This Week in Geek is a weekly blog about new comics written by WorthPoint comic book Worthologist Matt Baum. Every Wednesday, Matt takes a look at the week’s new comics from a collector’s point-of-view and discusses which books may be hard to find in the near future and why. Make sure to click on the hot links for previews and more information on the comics, characters, story-lines and creators discussed here. Also, feel free to post your comments in the new “comments” section below.

I received an e-mail last week asking me what’s the deal with the absence of Wednesday Comics from my pull list? Especially after I talked it up so much. It’s a fair question. In short, it’s the newsprint. I can’t deal with it. My little collector brain just can’t wrap it’s self around newsprint comics. Maybe it’s just been too long since we’ve seen them. Maybe it’s because I’m terrible at refolding maps or the environmentalist inside me feels guilty. Regardless, there is no place in my collection for DC’s Wednesday Comics. That is not to say that I’m not reading Wednesday Comics and enjoying it. My Monday morning begins with coffee and Wednesday Comics. I still think the format is fresh and exciting and when reprinted in oversized hard-cover format I’ll be more than happy to add it to my collection. Until then, I’ll be reading Wednesday Comics at my comic shop every Monday morning. Feel free to drop in and say hi.

Now let’s talk new comics shall we? Below you’ll find my list of comics I’ll be picking up this Wednesday, July 29. This week is looks to be a lot more manageable than the past… 50 I guess. For a complete list of this week’s new comics click here. To find a comic shop near you click here.

Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #3 of 3
The Complete Dracula #2 of 5
Dark Reign: Young Avengers #3 of 5
Dark X-Men: The Beginning #2 of 3
Detective Comics #855
Fantastic Four #569
Justice Society Of America #29
The Lone Ranger #17
New Avengers #55
Secret Warriors #6
Superman #690: The Setup
Thunderbolts #134

Thoughts on the pile: DC has me right where it wants me as I will be buying anything with Blackest Night written on the cover from here on out. The only Dark Reign title I’m paying for this week is Paul Cornell’s Young Avengers because the guy writes good comics. If you guys would’ve listened to me his Captain Britain and MI:13 title wouldn’t be cancelled (no, I’m not letting this one go). Detective Comics is the best read on the stands presently. If you’re not reading Greg Rucka’s Detective you’re not just missing out on excellent comic fiction, you’re probably a jerk. I’m not sure why I’m finishing Mark Millar’s Fantastic Four story when he couldn’t seem to be bothered to do it himself. The last issue was confusing at best. It’s Bill Willingham and Matt Sturges’ first issue of Justic Society of America (see below for more) and I’m in for at least $3. I still love Brett Matthews The Lone Ranger, although it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen an issue, and want to give Dyanamite Comics more money on a monthly basis. Although not a big week for new comics, it’s a good one.

Now for my Speculator Picks of the Week. These are comics that, for reasons discussed below, could sell out very fast. Buy them now for cover price or pay jacked-up internet prices later. You’ve been warned!

Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #3 of 3: DC

Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps

Solicitation: In this three-issue miniseries, writers Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi (GREEN LANTERN CORPS) reveal the secrets behind the Lanterns of BLACKEST NIGHT! Bear witness to Blue Lantern Saint Walker’s pilgrimage of hope, Star Sapphire Carol Ferris’ sacrifice for love, Green Lantern Kilowog’s courageous beginnings, Red Lantern Vice’s source of rage, Orange Lantern Blume’s bizarre creation, and the first appearance of the mysterious Indigo, leader of the Indigo Tribe!

40 PGS
$3.99
MAY090120
Written by Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi; Art by Doug Mahnke, Chris Sprouse and Ivan Reis.

Why it’ll go fast: Blackest Night is here and it’s huge! Huge, I tells ya. Expect to see all the Blackest Night tie-ins selling out every week. The Tales of the Corps series looked like it would be filler and background stories but issue #1 quickly changed those predictions. Now retailers find themselves reordering this weekly title before it even hits the stands. Pick up all three if you’re lucky enough to find them.

Detective Comics #855: Misterioso: DC

Detective Comics #855: Misterioso

Solicitation: “Elegy” part 2 of 4 by Greg Rucka and JH Williams III! Batwoman captures her enemy, a madwoman known only as Alice who sees her life as a fairy tale and everyone around her as expendable extras—including Kate! But when the tables are turned, Batwoman finds herself in a hallucination slamming the present into a collision with the past, and the hints of a threat that will claim the lives of every man, woman and child in Gotham City.

And in the all-new co-feature starring the Question, Montoya’s quest to find a missing young girl turns deadl ; co-feature art by Cully Hamner.

40 PGS
$3.99
MAY090134
Written by Greg Rucka; Pencils by Cully Hamner and JH Williams III; Cover by Dave Stewart and Laura Martin.

Why it’ll go fast: The buzz on Rucka’s Detective is huge and for good reason, it might be one of the best reviewed comics in years. Personally, I agree with the masses and loved both stories in the first issue. J.H. Willams art could sell any comic but when added to the controversy of the first lesbian-driven super-heroine comic, this title becomes an instant sell-out every month. Let the morality and equality of super-hero alternate lifestyles debate begin! Truly a sentence made for a fiery comic discussion if I’ve ever heard one.

