New comics collected editions out this week

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

The Incredible Hulk Epic Collection: Crisis on Counter-Earth

Hulk takes a trip to Counter-Earth, where he confronts his most-hated enemy: Bruce Banner! Add in the Rhino and the Abomination, and the action and drama can’t be contained! Then, the Hulk heads north to Canada — where the X-Men’s Mimic returns, and the Wendigo makes its debut! And the drama continues when Betty Ross is mutated into the Harpy! Next, the green goliath sets out on a path of revenge against a murderer’s row of earth-shaking enemies — including Juggernaut, Cobalt Man and a second encounter with Rhino and Abomination! Finally, the Hulk lands in Attilan, where the Inhumans are forced to launch him into outer space to prevent the destruction of their home. But where the Hulk lands will surprise him — and a cosmic saga alongside the messianic Adam Warlock awaits!

    Collecting INCREDIBLE HULK (1968) #157-178.

Archie: 80 Years of Christmas

What's better than 80 years of Archie Comics? Simple - 80 years of Archie's holiday hijinks! Celebrate eight decades of Christmas with Archie! With 250+ pages of classic holiday stories, this festive collection is a yuletide milestone that can't be missed! The Riverdale Gang have a hilarious history with the holidays, and you can see it all in this ultimate stocking-stuffer!

New comics collected editions this week: Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and Lois

Our picks - Looks like a DC week. Click the links to order from Amazon.

Batman: The World

Batman's war on crime goes worldwide in this new hardcover anthology, Batman: The World. This 184-page book is a first-of-its-kind publishing event, featuring stories from Batman's past and present told by top creative teams from across the globe, taking place in their home countries. This incredible hardcover collection also features a sketchbook section detailing some of the unique Batman suit designs shown within the stories!

 

The international all-star teams include: 

  •  United States: Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo

  •  France: Mathieu Gabella and Thierry Martin

  •  Spain: Paco Roca

  •  Italy: Alessandro Bilotta and Nicola Mari

  •  Germany: Benjamin von Eckartsberg and Thomas von Kummant

  •  Czech Republic: Štěpán Kopřiva and Michal Suchánek

  •  Russia: Kirill Kutuzov, Egor Prutov, and Natalia Zaidova

  •  Turkey: Ertan Ergil and Ethem Onur Bilgiç

  •  Poland: Tomasz Kołodziejczak, Piotr Kowalski, and Brad Simpson

  •  Mexico: Alberto Chimal and Rulo Valdés

  •  Brazil: Carlos Estefan and Pedro Mauro

  •  South Korea: Inpyo Jeon, Jaekwang Park, and Junggi Kim

  •  China: Xu Xiaodong, Lu Xiaotong, Qiu Kun, and Yi Nan

  •  Japan: Okadaya Yuichi 

Batman: Black and White

The world is simple. There's good. There's evil. And there's still...BATMAN BLACK & WHITE!

This Eisner Award-winning anthology series returns with all-new tales of mystery, mayhem, and madness from some of the finest and most innovative storytellers to explore the Batman mythos in stark black and white!

• James Tynion IV and Tradd Moore explore the world of Ra's al Ghul and the League of Assassins.
• Featuring the return of J.H. Williams III to DC for a trip through the Dark Knight's history.
• Paul Dini and Andy Kubert pit Batman against an infestation of ninja Man-Bats in the Batcave.
• G. Willow Wilson and Greg Smallwood portray Batman in his strangest standoff ever with Killer Croc.
• Tom King and Mitch Gerads tell a tale of Batman administering a form of last rites to a dying priest. Or is it the other way around?
• Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko find the Dark Knight facing certain death, with The Joker as his last lifeline.

With several more stories and a lineup this strong, witness a brand-new collection of this iconic anthology! Collects Batman Black & White #1-6.

Superman & Lois Lane: The 25th Wedding Anniversary Deluxe Edition

From some of comics greatest talents, comes Superman & Lois Lane: The 25th Wedding Anniversary Deluxe Edition! Sometimes even a hero needs advice in relationships, and when Superman needs a listening ear there's no one better for the job than Wonder Woman! Catch all the action and romance as Superman and Lois get ready to tie the knot! Collecting Superman #118; Adventures of Superman #541; Action Comics #728; Superman: The Man of Steel #63; Superman: The Wedding Album #1

Wonder Woman: 80 Years of the Amazon Warrior The Deluxe Edition

For 80 years Wonder Woman has stood as a symbol of truth, justice, and equality to people everywhere! Follow along in this incredible collection as the Amazon Warrior fights for justice—starting from the first appearance of Wonder Woman through some of her most incredible battles against foes like the Cheetah and Ares.

    This anniversary hardcover collects stories from All-Star Comics #8, Sensation Comics, #1, Comic Cavalcade #11, Wonder Woman (vol. 1) #5, #78, #98, #124, #162, #203, and #206, Wonder Woman (vol. 2) #6, #57, #73, and #170, Wonder Woman (vol. 3) #1, #13, #600, Wonder Woman (New 52) #13, Wonder Woman #750, and DC Comics Presents #41, along with new historical essays and a new cover by Jim Lee.

