A quote from a panel at San Diego Comic Con ticks me off.

Arsenal4

Didio noted that most of the people that reacted positively to this story had small children of their own, meaning the writers "touched a real nerve" which was a good job and not a bad job.--Dan DiDio at Thursday's DC Nation panel about the events in Arsenal's life.

Really, Dan? Who are these parents? I want to see them. I want to be sure they exist. Because I am the parent of a small child, and I think that killing off Lian, the 5 year-old daughter of Roy Harper, is disgusting, cheap and reprehensible. Especially since teh result is a poorly written, laughable series.

And you think that making comic fans think of what would happen if their small child was killed is a "good thing"? That's a nerve I just do not want touched.

Man, this statement really infuriates me.  

I mock the June 2008 DC Solicitations.

It's that time again. I start with DC

TRINITY #1-4
Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza
Art by Mark Bagley & Art Thibert, Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens, Tom Derenick & Wayne Faucher and Mike Norton & Jerry Ordway
Covers by Carlos Pacheco

DC's new weekly series TRINITY explodes in an extra-sized debut issue featuring art by fan-favorite Mark Bagley (Ultimate Spider-Man) & Art Thibert with lead stories and dialogue by Kurt Busiek (SUPERMAN, ASTRO CITY)!
The lead feature explores the unusual bond - and importance - of DC's top three characters, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, as a mysterious dream links them together and may prophesy important changes in their trinity!
Plus, a co-feature in issue #1 explores the mysterious connection between several villains who are watching the Trinity -as well as the near future for these characters and their surrounding world! Co-features in issues #2-4 fill in back-story on some of the other important players in this major storyline. These stories are written by Busiek & Fabian Nicieza with art by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens (NIGHTWING, GREEN ARROW), Tom Derenick & Wayne Faucher and Mike Norton & Jerry Ordway (ALL-NEW ATOM, INFINITE CRISIS).
Issue #1 on sale June 4; issue #2 on sale June 11; issue #3 on sale June 18; issue #4 on sale June 25 o Issue #1 40 pg, issues #2-4 32 pg, FC, All $2.99 US

• You know, I am going to have to say no to this. I love Busiek and Bagley, but I really can't afford another $12 a week. Sorry DC.

FINAL CRISIS #2
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and covers by J.G. Jones

Meet Japan's number one pop culture heroes, the Super Young Team and their languid leader, Most Excellent Superbat! Join legendary wrestler Sonny Sumo and super escape artist Mister Miracle as they team to face the offspring of the Anti-Life Equation! See Earth's superheroes mourn one of their oldest allies! Witness costumed criminals sinking to new depths of cowardice and depravity as Libra takes things too far! Uncover the doomsday secrets of the poisoned city of BlŸdhaven! Learn the shocking identity of the prime suspect in the murder of a god! And read on if you dare as Batman becomes the first of Earth's champions to face the Fallen of Apokolips. All this and a spectacular return from the dead...
Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones' multiverse-spanning epic continues with bombshell after bombshell in FINAL CRISIS #2 - "Ticket to BlŸdhaven"!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by J.G. Jones that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale June 25 o 2 of 7 o 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

•  I love Grant Morrison. I do. But if the second issue of a major DC event miniseres, one that is supposed to shake up DC as we know it, starts off by introducing us to "The Super Young Team and their languid leader, Most Excellent Superbat", then I think that maybe, maybe, Grant is not the guy to write something like this. I mean, creating an Asian superteam with a funny name might have been okay for 52, but there are only 7 issues here. Fans want changes and want them fast. Indulge your quirkiness on your own time.

TITANS #3
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Joe Benitez & Victor Llamas

Random hook-ups, internal fighting, envy…what's going on with Nightwing, Starfire, Flash, Beast Boy, Raven, Donna and Red Arrow? Can this team get their act together before their mysterious foes reveal themselves?
On sale June 11 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Random hook-ups!?! In a Judd Winick book!?! How could this be!!!!????!!!! Hey Judd, one of your weakest traits as a writer is having your characters bump uglies for no good reason. It is not realistic character development, because friends just hooking up doesn't happen all that often in the real world. At least not without some serious complications to their friendships, which you seldom bother to write. And who is hooking up with whom? I mean, who has already dated or isn't married?