Justice Society Of America #29: DC

Justice Society Of America

Solicitation: A new era begins for the Justice Society of America as writers Bill Willingham (FABLES) and Matthew Sturges (BLUE BEETLE) take over the series with new artist Jesus Merino (SUPERMAN ANNUAL) just as two new recruits make their debut with the team! Strange happenings at the JSA Mansion are weird precursors to an all-out attack on all members of the team—all but one! And what is the strange connection that new members King Chimera and All-American Kid might have with the turmoil?

32 PGS
$2.99
MAY090161
Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges; Pencils by Jesus Merino.

Why it’ll go fast: Following Geoff Johns on a title has got to be similar to taking the stage after The Who, circa 1970. I haven’t been a big fan of Willingham’s superhero-work in the past but love his Vertigo stuff. Here’s to hoping his JSA is better than his Shadowpact. As a retailer it would seem to make sense to order high on this one with it being the start of a new story arc and new creative team and all. However, sales have been plummeting on the title since Johns left (JSA #26, Johns’ last issue, shipped 81,200 issues in April. JSA #28, a fill-in issue by Jerry Ordway, shipped only 52,673 in June). Even if retailers up their orders it still won’t be to the levels the title was selling just two months ago which could create a shortage if all the Johns JSA fans decide to give issue #29 a chance.

Nerdy Question of the Week:

Without inviting a firestorm of rhetoric I’m going to just go ahead and put this one out there. Now, I’m leaving it to you guys to act like big kids and keep this one civil. Though Batwoman is not the first gay character in comics, she is the first to take the headlining role in a major DC title? Does Batwoman’s sexuality affect whether or not you’ll be buying Detective Comics? Remember, keep it civil.

Thanks again for your continued input and keep the answers to the nerdy questions coming. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question below in the “Leave a Reply” section below. Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint for free and post your comics in the “Ask a Question” section. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price.

Matt Baum is a Worthologist who specializes in comic books.

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Wednesday Comics

I’ve been a fierce critic of DC’s weekly comics since Countdown began two years ago. Say what you will of 52, I quite enjoyed it, but the two weekly series that followed, Countdown and Trinity, have been throw-away issues at best. “Throw-away,” meaning the comics are a waste of time to read and will probably never sell for their cover price anytime in the next 10 years. With that said I’m optimistic for DC’s newest weekly series Wednesday Comics. Like the funny papers of yore, Wednesday Comics is a fold out featuring comic strips created by several different artists and writers. Wednesday Comics #1 hits the stands this week—Wednesday to be precise—and though I don’t see it being a huge seller, I do think it’ll be worth a read. USA Today will be featuring the Wednesday Comics Superman Stories each Wednesday in both their print and online editions.

In other news, Detective Comics #854 was a huge hit and sold out very quickly. If you missed out on the issue, DC will be rushing a second printing to the printers that should be available 7/29. Reviews for the issue have been stellar with several reviewers calling Detective #854 the best issue of the year so far. Click here to read the tweets on Batwoman.

Below you’ll find my list of comics I’ll be picking up this Wednesday, July 8. Another light week for new comics, thankfully. I’ve been trying to negotiate some work-for-trade hours at my shop just to maintain this addiction. The fiancée is not happy, or at least mute on the subject. I want to tell her how much I would be saving monthly by working once a week but would in turn reveal how much I’ve been spending. Oh, the webs we weave… For a complete list of this week’s new comics click here. To find a comic shop near you click here.

Batman #688
B.P.R.D.: 1947 #1 of 5
Dark X-Men: The Beginning #1 of 3
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly #1
Green Lantern #43
House of Mystery #15
Red Robin #2
The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft #4 of 4
Superman: World of New Krypton #5 of 12
The Unwritten #3
War of Kings: Warriors #1 of 2
Wednesday Comics #1 of 12

Thoughts on the pile: After trudging the Battle for the Cowl mini and it’s one-shots (all of which I’m listing on eBay this week), the Batman Reborn story has turned out to be well worth the wait. I loved B.P.R.D 1946 and am pumped for ’47. Dark X-Men is going to be a hoot! I can’t get enough of Fraction’s writing, but would like to see another Cassanova issue in the near future. If I get anymore excited for the Blackest Night storyline in Green Lantern I risk pushing my non-comic-loving-friends away forever. Red Robin #1 was fun and I love the idea that Tim Drake is honked off after Dick took Damian as Robin. It makes sense and I look forward to Tim finding himself as Red Robin. The Unwitten is officially a Vertigo must-read for me. I read the first two issues this weekend and loved it. If you’re looking for a smart-literary-pop-culture-romp with a metaphysical twist, you’ll love The Unwritten.

Speculator Picks of the Week:
In this section I take a look at the comics coming out this week and call my shot on which ones may sell out very quickly only to pop up in back issue bins and internet auction sites for premium prices.

Batman #688: DC

Batman #688

Solicitation: There may be a new Batman in Gotham City, but that doesn’t mean the city wants him. As Two-Face and Penguin take measures to keep the new Dark Knight at bay, one of the arch villains makes a startling discovery about the new Caped Crusader. Plus, Batman trains the new Robin, and Mark Bagley starts a four-issue stint as guest artist!

32 PGS
$2.99 US
MAY090132
Written by Judd Winick; Pencils by Mark Bagley; Iinks by Art Thibert; Cover by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea.