Coming up: John Severin: Two-Fisted Comic Book Artist out in December

Due out from TwoMorrows Publishing on Dec. 14. Order now from Amazon.

Details:

The definitive biography of one of the most prolific creators in the history of American comics! From a start in 1947 at the Simon & Kirby shop, he co-created the legendary Western strip American Eagle with Will Elder, and became an EC Comics mainstay, working with Harvey Kurtzman on Mad and Two-Fisted Tales. In addition to a 40+ year association with Cracked magazine, his pivotal Marvel Comics work included an extended run inking Herb Trimpe on The Hulk, and teaming with sister Marie Severin to create the classic comics version of King Kull. Throughout his storied career, he freelanced for every major publisher, and remained a workhorse up till his final Dark Horse mini-series at age 90. Included in this volume is a special "American Eagle" section, an eye-popping art gallery, and extensive personal photos and artifacts (including WWII "Victory Mail" cartoons and handmade greeting cards for his family). Also featured are commentary from over 25 peers gathered just for this book, including Neal Adams, Richard Corben, John Byrne, Russ Heath, Walter Simonson, and many others. Written by Greg Biga and multiple Eisner Award-winner Jon B. Cooke, with an introduction by Howard Chaykin, Foreword by Mort Todd, and Afterword by Chuck Dixon, this profusely illustrated book celebrates the centennial of the two-fisted artist's birth!

New comics collected editions out this week: Amazing Spider-Man; Doctor Strange; Batman and Catwoman

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

The Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus Vol. 5

Spider-Man’s amazingly popular Omnibus line continues with the storyline that shocked the comics world: Peter Parker’s deceased beloved, Gwen Stacy, shows up on his doorstep — kicking off a mind-bending clone saga that would last for decades! The scheming Jackal lines up a murderer’s row of foes to take on Spider-Man: Tarantula, Scorpion and Spidey himself! The Punisher sets his sights on Spidey in an adventure guest-starring the X-Men’s Nightcrawler! J. Jonah Jameson finally gets the goods on Spider-Man’s secret identity! Doc Ock, Hammerhead, Kingpin and the Molten Man are on hand to menace Spidey, but it’s not all bad guys for our hero — as romance blooms between Peter and Mary Jane, and Nova teams up with Spider-Man!
    COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 143-180, Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) 10-11, Nova (1976) 12; material from Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) 14, Marvel Special Edition (1975) 1

 

Doctor Strange Epic Collection: The Vampiric Verses

The return of the vampires! Doctor Strange once wiped bloodsuckers from the face of the Earth — but now they rise again…beginning with one very close to Stephen! Brother Voodoo has the answer for the problem — zombies?! And what is Zom — besides big trouble in a tiny form? Dormammu unleashes his Mindless Ones on New York City, captures Clea and renders Doctor Strange powerless! Does this mean that Baron Mordo will be the new Sorcerer Supreme? A possessed Topaz needs help finding the special ingredients to exorcise her demon — and her shopping list includes the fur of Werewolf By Night and the flame of Ghost Rider! And as Thanos exerts his grip on the Marvel Universe, Strange plays a crucial role in the Infinity Gauntlet saga!
    COLLECTING: Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme (1988) 14-33; Ghost Rider (1990) 12

Batman Adventures: Cat Got Your Tongue?

BATMAN: CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE collects some of Batman and Catwoman's most iconic moments! Whether she's taking revenge on her enemies or stealing right out of someone else's clutches--Catwoman is always surprising Gotham... especially Batman.

    Collects Adventures in the DC Universe #2-19; Batman: Gotham Adventures #4-24, 50; Batman Adventures #10.

Coming up: "Captain Action - The Classic Collection" features 60s art from Wally Wood, Gil Kane and more

A Silver Age treat out next May from DC. Order now from Amazon.

Details:

A Classic from the Silver Age of Comics, unavailable for more than 50 years with art and stories by three legends! Completely re-mastered with all-new coloring that faithfully mimics the look of the original comics!

Captain Action is back in Action! The world’s first action figure, Captain Action burst onto the scene just as the ‘60s super hero craze was heating up. This volume lovingly celebrates the timeless tales from the Silver Age by top talents like Gil Kane, Wally Wood, and Jim Shooter, re-presented for the first time ever since they were first published nearly half a century ago. Also featuring Action Boy, Khem, The Silver Streak, and the fearsome Doctor Evil. All five of the original issues are here, along with some unexpected treasures!

New Marvel Omnibus collections on the way: She-Hulk, Doctor Doom, Captain America

Marvel is adding to its slate of huge Omnibus collections in the coming months. Click the links to advance order any of these titles from Amazon.

