Hello and welcome to Multiversity’s look at the “Best of the Rest” of what’s coming your way in the now-available March 2016 Previews catalog. Having already taken a look at what Marvel, Dark Horse, DC, and Image have lined up for us, it’s now time to check out the other 75% of the catalog.
Before we jump into the things you should keep an eye out for, a quick reminder. As one-half of the Robots From Tomorrow podcast, I go through the whole Previews catalog each and every month with co-host Mike Romeo, talking about things that catch our eye and quicken our pulse. If you listen to those episodes, you should still read this column because there will not be a 100% overlap, and if you don’t listen to those episodes, they are a great way to hear Mike & I go into further detail about some of the things I’ve spotlighted here.
That said, let’s dive in!
10. BACK FROM THE GRAVE!
It’ll have been almost a year since the last issue of “Afterlife with Archie” came out when this one finally shambles to your local comic shop. The series has been pronounced dead by more than one comic pundit. But I don’t remember seeing issue 8 taking a massive headwound, so it was only a matter of time before it rose up and threatened us all with its clever blend of nostalgia, emotional truth, and a willingness to go where it needs to for the scare you deserve. Of the Apocalypses promised to us this summer, “Afterlife with Archie” is the one to look forward to!
AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Illustrated by Franchesco Francavilla
Published by Archie ComicsThe spotlight turns to Reggie, the instigator behind the zombie apocalypse that now threatens the entire planet, in AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9. Aguirre-Sacasa and artist Francesco Francavilla take us back to the fateful night that started everything and ask the question: is redemption possible for Reggie Mantle? Find out on June 1st when AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9 returns to comic shops.
“There’s no excuse for late books, just apologies,” said Aguirre-Sacasa, promising additional issues of AFTERLIFE and CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA are in progress. “We know how much these books mean to you—so thank you, thank you, thank you for sticking with us through thick and thin.”
9. EYE OF THE WERE-TIGER!
Magnetic Press packages good books. It’s that simple. They have a great eye for quality in the comics that they bring over to the US from other territories, and that commitment to quality stays strong right up to the reader picking their books of the shelf. Strong material given strong presentation; what more could you ask for? Were-tigers, you say? Funny you should mention that…
(FYI – The cover shown here is the original European edition, not the upcoming Magnetic Press version)
KLAW VOLUME ONE HC
Written by Joel Jurion
Illustrated by Antoine Ozenam
Published by Magnetic PressTeenager Angel Tomassini has been hiding a dark and scary secret: when threatened he involuntarily turns into a violent and vicious Weretiger. He doesn’t know why, how, or what to do, because when he transforms, he loses control and people end up badly hurt. As if this isn’t enough for a kid to deal with, Angel is slowly learning his father is one of the biggest organized crime leaders in the city. And are there more like him? Are there… different creatures too?
This wildly world-popular comic series about secret wars between clans of ancient, mythic were-animals comes to the US for the first time in a new hardcover edition collecting the entire first cycle of the series in a single gorgeous volume.
8. 50’s LOS ANGELES NOIR BY WAY OF PARIS
“L.A. Confidential” is not only one of my favorite films, but the original novel is another favorite of mine. The film does a wonderful job of extracting and condensing events from the book into a separate narrative telling its own story while still being faithful to the spirit of the novel. So adapting a James Ellroy work successfully into another medium is possible. Which gives me hope for “The Black Dahlia”, as writer Matz worked closely with David Fincher on his abortive film attempt of the Ellroy novel, and was so influenced and inspired by the filmmaker’s take on getting that book into a more streamlined version he wanted to give him writing credit on this comics adaptation. The work itself has already been published in France back in 2013, but is just now seeing a US release. Can noir be translated twice and still be effective? We’ll find out!
