Picking through “The Gutters”
Rich Johnston, in his Lying in the Gutters column at Comic Book Resources, had some interesting and very cool inside information (and some thanks go to Chapters Indigo of Canada) let’s break it down:
- “Starman: The Complete Saga Volume One Hardcover.” The first of a series, which will reprint the entire James Robinson/Tony Harris series and the various specials, including the Hellboy crossover.
- This one has been rumored for some time now. First as a reissued trade series then as an Absolute format. Either way, it’s good to see this series finally getting its due. It already ranks up in DC lore next to Moore’s Swamp Thing, Miller’s Batman and The O’Neil and Adams Green Lantern/Green Arrow saga.
- “JLI: Volume Two HC.” Meaning that DC may be committed to reprinting this era of the Justice League - excellent!
- Yawn. Next.
- There are lots and lots of Joker-related trade paperbacks from, Hardcover “Killing Joke” to the collection of JM Dematteis and Joe Staton’s “Going Sane” from “Legends Of The Dark Knight” fourteen years ago to “Greatest Stories Ever Told” to “Last Laugh.” Remember the prevalence of Doctor Octopus around “Spider-Man 2?” Think that.
- No surprise here with the advent of The Dark Knight movie. I’m sure we can expect an Archive out of this, too.
- A Jack Kirby’s “OMAC hardcover.” Makes sense, as “Final Crisis” appears to be Grant Morrison playing with all of Kirby’s toys at once.
- I thought 2006 was the year of Jack Kirby reissues, The 2007 came along. I guess The King will have a go at in 2008, too.
- Talking of which, here’s a final collection of the Grant Morrison/Mark Millar “Aztek The Ultimate Man” series as a “JLA Presents” volume.
- I’m more excited about this JLA Presents book then the two previous Stars and Stripe books. If you’ve never read it, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
- Is this really “Ex Machina” getting an Absolute or similar treatment?
- Wow! Absolute?!?! I hope so!
- Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan’s “Demo” series is confirmed as a TPB at DC Comics.
- Never read it. I don’t know a single thing about it.
- Looks like the Archives at DC are being hurried to an end with “Doom Patrol volume 5” released months after volume 4, as well as the release of the final projected volume of the Golden Age Seven Soldiers. Look for a major restructuring of how DC will run the program.
- What restructuring means, I have no idea. It could be anything. I just hope DC keeps the same “Pinstripe” trade dress. I mean, after over 120 Archives, why screw with a good thing. Doom Patrol 5 and a final 7 Soldiers seem like no brainers, but if it’s any indication from the Introduction of the recent JSA All-Stars Archives that Roy Thomas did, well see a second volume there. And like I said above, it’s likely we’ll see some sort of Batman Archive when the new movie comes out this summer. The Archive program isn’t dead and despite what message boards say, it isn’t even in trouble. DC seems to be spending more time and effort with the excellent Showcase Presents and Absolute programs (we’re still expecting Sandman, Superman and Alex Ross’s Justice to keep us busy). Times change, staffs change. It’s time for a shake up that’s all. I’ll sleep well tonight and so should you.
CCL Podcast #141 - The Green Hornet

Collected Comics Library Podcast #141
26,575Kb; 28m 04s
Thanks in large part to the 85 degree temperature Sunday and the 50 degree temperature today, I have one hell of a head cold. Thanks God I recorded yesterday.
Today’s show was a lot of fun for me. For many months I have wanted to cover The Green Hornet. I found a lot of interesting things about the character and his world. Most of that he was born in Detroit and has a strong connection to The Lone Ranger in more ways than one. Any long time fans of the CCL or new ones should enjoy this journey from the Golden Age up until today.
There is a lot of news to go over to including Robin, The Boy Wonder Showcase Presents, Captain Victory, Shmoo, Mighty Avengers, Frank Miller’s Ronin and news from Devil’s Due.
As promised I did record with John Mayo last week. Besides the normal trade statistics (from August 2007) John and I went over his monthly article that he has posted at Comic Book Resources. It was one of our better conversations on record. Look for that to be put up in a few days by John on his feed at Comic Book Page. I will be sure to notify you when he does so.
Lastly, as always, I go over the New Releases of the Week, and there were a few surprises; DC Comics Absolute Sandman Volume 2 ships three weeks early and, EC Archives Vault of Horror Volume 1 ships six weeks early! Powers Volume 10: Cosmic TPB is also out this week — only 11 months late. Sigh.
Chris
Links of Note:
Mayo Report: August, 2007 Sales Analysis By John Mayo
Discuss this topic on the CCL forum


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