The Savage She-Hulk Omnibus

    The complete original adventures of She-Hulk in one mighty Omnibus! When criminal defense attorney Jennifer Walters is shot by a mob hitman, her cousin saves her life with a blood transfusion—but that cousin is Bruce Banner and his gamma-irradiated blood turns her into the Savage She-Hulk! Suddenly, she’s a mean, green lawyering machine, and criminals the world over had better watch out. Conflict rages not just between She-Hulk and the many super-powered enemies in store, but between Jennifer Walters and She-Hulk! Our heroine’s two halves are in a battle for control as She-Hulk fights transforming back into Jen Walters, while Jen risks losing herself in the She-Hulk’s power. And each has their own separate romantic interest — it ain’t easy being green.

    COLLECTING: Savage She-Hulk (1980) 1-25, Marvel Two-in-One (1974) 88 

Doctor Doom: The Book Of Doom Omnibus

    Bow before the majesty of Doctor Doom! The greatest villain of all is celebrated in a tome of tyranny six decades in the making! Featuring the Latverian ruler’s first battle with the accursed Reed Richards and his Fantastic Four — and their most epic clashes since! Plus, Doom’s unforgettable encounters with Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men and the Avengers! A trip to hell with Doctor Strange! The power of the Beyonder! Victor von Doom’s incredible life story contained in the Books of Doom! And more tales of the Lord of Latveria!

    COLLECTING: Fantastic Four (1961) 5-6, 39-40, 246-247, 258, 278-279, 350, 352; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 5; Marvel Super-Heroes (1967) 20; Giant-Size Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) 1-2; Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) 13-14; Champions (1975) 16; Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) 14; Uncanny X-Men (1981) 145-147; Iron Man (1968) 149-150; Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984) 10-12; Marvel Graphic Novel (1982): Emperor Doom, Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom - Triumph and Torment; Fantastic Four (1998) 67-70, 500; Fantastic Four Special (2005) 1; Books of Doom (2005) 1-6; material from Fantastic Four (1961) 236, 358; Fantastic Four Annual (1963) 2; Astonishing Tales (1970) 1-3, 6-8; Marvel Double-Shot (2003) 2

Captain America Omnibus Vol. 3

    The early ’70s were interesting times for America — and adventurous ones for Captain America! Featuring more than 40 issues of Cap action, this oversized omnibus collects writer Steve Englehart and artist Sal Buscema’s iconic run on the Star-Spangled Avenger! Cap battles enemies — and allies — including Doctor Faustus, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Captain America and Bucky of the 1950s. And that’s just the beginning! The Falcon co-stars throughout, and only the combined efforts of Cap, the Falcon, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the X-Men can hope to topple the Secret Empire! Prepare to relive a shocking saga that defined Captain America for a generation. But what happens when Cap quits — and becomes the Nomad?! Each issue has been beautifully restored, including the original letters pages! 

    COLLECTING: Captain America (1968) 149-192; material from Giant-Size Captain America (1975) 1, FOOM (1973) 8

New comics collected editions out this week: What If? Omnibus; X-Men Masterworks

Our weekly look of items of interest. Click the links to order now from Amazon.

What If? The Original Marvel Series Omnibus Vol. 1

What if the Marvel Universe was not as you know it? Infinite realities offer infinite possibilities for classic creators to unleash their wildest imaginations — and ponder: What if Spider-Man joined the Fantastic Four? Or Captain America rescued Bucky in World War II? Or Doctor Doom became a hero? The FF get different powers! Other people get Spidey’s powers! Jane Foster finds the hammer of Thor! The Avengers assemble in the 1950s! Jack Kirby bombards the Marvel Bullpen with cosmic rays, Conan walks the modern day Earth and Doctor Strange becomes a disciple of Dormammu! Peter Parker stops the burglar who killed Uncle Ben, the Hulk keeps Bruce Banner’s intellect, the Invaders fight on after World War II and the Invisible Girl marries Namor — plus more thought-provoking tales that make you ask: What If?

COLLECTING: What If? (1977) 1-15, 17-22

Mighty Marvel Masterworks: 

The X-Men Vol. 1 - The Strangest Super Heroes of All

The stories that built the Marvel Universe, from the brilliant minds of legendary creators — now available in an accessible new format the whole family can enjoy! See the X-Men from the very beginning with the debut of Cyclops, Angel, Beast, Iceman and Marvel Girl — Professor X’s original teen team with a mission to forge peace between man and mutantkind! Thrill to their first encounter with the Master of Magnetism, Magneto — and meet his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants! Plus, the X-Men battle the immovable Blob and the untouchable Unus — and have run-ins with the Sub-Mariner, the Avengers and Ka-Zar, lord of the Savage Land! Written by Stan “The Man” Lee and illustrated by Jack “King” Kirby, it’s super hero adventure at its very best!

COLLECTING: X-Men (1963) 1-10

Coming up from Marvel: Moon Knight Omnibus Vol. 1

Out in February and available for advance order now from Amazon.

Details: 

Discover the many faces of the Moon Knight! Mercenary. Werewolf hunter. Millionaire playboy. Cab driver. Super hero? Moon Knight is many things to many people, and he has the multiple personalities to match! Follow Marc Spector, the earthly Fist of Khonshu, as he battles to find his place in the Marvel Universe — and builds the strangest rogues’ gallery in all of comics. Prepare yourself for the deadly Bushmaster! Arsenal, the one-man army! Stained Glass Scarlet, the nun with a crossbow! And more! Featuring iconic stories by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz!