BATMAN #678
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant cover by Daniel

Part 3 of "Batman R.I.P."! Batman's mysterious adversary has won. All is lost for the Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne is now deranged and dissociated, wandering homeless in the alleys of Gotham City. Is there a chance that Bruce can rebuild his Batman identity from scratch, or is this truly the end for one of the world's finest heroes?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Alex Ross), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Tony Daniel). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale June 25 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• I'll repeat, in the vain hopes it might actually do some good--do not kill Batman. Even if you bring him back later on during the year. That is lame for so many reasons. If you don't know why, DC, then you shouldn't be publishing comics. And Batman should be taken away from you.

SUPERMAN #677
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes & José Wilson Magalh‡es
Cover by Alex Ross
Variant Cover by Renato Guedes

James Robinson (Starman, The Golden Age) arrives as the new ongoing writer of SUPERMAN as changes abound in the life of the Man of Steel! A frighteningly powerful new presence declares Metropolis his, a monster strikes the harbor of the City of Tomorrow, Green Lantern guest-stars for a unique game of fetch, and the Science Police arrive on the scene. And this is only issue one of the new run!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Alex Ross), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Renato Guedes). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale June 25 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Yes! James Robinson writing Superman (or any book for that matter) is a good thing!

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER #11
Written by Frank Miller
Art and cover by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

Frank Miller and Jim Lee gun the All Star engine into the red! The Dark Knight's hand exacts a heavy price from the trash of Gotham - and now, with the Boy Wonder by his side, fines will be doubled!
On sale June 25 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• This is the "Oh, why bother" school of solicitation writing. "Do we know anything about this issue?" "No." "What do we write in the solicitation?" "Does it matter? The people who love it are going to buy it anyway. The people who hate it will complain about it. It doesn't make a difference what we say."

ROBIN #175
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Chris Batista & Cam Smith
Cover by Freddie Williams II

The events of "Batman R.I.P." carve a path of destruction through Tim's life, threatening to rip apart the entire foundation of what made him choose to take on the role of Robin in the first place.
Tim's on the run and, with Batman's life at stake, he can't afford to make one misstep. Don't miss Part 1 of a shocking 2-part story that will irrevocably change Tim Drake's present as Robin…and his hard-won future as Batman.
On sale June 18 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Again, don't kill Batman DC. Seriously.

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #14
Written by Mark Waid
Art and cover by Scott Kolins

Nanda Parbat is under siege, and to keep his mystical realm from being overtaken by insurgents, Deadman must find a champion to protect it! Boston Brand elects Green Arrow! Can two heroes so similar in temperament but so different in ability pool their resources to survive - let alone triumph?
On sale June 18 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Okay, DC. I could forgive you not telling us Jerry Ordway has replaced George Perez on the title. I mean, comic companies used to inform us of that kind of stuff, but I'll let that slide. But are we really supposed to believe Jerry Ordway really needs a fill in issue? And is Scott Kolins thye best you could do?

CHECKMATE #27
Written by Bruce Jones
Art and cover by Manuel Garcia

Resurrected as the monstrous Chimera, PFC Adam Sharp is sent on a deadly mission to the loneliest corner of the world even as his bereaved fiancée vows to find him…and just as Whiteside's analysts belatedly realize the full extent of his new powers!
On sale June 18 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Is it just me, or does it seem that Jones is going in a completely opposite direction from Rucka, and one that doesn't seem that all that appealing?

MANHUNTER #31
Written by Marc Andreyko
Art by Michael Gaydos
Cover by Liam Sharp

The fan-favorite series returns! New series artist Michael Gaydos (New Avengers, Alias, Nightmare Factory) and cover artist Liam Sharp (COUNTDOWN PRESENTS: LORD HAVOK AND THE EXTREMISTS) deliver a stunning new look for the continuing adventures of the DCU's most human hero!
Los Angeles is Manhunter's town - so when Kate Spencer learns of the disappearance of hundreds of women along the Mexican border, she's on the case both as law-breaking D.A. and costumed vigilante.
Meanwhile, Kate's bloodline tie to the JSA returns to haunt her - and it looks like her sidekick's most notorious supervillain ex-boss is doing the same to him.
On sale June 4 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Yay! Manhunter is back!