Continued belowTHE BLACK DAHLIA HC
Written by James Ellroy / Matz & David Fincher
Illustrated by Miles Hyman
Published by Archaia PressWhat’s to Love: This gripping graphic novel adaptation of the highly acclaimed book by James Ellroy, The Black Dahlia, delves deeply into one of the most haunting unsolved crimes in American history. Award-winning filmmaker David Fincher (Gone Girl, Zodiac) and acclaimed storyteller Matz (The Killer) worked at length to preserve much of Ellroy’s original dialogue while bringing the stark images of 1940s L.A. to full, living color with illustrator Miles Hyman.
What It Is: LAPD investigators Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard find themselves enthralled with the mysterious and brutal murder of a beautiful young woman, Elizabeth Short. Their obsession takes a dark turn as they delve into the underbelly of Hollywood and the heart of the dead woman’s tortured and twisted past. It is a case that will test their mettle and their sanity.
7. A DIFFERENT KIND OF CINEMA
Anthologies are awesome. I know you’d expect me to say that, but seriously, anthologies have given mainstream comics a lot more than they’ve been given in recent memory. Superman, Batman, Spider-Man…even the more recent Spider-Gwen and Squirrel-Girl were brought to you by anthologies. Taking a break from their work on League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Alan Moore & Kevin O’Neill are looking to bring back a bit of subversive anthology magic to comics with their monthly “Cinema Purgatorio” comic. You can see Moore give you the rundown on the comic here, rocking an awesome 50’s-style pompadour and going without the traditional finger-rings for the first time in I don’t remember how long.
CINEMA PURGATORIO
Written by Various
Illustrated by Various
Published by Avatar PressAlan Moore and Kevin O’Neill invite you, and some of the finest creators in comics, in to join them in a different kind of dark: Cinema Purgatorio! This ongoing monthly series will feature Alan and Kevin in every issue and is their first major new project together since League of Extraordinary Gentlemen! Anthology has become a dirty word, so far be it from us to clean it up. Instead we’ll shine our light onto the cutting edge of sequential art, with black and white artwork to allow illustrator’s pure visions, and the greatest assembly of writing talent ever gathered on one series. Every issue is perfect-bound, with no ads, and all of the works are very long-form, there are no collections planned before 2018. Jump in now and embrace the new future of comics. The one of which Alan Moore has always dreamed. It’s here, now. Hiding in the dark corner. Welcome to Cinema Purgatorio.
6. HEROES IN DEED FOR HEROES IN NEED!
When it comes to benefit efforts, comics really do pull out all the stops. Between the Liberty Annuals put out by Image Comics for the CBLDF, and these Hero Comics put out by IDW for The Hero Initiative, comics readers are spoiled in what they can get for helping out great causes. Just check out the contributors list! Be sure to pick this up and give back to all the creators who brought you those comics you love so much.
Continued belowHERO COMICS 2016
Written by Various
Illustrated by Various
Published by IDW PublishingThe Hero Initiative provides help when comic book creators are in need, it’s as simple as that. This volume presents an all-star line-up of incredible comic book talent who have come together, donating their time and considerable talents for a good cause. Now, you can do your part-buy this book and help the Hero Initiative continue its noble work!
Featuring dozens of great writers and artists, and many of your favorite series, like American Flagg!,Chew, The Maxx, Jon Sable, Red Star, as well as original concepts, as well as an astounding selection of short “Heroes In Action” stories by more than a dozen creators telling their own firsthand experiences with the Hero Initiative when they needed a helping hand, including Gene Colan, Stan Goldberg, Ralph Reese, and more.
• Writers include Kurt Busiek, Howard Chaykin, Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, John Layman, Dave Sim, Bill Willingham, and more!
• Artists include Kaare Andrews, Howard Chaykin, Kevin Eastman, Rob Guillory, Gene Ha, Sam Kieth, Dave Sim, Ashley Wood, and more!
• Gallery section showcases the work of J. Scott Campbell, Arthur Adams, Mark Schultz, Matt Wagner, Adam Hughes, Darwyn Cooke, and more!
• When you buy this book you will not only be getting great works by an amazing array of comics’ best creators, you will be giving back to those creators you grew up on in their time of need!