COLLECTING: Werewolf by Night (1972) 32-33; Marvel Spotlight (1971) 28-29; Defenders (11972) 47-50; Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man (1976) 22-23; Marvel Two-in-One (1974) 52; Moon Knight (1980) 1-20; Marvel Team-Up Annual (1976) 4; Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 220; material from Defenders (1972) 51; Hulk Magazine (1978) 11-15, 17-18, 20; Marvel Preview (1975) 21

New comics collected editions out this week: History of the Marvel Universe; Fourth World by John Byrne Omnibus; The EC Artists' Library: Three for the Money and Other Stories, more

Click the links to order from Amaazon.

History of the Marvel Universe

It’s the greatest tale ever told — and you’ve never seen it like this! Writer Mark Waid and artist Javier Rodríguez weave together a sprawling, interconnected web of stories into one seamless narrative that takes you from the dawn of the Marvel Universe all the way to its end! Far more than a collection of moments you may already know, this is a new tale featuring previously unknown secrets and shocking revelations, connecting dozens of threads from Marvel’s past and present! From the Big Bang to the twilight of existence, this sweeping saga covers every significant Marvel event, providing fresh looks at characters of all eras!

COLLECTING: History of the Marvel Universe (2019) 1-6 

Fourth World by John Byrne Omnibus

John Byrne reinvented Superman and illustrated some of the most famous stories in X-Men history. Much like how Jack Kirby created the Fourth World at DC following his genre-defining career at Marvel, after Byrne's work on multiple pop culture icons, the writer and artist took on the Fourth World himself, as collected in this hardcover omnibus.

    While staying faithful to Kirby's original vision, these tales brought characters like Orion, Darkseid, Mr. Miracle, and the Forever People into the 1990s, reviving the epic mythology of New Genesis and Apokolips for a new generation of readers.

    This collection also includes Genesis, a team-up between the heroes of Earth--including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman--and the New Gods of New Genesis against Darkseid, as the Godwave threatens reality!

    This volume collects New Gods #12-15, Jack Kirby's Fourth World #1-20, and Genesis #1-4.

Mighty Marvel Masterworks: The Fantastic Four Vol. 1 - World's Greatest Heroes

The stories that built the Marvel Universe, from the brilliant minds of legendary creators — now available in an accessible new format the whole family can enjoy! While testing an experimental spacecraft, scientist Reed Richards, pilot Ben Grimm and siblings Sue and Johnny Storm were bombarded by mysterious cosmic rays! Returning to Earth, they found that they had gained fantastic new abilities, the likes of which had never been seen before! That voyage was the first of many extraordinary adventures for these friends, who became known to the world as Mr. Fantastic, the Thing, the Invisible Girl and the Human Torch — Marvel’s first family, the Fantastic Four! But can even this astonishing quartet protect the planet from the likes of the Mole Man, the Skrulls, the Puppet Master, the Sub-Mariner…or the diabolical Doctor Doom?

COLLECTING: Fantastic Four (1961) 1-10

Squadron Supreme vs. Avengers

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face the champions of another reality! In the Avengers’ home dimension, Hyperion, Nighthawk, Doctor Spectrum and the Whizzer are sinister enemies! But in another world, they are the heroic Squadron Supreme…and they’re about to meet the Avengers head-on! As if the madness of Brain-Child wasn’t enough, the two teams clash in a classic world-hopping, time-bending conspiracy involving Kang and the evil Serpent Crown! Plus, Thor battles not one but two Hyperions! A reinvigorated team of Avengers meets their match, but can the stranded Squadron find a way back home? And when a new cross-reality team of survivors forms — including Blur and Power Princess — this new Squadron quickly attracts the attention of the uncanny Avengers!

COLLECTING: Avengers (1963) 69-70, 85-86, 141-144, 147-149; Thor (1966) 280; Avengers (1998) 5-6; Avengers/Squadron Supreme Annual '98; Squadron Supreme (2015) 3

The EC Artists' Library: Three for the Money and Other Stories

Grand Master crime novelist Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition) introduces these tales, which include the infamous “The Orphan” ― one of the stories that got EC Comics into hot water during the U.S. Senate’s investigation into comic books. “The October Game” is adapted from the chilling classic short story by Ray Bradbury. A gruesome look at a malevolent Halloween party game perpetrated by a man who believes the child of his unfaithful wife is not his. In “Frozen Assets!,” a woman and her lover seal her still-living husband in a chest freezer. “Standing Room Only” ― a brother murders his twin sister and her husband, and disguises himself as her so he can inherit their estate. But then the estate lawyer makes a play for the “widow” ... “Three for the Money” ― A woman finds her husband dead ― with a knife in his back and a bullet in his head. The police arrest two suspects ― but to get a conviction, they must determine who acted first. Who actually committed the murder, and who stabbed or shot a man who was already dead?

Like every book in The Fantagraphics EC Artists’ Library, Three For The Money And Other Stories also features essays and notes by EC experts on these superbly crafted, classic masterpieces.