Why it’ll go fast: This one may seem like a “gimmie” because all the Bat-titles are red-hot presently, thanks to the Batman Reborn storyline. Agreed. But there’s another reason. Two weeks ago on the official DCU blog site “the Source,” it was announced that Bagley will be taking over JLA with writer James Robinson. As always, some fans cheered and booed. One thing is for certain; they will all be picking up Batman #688 to see what to expect from Bagley’s JLA.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly #1: Dynamite Entertainment

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Solicitation: From the classic movie, “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”! The Man with No Name rides again, this time under the veteran hand of writer Chuck (G.I. Joe) Dixon in a brand-new Dynamite #1! Featuring incredible art by Esteve Polls, and iconic covers by Lone Ranger artist Sergio Cariello, Zorro artist Francesco Francavilla and Wolverine Noir artist Dennis Calero, Dixon tells the tale of “DEAD MAN’S HAND” in a five-part arc that continues the strong direction Dynamite’s westerns are known for!

32 PGS
$3.50 US
MAY090777

Why it’ll go fast: Dynamite’s Man with No Name series is a great read but just isn’t selling well; at all. Issue #1 of the Man with No Name sold 16,191 copies in May of 2008 and hit 123 on the top 300 comics ordered that month. By May 2009 the title had dropped to 223 shipping only 5,571 copies. Could it be that most comic readers may not have even been born when Clint Eastwood was playing the unnamed cowboy? So what’s a company to do? Rename the title to the most popular of the Eastwood spaghetti westerns and re-launch with #1. Will it work? That remains to be seen. One thing you can bet on, retailers aren’t going to take a big risk this first issue even with veteran writer Chuck Dixon at the helm. Which is too bad because it’s going to be a great read.

Green Lantern #43: DC

Green Lantern #43

Green Lantern #43 Variant

Solicitation: The official prologue to BLACKEST NIGHT starts here as the first Black Lantern is born! Black Hand has been an enemy of Hal Jordan since Hal’s early days as a Green Lantern. But even Black Hand is unaware of the true power he holds that will connect him to the Blackest Night! Discover this villain’s connection to death and the Black Lantern Corps!

$2.99 US
MAY090110
Written by Geoff Johns; Pencils by Doug Mahnke; Inks by Christian Alamy; Cover by Doug Mahnke.

Why it’ll go fast: Green Lantern has been selling out on a regular basis since talk of the Blackest Night storyline began. Now it’s almost here and the sellouts are coming faster and faster. This is the penultimate issue before Blackest Night #1 and it is going to sellout very quickly. Also this issue ships with another gorgeous painted variant by Rodolfo Migliari.

Nerdy Question of the Week:

On the subject of DC’s Wednesday comics, upon finding out it would be published on newsprint I was turned off. As a collector, I like the idea of nice neat little packages to place my Near-Mint comics in after gently reading. Now picture trying to store a newspaper and maintain its condition. It’s maddening. Will newsprint be the downfall of Wednesday Comics collectability?

Thanks again for your continued input and keep the answers to the nerdy questions coming. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question below in the “Leave a Reply” section below. Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint for free and post your comics in the “Ask a Question” section. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price.

Matt Baum is a Worthologist who specializes in comic books.

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The list of the top 300 comics in sales for March came out this week and with it, I can breathe a little easier. After months of biting my fingernails and worrying about the future of comics like Guardians of the Galaxy (58th) and Nova (62nd), I was happy to see both titles moved up in sales, possibly fueled by sales of War of Kings #1, which checked in at the 14th spot on the chart—much higher than I expected. Other titles that saw big jumps were Deadpool #8 (26th) and Thunderbolts #130 (30th), which are currently in the midst of a crossover. The top two comics were once again Avengers titles—Dark Avengers #3 and New Avengers #51—and in the number-three spot was Batman: Battle for the Cowl #1. I was shocked to see Ultimate Wolverine Vs Hulk in the number-nine spot, with it being more than three years late. It just goes to show, as much as we complain about late comics and grossly missed shipping dates, we comic fans love the abuse. Besides, Marvel wouldn’t beat us if they didn’t love us, right? For the complete list, click here.

Speaking of Wolvie, as you know, the new “Wolverine Origins” movie premiers next week and Marvel has released a barrage of titles staring the Old Canuklehead in conjunction with the film. One of my favorite Wolverine stories has been reprinted and is hitting stores this week. Wolverine: Not Dead Yet, by Warren Ellis and Lenil Francis Yu, has been collected and is being released in a Premiere Hardcover format. The story deals with a mercenary from Wolvie’s past named the White Ghost who has seemingly returned from the dead. It’s a wonderful tale of espionage and superheroes as only Warren Ellis can tell. Not Dead Yet reprints Wolverine #119-#122 and retails for $19.99.

Lots of great new comics this week to talk about so let’s get to it. Below you’ll find the list of titles I’ll be picking up this Wednesday, April 22. For a complete list of this week’s new comics click here. To find a comic shop near you click here.

