVENGERS (1985) #1-2 and #25; AVENGERS WEST COAST #66-68 and WONDER MAN (1986) #1 — plus material from AVENGERS (1963) #201 and ANNUAL #6, SOLO AVENGERS #13, MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (1988) #38-45, AVENGERS SPOTLIGHT #28, MARVEL SUPER-HEROES (1990) #4, AVENGERS WEST COAST #65 and AVENGERS CLASSIC #9.

Doctor Strange By Mark Waid Vol. 1

Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme goes intergalactic! When Stephen Strange loses his mastery of the mystic arts, Tony Stark offers a twenty-first-century solution: Search for new magic in outer space! Bizarre new spells, allies and enemies await Strange beyond the stars as he uncovers corners and secrets of the Marvel Universe never before witnessed! But he’s a little out of his element traveling the galaxy — and it shows! Before long, Strange finds himself powerless, friendless and the prisoner of a hostile civilization. Thankfully, a new companion can lend a hand when the Super-Skrull swings by, wielding the Time Stone! But what shocking surprise is waiting for Stephen back on Earth? It’s time to gear up, get serious and build a new arsenal — because Doctor Strange has become his own worst enemy!

Collecting DOCTOR STRANGE (2018) #1-11.

New Comics Collected Editions: Epic Iron Man, Savage Sword of Conan

Our picks this week:

Iron Man Epic Collection: War of the Super Villains

A feud of epic proportions has been growing among the world's super villains! The mysterious Black Lama is pitting villain against villain, and the prize is ultimate power. This feud sets the Mandarin against the Yellow Claw, M.O.D.O.K. against the Mad Thinker…and all of them against Iron Man! It's a saga like only Marvel makes them: the War of the Super Villains! 

This volume also boasts the towering threat of Ultimo and Iron Man's return to Vietnam to rescue a friend behind enemy lines. Meanwhile, NYPD Detective Michael O'Brien begins an investigation aiming to nail Tony Stark for the death of his brother, the Guardsman! Add to that the Blood Brothers, the Controller and a new incarnation of the Molecule Man, and Iron Man must defend himself from all comers - or he'll lose everything! 

Collecting IRON MAN (1968) #68-91 and ANNUAL #3.

The Savage Sword of Conan: The Original Comics Omnibus Vol. 1

Unfettered by the Comics Code, experience Conan at his most visceral in the original epic comic magazine The Savage Sword of Conan! The dark and gritty tales within are perfect for Conan fans looking for that extra bit of bloody violence!

Crom! This inaugural volume ushers in a line of definitive Savage Sword of Conan collections. Full-color covers, letters pages, pinups, extensive articles and reviews on Conan, his world and his creator — everything’s included and no one is spared the vengeance of Conan!

After the breakout success of Conan’s color comic, the legendary sword-and-sorcery saga of Robert E. Howard’s hero expanded into the oversized black-and-white magazine format.

In lushly illustrated novel-length adventures with all the drama, violence and allure the comic book medium can offer, writer Roy Thomas and the greatest artists of the era craft a host of Conan classics like Barry Windsor-Smith’s “Red Nails” and John Buscema’s “Black Colossus” and “A Witch Shall Be Born” featuring the infamous Tree of Death.

Coming Up: 'Dave Cockrum's X-Men Artist's Edition'

Out in July 2024. Pre-order now from Amazon.

Details:

This collection is a celebration of some of the most explosive art in X-Men history. Included in this stellar Artist’s Edition are more than 100 pages from Dave Cockrum’s initial run, selections from his return to the series, and an amazing gallery of sketches and covers. See the Giant-Size X-Men #1 cover as the artist originally imagined it!

An Artist’s Edition publishes scans of original art at a high resolution and prints it at the same size it was drawn. While appearing to be in black and white, these images were scanned in color, allowing the viewer the best possible look at the artist’s intentions. You are able to see blue pencil notations, corrections, margin notes, and all the little nuances that make original art so unique and special. The only better way to view comic art is if you were standing over the artist’s shoulder as they were laboring at their drawing table.

New Comics Collected Editions: Doctor Who, Kamandi, Savage Sword of Conan, More!

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

Doctor Who: Once Upon a Time Lord

An epic story that sees companion Martha Jones captured by the insatiable Pyromeths, and her only hope for survival is to keep them distracted with sensational untold tales of the Tenth Doctor facing off against his greatest foes--both classic and new!

Witness the incredible adventures of the Tenth Doctor like never-before! You’ll be on the edge of your Tardis as Martha recounts three unbelievable tales of The Doctor facing off against his deadliest foes!