Black and white illustrations.

Coming up: "Our Artists At War: The Best Of The Best American War Comics"

Out Oct. 20. Order from TwoMorrows Publishing here.

Details:

Our Artists At War is the first book ever published in the US that solely examines War Comics published in America. It covers the talented writers and artists who supplied the finest, most compelling stories in the War Comics genre, which has long been neglected in the annals of comics history. 

Through the critical analysis of authors Richard J. Arndt and Steven Fears, this overlooked treasure trove is explored in-depth, finally giving it the respect it deserves! 

Included are pivotal series from EC Comics (Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat), DC Comics (Enemy Ace and the Big Five war books: All American Men of War, G.I. Combat, Our Fighting Forces, Our Army at War, and Star-Spangled War Stories), Warren Publishing (Blazing Combat), Charlton (Willy Schultz and the Iron Corporal) and more! 

Featuring the work of Harvey Kurtzman, John Severin, Jack Davis, Wallace Wood, Joe Kubert, Sam Glanzman, Jack Kirby, Will Elder, Gene Colan, Russ Heath, Alex Toth, Mort Drucker, and many others. 

Introduction by Roy Thomas, Foreword by Willi Franz. Cover by Joe Kubert.

New comics collected editions this week: Savage Sword of Conan, Bronze Age JLA

Click the links to order from Amazon.

The Savage Sword of Conan: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 5

New writers Michael Fleisher and Bruce Jones join Conan legend John Buscema to drive the barbarian’s black-and-white adventures into savage new directions! To topple a decadent royal, Conan must brave a moat of blood filled with gruesome monsters! And the barbarian survives a ship capsizing in storm-tossed seas, only to awaken on the shores of an island filled with beautiful but deadly tiger-riding women warriors! Then, sadistic King Razak lures Conan into a death-filled maze! And writer Roy Thomas returns for a locked-door mystery set at sea, with Conan playing the sleuth! Plus: comic art master Alex Toth delivers a stunning Conan art portfolio, and Gil Kane and John Buscema both write and draw their barbarian backup features “Chane” and “Bront”!

    COLLECTING: Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 61-72

Justice League Of America Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 3

The Justice League moves into the second half of the 1970s with adventures guest-starring the Justice Society of America, the Legion of Super-Heroes, and a group of heroes from the long-gone past, including Jonah Hex, Viking Prince, Enemy Ace, and more. Plus, the League's mascot, Snapper Carr, turns against the team, the Phantom Stranger helps the team battle a returning pantheon of ancient gods, the Martian Manhunter faces Despero for the lives of the League, and the Secret Society of Super-Villains swap bodies with the World's Greatest Super-Heroes. Plus, Black Lightning is invited to join the JLA--but he turns down the invitation for mysterious reasons.

    Collects Justice League of America #147-181.

New comics collected editions out this week: Morbius Epic Collection - The End of a Living Vampire

Just one vintage pick this week.

Morbius Epic Collection: The End of a Living Vampire 

The first era in the dark saga of Marvel’s living vampire concludes! Morbius must save Martine Bancroft from the other-dimensional clutches of Helleyes, while CIA agent Simon Stroud stalks him at every turn! In a pair of black-and-white vampire tales, Morbius struggles with a desperate attempt to end his bloodlust while facing the undead threat of the Brotherhood of Judas! A Morbius showcase in MARVEL PREVIEW sends the living vampire on the hunt for a brutal murderer in the moors of Slade Mansion! And Morbius joins Man-Thing, Ghost Rider and the Werewolf by Night in the Legion of Monsters! Plus, team-ups with the Thing, Spider-Man and She-Hulk!

    COLLECTING: Fear (1970) 27-31; Marvel Premiere (1972) 28; Marvel Two-In-One (1974) 15; Spectacular Spider-Man (1976) 6-8, 38; Savage She-Hulk (1980) 9-12; material from Vampire Tales (1973) 9-11, Annual (1975) 1; Marvel Preview (1975) 8

New comics collected editions out this week: The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 1; Superman's Greatest Team-Ups; Batman Adventures - Riddle Me This

Click the links to order from Amazon.

The Defenders Omnibus Vol. 1

Doctor Strange, the Hulk, the Sub-Mariner, the Silver Surfer and Valkyrie. They are the dynamic Defenders, comics' greatest "non-team," and they do not rely on bylaws and butlers. They join together in moments of utmost crisis to face incomprehensible enemies like Dormammu, the Nameless One and the Enchantress. When they encounter heroes of a more conventional stripe, it's war-the watershed hero vs. hero Avengers/Defenders War, no less! This massive Omnibus also introduces Hawkeye, the Black Knight, Daredevil, Luke Cage, Son of Satan and Nighthawk as Defenders in classic adventures. It's a must-have edition collecting the complete Defenders runs of Roy Thomas, Steve Englehart and Len Wein in one beautifully restored volume.