JSA CLASSIFIED #39
Written by Mike W. Barr
Art by Shawn Martinbrough
Cover by Doug Mahnke

Concluding the 2-part "Body and Soul"! Wildcat's fighting abilities have been stolen from him and will be sold on the black market to the highest bidder. In order to get back into the ring, Wildcat will have to rely on a little help from his friends - the Justice Society of America!
On sale June 25 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US o Final Issue

• Sure, DC. This is the final issue. That's what you said two issues ago.

THE SPIRIT #18
Written by Sergio Aragones & Mark Evanier
Art by Paul Smith & Walden Wong
Cover by Joe Kubert

The Spirit must escort a shipment of mummies from Egypt to Central City . . . and then his troubles begin!
On sale June 18 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Not that I'm complaining, because I love Paul Smith, but isn't it a bit early for Mike Ploog to be needing a fill-in? I mean, how much time does doing this series take up? If he can't do five issues in a row, then give it to someone else. Give it to Paul Smith!

CHUCK #1
Written by Peter Johnson & Zev Barow
Art by Jeremy Haun & Phil Noto
Cover by Phil Noto
The hit NBC television series comes to comics as Chuck Bartowski and his friends are about to take the world by storm-literally! From series co-executive producer Peter Johnson (Supernatural: Rising Son) and series writer Zev Borow joined with artists Jeremy Haun (The Leading Man) and Phil Noto (Jonah Hex) comes an adventure too big for television!
In this globe-trotting, action-packed adventure, Chuck will see many exotic locales, dodge numerous bullets, and be tortured by the world's greatest...tickler?
On sale June 11 o 1 of 6 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Wow. This is unexpected. I love Chuck! I just might have to pick this one up!

THE NEW YORK FOUR
Written by Brian Wood
Art and cover by Ryan Kelly

A new Minx graphic novel from acclaimed writer Brian Wood (DEMO, DMZ)!
Just starting her freshman year at NYU, Riley is about to find out what an adventure - and a mystery - living in New York City can be.
The ultimate insider's guide to NYC is seen through the eyes of Brooklyn-born Riley. Raised by stuffy, literati parents, Riley's a shy, straight-A student who convinces three other NYU brainiacs to join a research group for fast cash. What Riley doesn't bank on is accidentally falling in love with arty older sister's boyfriend.
Advance-solicited; on sale July 23 o 176 pg, B&W, $9.99 US

• Brian Wood, doing a MINX book? Intriguing.

MADAME XANADU #1
Written by Matt Wagner
Art and cover by Amy Reeder Hadley
Variant cover by Wagner
Legendary creator Matt Wagner (MAGE, GRENDEL, SUPERMAN/BATMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY) and rising star artist Amy Reeder Hadley present Vertigo's newest ongoing fantasy epic. Centuries long and around the globe her tale winds before the ageless fortuneteller arrives in modern era New York. Her powers of sight can change the course of human events, but how does the seer see herself? Wagner and Hadley answer with painstakingly elegant story and breathtakingly innovative art that is sure to make Madame Xanadu a classic!
Issue #1 opens into a medieval kingdom beset by intrigue and foul sorcery. A fair sylph with magic of her own is thrown into the world of war and men - where she encounters a dark stranger who knows not only her past, but her most intimate future as well.
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Hadley), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Wagner). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
FC / 32 pgs / Monthly / $2.99 US / On sale June 25 / MATURE READERS

• Man, I really want to pick this one up. I just don't know if I'll have the money.

THE EXTERMINATORS #30
Written by Simon Oliver
Art by Tony Moore & John Lucas
Cover by Philip Bond

Vertigo's most skin-crawling series crashes to an apocalyptic conclusion as the boys (and girls) of Bug Bee Gone fight the battle they always knew was coming: humanity's last stand against the chaos of nature. There's no guarantee that anyone will survive, but if Henry, Stretch, Nils and the rest can't make a last stand against the killer cockroaches, no one else will. Don't miss the ending of this cult-classic comic never to be duplicated.
On sale June 4 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US o MATURE READERS o Final issue

• Another Vertigo casualty. I love Vertigo books, but there are too many books out there to pick them all up. This means good books sometime go unread.