Dan Slott’s incredible Doctor Who comics debut reveals his love for the franchise, featuring cameos from multiple Doctors and their enemies, including the Daleks and Cybermen! Fans will also delight at the special bonus story starring the Ninth Doctor and Rose!

Bursting straight out of the long-running hit television series, this Doctor Who collection continues the time-traveling tales of the Doctor and friends.

Buy it, read it, then travel back in time to read it for the first time all over again…!

Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth by Jack Kirby Vol. 2

In the postapocalyptic world of Kamandi, humans and beasts have traded places and sentient animals now rule supreme. It’s up to Kamandi and his allies to continue the search for the cause of the Great Disaster and restore civilization. Written and illustrated by comics legend Jack “King” Kirby and his frequent collaborators D. Bruce Berry and Mike Royer, Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth showcases the King at the height of his creativity.

    Collects KAMANDI, THE LAST BOY ON EARTH #21-40.

Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Fantastic Four Vol. 3 - It Started On Yancy Street

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby set the standard for out-of-this-world imaginative adventure with the Fantastic Four! Now, with all the Marvel Universe's super-heroic players in place, it's time for the FF to run the gauntlet! The Thing throws down with the Hulk in a battle so huge it takes the combined might of the FF and the Avengers to stop it! The Sub-Mariner makes a play for Sue Storm! The FF tangle with the X-Men! Nick Fury drops by in the story that set the table for his debut as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.! Even Doctor Strange makes an ever-so-astral appearance! And there are villains, too - from the Mole Man and Doctor Doom to the Mad Thinker, Red Ghost and the outer-space Infant Terrible! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #21-29.

Wonder Woman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 5

Beautiful as Aphrodite, wise as Athena, stronger than Hercules, and swifter than Mercury, Wonder Woman has been the preeminent female superhero icon since her debut in 1942. This next exciting omnibus covers the late 1940s to the early 1950s and features tales such as “The Girl Who Saved Paradise Island,” “The Fatal Beauty,” “Wonder Woman’s Romantic Rival,” and many, many more!

    Collects WONDER WOMAN #35-47 and SENSATION COMICS #90-104.

The Savage Sword of Conan: The Original Comics Omnibus Vol. 9

Unfettered by the Comics Code, experience Conan at his most visceral in the original epic comic magazine The Savage Sword of Conan! The dark and gritty tales within are perfect for Conan fans looking for that extra bit of bloody violence! This DM edition features exclusive cover art!

Crom does not deny the faithful! The Savage Sword of Conan Omnibus collections are continuing and collecting the greatest sword-and-sorcery comic magazine of all time! In this massive hardcover volume, we present not only sixteen issues of Savage Sword crafted by the greatest Conan comics creators of the era, but also the never before reprinted full-color graphic novel, Conan: The Witch Queen of Acheron. Highlights include: The art of Gary Kwapisz, a sword-and-sorcery master whose richly detailed style ranks him among the greatest Conan illustrators; stories by writer Larry Yakata, an Olympic martial artist who brought a new voice and action-oriented authenticity to the series; contributions from celebrated Savage Sword art icons including Ernie Chan, Rudy Nebres and Pablo Marcos; and a rare Robert E. Howard tribute story by Roy Thomas and Sandy Plunkett. This DM edition features exclusive cover art!

Eerie Archives Vol. 2

Collecting the groundbreaking series, Eerie Archives is now available in a value-priced paperback edition. Under a jaw-dropping cover painting by Frank Frazetta lies a collection of chilling tales written by comics legend Archie Goodwin and illustrated by a murderer’s row of top talents including Steve Ditko, Gene Colan, Neal Adams, Gray Morrow, Johnny Craig, Dan Adkins, and more.

Collects Eerie magazine #6–#10.

New Comics Collected Editions: Creepy Archives, Darwyn Cooke's Complete Parker, Clowes' Death-Ray

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

Creepy Archives Vol. 3

Cast your bloodshot eyes and feed your fetid imagination on the deliciously deranged tales of terror unearthed from the spine-chilling pages Creepy magazine!

Featuring virtuoso turns by comics legends Archie Goodwin, Frank Frazetta, Steve Ditko, Neal Adams, Gray Morrow and other masters of the macabre, Creepy proves that fear can be fun!

Collects Creepy issues #11–#15 in a value-priced paperback edition and includes original letters pages, text features, and ads.

Richard Stark's Parker: The Complete Collection

The groundbreaking and multiple award-winning graphic novels by Darwyn Cooke, collected in their entirety for the first time in one softcover volume.