COLLECTS: Sub-Mariner (1968) 34-35; Marvel Feature (1971) 1-3; Defenders (1972) 1-19; Giant-Size Defenders (1974) 1-2; Avengers (1963) 116-118; material from Avengers (1963) 115

Superman's Greatest Team-Ups

The Man of Steel calls upon his fellow heroes to help him defeat villains in stories that span over five years of the pre-Crisis DC Universe! Witness these epic team-ups with comics’ greatest heroe —including Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and the Flash—as well as Daily Planet’s mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent and even Santa Claus!

Superman’s Greatest Team-Ups is written and drawn by comics legends LEN WEIN, CURT SWAN, MURPHY ANDERSON, DICK GIORDANO, and many more! Collects DC Comics Presents #5, 9-10, 12, 14, 19, 28, 30, 35, 38-39, 45, 50, 58, 63, 67, 71, and 97.

Batman Adventures Riddle Me This

The Riddler. He’s a constant thorn in Batman and Robin’s side who always teases the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder with enigmas and questions pertaining to his master plan, but is the Riddler truly a villain or a hero? Can the king of conundrums turn over a new leaf to become a master detective and crime-fighter himself? 

Out April 27: "Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four Artisan Edition"

A nice collection of the King's classic FF work, scanned from the original art. Available for order from Amazon now.

Details:

Jack Kirby is one of the most important creators in the history of comics, and the Fantastic Four is one of his greatest achievements. First published in 1961, the adventures of Mister Fantastic, the Human Torch, the Invisible Girl, and the ever-lovin' Thing introduced a bold new era in comics. Kirby's dynamic storytelling, coupled with Stan Lee's poignant writing style, were unlike anything comic book readers had seen before--it literally ushered in THE MARVEL AGE OF COMICS!

Including Fantastic Four Annual #6, the 48-page groundbreaking story that featured the birth of Franklin Richards! Also presenting issues #71, #82, #83, and #84, featuring the Inhumans, Doctor Doom, and others--plus a beautiful gallery section of some of Kirby's most incredible pages, all scanned from the original art!

Like all of IDW's award-winning Artist Edition style books, each page has been painstakingly scanned from the original art to ensure the finest possible reproduction, mimicking the experience of seeing Kirby's hand-drawn pages--it's the next best thing owning the art! While appearing to be in black and white, each page was scanned in color to mimic as closely as possible the experience of viewing the actual original art--for instance, corrections, blue pencils, paste-overs, all the little nuances that make original art unique.

Coming Up: "Tops: The Complete Collection of Charles Biro's Visionary 1949 Comic Book Series"

Out in January 2022 from Fantagraphics. Available for pre-order now from Amazon.

Details:

From their inception in 1935, comic books ― starring Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel ― had been primarily written for and aimed at adolescents. There were always the occasional outlier artists who pushed back against the commercial constraints of comic books and envisioned the next evolutionary artistic leap in the artform, and Charles Biro was one of those artists.

In 1949, the ambitious Biro ― who had previously co-created the realistically brutal comic Crime Does Not Pay ― edited and wrote an oversized comic aimed at adults called Tops. Like several other radical adult comics projects that would follow, it proved to be a commercial failure, and lasted only two Life magazine-sized issues. The original comics have since become a legendary holy grail among comics fans and historians, fetching as much as $6,000 on the collector’s market, written about, but rarely seen and never reprinted. Until now.

Fantagraphics’ Tops collects both issues of this oversized experimental comics in their entirety. These pulpy, sexy, and melodramatic stories were drawn by some of the best craftsmen working in comics at that time: Dan Barry, George Tuska, and others. It includes two stunning pre-EC crime tales illustrated by Reed Crandall, reminiscent of his Crime SuspenStories work. The actor Melvyn Douglas (believe it or not) takes the reader on a utopian tour entitled “How Would You Live Under A World Government?” ― a positive spin on global Socialism!

A treasure trove of fascinating and revelatory comics history for scholars and fans, this compilation includes an introduction by the editor, the historian and cartoonist Michael T. Gilbert, as well as several other essays providing background on the creation of the series and the publisher, editors, and cartoonists who realized it.  It also includes an essay chronicling experimental, adult comics endeavors throughout the first half of the 20th century. Tops is a landmark work of historical importance and a mind-boggling reading experience from a bygone era meticulously restored and reproduced in a deluxe hardcover in its originally published dimensions. 

Coming Up: "Asterix and the Griffin" set for Oct. 21 release worldwide

The latest info on the upcoming Asterix book via an interview with "new" series writers Jean-Yves Ferri.

Didier Conrad sent a drawing to Éditions Albert René. A strange and mysterious drawing… It features our two heroes - created more than 60 years ago by the genius of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo - scaling a huge tree trunk in an attempt to reach Dogmatix who seems to be trying to get away from them… Is the little Gaulish canine making a bid for freedom?

The tree trunk is very unusual because it's carved into an effigy of an enigmatic creature with impressive teeth and a raptor's beak…

But what is this creature?

Jean-Yves Ferri tells us more "For me it all started with a sculpture of the Tarasque, a terrifying creature from Celtic legends ... Did our ancestors really believe that these peculiar monsters actually existed?