HELLBLAZER #245
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Sean Murphy
Cover by Lee Bermejo

"Newcastle Calling" Part 1 of 2, written by Jason Aaron (SCALPED, Ghost Rider) with art by Sean Murphy (Batman/Scarecrow: Year One). A group of na•ve documentary filmmakers try to find out what happened to Mucous Membrane - an up-and-coming punk outfit (led by John Constantine) that met a mysterious end.
On sale June 18 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US o MATURE READERS

• Jesse Aaron + John Constantine=Good. It just has to be good.

JLA TROPHY ROOM: BAT-SIGNAL PROP REPLICA

The JLA Trophy Room prop replica program continues for 2008 with the Bat-Signal! A must-have on any wall or ceiling for the ultimate Batman fan!

With the flick of a switch, this metal-encased device projects a light-up Bat-Signal an impressive 16 feet! Powered by a plug-in, UL adapter and two ultra-bright bulbs, the piece also includes a fan to keep it cool. With a swivel feature enabling the Bat-Signal to pan across the room, Batman is sure to come to the rescue no matter where he is when he's beckoned.

This prop replica measures approximately 12" tall x 2.25" wide x 9" deep and is packaged in a 4/C box. Also included are a 4/C Certificate of Authenticity, a "Guide to the Trophy Room" brochure written by best-selling author Brad Meltzer, and one replacement bulb.

• Wow. They don't even list a price. That can't be good.

VERTIGO TAROT DECK SET
20th Anniversary Edition

Art: Dave McKean
Text: Rachel Pollack
Introduction: Neil Gaiman

What does YOUR future hold? Find out with the re-release of one of the most-requested and sought-after VERTIGO products of all time: The VERTIGO TAROT DECK SET, in a special gold foil-stamped Sandman 20th Anniversary Edition!

With evocative card images and illustrations by award-winning artist Dave McKean, the 78 tarot cards in the set are designed to be utilized by any practitioner of tarot. The Major Arcana of the set features an array of Vertigo characters, including:

The Fool o John Constantine
The Magician o Tim Hunter
The High Priestess o Titania, Queen of Faerie
The Hierophan o Morpheus
The Wheel of Fortune oDestiny of the Endless
Death o Death of the Endless
The Devil o Lucifer
The World o Swamp Thing

This new anniversary edition features:

Seventy-eight cards with art by Dave McKean, a softcover 128-page book (with a four-color cover by McKean, black and white interior text by tarot expert Rachel Pollack, and an introduction by New York Times best-selling SANDMAN author Neil Gaiman), plus a black velvet-like drawstring bag to hold the tarot cards. The book cover, box front, spines and velvet-quality bag are gold foil-stamped with a special Sandman 20th Anniversary logo.

The set is manufactured to order.
Advance-solicited; on sale November 5, 2008 * Tarot Deck Set * $39.99

• This is a product that I really don't understand why it ever went out of production. It is such a cool idea, that there should always be a set availiable.

WONDER WOMAN 1:4 SCALE MUSEUM QUALITY STATUE
Sculpted by Andy Bergholtz

Standing atop battle-damaged Grecian ruins, this stunning 18" Wonder Woman mixed-media statue shows the Amazon Princess in all her fury. This 1:4 scale museum quality figure is composed of resin, metal, and an expertly crafted fabric outfit, including briefs with a star pattern, a faux-leather bodice, and a flowing cape. She is armed for battle with a shield, sword, eagle-shaped axe, and a lasso. The full piece measures approximately 16.5" high x 11" wide x 14" deep.

This exclusive, limited edition statue includes a 4/color Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a 4/color box.

Advance-solicited;
in stores November 5, 2008 * Statue * $295.00 US

• I like the fact that these are supposed to be "museum quality". Like this statue would be seen in the Louvre or the Met. "Ladies and gentlemen, to your left, the Mona Lisa. To Your right, Wonder Woman holding a big freakin' axe."

 

I Mock the April DC and Marvel Solicitations

Yet another round of solicitation mockery. Let's start with DC:

COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #4-1
Story by Paul Dini
Story consulting by Keith Giffen
4 script by Adam Beechen; art by Carlos Magno & Rodney Ramos
3 script by Sean McKeever; art by Ron Lim & Mark McKenna
2 script by Sean McKeever; art by Jesus Saiz & Jimmy Palmiotti
1 script by Paul Dini; art by Scott Kolins
Covers by Adam Kubert
The Great Disaster has occurred, and all hell breaks loose as all the storylines in COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS come to a climax, threatening Darkseid and Jimmy Olsen and Mary Marvel and the future of their Earth!
COUNTDOWN 4 on sale April 2
COUNTDOWN 3 on sale April 9
COUNTDOWN 2 on sale April 16
COUNTDOWN 1 on sale April 23
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• The long national nightmare is finally over.

