KC COLUMN: PREVIEWS REVIEW FOR FEB ‘20


KC Carlson. Art by Keith Wilson

KC Carlson. Art by Keith Wilson


by KC Carlson

Welcome to my regular run-down of what comics may arrive a little over two months from now. Here’s what’s interesting coming in February 2020, the year of eye exams.

MARVEL COMICS

Wolverine #1

Wolverine #1


The biggest news of the month is probably that there’s a new Wolverine #1! Written by Benjamin Percy with art by Adam Kubert and Viktor Bogdanovic, this first issue will be 72 pages. Preview pages in Marvel Previews show lots of kids playing games with both Wolverine and Jean Grey, so your guess is as good as mine as to what the issue is actually about. (Apparently Omega Red shows up later…)

Of course, there are a bunch of variant covers, but the main cover is by Kubert. Variant cover artists include Alex Ross, Jim Lee, Adam Kubert w/Greg Hildebrandt, Rahzzah, R.B Silvia, Skottie Young, Jeehyung Lee, Chip Kidd, and most likely more that we don’t know about yet. (It seems like Adam Kubert is somehow involved with several of them.) There are also a few Wolverine Facsimile Editions listed this month featuring various Wolverine #1 issues, so don’t miss those! Plus there’s a Wolverine Graphic Comic Box. This is the kind of item that some comic shops and services might not be offering. Westfield will be carrying these boxes. There is an additional shipping fee as they’re so bulky. And adamantium is heavy.

X-Men/Fantastic Four #1

X-Men/Fantastic Four #1


X-Men/Fantastic Four #1 & 2 are the first half of a four-issue miniseries spinning out of House of X and written by Chip Zdarsky and drawn by Terry Dodson. Issue #1 features Krakoa — the island that walks like a man (or something like that). #2 features Doctor Doom — who presumably clanks a lot while he walks. It’s funny how you never think about stuff like that until it actually comes up. See you next month for #3 & #4. Man, Terry Dodson’s art is so awesome!

Falcon & Winter Soldier #1

Falcon & Winter Soldier #1


Falcon & Winter Soldier #1 begins a five-issue miniseries written by Derek Landy (Black Order) with art by Federico Vicentini (Absolute Carnage: Miles Morales). Two ex-Captain Americas team up to uncover the new leader of Hydra before a mass casualty event happens. Jeez, I bet these guys have awesome chats in the bar after stuff like this.

Ant-Man #1

Ant-Man #1


In Ant-Man #1 & 2 (of 5), Scott Lang and his daughter Stinger are back, but they’re living in an anthill! Desperate to find a job (and raise his daughter’s opinion of him), Scott takes a job from local beekeepers and instead uncovers a global conspiracy. Because that’s what’s going on in our nation’s beehives while we’re constantly distracted by obviously fake hair! Later (in issue #2), Scott has to face off against a new host of villains. Will he end up squished beneath their feet? Ewww… Is this actually going to make it to five issues? I bet only writer Zeb Wells and artist Dylan Burnett know, and they refuse to tell cover artist Eduard Petrovich!

Gwen Stacy #1

Gwen Stacy #1


Gwen Stacy #1 (of 5): Set in the early days of the Marvel Universe (when Gwen and Peter Parker were still in high school, and Gwen’s dad – the police captain – was still alive), this series presents the never-told “origin” of Gwen Stacy. Back in those days, Gwen had a “science brain”, a nose for trouble, and a no-quit attitude that always got her in over her head. In the early Marvel Universe, that’s a recipe for disaster! Written by Christos Gage, art by Todd Nauck, and a cover by Adam Hughes. Alternate covers are by Todd Nauck, Jeehyung Lee, Jieyuan, J. Scott Campbell, and the ever-popular TBA.

Fantastic Four: Grimm Noir

Fantastic Four: Grimm Noir


Fantastic Four: Grimm Noir: What is Dr. Strange’s nemesis D’Spayre doing on Yancy Street? Ben Grimm throws on his hat and overcoat to solve the mystery in this one-shot. Written by Gerry Duggan with ultra-moody art by Ron Garney.

Ditko Is… Strange! King-Size Hardcover

Ditko Is… Strange! King-Size Hardcover


If you’ve ever wanted to see Steve Ditko’s Dr. Strange artwork at a huge size (like, say… 13 5/8” x 21 1/4 “), well, Ditko Is… Strange! King-Size Hardcover is your chance! This King-Size edition presents Steve Ditko and Stan Lee’s complete Dr. Strange (Strange Tales #110-111 and #114-146) stories at a massive size. (I’ve already made an appointment to have my eyeballs expanded!) I’m not a doctor (although I play one on TV when Roger is not looking), but if I were, I’d suggest making an appointment soon, because eventually, this book will probably kill you — especially if you insist on reading it in bed. By the Massive Pulpery of Printika!!! (says Dr. Strange).