Collecting the four Parker graphic novels (The Score, The Outfit, The Score, and Slayground) as well as two shorts (The Man with the Getaway Face and The Seventh). These stories encompass all Darwyn Cooke’s sequential stories of Parker.

The Death-Ray by Daniel Clowes

A cartoonist’s acclaimed take on the superhero genre—now in paperback.

Teen outcast Andy is an orphaned nobody with only one friend, the obnoxious—but loyal—Louie. They roam school halls and city streets, invisible to everyone but bullies and tormentors, until the glorious day when Andy takes his first puff on a cigarette. That night he wakes, heart pounding, soaked in sweat, and finds himself suddenly overcome with the peculiar notion that he can do anything. Indeed, he can, and as he learns the extent of his new powers, he discovers a terrible and seductive gadget—a hideous compliment to his seething rage—that forever changes everything.

The Death-Ray utilizes the classic staples of the superhero genre—origin, costume, ray gun, sidekick, fight scene—and reconfigures them in a story that is anything but morally simplistic. With subtle comedy, deft mastery, and an obvious affection for the bold pop-art exuberance of comic book design, Daniel Clowes delivers a contemporary meditation on the darkness of the human psyche.

One of Clowes’ most beloved books, The Death-Ray is the winner of the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards.

Coming Up: Marvel Universe by Arthur Adams Omnibus

Order now from Amazon.

Details:

Like all great comic-book artists, Arthur Adams earned his way in through long, hard work - by hitting the pavement with his portfolio in hand. But it didn't seem that way. Adams seemed to burst out of the clear blue sky with an avalanche of unbelievable artwork. 

Energetic, richly detailed, full of character and just plain fun, his art merged East and West - bringing manga influences to American readers and influencing a generation of future artists. Now, this Omnibus collects Adams' complete Marvel work from the 1980s through the early 1990s in one volume! From Longshot to the X-Men to the New Fantastic Four; from covers galore to pinups, posters and trading cards - not to mention a huge trove of pencils and original art - this is your be-all, end-all Arthur Adams Omnibus! 

Collecting LONGSHOT #1-6, NEW MUTANTS SPECIAL EDITION #1, X-MEN ANNUAL (1970) #9-10, CLOAK AND DAGGER (1985) #9, X-FACTOR (1986) #41-42, EXCALIBUR: MOJO MAYHEM and FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #347-349 - plus material from WEB OF SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #2, X-MEN ANNUAL (1970) #12 and #14, FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #358, and MARVEL HOLIDAY SPECIAL (1991) #1.

New Comics Collected Editions: 'Superman: The Harvest of Youth,' 'Monica' by Daniel Clowes, More

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

Superman: The Harvests of Youth

Clark Kent’s idyllic teen life is wrenched away when the death of a classmate rocks Smallville. As he and his friends grieve, the challenges they face become darker, more complex, and deeply insidious. For the first time in his life, Clark must grapple with life’s biggest questions, and confront his own mortality (or lack thereof) in order to become the hero his beloved town needs. Acclaimed GLAAD Media Award-nominated writer and artist Sina Grace (Iceman) tells the deeply moving and quintessential story of teenage Clark Kent and the town that must overcome grief and hate to restore hope.

Monica

Monica is a series of interconnected narratives that collectively tell the life story — actually, stories — of its title character. Clowes calls upon a lifetime of inspiration to create the most complex and per - sonal graphic novel of his distinguished career. Rich with visual detail, an impeccable ear for language and dialogue, and thrilling twists, Monica is a multilayered masterpiece in comics form that alludes to many of the genres that have defined the medium — war, romance, horror, crime, the supernatural, etc. — but in a mysterious, uncategorizable, and quintessentially Clowesian way that rewards multiple readings.

Five years in the making, Monica marks the apex of creativity from one of the defining voices of the graphic novel boom over the past quarter-century. 

Eerie Archives Vol. 1

Now available in an affordable paperback format, Eerie Archives Volume 1 features some of the most acclaimed works of horror, murder, and the macabre in the history of graphic fiction.

Eerie, like its killer kin Creepy, features work from many of the grandmasters of comics storytelling, including Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, Gray Morrow, Alex Toth, Steve Ditko, and others and stories by the legendary Archie Goodwin.

Features the ultra-rare Eerie #1, for which only 200 “ashcan” copies were originally printed!

Collects Eerie magazine #1–#5.

The EC Archives: Weird Fantasy Vol. 2

Weird Fantasy from EC Comics captured the wonder and terror of science fiction like no other title of its era.