TITANS #1
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund
Variant cover by Ethan Van Sciver
A new team of Titans is born in the extra-sized first issue of a new ongoing monthly by Judd Winick (GREEN LANTERN, GREEN ARROW, OUTSIDERS), Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund (SUPERGIRL, TEEN TITANS EAST SPECIAL)! Someone or something is continuing its attack on anyone who's ever been a Titan, including Nightwing, Starfire, Donna Troy, Beast Boy and Raven.
You won't want to miss this new startling chapter in Titans history that may forge a new team from the ashes of old, dead friends.
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Ethan Van Sciver). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale April 9 o 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US

• I love the Titans. Hate Judd Winick's writing. The latter wins in this case.

BATMAN #676
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and variant cover by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea
Cover by Alex Ross
Are you ready for "Batman R.I.P."?
Beginning the epic story that will change the legend of the Dark Knight forever! Everything in Grant Morrison's groundbreaking run on Batman has been leading to this story, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Who will live? Who will die? Who will be Batman? The answers are sure to shock you in "Batman R.I.P.," featuring artwork by Tony Daniel & Sandu Florea and covers by Alex Ross.
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Alex Ross), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale April 23 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Hey. DC. DON'T KILL BATMAN. It's not a good idea. On soooomany levels.

DETECTIVE COMICS #843
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs
Cover by Nguyen
A member of Gotham's underground threatens the livelihood of the DCU's resident magician, Zatanna! That is, until Batman decides to lend Zatanna a hand. Plus, an appearance by Scarface and the origin of the new Ventriloquist!
On sale April 2 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• You know, if Zatanna were real, Paul Dini would be arrested for stalking her and have a briefcase full of PFA's and restraining orders taken out on him. I'm just saying.

ROBIN #173
Written by Chuck Dixon
Art by Chris Batista & Cam Smith
Cover by Freddie Williams II
Girl trouble doesn't even begin to describe Robin's situation when he finds himself caught between Violet and Spoiler! Meanwhile, the Peguin's net is getting tighter, and all three of them might find themselves sleeping with the fishes…if another supermafioso on the scene doesn't get to them first!
On sale April 16 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Wait a minute! I thought Violet WAS the Spoiler? And does this mean that the Spoiler is really coming back?

ACTION COMICS #864
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Gary Frank & Jonathan Sibal
Cover by Kevin Maguire
General Zod! Bizarro World! The Legion of Super-Heroes! What's next for the Man of Steel? Superman attempts to get back to his life as Clark Kent, but when you're the world's greatest hero there's trouble around every corner, behind every planet and within every dimension.
On sale April 30 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Ladies and gentlemen, winner for vaguest solicitation ever. "Hey, a lot of great stories happend this year! This story will be great too! Only we can't tell you anything about it!"

BLUE BEETLE #26
Written by Jai Nitz
Art by Mike Norton & Trevor Scott
Cover by Zach Howard
A special extra-sized Spanish-language issue, with the English script as bonus material! Blue Beetle takes Traci 13 to his family reunion, and having your girlfriend meet your family can be tough, especially when she's the only guest who doesn't speak Spanish! To make matters worse, two people have uncovered Jaime's secret identity - and one of them is the Parasite!
On sale April 30 o 40 pg, FC, $3.50 US

• Yeah, the "Spanish language" thing is a stunt, but this book needs stunts. It's good so anything that brings new readers in is a good thing.  

JSA CLASSIFIED #37
Written by B. Clay Moore
Art by Ramon Perez
Cover by Sean Chen & Sandu Florea
"Forward Through the Past" part 3 of 3! Wildcat finds himself attempting to live up to the past as he reclaims his place in the present. Catwoman guest-stars as the two battle a gang of criminals-in-training and set Wildcat on a new course for the future.
On sale April 30 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US o Final Issue

• Aw, last issue? My wallet can use having one less book to buy, but I like the anthologies.

ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER VOL. 1 HC
Written by Frank Miller
Art and cover by Jim Lee & Scott Williams
One of the most talked-about Batman stories ever - conceived by modern master Frank Miller (BATMAN: YEAR ONE, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS) and artists extraordinaire Jim Lee & Scott Williams (BATMAN, SUPERMAN) - is collected in hardcover for the first time! Lee & Miller join forces to tell a new version of Dick Grayson's origin in a high-octane tale that unfolds with guest appearances by Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Black Canary, and more! This volume collects issues #1-9 of the acclaimed series.

"As its title implies, the new monthly ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER is a dream teaming: writer Frank Miller…and artist Jim Lee, whose elegantly muscular work on the recent Bat-tale "Hush" was a fan fave." - ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

"Two superstar creators combine to retell the origin of Dick Grayson, the original Robin." - USA TODAY

"Lee's razor-sharp renderings energize Miller's moody tale of Gotham… [and] deliver an all-new take on the creation of the Dynamic Duo." - WASHINGTON POST

Advance-solicited; on sale June 18 o 240 pg, FC, $24.99 US

• Yeah, this pile of suck deserves a hardcover. Notice that of the three, mainstream market blurbs, only one counts as a review? The first one talks more about Hush that ASBARTBW, and the second is more descriptive than anything. And the third isn't exactly gushing praise. I guess DC is hoping the uninitated just notice the periodicals the blurbs are from and not that they say absolutely nothing about how good or bad the book is.

AMERICAN SPLENDOR SEASON TWO #1
Written by Harvey Pekar
Art by David Lapham, Chris Weston, Dean Haspiel, Hilary Barta, John Lucas, Zachary Baldus and Ed Piskor
Cover by Philip Bond
In 2006, comics legend Harvey Pekar brought his unflinching tales of ordinary life to Vertigo with an all-new run of AMERICAN SPLENDOR, the comic that, 30 years earlier, rose "from the streets of Cleveland" and changed how we look at comics. Often imitated but never duplicated, Pekar proved that he still has the power to "make mundane reality seem like the highest drama" (Entertainment Weekly) in his critically acclaimed Vertigo series.
Now, Harvey Pekar is back with an all-new series of AMERICAN SPLENDOR, featuring his funniest, most poignant, somber and uplifting stories from the complex life of an ordinary man.
Once again, the Vertigo AMERICAN SPLENDOR pairs Harvey with some of the most exciting, innovative artists currently in comics, including in this special premiere issue, David Lapham (YOUNG LIARS, Stray Bullets), Chris Weston (THE FILTH, Fantastic Four), Dean Haspiel (THE QUITTER, Brawl), Mike Hawthorne (THE UN-MEN, Queen and Country), John Lucas (THE EXTERMINATORS) and other luminaries from both the mainstream and indie worlds.
In this issue, they join Harvey to chronicle his battles with stubborn sofas, short sighted magazine writers, treacherous front doorsteps and many more obstacles for Harvey to overcome in his pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
"Pekar's ability to find the exceptional in the everyday has matured and blossomed over time." - Publisher's Weekly
On sale April 2 o 1 of 4 o 32 pg, B&W, $2.99 US MATURE READERS

• Yes! New American Splendor! Yes!

Criminal 2 #3
Written by Ed Brubaker
Pencils and Cover bu Sean Phillips
It’s the final of three interlinking standalone stories, in CRIMINAL’s new expanded format!
“*Female of the Species*” is the final piece to the noir puzzle of these three stories of crime and murder in the early 1970s. Told from the sympathetic POV of a Femme Fatale on her path to one final score and the revenge she’s been waiting years to get. A heartbreaking look into the other side of a noir tradition.

And on top of this longer-than-usual length main story, CRIMINAL now features an *expanded* back-pages section, as well – with articles by Brubaker and other top crime writers, from novelists to screenwriters to comic writers. These noir articles have become a popular piece of the CRIMINAL package, and are something that can only be found in the comics, not in any collections. So don’t miss out on this *standalone* issue of the most acclaimed crime comic on the stands!

Mature Content/No Ads... $3.50

• Criminal getting the lead spot of the solicitations? Excellent!