5. I GOT A FEVER…AND THE ONLY PRESCRIPTION…IS MORE COMICS!
Every era of comics builds off the ones before it; take those away and the whole structure crumbles. The Bronze Age of American comics is a pivotal piece of the puzzle making up today’s comics landscape, and I can think of few other writers I’d like to read a period retrospective from than George Khoury. One of the Twomorrows’ stalwart contributors, Khoury has written books on Alan Moore, Miracleman, Image Comics, and more. I can’t wait to see what he’s put together for this one.
COMIC BOOK FEVER HC
Written by George Khoury
Illustrated by Various
Published by Twomorrows PublishingGEORGE KHOURY (author of The Extraordinary Works of Alan Moore and Kimota: The Miracleman Companion) presents a “love letter” to his personal golden age of comics, 1976-1986, covering all the things that made those comics great—the top artists, the coolest stories, and even the best ads! Remember the days when every comic book captured your imagination, and took you to new and exciting places? When you didn’t apologize for loving the comic books and creators that gave you bliss? Comic Book Fever captures that era, when comics offered all different genres to any kid with a pocketful of coins, at local establishments from 7-Elevens to your local drug store. Inside this full-color hardcover are new articles, interviews, and images about the people, places, characters, titles, moments, and good times that inspired and thrilled us in the Bronze Age: Neal Adams, John Romita, George Pérez, Marv Wolfman, Alan Moore, Denny O’Neil, Jim Starlin, José Luis García-López, The Hernandez Brothers, The Buscema Brothers, Stan Lee, Jack Davis, Jack Kirby, Kevin Eastman, Chris Claremont, Gerry Conway, Frank Miller—and that’s just for starters. It covers the phenoms that delighted Baby Boomers, Generation X, and beyond: Uncanny X-Men, New Teen Titans, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Love and Rockets, Crisis On Infinite Earths, Superman vs. Spider-Man, Archie Comics, Harvey Comics, Kiss, Star Wars, Rom, Hostess Cake ads, Grit(!), and other milestones! So take a trip back in time to re-experience those epic stories, and feel the heat of Comic Book Fever once again! With cover art and introduction by Alex Ross!
4. MARVEL COVERS: THE NEXT GENERATION!
Artist Editions, wonderful as they are in giving fans a (comparatively) affordable way to own original art from some of comics’ absolute artistic masters, can be hit or miss. These aren’t casual purchases; you’re either a big enough fan of the artist in question or you aren’t. But these collections, and specifically the Marvel ones, have probably the broadest appeal of the entire line because they cover so many of the ‘greatest hits’ pieces of the eras they cover. The last Marvel Covers book range from the mid-70s to the late 80’s, so this one picks up right where they left off. For fans who might not be as ready to plunk down the sheckles on a Kirby or EC collection, this book is pound-for-pound IDW’s best chance of getting them to pick up an Artist Edition.
MARVEL COVERS MODERN ERA ARTIST EDITION
Illustrated by Various
Published by IDW PublishingVolume two of Marvel Covers charts NEW territory-literally-featuring covers from the last 25 years! Included in this volume will be gorgeous selections by a vast array of talents as they interpret many of Marvel’s most iconic characters and titles! Covers by industry legends Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Sam Kieth, Arthur Adams, J. Scott Campbell, Alan Davis, John Romita Jr., Joe Quesada, Marc Silvestri and more! Marvel Covers Artist’s Edition Volume One was a smash hit, soon going into a second printing-don’t be caught short on what will be one of the most exciting Artist’s Editions of the year!
3. OF LOVE, LABOR RELATIONS, AND LP’S IN SPACE!
Francois Vigneault’s “Titan” was one of, if not THE, best comics discovery of 2015 for me. I’m sure it flew under the radar of 99.999999% of every other comics reader, but let me tell you here and now that needs to change immediately. We don’t usually turn to indy comics for our science fiction fix, leaving that to the larger-budget publishers. And that’s not without its benefits, as you’ll a few picks from now. But books like “Titan”, which weaves science-fiction setting with real human emotions, prove that engaging science-fiction stories can come from anywhere and any creator. Pre-order this book NOW! (MAR161026)
Continued belowTITAN #3
Written & Illustrated by Francois Vigneault
Published by Alternative ComicsThings are heating up on Homestead Station! João and Phoebe find comfort in each other’s arms, but their romantic idyll is quickly threatened as tensions between the Titans and Terrans finally reach the breaking point. Worlds collide in this sexy and ground-breaking issue! Back cover by Mackenzie Schubert (Secret Hitler)! A Study Group Comics production