And now the Dark Horse Comics library of EC classics returns with EC Archives: Weird Fantasy Volume 2, now in a value-priced paperback edition featuring the work of comics legends Al Feldstein, William Gaines, Wally Wood, Jack Kamen, Joe Orlando and more.

This volume collects Weird Fantasy issues #7–#12 with remastered digital color based on Marie Severin’s original tones.

Foreword by rock superstar Gene Simmons of KISS!

Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men Vol. 3 - Divided We Fall

The Xavier School has a new headmaster: Roy Thomas! Stan Lee’s right-hand man, Roy took mutantkind on wild new adventures as he cut his teeth as a scripter of superhero sagas. These early adventures come from the time when Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel and Iceman were a quirky quintet of teenagers together against the world. Across ten issues you’ll see them confront a host of villains — from Count Nefaria and his henchmen, to the Locust and the Aztec-inspired Kukulcan! You’ll also witness the first appearance of mainstay X-Man Banshee and read the rare stories when a sixth mutant member, the Mimic, joined Professor X’s squad!

Collecting X-MEN (1963) #20-29.

Out Now: 'Walter Simonson’s Fantastic Four Artist’s Edition'

Released today. Order now from Amazon.

Details:

This is an art book, not a traditional collection of comic books, featuring rare and beautiful imagery, a collection for connoisseurs of the form. Simonson’s groundbreaking work on Fantastic Four and other Marvel titles helped revolutionize the comics medium and his work is on full display here in all its original, high-resolution glory!

Collecting eight complete stories from Walter Simonson’s run on the Fantastic Four, #337–341 and #353–354, story and art by Simonson.

An Artist’s Edition publishes scans of original art at a high resolution and prints it at the same size it was drawn. While appearing to be in black and white, these images were scanned in color, allowing the viewer the best possible look at the artist’s intentions: You are able to see blue pencil notations, corrections, margin notes, and all the little nuances that make original art so unique and special. The only better way to view comic art is if you were standing over the artist’s shoulder as they were laboring at their drawing table. 

Coming Up: 'Bill Sienkiewicz's Mutants and Moon Knights and Assassins Artisan Edition'

Out Oct. 24. Order now from Amazon.

Details:

Bill Sienkiewicz is renowned for his work on some of Marvel’s most iconic comics of the 1980s: Moon Knight, The New Mutants, Elektra: Assassin, and more. This collection is filled with some of his finest covers, pin-ups, and pages. Included in this Artisan Edition is the oversized first issue of Elektra: Assassin, written by Frank Miller, as well as many gorgeous pages from that acclaimed series. All have been meticulously scanned from the original art and reproduced to the exacting Artist’s Edition standards.

An Artisan Edition collects stories, covers and pages that have been reproduced from the original art. While appearing to be in black and white, these images have been scanned in color, allowing the reader to view them as closely as possible to the original art. Ink gradients, blue pencil, corrections, and more are all clearly visible, all the wonderful subtle nuances that make original art so special and unique. The only way to better view these pages if you were standing over the artist’s shoulder as they were drawn.

 

Coming Up: 'John Byrne's X-Men Artist's Edition'

Out Dec. 12. Order now from Amazon.

Details:

With stories like “The Dark Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past!” John Byrne’s work on X-Men became one of the most influential and popular comics of the 1970s. Included in this stellar Artist’s Edition are pages from John Byrne’s classic run and an amazing number of covers!

An Artist’s Edition publishes scans of original art at a high resolution and prints it at the same size it was drawn. While appearing to be in black and white, these images were scanned in color, allowing the viewer the best possible look at the artist’s intentions. You are able to see blue pencil notations, corrections, margin notes, and all the little nuances that make original art so unique and special. The only better way to view comic art is if you were standing over the artist’s shoulder as they were laboring at their drawing table.

New Comics Collected Editions: Batman Omnibi, Avengers Epic Collection, 'The Super Hero's Journey,' 'Working With Ditko,' More!

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

Batman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 10

The Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder return for another thrilling tome of adventures that close out the Golden Age of comics. In this volume, marvel at the voyage of the first Batmarine, see the Dark Knight fall head over heels in love, fight the likes of the Joker and Catwoman, and meet Ace the Bat-Hound, Mad Hattter,and the Batmen of All Nations for the very first time!

Collects full-color restorations of the Dark Knight’s capers in BATMAN #86-100, DETECTIVE COMICS #211-232, along with a brand-new foreword by the originator and executive producer of the Batman film franchise, Michael Uslan.