DC COMICS

Pennyworth R.I.P.

Pennyworth R.I.P.


Pennyworth R.I.P.: The big news at DC this month (well, actually next February, when the comic actually ships) is that the Wayne Family’s long-time butler (although we all know that he was so much more than that!) has died at the hands of REDACTED. This special 48-page one-shot celebrates the life of one of the most important people in the history of Gotham City (not to mention the world of comic books)! It’s written by James Tynion IV and Peter J. Tomasi, with art by Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreia, and others, with a cover by Lee Weeks.

DC Crimes of Passion

DC Crimes of Passion


Also in February (available just before Valentine’s Day) is DC Crimes of Passion — an 80-page prestige format one-shot containing ten tales of love… the kind of love that can push people over the edge! (Well, that explains why Batman, Nightwing, and Catwoman are on the cover…) Here’s just a few of the folks that are contributing: James Tynion IV, Steve Orlando, Greg Smallwood, Riley Rossmo, and more under a new cover by Yasmine Putri. Slam Bradley is narrating the solicitation copy for this, so don’t be surprised if he’s inside the book as well.

The Green Lantern: Season Two #1

The Green Lantern: Season Two #1


The Green Lantern: Season Two by Grant Morrison and Liam Sharp returns in a special 40-page comic. It cleans up the mess from the previous “season” as well as introduces Hal Jordan’s next mission. Is the universe ready for… The Young Guardians?

Flash #750

Flash #750


GL’s frequent partner, The Flash, celebrates 750 issues in February in a special 80-Page Prestige Format Special featuring dozens of creators including Joshua Williamson, Geoff Johns, Marv Wolfman, Francis Manapul, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Scott Kolins, Bryan Hitch, and many more. “The Flash Age” storyline begun in The Flash #50 comes to a head here, when he’s forced to confront new threats — Paradox and his herald Godspeed. There are also many tales from across the generations of super-speedsters. Plus, eight variant covers spotlight different eras of The Flash’s career by artists including Nicola Scott, Gary Frank, Nick Derington, José Luis García-López, Gabriele Dell’Otto, Francesco Mattina, Jim Lee & Scott Williams, and Francis Manapul.

Amethyst #1

Amethyst #1


Amethyst #1 (of 6): I always liked the concept of Amethyst (Princess of Gemworld), but I realize that it may not be for everybody’s taste. Readers should check out the interview with new Amethyst writer and artist Amy Reeder (Madame Xanadu, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur) in the current DC Previews for clues about what secrets (including two new teenage friends!) the new series will reveal about Gemworld and Amethyst.

Harley Quinn & The Birds of Prey #1

Harley Quinn & The Birds of Prey #1


Creators Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti return to Harley Quinn & The Birds of Prey — in a new no-ads, four-issue miniseries from DC’s Black Label imprint. Again, there’s a lengthy interview with Amanda and Jimmy in the new DC Previews. Check it out!

In conclusion, the 12-issue Inferior Five series has been cancelled with issue #6. Wow, how inferior can you get?

ARCHIE COMICS

Archie Meets the B-52s

Archie Meets the B-52s


Archie Meets the B-52s! They’re all living in their own Private Idaho! That’s right, the B-52s have hit Riverdale, and Archie is scrambling to get the broken-up Archies back together, so they can jam! I find it a little odd that guitarist Ricky Wilson is depicted as still being in the band, despite the fact that he died in 1985. I guess things in Riverdale really are timeless! This 32-page one-shot is by writers Alex Segura and Matthew Rosenberg (Archie Meets the Ramones – which featured more dead people…) and artist Dan Parent. There are five covers to choose from (or collect!) by Michael and Laura Allred, Tyler Boss, Joe Eisma, Francesco Francavilla, and Dan Parent. So don’t forget to Roam down to the Love Shack (er… your local comic shop or subscription service) and check it out in February 2000! . . . Archie Comics has more musical happenings that month with Archie 1955 #5 (the last issue) as Archie apparently invents rock and roll. I wonder what Chuck Berry (or Dick Clark) might think of that.

_____________________________

KC CARLSON SEZ: Has November felt like the loooongest month ever? Can’t wait for December to get up to cruising speed so Santa and his flying friends can get out and spread some Holiday Cheer!

WESTFIELD COMICS is not responsible for the stupid things that KC says. Especially that thing that really irritated you. Uh, oh… it looks like the reindeer have already gotten into the Holiday Cheer, and they are belligerently refusing to fly this winter until someone talks to their Union Rep.

KC: The deer have a Union Rep?

KC: Wait. The deer can fly? Where have I been?