ULTIMATE X-MEN #93
Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN
Pencils & Cover by SALVADOR LARROCA
It’s Robert Kirkman’s final issue of ULTIMATE X-MEN – and he’s going out with a bang! Has the worst happened? Has Apocalypse
triumphed? If so, there is only one force in the universe with the power to end his iron fisted reign. But it is a power of such
magnitude that its slightest misuse could bring about the end of all things!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

• Kirkman's last issue? Does this mean Bryan Singer's arc is set to begin?

IRON MAN: LEGACY OF DOOM #1 (of 4)
Written by DAVID MICHELINIE
Art & Cover by RON LIM & bob layton
"A Knight in Hell" Dr. Doom returns to menace Iron Man in the chilling and long-awaited conclusion of The Camelot Trilogy! Mephisto has apparently found a way to bring about The End Of Days and Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom must form an uneasy alliance to try and stop him. But all may not be as it seems. And it takes a journey to Hell itself before the shocking truth is revealed! Iron Man legends David Michelinie and Bob Layton are joined by penciler supreme Ron Lim to bring you the first part of an epic literally decades in the making!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

• Michelinie+Layton+Iron Man=Greatness!

SECRET INVASION #1 (of 8)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
Variant cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
SECRET INVASION IS HERE!! Years in the making, months in the teasing...and it all STARTS HERE!!
The shape-shifting alien race known as the Skrulls has secretly infiltrated every super-powered organization on Earth with one goal...full-scale invasion! In this DOUBLE-SIZED first issue, page after page unveils reveal after reveal and shocking moment after shocking moment! Brian Bendis and Leinil Francis Yu leap off the pages of mega-hit New Avengers and deliver a story that will change the Marvel Universe forever.
THE MARVEL UNIVERSE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!
48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Blank Cover CONVENTION Variant also available!

• I might be crazy, but I think this series might change the Marvel Universe. I don't know where I get that idea, but that's what I think will happened.

X-MEN DIVIDED WE STAND BOOK 1 (of 2)
Written by MIKE CAREY, MATT FRACTION, CRAIG KYLE,
CHRISTOPHER YOST and SKOTTIE YOUNG
Pencils by BRANDON PETERSON, JAMIE MCKELVIE, SANA TAKEDA and SKOTTIE YOUNG
Cover by BRANDON PETERSON
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
48 PGS./Rated T+…$3.99

UNCANNY X-MEN #497
Written by ED BRUBAKER
Pencils & Cover by MICHAEL CHOI
“DIVIDED WE STAND”
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

X-MEN: LEGACY #210
Written by MIKE CAREY
Penciled by SCOT EATON
Cover by DAVID FINCH
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

X-FACTOR #30
Written by PETER DAVID
Penciled by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by GLENN FABRY
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

YOUNG X-MEN #1
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Pencils by YANICK PAQUETTE
Cover by (TOP SECRET – TO BE REVEALED)
Variant Cover by MARC SILVESTRI
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

X-FORCE #3
Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Pencils & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

CABLE #2
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

• So, instead of delaying sending out the advance solicitations a couple of days, they put this out? Weird.

WOLVERINE #64
Written by JASON AARON
Pencils & Cover by RON GARNEY
*Solicit classified until 1/24/2008*
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

• Here's another one.

 

Surprise, Surprise, Mark Waid is off "Flash".

Rich Johnston was only off by two issues.

CBR is announcing that Flash #236 will be Mark Waid's last issue on the series. There will be a one issue fill-in by Keith "Mr. Editorial Mandate" Champagne and then new, ongoing writer Tom Peyer will take over.

I have blogged/ranted before about DC's mishandling of the Flash franchise. This is simply just more of the same. As much as they'd like to point out how many times Peyer has co-wrote with Waid, he's not Mark Waid. He is a verteran writer who has written (or co-written) a lot of good stuff, but he is nowhere near a big name.

If DC has gone through all it has gone through in the last two years to generate buzz for the Flash title, you'd think they'd have a superstar creator replace Waid. I mean, if they didn't, all the upheaval they did on the franchise would be senseless.

 

I Mock the DC March 2008 solicitations.