Astonishing X-Men #29
Avengers: The Initiative #23
Batman and the Outsiders #17
Daredevil #118
Dark Reign: Elektra #2 of 5
Detective Comics #853
Guardians Of The Galaxy #13
Hulk #11
Immortal Iron Fist #25
Incredible Hercules #128
Mighty Avengers #24
New Avengers #52
Supergirl #40
Thor #601
X-Force #14

There’re a few titles on my list this week that are on “last chance” status before they are dropped. Avengers Initiative isn’t bad, but since the end of Secret Invasion, has felt a little directionless. Also on the list is Hulk. I’m starting to wonder why I read this title. It’s not bad and a fun read usually, but is far from the Incredible Hulk title written by Greg Pak that it was spun-off from. We, the readers, still have no idea who the Red Hulk is, and after 11 issues, I’m not sure I even care anymore. Rounding out the list is Dan Slott’s Mighty Avengers. I want to love this title, I really do. I’m just not sure we, the readers (again), need this title. Presently, the New Avengers title is telling the story of the Avengers proper, while Dark Avengers is showing us the bad guys masquerading as Avengers while the Mighty Avengers has a cast of B-listers. Yes; as much as I love him, Hercules is a B-lister on some type of magic adventure on the trail of the Scarlet Witch. I just don’t know if I care, but, like I said, I’m giving each of these titles one more shot.

For those of you chasing the Wolverine Art Appreciation Variant covers, make sure you look out for the variants of Amazing Spidey #592, Hulk #11 and Daredevil #118.

Now, here’s my Speculator Picks for the Week. These are comics that, for one reason or another, I’m predicting will sell out very quickly only to resurface on the web for ridiculous prices.

New Avengers #52 Bachalo Variant: Marvel Comics

Solicitation: Who is the new Sorcerer Supreme? The entire Marvel Universe hangs in the balance as the Avengers race to help the fallen Doctor Strange battle the forces of the Dark Dimension as they make their earthly power play.

• 32 PGS
• $3.99 US
• FEB092493
Written by Brian Michael Bendis; Pencils by Billy Tan and Chris Bachalo; Cover by Billy Tan; 1:15 Variant cover by Chris Bachalo.

Why it’ll go fast: It’s simple math: If you look at last months sales numbers on New Avengers—95,340—and divide that number by 15, you end up with 6,356 variant covers. That’s a pretty rare comic. The trick is getting the variant for the right price. If you can grab a 1:15 variant cover of a comic like New Avengers for under $8, I would recommend doing so. If you can get it for cover price I want to know where you shop. These variants are already rare, there’s no question of that. The real question is will they hold their value? In the sense that a 1:15 variant will be worth thousands of dollars some day? Probably not. Will they be worth more than $8? Without a doubt.

Dark Reign: Elektra #2 of 5: Marvel Comics

Solicitation: Even for a lethal ninja assassin who’s been to the far side of death and back, Elektra faces the fight of her life! Freed from her torment at the hands of mad Skrull scientists, and delivered straight into the grabby hands of Norman Osborn and H.A.M.M.E.R., Elektra’s been imprisoned, tortured, vivisected, and even replaced with a genetic double. But the deadliest woman in the world still managed to free herself, and now, hobbling and wounded, she struggles to clear her name for her impostor’s crimes even as she fights to stay alive!

• 32 PGS
• $3.99 US
• FEB092501

Why it’ll go fast: I picked up issue one on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. Issue #1 checked in at the 41st spot on the sales chart for last month. Most retailers tend to order higher on issue #1 of a mini-series than of #2, for obvious reasons. It’s always easier to sell a first issue. Look for issue #2 of this Elektra mini to sell out pretty quickly, especially with the buzz going around on how good the first issue was.

Azrael: Death’s Dark Knight #2 of 3: DC

Solicitation: The Suit of Sorrows worn by Azrael grants the power of wrathful vengeance. It magnifies the wearer’s sins of imperfection. It is a death sentence waiting to be exacted. So then why do so many people want it? And why does Azrael, the new soldier for the Order of Purity, refuse to give it up even when he knows it will eventually kill him? With Gotham City torn apart by BATTLE FOR THE COWL, the new Azrael seeks to fill the void left by Batman’s absence and redeem his tainted legacy, but the League of Assassins wants the suit for Talia and her own heir to The Dark Knight’s mantle. And through it all, someone watches, waiting to snatch the prize from the winner…

• 32 PGS
• $2.99 US
• FEB090160
Written by Fabian Nicieza; Pencils by Frazer Irving; Cover by Guillem March.

Why it’ll go fast: Mark another hash in the “pleasant surprise” category for Azreal. Issue one was a great read and left me wanting more. Azrael #1 checked in at #36 on last month’s sales chart, but like Elektra, I would expect most retailers to decrease their order on #2. Keep in mind that when retailers are ordering their monthly comics, they do so two months ahead of time. It’s not uncommon for a title like Azraeal, which sold well with issue #1 and was well received by fans to sell even better with issue #2, but be even harder to find due to unforeseen demand. Don’t be surprised to have trouble finding issue #2 if you don’t get to your local comic shop early.

Indy Comic of the Week:

The Beats a Graphic History: Hill and Wang

Solicitation: From Publishers Weekly: “Well researched and earnest, this book might work best as a superficial Cliffs Notes on the beats, but in no way does it inspire or open the mind as the works of the authors covered do. Much of this volume feels like leftovers from coauthor Pekar’s American Splendor, and one wonders if that magazine’s ‘drab and normal’ style of illustration is appropriate for the more adventurous/experimental/flamboyant beats. Nor does it help that the art used on the best-known authors (Kerouac, Ginsberg and Burroughs) feels rushed, with little detail and little variation. Because Joyce Brabner’s script about ‘Beatnik Chicks’ takes a genuinely critical eye to an aspect of the beats others prefer to ignore—their rampant sexism— it’s probably the best and most passionate writing in the collection, with Jerome Neukirch’s art for the bio of proto-beat Slim Brundage being the artistic standout illustrations. Lance Tooks, Peter Kuper and Nick Thorkelson also make strong contributions, while Jeffrey Lewis’s story on poet/musician Tuli Kupferberg is a wonderful puzzle piece to work through; it’s the most ambitious entry and may be the truest to the artistic vision of the beats themselves.