It's worth mentioning that in Roman times there weren't many explorers, so the terra was mostly incognita. Even so, extraordinary animals such as elephants and rhinoceroses had already been exhibited in Rome. Having seen them, why would Romans have any reason to doubt the existence of equally improbable creatures? And hadn't some of them (medusas, centaurs, gorgons...) been described very seriously before their time by the ancient Greeks?

Now it was time look at this bestiary and choose the animal that would be at the centre of the intrigue. Half-eagle, half-lion, with horse's ears and appropriately enigmatic - I opted for a Griffin!

The Romans were bound to go for it. But what about the Gauls? How would Asterix, Obelix and Dogmatix, along with the Druid Getafix, get drawn into the epic, perilous quest to find this fantastical animal?

That's what you'll find out in the new album. And I'm not going to do what Wikipedia does and tell you EVERYTHING about it…"

Out April 27: "Monsters" by Barry Windsor-Smith - more than 35 years in the making

Coming from Fantagraphics Books. Available for order from Amazon now.

Details:

The year is 1964. Bobby Bailey doesn’t realize he is about to fulfill his tragic destiny when he walks into a US Army recruitment office to join up. Close-mouthed, damaged, innocent, trying to forget a past and looking for a future, it turns out that Bailey is the perfect candidate for a secret U.S. government experimental program, an unholy continuation of a genetics program that was discovered in Nazi Germany nearly 20 years earlier in the waning days of World War II. Bailey’s only ally and protector, Sergeant McFarland, intervenes, which sets off a chain of cascading events that spin out of everyone’s control. As the titular monsters of the title multiply, becoming real and metaphorical, literal and ironic, the story reaches its emotional and moral reckoning.

Monsters is the legendary project Barry Windsor-Smith has been working on for over 35 years. A 380-page tour de force of visual storytelling, Monsters’ narrative canvas is both vast and deep: part familial drama, part political thriller, part metaphysical journey, it is an intimate portrait of individuals struggling to reclaim their lives and an epic political odyssey across two generations of American history. Trauma, fate, conscience, and redemption are just a few of the themes that intersect in the most ambitious graphic novel of Windsor-Smith’s career. 

Monsters is rendered in Windsor-Smith’s impeccable pen-and-ink technique, the visual storytelling with its sensitivity to gesture and composition is the most sophisticated of the artist’s career. There are passages of heartbreaking tenderness, of excruciating pain, and devastating violence. It is surely one of the most intense graphic novels ever drawn.

Upcoming DC Comics collected editions: Bronze-Age Batman, JLA, Legion and more

Coming up over the next several months, some nice collections of  Bronze-Age DC stuff, with some Golden Age Batman sprinkled in. Click the links to order from Amazon. 

Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (Tabloid Edition)

Superboy arrives in the future for the wedding of Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad only to find a world totally different from the one he is used to visiting. The future is now an armed camp and the Legionnaires insist it has always been that way. With Superboy unable to convince his teammates that something is wrong, the wedding proceeds as planned, only to have the bride and groom kidnapped by the Lunarites. Convinced that the altering of history is the real issue, Superboy leads a group of legionnaires back in time, while the rest of the group attempts to rescue their teammates. Can Superboys team correct the flow of time and save all the future? Includes a 2-page pin up of the entire Legion by Mike Grell and an 8-page feature containing information on each of the legionnaires by Paul Levitz, illustrated by James Sherman and Jack Abel.

Legends of the Dark Knight: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez

Since the 1970s, José Luis García-López's rendition of Batman has been one of the most iconic and recognizable in comics. This new hardcover collects covers and stories from Batman #272, #311, #313-314, #318, #321, #336-337, #353 (1940s series), Batman '66: The Lost Episode #1 (2006), Batman Confidential #26-28 (2006), Batman Family #3 (1975-1978), Batman: Gotham Knights #10 (2000), DC Comics Presents #31, #41 (1978-1986), DC Special Series #21 (1977), Detective Comics #454, #458-459, #483, #487 (1937), The Best of the Brave and the Bold #1-6 (1988), The Brave and the Bold #164, #171 (1955), The Joker #4 (1975), The Untold Legend of the Batman #1-3 (1980), and World's Finest Comics #244, #255, and #258 (1941 series).

Batman: The Brave and the Bold - The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 3

In these stories from the early 1980s, Batman fought evil side by side with DC Comics' greatest--and, occasionally, strangest--superheroes, including these tales guest-starring such legendary characters as Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Black Lightning, Superboy, Swamp Thing and more.

    Collects THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #157-200.

Justice League of America: The Bronze Age Omnibus vol. 3

The Justice League moves into the second half of the 1970s with adventures guest-starring the Justice Society of America, the Legion of Super-Heroes, and a group of heroes from the long-gone past, including Jonah Hex, Viking Prince, Enemy Ace, and more. Plus, the League's mascot, Snapper Carr, turns against the team, the Phantom Stranger helps the team battle a returning pantheon of ancient gods, the Martian Manhunter faces Despero for the lives of the League, and the Secret Society of Super-Villains swap bodies with the World's Greatest Super-Heroes. Plus, Black Lightning is invited to join the JLA--but he turns down the invitation for mysterious reasons.
    Collects Justice League of America #147-181.

