Scott and Dan pick the comics they’re most looking forward to…
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Dan Greenfield, editor, 13th Dimension
Batman #1 Facsimile Edition, DC. A cornerstone of any Batman collection. Sure it’s been reprinted before, but so what. This not only has historical value, it’s perhaps the single-best comic of the Golden Age. Yep, you get the debuts of the Joker and Catwoman, but every story in here is a winner. If you’ve never indulged, get yourself a copy. You will not be disappointed. And that I promise.
There are also two variants — foil (not for me) and sketch (very much for me):
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World’s Finest: Teen Titans #3, DC. Mark Waid and Emanuela Lupacchino are 2-for-2 on this series, which is a marvelous synthesis of old-school Titans with new-school storytelling. In Ish #3, it’s Teen Titans Con! (Featuring Gaspar Saladino’s logo on the banner!) Oh, and requisite request: Whenever I get the chance, I’m imploring DC to publish a Batman and Robin series (Bruce and Dick) set in this world. By Waid and Chris Samnee. C’mon, DC, you know you want to!
I’m also collecting all the Doc Shaner character variants. This month’s is Speedy:
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The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #12, DC. This is the end, folks (maybe). DC hasn’t solicited a third series and I’m not sure they will. Admittedly, it does feel a little played out and the concept probably needs a rest. (Bring back Scooby-Doo Team-Up!) That said, I’m really looking forward to this one; I like Batman Beyond just fine but the draw here is the never-not-awesome ROYAL FLUSH GANG!
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Shazam! Power of Hope, DC. A hardcover reprint of the Paul Dini/Alex Ross treasury-size classic. Can’t miss.
Scott adds: All of the Paul Dini/Alex Ross treasury collaborations were great, but I remember this one being particularly wonderful.
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Daredevil #1, Marvel. I firmly believe that in the Marvel Universe, it can be sunny and 72 in Central Park and there will still be a torrential downpour in Hell’s Kitchen at the same time. And that Daredevil won’t seek shelter because he’s convinced he deserves to be soaking wet and uncomfortable with a devastating case of swamp ass. Damn, Matt, it’s enough with the self-flagellation. They sell umbrellas on every corner when it rains. Go buy one. They’re like four dollars.
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X-Men Epic Collection: Proteus, Marvel. A new printing of essential Claremont/Byrne X-Men.
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Scott Tipton, contributor-at-large, 13th Dimension
The Alex Ross Marvel Comics Super Villains Poster Book, Abrams ComicArts. I could stare at Ross’ new villains piece for hours.
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Alligator Loki #1, Marvel. I don’t know what this could be about, but I’m in. By Alyssa Wong and Bob Quinn.
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Captain Marvel: Saga of Monica Rambeau, Marvel. Finally, a compilation volume focusing on my favorite Marvel Captain Marvel.