Why you should care: If you haven’t read Kerouac’s On the Road, now is your chance to see why so many clove-cigarette-smoking hipsters are crazy about him and the other Beat writers. I went through a phase shortly after high school where I had to read every poem, essay and dirty limerick written by these guys. Not for the faint of heart but the Beats will certainly be an interesting read.

Nerdy Question of the Week:

Last week the rumor that Geoff Johns and Jim Lee would be taking over JLA spread like wild fire. The rumor got me to thinking. When was the last time JLA was great? Even though the title sells in the top 10 every month it’s hasn’t been great for a while. What was the last JLA story you loved or do you love the current storyline? Discuss.

Thanks again for your continued input and keep the answers to the nerdy questions coming. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question below in the “Leave a Reply” section below. Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint for free and post your comics in the “Ask a Question” section. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price.

Matt Baum is a Worthologist who specializes in comic books.

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Welcome to the Mardi Gras edition of This Week in Geek, where I’ll be sipping Hurricanes and writing this blog shirtless to celebrate. Hope you had a nice, light new comic pile last week because this week, in the spirit of the over-indulgent holiday, we’re getting a truckload of new comics dumped on us. There’s something for everyone coming out this week, so if you’re not at church getting your ash smear, feeling guilty for flashing your chest and praying you don’t end up on the Internet, then get yourself to your local comic shop and spend the rest of that booze money. It’s Lent, after all, and time to give up something, just not comics. That would be ridiculous. Let’s get to it.

Below you’ll find my pile of comics that I’ll be purchasing this Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009.
For a complete list of this week’s comics click here. To find a comic shop near you click here.

The Astounding Wolf-Man #13
Avengers: The Initiative #22
Captain America #47
Conan The Cimmerian #8
Fantastic Four #564
Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds #4 of 5
Green Lantern #38
Guerillas #4 of 8
Hulk #10
Incredible Hercules #126
Justice Society Of America #24
Mighty Avengers #22
Nova #22
Superman #685
Thunderbolts #129
The Umbrella Academy: Dallas #4 of 6
War Machine #3
Wonder Woman #29
X-Force #12

Truly a pile of comics to be reckoned with! Who needs to read this much stuff, right? I even looked at the list and thought to myself, “what could I cut out of here; what wouldn’t I miss?” The truth was there was nothing. All these comics are some of the highest-quality, best-written and drawn work I’ve seen in years, and I can’t wait to add them to my collection. Having trouble justifying your weekly comic bill? E-mail me at mattbaum [at] worthpoint [dot] com, along with your list, and we’ll discuss. A little validation or scolding from a fellow nerd can go a long way.

And now, on to the Speculator Picks of the Week. These are books that, for one reason or another, may sell out quickly and become instant collectibles. If you don’t pay attention and get to your local comic shop in a timely fashion, you could be paying way too much for these comics very soon.

Green Lantern #38, DC
Solicitation: A “Faces of Evil” issue! The War of Light ignites as the first bizarre battle with the Red Lanterns comes to a blood-fueled conclusion. But what unexpected fate has befallen Atrocitus, the leader of the Red Lanterns, and what new Green Lantern law is unveiled?
Plus, the Guardians of the Orange Light reveal themselves!
32 PGS
$2.99 US
NOV080161
Written by Geoff Johns; Pencils by Ivan Reis; Inks by Oclair Albert; Cover by Shane Davis Variant Cover

Why it’ll go fast: Every GL issue leading up to the “Blackest Night” storyline has gone to a second printing, and for good reason. Geoff Johns is lining fans up for the biggest story in GL history. If you’re not on board already, you’re missing out. If you don’t like Johns’ GL, you’re probably a jerk and no one likes you anyway. DC can’t print these comics fast enough and the closer we get to “Blackest Night,” the faster they’re going to sell-out.

New Avengers #50, Marvel Comics
Solicitation: Celebrate this very special milestone issue as the new roster of New Avengers deal with the shocking news of the existence of the Dark Avengers the only way they can… by taking them head on. But what is waiting for them is the stuff the DARK REIGN is made of.
48 PGS
$4.99 US
DEC082317
Written by Brian Michael Bendis; Pencils by Billy Tan; Inks by Matt Banning; Cover by Billy Tan

Why it’s hot: Anniversary issues sell better than most historically. That is not to say that a title like New Avengers has had trouble selling; there has yet to be an issue that hasn’t sold in the top 10 comics sales each month, and almost every issue has gone to at least a second-printing. So the only thing that could make New Avengers sell any faster than normal would be an anniversary issue. Like say, issue #50. This issue also ships with an amazing variant cover by Andy Kubert. For a long time I harped on and on about how stupid variant covers were and how they were destroying the comic market. Which is still a valid argument, but not one I’ll get into now. My point is this; with New Avengers selling at the level it is, and collectors protecting their comics, there should be no shortage of these issues in the future, rendering them worthless in the long-run, unless interest levels in comics quadruples later on. Now, the Variants on the other hand, may be very hard to come by, especially as the economy continues to decline and readers/collectors are buying less and less each year. So what does it all mean? In the short term, your first printings of high-selling comics like New Avengers may go for more than cover price on eBay, but in the future, when collectors liquidate their comic collections and everyone has high quality condition copies, their value could collapse. The variants however, which presently aren’t selling very well and are printed anywhere from 1 for every 20 to 1 for every 100 copies of the regular cover, will always be harder to find.