The Avengers Epic Collection: The Yesterday Quest

Writers Jim Shooter and David Michelinie and avenging artists George Pérez and John Byrne bring you the Avengers at their best! And it begins with the cosmic "Korvac Saga" - co-starring the Guardians of the Galaxy! Possessed by the Power Cosmic, Korvac seeks to create a utopia on Earth. His godlike power may mean the end of the Avengers - and everyone else on the planet! Then, bookending this volume is "The Yesterday Quest" - a storyline with deep revelations for the Scarlet Witch, including her first encounter with the evil power of the Darkhold! In between, new heroes join the team, battles with the Absorbing Man and Count Nefaria will shake your fillings, and you will see why the Avengers will forever be called Earth's Mightiest Heroes! Collecting AVENGERS (1963) #167-188 and ANNUAL #8-9, and material from AVENGERS: THE KORVAC SAGA TPB.

Batman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 1 (2023 Edition)

The stories that catapulted Batman to legendary status are collected here in a single, massive volume. These original stories from DETECTIVE COMICS #27-56 and BATMAN #1-7 include the origin of the Dark Knight, as well as the debuts of Robin, Commissioner Gordon, Professor Hugo Strange, The Joker, Catwoman and more!

The Avengers Omnibus Vol. 5

Prepare to assemble for another epic Avengers Omnibus edition, brought to you this time by Steve Englehart and a host of Marvel’s greatest artists! They present Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in some of their most iconic adventures: the origin of Mantis, the Avengers’ first conflict with Thanos and a defining Kang the Conqueror saga that spans space and time. Of course, there’s plenty of personal drama opposite the action as Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch’s origins are explored and two weddings bring together Marvel’s heroes. New members will also join the ranks as the Beast, Hellcat and Moondragon become Avengers. This volume also features the series’ letters pages as well as art and interviews from Marvel’s famous fanzine F.O.O.M.!

Collecting AVENGERS (1968) 120-149, GIANT-SIZE AVENGERS (1974) #1-4, CAPTAIN MARVEL (1968) #33, FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #150 and material from FOOM (1973) #6-7 & #12.

The Super Hero’s Journey

The Super Hero’s Journey is unlike anything you have ever read. Imbued with the creativity, artwork, and heart of Patrick McDonnell, the beloved creator of the comic strip Mutts, this all-new graphic novel features classic Marvel super heroes including the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Black Panther, and Spider-Man, and is the synthesis of McDonnell’s positive, inspirational sensibility and Marvel’s blockbuster brand. Using the Marvel Universe as avatars, McDonnell muses on how comics changed his life and inspired him to become a cartoonist, instilling a moral sensibility that he carries through his work and his life.

We begin with the Watcher—a being who exists outside the planes of space and time, who sees every moment that has happened, will happen, or is happening throughout the cosmos—as he observes Earth and the inner burdens of the Marvel super heroes. As the Watcher observes the villainous plans of Dr. Doom, who is harnessing the power of the Negative Zone and slowly spreading its negativity across our planet and destroying the human spirit, Mr. Fantastic is led on a meta journey that takes him through the pages of classic comic books and across scenes familiar and unexpected, including the Commercial Zone, which is filled with advertisements for “stuff” and wonders of the imagination only to deliver disappointment and false promises. Ultimately, our heroes discover a zen solution in an unexpected fashion—one that aligns this book with the inspiring messages of McDonnell’s other beloved and award-winning books—leaving readers with a renewed sense of love, hope, and redemption.

Working With Ditko

Working With Ditko takes a unique and nostalgic journey through comics’ Bronze Age, as editor and writer Jack C. Harris recalls his numerous collaborations with legendary comics master Steve Ditko! It features never-before-seen preliminary sketches and pencil art from Harris’ tenure working with Ditko on The Creeper, Shade the Changing Man, the Odd Man, the Demon, Wonder Woman, Legion of Super-Heroes, The Fly, and even Ditko’s unused redesign for Batman! Plus, it documents their work on numerous independent properties, and offers glimpses of original characters from Ditko’s drawing board that have never been viewed by even his most avid fans! This illustrated volume is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the creative comic book process by one of the industry’s most revered creators, as seen through the eyes of one of his most frequent collaborators!

New Comics Collected Editions

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

Blue Book Vol. 1: 1961

From the New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner award-winning co-creators of Something is Killing the Children, The Nice House on the Lake, The Department of Truth, and Powers.

In Blue Book, teaming with artist Michael Avon Oeming and letterer Aditya Bidikar, Tynion presents what he calls his “True Weird” stories. Tales of ordinary people encountering the strange and the impossible.