Batman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 9

These stories from the early 1950s feature alternate versions of the Caped Crusader, as well as Batman's foes The Joker, Two-Face, the Penguin, and Catwoman. Along the way, the Dynamic Duo travel back in time to meet "The Batman of Yesterday," and encounter another Batman in modern-day Gotham City. Plus, Batman joins the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Catwoman stalks a beauty pageant, The Joker directs his own movie crimes, and more.

    Collects Batman #76-84, plus stories from Detective Comics #192-208 and World's Finest Comics #63-70.

Superman's Greatest Team-Ups

The Man of Steel calls upon his fellow heroes to help him defeat villains in stories that span over five years of the pre-Crisis DC Universe! Witness these epic team-ups with comics’ greatest heroe —including Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and the Flash—as well as Daily Planet’s mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent and even Santa Claus!

Superman’s Greatest Team-Ups is written and drawn by comics legends LEN WEIN, CURT SWAN, MURPHY ANDERSON, DICK GIORDANO, and many more! Collects DC Comics Presents #5, 9-10, 12, 14, 19, 28, 30, 35, 38-39, 45, 50, 58, 63, 67, 71, and 97.

Out this week: Superman Vs. Shazam - new TP edition

Click the links to order from Amazon.

Superman vs. Shazam

Two of DC’s greatest heroes collide in this era-spanning, action-packed collection! The Man of Steel and the World’s Mightiest Mortal are two of the strongest men imaginable, but what happens when they find themselves facing each other? And when Billy Batson is trapped and the powers of Shazam stolen, will the Man of Steel be able to save him?

    Collects Superman #216, The Power of Shazam! #46, Kingdom Come #4, DC Comics Presents #33, #34, and #49, 
DC Comics Presents Annual #3, and All-New Collectors’ Edition #C-58. 

New comics collected editions out this week: Black Canary; Conan; Black Panther

Click the links to order from Amazon.

Black Canary: Bird of Prey

Introduced in 1947 as a supporting character in the Johnny Thunder backup stories in Flash Comics, Black Canary became an instant hit with readers. After stealing Johnny Thunder’s thunder (so to speak), she earned her own starring feature that established her identity as Dinah Drake, a meek florist by day who dished out vigilante justice by night under the guise of the Black Canary.

    Black Canary often found herself tangled in the cases of Larry Lance, a down-on-his-luck private eye who operated his detective agency out of Dinah’s flower shop. Whenever Larry found himself in way over his head, it was up to Black Canary’s fighting skills and knack for crime solving to save the day, which broke convention from the typical damsel-in-distress archetype of the era.

    The Black Canary: Bird of Prey collects all of Dinah Drake’s early comic book appearances from Flash Comics plus other adventures written and illustrated by comic book legends such as Robert Kanigher, Gardner Fox Carmine Infantino, and Murphy Anderson. This edition features stories from Flash Comics #86-88, 90-104; Comic Cavalcade #25; DC Special #3; Adventure Comics #399, 418-419; and The Brave and the Bold #61-62. 

Conan the Barbarian Epic Collection: Hawks from the Sea

Marvel's first and best sword-and-sorcery epic continues - with iconic tales by writer Roy Thomas and artists Barry Windsor-Smith, Gil Kane and John Buscema! First, Conan the Barbarian's path crosses with the albino antihero Eric and his soul-stealing sword Stormbringer! Then, on the shores of Bal-Sagoth, Conan meets a new comrade in arms, the mighty Fafnir. Together Conan and Fafnir sail the Vilayet Sea and join the mercenary forces of the War of the Tarim, a holy conflict between Makkalet and Turan! It's a saga of adventure, intrigue and loss that shows the true face of war! And don't miss the full-color adaptation of Robert E. Howard's Conan classic, "The Frost Giant's Daughter" - and the first appearance of Thomas and Windsor-Smith's Red Sonja!

COLLECTING: Conan the Barbarian (1970) 14-26

Black Panther Epic Collection: Panther's Prey

The saga continues! From Don McGregor, the world-building writer of “Panther’s Rage,” come the second and third chapters in his epic Wakandan trilogy! In “Panther’s Quest,” T’Challa searches for his long-lost mother — and it will lead him on a brutal hunt like no other, set against the violence of South African apartheid and illustrated by the legendary Gene Colan! Then, in “Panther’s Prey,” the painted art of Dwayne Turner brings the action back to Wakanda — where the winged menace called Solomon Prey swears vengeance on the king! Plus: The Panther prowls in a quintet of rarely seen tales!

    Collecting BLACK PANTHER: PANTHER’S PREY #1-4 and material from MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS (1988) #13-37 and #148, SOLO AVENGERS #19, MARVEL SUPER HEROES (1990) #1, MARVEL FANFARE (1982) #60 and FANTASTIC FOUR UNLIMITED #1.