The Umbrella Academy; Dallas #4, Dark Horse
Solicitation: Number Five and The Rumor have accepted a terrible mission, and after enduring torture and a brush with nuclear Armageddon, the rest of the surviving Umbrella Academy have to put aside their infighting to try to find their brother and sister, racing through history to do so.
The Eisner and Harvey Award-winning series kicks into high gear as Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba tread into taboo territory in the surreal political thriller Dallas.
2008 Eisner Award winner-Best Limited Series, Best Colorist, and Best Cover Artist!
2008 Harvey Award winner-Best New Series!

“Way, B? Stewart, and Piekos have achieved something rare in comics.”

– IndiePulp.com

“Gerard Way is an innovative, vibrant new writer of comics who has created an exciting, original world. The Umbrella Academy feels like serialized 1930s pulp fiction, even as it reads like sci-fi.”

– PinkRaygun.com

32 PGS
$2.99 US
DEC080046
Written by Gerard Way; Pencils by Gabriel Ba; Cover by Gabriel Ba

Why it’s hot: I’ve been accused of hyperbole before, and it’s true, I tend to get excited about comics that I love. With that said, I’m telling you now with no bias, exaggeration, and under no duress that The Umbrella Academy is one of the best comic series I have ever read. I adore this comic and chances are, if you’re reading it, you do too. There is a reason UA is continually showered with awards and it’s not because it sucks. I understand that Wolverine and Spider Man are not in this title, but you need to give it a chance. Issue three of the latest series, Dallas, checked in at number 83 on the top 300 comic sales for January, which means the vast majority of you nerds are not reading it. PICK UP THIS COMIC! When the movie rights are acquired and everyone goes to the theater and falls in love with The Umbrella Academy, you will wish you had the back issues and they will be VERY EXPENSIVE.

The Indy Comic of the week will return next week!

The Nerdy Question of the Week:

How much is too much? Recently, Marvel and DC raised the price on several of their monthly comics to $3.99, and certain special issues to $4.99. How much are you willing to pay for your comics or is $4 already too much?

Thanks again for your continued input and keep the answers to the nerdy questions coming. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question in the Comic Book community forum. Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint for free and post your titles in the “Ask A Question” section. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price.

Matt Baum is a Worthologist who specializes in comic books.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

It’s the first new comic Wednesday of 2009 and to celebrate I’m changing the format of this blog yet again. It’s only a slight change but hopefully a useful one. In the Picks of the Week section I’ll be including the solicitations from the publishers along with my analysis. Hope you dig it.

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to settle back into everyday life. Hopefully, 2009 is a little more lucrative than its predecessor. It looks like tax breaks for all are in our near future; which is good in the face comic prices rising to $3.99 soon. Even in the face of a recession, comic-themed movies dominated the box office this year and are poised to do so again in 2009, with Watchmen and Wolverine coming soon. In comics news: Between the two giant comic publishers, Marvel and DC, Marvel seems to have come out as last years big winner, dominating the market share once again. And fans seem to be excited for the next big crossover storyline “Dark Reign,” which spins directly out of last year’s “Secret Invasion” storyline. I’ll be watching these crossover issues to see what they do in the back issue market and reporting back later this year. DC’s “Final Crisis” event has sold well but still seems to be trying to find its legs, and news of re-writes and artist changes have soured many fans to the now three months off schedule series. In my opinion, the DC Universe has never felt so fragmented. Hopefully, 2009 is the year DC gets it together. But enough of this reflection. I’ll be writing a “Best of 2008, The Year in Comics” blog later this week, where we can reflect on all this and more. Let’s get to the here and now, shall we?

Here’s my pile if comics for the week of Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2009. As always, I welcome your criticism, praise or threats of bodily harm based on what I am or am not reading/collecting. You may have noticed a new section below where you can respond to this article; it’s the perfect place to agree with or lash out at me for all to see! (No rhyme intended) For a complete list of this week’s new comics click here.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #21
Cable #10
Detective Comics #852
Faces of Evil: Grundy
Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #2 of 8
House of Mystery #9
The Invincible Iron Man #9
Jonah Hex #39
Marvel Zombies 3 #4 of 4
Punisher #1
Secret Invasion: War of Kings
Secret Six #5
Wormdye

Now, let’s talk speculation. As you may or may not know, the purpose of this blog is to arm the comic nerd with the information he or she needs to make an informed and quality new comic purchase every week. While they might not be worth piles of money, these issues may be pretty hard to find in the near future.

Faces of Evil: Grundy

Faces of Evil: Grundy; DC; Written by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins; Art by Scott Kolins; Cover by Shane Davis; 32 pages, $2.99.

The marsh monster stars in his first solo book ever! Who was the man who would be reborn as Solomon Grundy? Discover the secret history of the creature as his curse is explored and redefined in this one-shot special!

Why it’ll go fast: This week DC begins its “Faces of Evil” event (several books written from the villains point-of-view) with Grundy. I love the character of Solomon Grundy and just about everything John’s writes. With that said, Grundy is a “B-list” villain at best and retailers will probably order lightly on the first F.O.E. offering. These stories are going to be fun and will probably sell as a nice lot on eBay later on.