Volume 1 retells the infamous case of the abduction of Betty and Barney Hill of New Hampshire in 1961 — the very first widely-publicized UFO abduction that went on to shape and influence all future encounter stories.

Collects the Dark Horse Comics series Blue Book #1—#5, originally published on Substack.

Batman: The Audio Adventures

Picking up after the season finale of the award-winning podcast, Batman: The Audio Adventures continues in this exciting collection!

A string of attacks has plagued Gotham’s seedy underbelly, sending criminals into a panic. But it’s not Batman who is striking at the heart of the city, it’s a group of mysterious assailants on the hunt for an ancient artifact.

As Batman hunts down these assassins, he finds clues that keep drawing him to their true goal: the sword of King Scimitar!

Collects Batman: The Audio Adventures #1-7, Batman: The Audio Adventures Special #1.

Creepy Archives Vol. 3

Featuring virtuoso turns by comics legends Archie Goodwin, Frank Frazetta, Steve Ditko, Neal Adams, Gray Morrow and other masters of the macabre, Creepy proves that fear can be fun!

Collects Creepy issues #11–#15 in a value-priced paperback edition and includes original letters pages, text features, and ads.

The EC Archives: Two-Fisted Tales Vol. 1

Writer-artist-editor Harvey Kurtzman teamed with legendary artists Wally Wood, Johnny Craig, Jack Davis, Al Feldstein, John Severin, Will Elder, and Dave Berg to create these powerful stories of struggle and humanity that are considered to be among the best war stories ever told.

Now, Dark Horse is proud to present this first incredible volume, reprinting the first six complete issues of Two-Fisted Tales, originally published in 1950 and 1951.

New Comics Collected Editions: Stan and Jack Graphic Bios, Weird Fantasy Paperback, Wolverine Omnibus

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

I Am Stan : A Graphic Biography of the Legendary Stan Lee

Everyone knows Stan Lee: His work at the creative helm of Marvel Comics resulted in the creation of many of the superheroes we know and love today, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and more. During his decades-long career at Marvel, Lee turned the comic book publisher into a cultural juggernaut that shaped and defined the burgeoning industry.

    In I Am Stan, critically acclaimed artist Tom Scioli reveals the man behind the comics and cameos using the same medium Stan Lee revolutionized. This stunning graphic novel takes readers from his early days in the comics industry through his rise at Marvel (then Timely Comics), where his career was touched by other iconic creatives including Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. Their collaboration would lead to the creation of the most iconic superheroes of today, and bring about the Marvel Age of the 60’s and 70’s that introduced new industry stars like Steve Ditko, and John Buscema. Readers will follow Lee’s trajectory from his daily life at Marvel to his later years as a spokesperson for the company and for comics as a whole, and finally to his last years away from the spotlight. Scioli provides a clear-eyed view of Lee's triumphs at Marvel as well as the controversies that surrounded the creator at the end of his life.

    Told in Scioli's inimitable, vividly cinematic illustration style, I Am Stan reveals Stan Lee's life through the medium he knew best and reveals the inner workings of the legendary creator.

Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics

Told in vivid graphic novel form by a groundbreaking Eisner-nominated comics creator, the long-overdue biography of the legend who co-created Captain America, Iron Man, Black Panther, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and many more superhero favorites.

    “A fast-paced celebration of an underheralded legend within the comic-book industry.”—Kirkus Reviews

    This sweeping, full-color comic book biography tells the complete life story of Jack Kirby, co-creator of some of the most enduring superheroes and villains of the twentieth century for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and more. Critically acclaimed graphic novelist Tom Scioli breathes visual life into Kirby's life story--from his days growing up in New York during the Great Depression and discovering a love for science fiction and cartoons to his time on the frontlines in the European theatre of World War II where he experienced the type of action and adventure he'd later imbue his comic pages with, and on to his world-changing collaborations at Marvel with Stan Lee, where the pair redefined comics as a part of pop culture.

    Just as every great superhero needs a villain to overcome, Kirby's story also includes his struggles to receive the recognition and compensation that he believed his work deserved. Scioli captures his moves from Marvel to DC and back again, showing how Kirby himself and later his family fought to preserve his artistic legacy.

    Drawn from an unparalleled imagination and a life as exciting as his comic book tales, Kirby's super-creations have influenced subsequent generations of creatives in the comics field and beyond. Now, readers can experience the life and times of a comics titan through the medium that made him famous.