2. GUESS WHO’S BACK, MEGA-FAUNA!
I’ve been on record in several instances saying how much I love this book: an earlier Soliciting Multiversity column, a Robots From Tomorrow Pull List episode, and even getting a chance to speak with Zander Cannon himself. Yes, it is the absolute best monsters-in-prison book you’ll ever read, but “Kaijumax” is that and so much more. If you are a fan of comics, you owe it to yourself to check this book out. If not the $10 trade of Season 1 that just came out last week, then this issue for sure when it hits stands in May.
KAIJUMAX: SEASON 2 #1
Written & Illustrated by Zander Cannon
Published by Oni PressGet ready for the all-new second season of Kaijumax! All the Red Humongo wants to do is go straight now that he’s out on parole, but his good-for-nothing brother Green Humongo has escaped from Kaijumax and is crashing at his house, with fellow escapee Electrogor in tow. Out-of-work guard Jeong drinks his troubles away on the moon, while new police recruit Chisato throws herself enthusiastically into her first day on the job. Also: Blindside tackles! Filial piety! Savage beatings! And… a Flintstones reference?
1. 4001: RAI’S ODYSSEY
Another Valiant book makes the list this month, and another Matt Kindt-written Valiant book at that! We talked with the Valiant brain trust earlier this month about the state of their 2016 publishing line, and this book got a fair amount of discussion AND sweet preview art. As publishing events go, 4001 looks like it’s going to be lean and mean, giving you Valiant flavor with the characters still operating 2000 years from now, but not having to shoehorn EVERY single company character into the story. Plus, Kindt and Clayton have been doing solid work over on “Rai” to build up to this large-but-hopefully-still-manageable story.
4001 A.D. #1 (of 4)
Written by Matt Kindt
Illustrated by Clayton Crain
Published by Valiant EntertainmentOne hundred years from today, Father – the benevolent artificial intelligence that governs the island nation of Japan – will gain sentience. To defend its borders, Father will take drastic action by launching Japan into space…where its people can thrive in isolation, away from the overpopulated and resource-deprived planet below. Over the centuries, as New Japan orbits our increasingly unstable world, it will become a model society – one built on peace, prosperity…and Father’s control.
A thousand years from today, Father will create the first Rai, founding a lineage of technologically enhanced heroes engineered to defend New Japan and sworn to protect it from all enemies. For hundreds of years into the future, the Rai will single-handedly enforce New Japan’s justice well…and serve Father without question.
Now, at the dawn of 4001 A.D., the latest Rai is about to inherit the dark truth behind the origin of his kind…and discover the sinister secret at the heart of Father’s existence. For New Japan to live, Earth must die…and as Rai challenges his former master for the first time in more than a millennium, the lone guardian of New Japan will be cast out of his own Father’s kingdom…
Exiled from the only realm he’s ever known, Rai now walks the ravaged world of 4001 A.D. in search of forgotten heroes like himself…on a mission to collect the last surviving legends of a broken planet…and to forge a rebellion with the power to bring the most advanced civilization in history crashing back down to Earth.
Earth must rise. Father must fall. Rai! Eternal Warrior! X-O Manowar! Bloodshot! Shadowman! Geomancer! And more! The war for the ultimate fate of humanity begins in 4001 A.D. #1 (of 4) by superstar creators Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain – and continues in May and beyond as “THE SUMMER OF 4001 A.D.” rages on…and changes the future of the Valiant Universe for all time!
Well, that was fun! Be sure to check out the Robots From Tomorrow March Previews episode on Thursday and hear us talk about these books and a whole lot more. And let me know what books YOU’RE excited for in the comments section.