Punisher #1

Punisher #1; Marvel Comics; Written by Rick Remender; Art by Jerome Opena; Cover by Mike McKone; 48 pages; $3.99.

“Living in Darkness,” Part 1
The fight against the “Dark Reign” begins as the duty of chronicling Frank Castle’s war journal is passed to new regular team of writer Rick Remender (End League, Fear Agent) and Jerome Opena (Wolverine, Fear Agent). One man with one bullet, in the right place, at the right time, can change the world. That’s why the Punisher is perched atop a building on the Jersey shore with a high-powered Skrull rifle, his crosshairs trained on a target in Midtown Manhattan. But who is his target? And why? One thing’s for sure: They’re anything but helpless. Someone is watching their back. Someone big. Enter: The Sentry!

Why it’ll go fast: The first of the $3.99 on-going-series comics are here with the new Punisher #1. Before you freak out, keep in mind this is a 48-page comic which translates to about two cents a page. A dollar more an issue yes, but only two cents a page. Retailers have already heard the grumblings of fans when it comes to $3.99 cover prices and will probably be watching this comic very closely. I would guess most stores are ordering light on this one and then going for re-orders if necessary. Will the new higher price tag push readers away or will the quality writing and art make Punisher #1 a hit? We’ll all find out soon enough.

Secret Invasion: War of Kings

Secret Invasion: War of Kings; Marvel Comics; Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning; Art by Bong Dazo and Paul Pelltier; Cover by Brandon Peterson; 48 pages; $3.99.

It’s finally here…WAR OF KINGS! The Secret Invasion may be over, but the Inhumans are still reeling from the terrible wounds inflicted on them by the Skrulls. And this time, the Royal Family and their massively powered people have been pushed too far! You have never seen the Inhumans like this—and it’s only the beginning! Plus: How will the empire-expanding Vulcan react to these recent universe-shaking developments? Before this double-sized shocker is over, vengeance will be had, daring alliances will be forged, and the first shots in a destiny-changing battle will be fired! The acclaimed team of writers Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (NOVA) and artist Paul Pelletier (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) unite to revamp heroes, reveal villains and rock the universe!

Why it’ll go fast: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning have reinvigorated Marvel’s cosmic heroes with their past “Annihilation” storylines and sold quite a few comics for characters that hadn’t seen their own titles since the mid-nineties in the process. “War of Kings” is their latest cosmic odyssey and looks to be great; one problem. The book doesn’t have “Annihilation” in the title. Why they chose to go with “Secret Invasion” over “Annihilation” is beyond me. I’ll give them the Secret Invasion miniseries sold better than any of the “Annihilation” comics but other than starring Skrulls as the bad guys, it had nothing to do with “Annihilation”. It seems that fans and retailers alike might skip out on this one for different reasons; “Annihilation” fans because it’s titled “Secret Invasion” and vice-versa.

Indy Book of the Week

Wormdye; Secret Acres

Wormdye; Secret Acres; Written and illustrated by Eamon Espy; 128 pages; $13.

Espy’s work has been described as Franz Kafka meets Hieronymus Bosch. Click here for a great review. Here’s the solicitation.

Eamon Espey’s Wormdye is a collection of interwoven tales that deftly illustrate the fever-pitched anxiety of modern life. With locales as varied as the River Styx, the Vatican, the island of Aegina and the Mitchell Corn Palace, Wormdye follows Marco, Tommy and others as they engage in the human struggle: work, religion, death and human sacrifice. Bleak and darkly funny, Wormdye uses myths and iconographic visuals to evoke a world-view that is both absorbing and upsetting, tragic and triumphant.

That’s all for this week true believers. I truly hope this blog has inspired you to pick up at least one comic book you may have otherwise passed on. If not, email me and tell me what I’m doing wrong. I love criticism, both creative and purely insulting. Until next week, keep the questions coming. Also, check out my other blog The Comic Speculator, where I discuss classic yet still affordable back-issue comics. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question in the Comic Book community forum. Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint for free and post your titles in the “Ask A Question” section. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price.

WorthPoint: Get the Most form Your Antiques and Collectibles

This Week in Geek is a weekly blog about new comics written by WorthPoint comic book Worthologist Matt Baum. Every Wednesday Matt takes a look at the week’s new comics from a collector’s point-of-view and discusses which books may be hard to find in the near future and why. Make sure to click on the hot links for previews and more information on the comics, characters, story-lines and creators discussed here.

Happy New Year, nerds, and happy anniversary to me! It’s been one year since I started writing This Week in Geek and, as of today, I still have a job. I just want to take a minute to thank my WorthPoint overlords for giving me a chance and a place to write about my passion, comics both old and new. Thanks to you, as well, for reading this blog and keeping me busy with valuations, questions, and even the occasional insults and threats. Thank you all and stay tuned, because there are huge changes coming to WorthPoint very soon. Over the past year I’ve received a lot of e-mails detailing a ton of criticisms of the site and the good news is, they’ve listened! I can’t reveal details yet, mainly because I don’t have them, but there are big changes on the way. You’re going to love it.

Now, let’s talk new comics. With X-mas and New Year’s Day giving the good people of UPS two days off in one shipping week nerds will find themselves waiting until Friday to get their comic fix. Also because of the holidays you can expect a light comic week. Everyone is broke, not just due to crappy 2008 economic year, and the comic gods know it. The holidays are gone and the first real New Comic Wednesday of 2009 is just five days away.