The EC Archives: Weird Fantasy Volume 2

And now the Dark Horse Comics library of EC classics returns with EC Archives: Weird Fantasy Volume 2, now in a value-priced paperback edition featuring the work of comics legends Al Feldstein, William Gaines, Wally Wood, Jack Kamen, Joe Orlando and more. This volume collects Weird Fantasy issues #7–#12 with remastered digital color based on Marie Severin’s original tones. Foreword by rock superstar Gene Simmons of KISS!

Wolverine Omnibus Vol. 4

Wolverine reunites with his old Weapon X teammates, including the savage Sabretooth! But an investigation into their manipulated memories will have unexpected, and tragic, results. When a hallucinating Logan revives a Soviet mission from decades ago, can the X-Men bring him back to his senses? Wolverine takes on Sauron and the Sentinels - and crosses paths with Typhoid Mary, Venom, the Punisher and more - while the shocking connection between Sabretooth and Mystique is revealed! But when the X-Men battle Magneto in their ultimate showdown, the Master of Magnetism crosses a horrifying line - and Wolverine may never be the same again! Collecting WOLVERINE (1988) #60-75, WOLVERINE: INNER FURY, WOLVERINE: KILLING, WOLVERINE: GLOBAL JEOPARDY, WOLVERINE AND THE PUNISHER: DAMAGING EVIDENCE #1-3, SABRETOOTH (1993) #1-4, SPIDER-MAN/PUNISHER/SABRETOOTH: DESIGNER GENES, X-MEN (1991) #25, and material from MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (1988) #109-142 and MARVEL HOLIDAY SPECIAL #2.

New Comics Collected Editions: Batman Adventures Omnibus, Gotham Year One, Hulk Masterworks, More!

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

The Batman Adventures Omnibus

From the padded cells of Arkham Asylum to the mean streets of Crime Alley, one truth is whispered wherever evil gathers: Gotham City belongs to the Batman.

    Until now!

The crimelord formerly known as the Penguin is now Mayor Oswald Cobblepot — elected to be Gotham’s leader by promising to outlaw vigilantes and villains alike. The immortal mastermind Ra’s al Ghul has ordered an invasion of assassins – not to destroy the Dark Knight, but to eliminate his enemies…permanently. And a two-bit hood called the Black Mask is forming a deadly new masked mob.

    Outlawed. Outnumbered. On the run. Batman’s greatest battle for the soul of Gotham City is about to begin!

    This massive omnibus collects the entire comics run of the animated Dark Knight from THE BATMAN ADVENTURES #1-36, THE BATMAN ADVENTURES ANNUAL #1-2, THE BATMAN ADVENTURES HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1, A STORY FROM BATMAN BLACK & WHITE #1, THE BATMAN ADVENTURES: MAD LOVE #1, and for the first time ever, the never-before-reprinted comic book adaptation of the animated feature film BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM!

Superman: Kal-El Returns

In the aftermath of Superman’s epic Warworld Revolution, the Man of Steel is back on Earth and stronger than he’s ever been! As he and Steel join forces to remake Metropolis as a true City of Tomorrow, two of Superman’s classic villains take notice…and they have plans of their own. Plus, Kal-El reunites with the Dark Knight, Jimmy Olsen, and the Justice League to find out what he missed while he was away. And Jon Kent’s relief at his father being back is short-lived when he’s targeted by the mysterious Red Sin, who can do the unthinkable: injure both Jon and his father!

    This volume collects SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #16-18, ACTION COMICS #1047-1049, and SUPERMAN: KAL-EL RETURNS SPECIAL #1!

Gotham City: Year One

There once was a shining city on the water, a home for families, hope, and prosperity. It was Gotham, and it was glorious. The story of its fall from grace, the legend that would birth the Bat, has remained untold for 80 years. That’s about to change.

    Superstar creators Tom King and Phil Hester team up for the first time to tell the definitive origin of Gotham City: how it became the cesspool of violence and corruption it is today, how it harbored and then unleashed the sin that led to the rise of the Dark Knight. Two generations before Batman, private investigator Slam Bradley gets tangled in the kidnapping of the century as the infant Wayne heir disappears in the night…and so begins a brutal, hard-boiled, epic tale of a man living on the edge and a city about to burn.

    Collecting GOTHAM CITY YEAR ONE #1-6.

Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Incredible Hulk Vol. 3 - 

Less than Monster, More than Man

When a time-travel device throws the Hulk into the distant future, he does what Hulks always do: smash! Past, present or future, the Hulk will fight. But when the green goliath returns to the present, he discovers that Rick Jones - thinking he was dead - has revealed to the world that Bruce Banner is the Hulk! As if that wasn't trouble enough, Hercules hits the scene (and the Hulk), while the Secret Empire weaves nefarious plans of domination. The horror of the Humanoid comes next, but it's all just a prelude to the debut of the Abomination! Dr. Emil Blonsky is transformed into a gamma-powered monster equal to the Hulk's might, and their iconic battles will shake the Marvel Universe forevermore! 

