The Quarter Bin

For comics shipping 07.08.10 or The Week It Was Hot. Like, Really Hot. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.

DARK HORSE COMICS

Hellboy: The Storm – $2.99

This is it. The story that’s been building up for the last few years. Hellboy versus the Queen of Blood. It’s going to be an epic throwdown the likes of which will change Hellboy’s life, and quite possibly the world, forever. Will Anung Un Rama be able to stave off his supposed destiny once more, or will the world crumble at his touch?

DC COMICS

Batman: Odyssey #1 – $3.99

Neal Adams writes and draws this brand-new Bat-book, which DC is touting as Adams’ next masterpiece. I’m super-curious to see just what Adams has in store for readers, as this six-issue mini-series (the first of two) will look at Batman through the ages to give us the supposed definitive statement on the character. It’s definitely going to look pretty. I just hope that the story actually delivers something memorable.

Demo, Vol. 2 #6 – $2.99

Well, sadly, this is it for Demo. It’s been another great batch of short stories from Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan, but the creative duo say their goodbyes with this final issue. Do I think it will be the last ever? No. It’s probably the last we’re going to see for a little while though, and that’s a shame. Demo is one of the most interesting comics I’ve ever read, and I’m going to miss getting new chapters every month. It’s going to be tough for this last issue to top the last few, but I’m sure it’s going to be great no matter what.

iZombie #3 – $2.99

More Mike Allred goodness arrives this week in the form on the latest issue of iZombie. The book’s got this great quirky charm that I just love, and I hope that both Chris Roberson and Mike Allred can keep up the pace and quality they’ve established with the first two issues.

Scalped #39 – $2.99

Until I saw this cover, I completely forgot that Dashiel knocked up Carol. There are enough surprises in the Scalped universe in any given month that I’m not sure Dash is going to be able to cope with this situation too well. Especially if Carol decides to get rid of the baby. Jason Aaron’s continuing to do a fantastic job on this book, and I’m not so sure who’s going to make it to the end of the book anymore. Of course, that doesn’t mean I can’t wait to find out.

Tom Strong and the Robots of Doom #2 – $3.99

The first issue of this series was a breath of fresh air. Bringing back one of my favorite characters of all-time, Chris Sprouse and Peter Hogan waste no time getting the science hero back in action against his Nazi half-family, who have traveled through time to establish Nazi rule over the planet. Getting this second issue is a bit like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great that I’m getting another issue of a Tom Strong comic. On the other, getting this comic means we’re one comic closer to this mini-series being over. I’ll take more Tom Strong however I can get it though.

IMAGE COMICS

King City #10 – $2.99

Three issues left. I hope you’ve been paying attention because shit is about to get real. I can’t wait for this book to be collected in one nice over-sized volume, where I can really soak in the detail of Graham’s art.

MARVEL COMICS

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #1 – $3.99

If the only way I can get more Young Avengers stories from Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung is if the book is a bi-monthly maxi-series, then so be it. Sure this story won’t be over for close to two years, but at least we’ll finally be getting some more gorgeous Jim Cheung interiors. Seriously, the guy can flat out draw. Each page and panel feels alive with his pencils, and you can bet that he’s going to be putting some extra effort into making this rare occurrence count.

Hawkeye and Mockingbird #2 – $2.99

I really enjoyed Jim McCann’s first issue, and teamed with David Lopez on pencils, the duo seems ripe for a nice long run on this sure to be under-appreciated comic. You might be saying, “How can a comic with only one issue out already be under-appreciated?” Well, because it stars Hawkeye, who’s had his fair share of solo book attempts that were good reads, but had no readership. For as many people out there that claim to love the character, they sure do like not buying books where he’s one of the primary stars. I’m hoping things are different this time because McCann has the passion for both Hawkeye and Mockingbird as characters, and the chops as a storyteller to deliver quality stories. I’m just not so sure the comic buying public is going to prove me wrong.

Scarlet #1 – $3.95

The latest creator-owned book from Marvel’s Icon imprint comes from Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev. I’ve liked the work the duo has done in the past, so I’m going to give this book a shot. I’m not really sure what to expect though. The story is about a woman pushed to the brink who decides to fight back, and there will apparently be some fourth wall breaking as Scarlet tries to bring you along for her revolution. I’m giving the creative team a little leeway, but it’s going to be a very tight leash on this one.

No trades this week.

See you next time.