Here’s my pile if comics for the week of Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. As always, I welcome your criticism, praise or threats of bodily harm based on what I am or am not reading/collecting. You may have noticed a new section below where you can respond to this article, it’s the perfect place to agree with or lash out at me for all to see! For a complete list of this week’s new comics click here. To find a comic shop near you click here.

Avengers: The Initiative #20
Batman #684
Batman: Cacophony #2 of 3
Captain America #45
Green Lantern #36
Guardians of the Galaxy #8
Incognito #1
Incredible Hercules #124
Justice Society of America #22
Punisher War Journal #26
Punisher: War Zone #4 of 6
Superman #683
War Machine #1
Wolverine #70
X-Force #10

Now let’s talk speculation. As you may or may not know, the purpose of this blog is to arm the comic nerd with the information he or she needs to make an informed and quality new comic purchase every week. While they might not be worth piles of money, these issues may be pretty hard to find in the near future.

Green Lantern #36

Green Lantern; DC; Written by Geoff Johns; Art by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy; Cover by Shane Davi; $2.99.

Why it’ll go fast: “Blackest Night” prelude. The Green Lantern story you’ve been waiting for since the “Sinestro Corps War,” “Blackest Night,” begins here! Writer Geoff Johns has been building up to this story since “Green Lantern: Rebirth,” which brought Hal Jordan back to the DCU. I would guess retailers are going to order lightly on this one as GL #36 is just a prelude to “Blackest Nigh.” After it sells out instantly the GL #36 re-order madness begins and you can bet eBay will light up with ridiculous prices on this issue. “Blackest Night” sees the birth of the final Lantern Corps, the Black Lanterns, which represents Death. Is there anything cooler than an army of Zombie Black Lantern soldiers? Oh, and Johns promises we’ll see some of our favorite dead DC characters making re-appearances. I can’t stop giggling just thinking about this one.

Punisher War Journal #26

Punisher War Journal #26; Marvel Comics; Written by Matt Fraction and Rick Reminder; Art by Macdonald; Cover by Dave Wilkins; $2.99.

Why it’ll go fast: PWJ is being canceled. Not because of poor sales or fan backlash, quite the contrary, I would argue this Punisher series has been the most enjoyable romp I’ve had with the character for years. (I loved the Ennis Punisher stuff but longed to see Frank in the mainstream Marvel U.) Marvel is retitling the series The Punisher and starting over with a new issue #1 this month. The new series will pick up where War Journal ended showing us the adventures of Frank Castle as he deals with the Dark Reign event. I adored this series and will be sad to see Fraction go, however, I’m excited to see what Reminder can do with his first major Marvel book. Being this is the last issue look for it to be under-ordered at most shops (There were two copies left at my shop when I got there.). PWJ 26 marks the end of an excellent Punisher run by one of my favorite new writers. Here’s to more quality Punisher stories in 2009.

War Machine#1

War Machine#1; Marvel Comics; Written by Greg Pak; Art and cover by Leonardo Manco; 1:10 variant cover by Mike Deodato; $2.99.

Why it’ll go fast: What sells out faster than final issues? First issues, of course. War Machine #1 follows the adventures of Iron Man’s Brother in Arms Jim Rhodes in the post-Invasion-Dark Reign Marvel Universe. For those of you who read and loved Warren Ellis’ Authority (if you haven’t, you should), Greg Pak seems to be taking War Machine in a similar direction tackling real-world problems with super-heroics. In the preview War Machine confronted a corrupt Oil-pipeline-developer and will later take on the likes of African Warlords, corrupt genocidal regimes and other menaces overlooked by the world for too long. This is going to be a hot book much in the vein of Pak’s Incredible Hercules which you may recall retailers had a heck of time keeping in stock. Like Hercules, War Machine is not an A-list character but has a lot of potential. This seems to be where writer Pak works best, fleshing out a secondary character and making them infinity more interesting. Pair Pak’s writing with artist Leonardo Manco, who was already legendary but seems to have hit his stride here, and you have a runaway hit that comic fans will be clamoring for in the upcoming months.

Indy comic of the Week
Why I Killed Peter; NBM/Comics List; Written and Drawn by Alfred and Oliver Ka; $18.95 (mature readers).

Why I Killed Peter is one of the reasons I love independent comics. Alfred and Oliver Ka tell the true story of Oliver’s relationship with a pedophile priest and examines how he dealt with experiences and what happens when he confronts the Priest later on in his life. It’s hard to imagine a movie being made that could deal with such controversial topic in such matter-of-fact words directly from the person affected. The short distance from creator to reader without the interference of large publishing houses or entertainment companies is one of the best things about Indy comics. It’s not going to be a happy story, but Why I killed Peter is near the top of my “to-read” pile.

That’s all for this week true believers. I truly hope this blog has inspired you to pick up at least one comic book you may have passed on otherwise. If not, email me and tell me what I’m doing wrong. I love criticism, both creative and purely insulting. Thanks for sticking with me for a year and here’s to a happy and healthy 2009. Until next week, keep the questions coming. Also, check out my other blog The Comic Speculator, where I discuss classic yet still affordable back-issue comics. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question in the Comic Book community forum. Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint for free and post your titles in the “Ask a Question” section. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price.

Matt Baum is a Worthologist who specializes in comic books.

WorthPoint: Get the Most from Your Antiques and Collectibles.