    Collecting material from TALES TO ASTONISH (1959) #75-91.

New Comics Collected Editions: Phantom Stranger Omnibus, Fantastic Four Epic Collection, Tezuka's' 100 Tales', More!

Our picks this week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

The Phantom Stranger Omnibus

First introduced in 1952, the Phantom Stranger stands decades later as one of DC's most enigmatic characters, a supernatural hero whose origins have remained shrouded in mystery!

    This omnibus collects the Phantom Stranger's earliest adventures in the 1950s, his late-1960s revival, and early 1980s stories in the pages of The Saga of the Swamp Thing. Through it all, the Phantom Stranger has remained one of DC's most unique characters, navigating the weird, scary side of the DC Universe!

    Collects The Phantom Stranger #1-6 (1952), The Phantom Stranger #1-41 (1969), stories from The Saga of the Swamp Thing #1-13, Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #18, The Brave and the Bold #89, #98, #145, Showcase #80, Justice League of America #103, House of Secrets #150, DC Super-Stars #18, Secret Origins #10 and DC Comics Presents #25, and #72.

Fantastic Four Epic Collection: The Crusader Syndrome

Collects Fantastic Four (1961) #147-167, Giant-Size Fantastic Four (1974) #2-4, Avengers (1963) #127, material from Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) #2. FANTASTIC FOUR stands tall as one of the greatest super-hero series of all time - and it certainly didn't get there by doing the same old, same old! In this Epic Collection, the strained relationship of Reed and Sue Richards takes a turn for the worse. Sue joins Namor in an invasion of New York City - and the Frightful Four pile on, too! Then, the Femizons and Mahkizmo the Nuclear Man begin a battle of the sexes. Next, the Silver Surfer returns - with a vengeance! The Machiavellian Doctor Doom has captured the Surfer's beloved Shalla Bal and used her to turn him against the Fantastic Four! Giant-Size adventures and a royal wedding round it out as the FF prove that nothing is stronger than the bonds of family!

The EC Archives: Weird Science Vol. 2

The second volume of Weird Science features classic stories written by Al Feldstein, and illustrated by such master artists as Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, Jack Kamen, Harvey Kurtzman, and Feldstein himself.

    This stunning collection reprints issues Weird Science #7–#12, a total of 24 complete breathtaking EC science fiction stories, originally published in 1951 and 1952.

Den Vol. 1: Neverwhere

The first volume presenting the long-out-of-print masterpiece Den, by fantasy legend Richard Corben!

    This special edition also features bonus material, art pages restored by long-time Corben collaborator José Villarrubia, new lettering by Nate Piekos of Blambot, and an introduction by Patton Oswalt, all presented in a gorgeous hardcover with a dust jacket.

    Thrust into a bizarre fantasy world called Neverwhere, the muscular adventurer Den goes on an exotic adventure through ancient ruins meeting an evil queen, her sacrificial doppelganger, bizarre lizard men, giant insects, and more strange and dangerous madness in this legendary saga brimming with horror, magic, and violence.

    The inspiration for the Den segment of the cult classic film, Heavy Metal!

Creepy Archives Volume 2

This veinchilling second volume showcases work by some of the best artists to ever work in the comics medium, including Alex Toth, Gray Morrow, Reed Crandall, John Severin, and others. Each archive volume of Creepy is packed with stories (usually up to eight short stories were featured in every issue!) running the gamut of gruesome subject matter, from reimagined horror classics such as The Cask of Amontillado, to spectacularly mindtwisting shorts such as The Thing in the Pit, or the macabre maritime yarn Drink Deep.

    This volume collects Creepy #610.

Osamu Tezuka: One Hundred Tales

One Hundred Tales is a story about being careful what you wish for.

    Ichirui Hanri is an ordinary accountant servicing his master. Though innocent, he is ordered to commit hara-kiri after being entangled in some trouble in his master's house. Just then, a witch named Sudama appears. She signs a contract with Hanri to obtain his soul in exchange for fulfilling three of his wishes. Hanri gets what he wants...but the price he pays is too high.

    An enchanting supernatural fable from Osamu Tezuka, known worldwide as the “Godfather of Manga” and the most influential person of the past century in the development of Japanese manga and anime.