The Pull List (12-19-07): Don't forget your Umbrella

This Wednesday's list looks as if it will start out small but could end up growing like Santa's bowl-full-of-jelly once I'm actually at the shop. It may not be as flashy as the Perfect Storm of November '07, but it's a solid week for comics. Satire, action and philosophy are all out for the picking, so if there's someone you know who's been wondering why you're still into this "kids' stuff," this would be a good time to take something from the rack, roll it up real tight and smack 'em in the melon with it. Then when you're done, let them read some of the smarter and more imaginative titles on the market right now.

Got your thinking caps on? Then on to the list!

Umbrella Academy #4: A lot has been made about Umbrella writer Gerard Way being the lead singer for My Chemical Romance, a band I've got to admit I'd heard of but didn't know much about. And you know what? It doesn't matter. Whether Way's band is your cup of tea or not, he's a hell of a comic book writer and Umbrella Academy is easily one of my favorite current titles. A rich, dark history of the dysfunctional "family" gathered together for study is caught in glimpses, while those same characters slug it out in action-packed battles with homicidal magicians and Zombie-Robot Gustav Eiffel. As if that wasn't enough, it's all illustrated by Gabriel Ba, one of the best comic book artists working today and who brings a genuine sense of moody tension and heartbreak to the book. Pick up Umbrella Academy — it's easily one of the best superhero team books out there, if not one of the best comic books, period. There's a preview of the first issue available, as well as previews for #2 and #3, so give it a look.


The rest...

Army @ Love #10

Immortal Iron Fist #11

Special Forces #2


Maybe ...

Conan #47: OK, so is this coming out or what? Dark Horse says it is, but every shipping list has a Frost Giant's Daughter one-shot scheduled for release. If it's the one-shot, consider it a good way to sample the series without having to commit to a whole story arc; if it's the regular title, I'll probably be picking it up (though this title has been edging toward the "wait-for-trade" list).

Incredible Hulk #112: Marvel's lunkheaded version of Hercules taking over for the Hulk? Pretty tempting, especially after reading the preview.

Long Count #1: An interesting mash-up of the cyberpunk and Latino magical-realism genres, with what looks like a strong female protagonist and art that blends gritty, photo-realistic backgrounds with character designs that make me think of Heavy Metal — yeah, I think I've pretty much talked myself into this one. Read the preview and see what you think.


Recommended ...

Action Philosopher's Giant-Size Thing Vol. 3: True story — I once started dozing in a philosophy class and did that falling-asleep-sudden-jerk thing and shot all my books right down the aisle; I have the exact opposite reaction when I read Action Philosophers, so give this smart and funny comic a try.

The Pull-list: 7-18-07

Whoops! I let my schedule get away from me, so this is going to have to be kind of a quick-hit version of the pull-list for this week (which is abnormally chunky). There are a lot of titles I was happy to see on the list this week, but the one I'm probably looking forward to reading most is:

Strange Embrace #2: Only one issue into it and this book is equal parts creepy, dread-filled and somehow melancholy. And nothing's happened yet. Well, that's not really fair, but let's just say that the things that have happened feel like a set-up for something that feels like it's going to be pretty awful. I love it. Plus, the writing is as tight as a twanging nerve, with art that's perfectly suited to the story. Check the preview out for yourself at the title's site (you'll have to do some navigating: click on the front door, then the door on the left called "Story Preview." Now click on the chest of drawers - ha! Made you look! No, seriously, click on the notebook on the table and that'll bring up the preview. Whew!).


The Usual ...

Army @Love #5

The Brave and The Bold #5

Captain America #28

Conan #42

Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil #4

The Spirit #8

World War Hulk #2


Maybe ...

Programme #1

Super-Villain Team-up: MODOK's 11 #1


Recommended ...

Madman Gargantua (hardcover): Assuming you've got between $125 and $150; if you do, lend me your copy when you're done.

Screw Heaven, When I Die I'm Going to Mars: A collection of some of Shannon Wheeler's best work. If you liked Too Much Coffee Man, you'll dig it.


And Now, A Question:

I've been tinkering with the format of this particular feature, and I'm wondering which is more helpful to you, the reader; a pull-list that features what I plan to get and why, or a list that features what I did get and my thoughts on them (basically, reviews)?

I've always leaned toward the "upcoming" format just because I thought it'd be more helpful in terms of providing a heads-up before people buy their comics, but I'd like your input on whether that's true. Of course, if I go with the "upcoming" type of list I'll make more of an effort to get it out early in the week (probably Tuesdays).

The Pull-list: 4-18-07

No time for love, Doctor Magnus! Who knew this whole "work" and "day-job" thing would be so demanding? Since I owe my soul to the company store, this weeks' pull-list is going to be charmingly simple - no fancy frills this time around.

Er ... yeah ... it's just a list. Sorry 'bout that. Keep your fingers crossed that work stops squatting on my head and giving me wet-willies before next week; now, on to the list!

52 #50: Almost there!

Army @ Love #2: I liked the first issue of this satire more each time I read it; looking forward to #2.

The Brave and The Bold #3: Pure awesome, now with more Blue Beetle.

Manhunter #30: Gets better and better; what hasn't killed it has made it stronger.

The Spirit #5: Great art, great writing and just a really great book.

Conan #39: Conan wants you to buy every book with his name on it, and I obey.


And maybe ...

World War III Parts 1-4: What the hell? Was I the only one who didn't know these four separate issues were coming out? And all at the same time? I feel a little manipulated here.

Death Dealer #1: Blame heavy metal album covers seeping into my head during my youth.


And if I could ...

The Professor's Daughter (graphic novel): First Second Books has been putting out some of the best original graphic novels for the past year or so, and this seems to be its latest addition to that list. A fun writer (though he did go on a bit in Vampire Loves) and gorgeous watercolor images puts this on my short list of trades and graphic novels.