And now, DC:

TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN #1
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Matt Clark, Fernando Pasarin & Jesse Delperdang
Cover by Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino
The Tangent Earth and the DC Earth are about to collide! In the years since the Tangent world was last seen, a mind-reading, telekinetic Superman has taken control and brought peace, but at the cost of the world’s freedoms. And as the walls between the Tangent Earth and the DC Earth being to fall, the Tangent Superman’s visions are about to get even grander! Spinning out of the events of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #16, the 12-part TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN maxiseries will introduce members of the Tangent world to their DC counterparts, with events and results that will change both worlds forever!
On sale March 19 • 1 of 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Because, you know, everyone just LOVES the Tangent Universe.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE NEW FRONTIER SPECIAL
Written by Darwyn Cooke
Art by Cooke, J. Bone & David Bullock
Cover by Cooke
Celebrating the DVD release of the New Frontier movie comes this collection of never before seen stories including “New Frontier: The Lost Chapter,” with script and art by Darwyn Cooke! This tale provides a first-hand look at Faraday’s quest to outlaw masked vigilantes, culminating with the day Superman goes to Gotham to bring down Batman. Also included are two back-up stories featuring Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Sgt. Rock and others, as well as behind-the-scenes bonus material from the movie!
On sale March 5 • FC, 48 pgs, no ads, $4.99 US

• The book that brough Jeff back to DC Comics.

SUPERMAN #674
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and cover by Renato Guedes & José Wilson Magalhaés
It’s a time of new beginnings for Superman as art sensation Renato Guedes joins the team! Plus, the superhuman mastermind Paragon is loose in Metropolis, Clark and Lois are hunting for a new place to live after the events of “Insect Queen,” and worse, they’ve got relatives coming to visit — namely, a certain blonde cousin of Lois’s from Smallville. It all sets the stage for a major new addition to the cast in next month’s anniversary issue! Can you say “Chloe Sullivan”? We thought you could…
On sale March 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Yeah, I don't know how I feel about this. I love Chloe on the series, but the comic and Smallville are two different things. I have a sort of "never the two shall meet" feeling about the whole thing.

THE ALL-NEW ATOM #21
Written by Rick Remender
Art by Pat Olliffe & John Stanisci
Cover by Ladrönn
Shrinking uncontrollably, the Atom discovers his blood houses a population of microscopic, matter-consuming creatures that may hold the very secrets to his powers! When one of the inadvertently enlarged alien bugs escapes his lab, can The Atom save the citizens of Ivy Town from the touch of the thing from within?
On sale March 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• The mass Gail Simone exodus continues, as another of her series is lost to the ravages that is writing Wonder Woman. Remender has good word of mouth, but I am still sad to see Gail go.

BLUE BEETLE #25
Written by John Rogers
Art and cover by Rafael Albuquerque
The stunning conclusion of “Endgame”! Light-years from home, Beetle fights for control of the Scarab in a spectacular last stand against the Reach — and the World’s Greatest Heroes have his back!
On sale March 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Whew! The last issue wasn't the last issue. I really wish this wasn't so in danger of cancellation.

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #11
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Jerry Ordway
Cover by George Pérez
Superman and Ultraman of the Crime Society…together? What situation could be so dire that it would cause this team-up? Will two men who are the exact opposite of each other be able to work together long enough to save the day? Featuring guest art by Jerry Ordway!
On sale March 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Perez taking a breather? Bad, but I knew it had to happen eventually. Jerry Ordway filling in? Excellent!!!

THE FLASH #238
Written by Tom Peyer
Art and cover by Freddie Williams II
“Fast Money” begins! Don’t miss the kickoff of this provocative new storyline by Tom Peyer (HOURMAN), as the Flash is pulled into an intense moral dilemma about superpowers — and Keystone’s plagued by a menace who’s using familiar mind-bending tactics!
On sale March 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Hmmm. You know what this title seems to have been missing the past few months? Mark Waid. Is it too early to call all of those rumors of his run only being six issues true? And how long before the excitement for this series, if there is any, wanes?

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #19
Written by Alan Burnett
Art by Ed Benes & Sandra Hope
Cover by Benes
Don’t miss the final chapter of “Salvation,” as the JLA turn themselves over to the U.S. government to be sent to prison off-world! What old foe will they have to rely on to save themselves from planet hell?
On sale March 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• What happened to Dwayne McDuffie? Although, the JLA on the Salvation Run planet is an interesting premise, but one that seems like a lot of plot liberties had to be taken to make it work.

TRIALS OF SHAZAM #12
Written by Judd Winick
Art & Cover by Mauro Cascioli
The Trials of Shazam conclude…and win or lose, Freddy Freeman may still need the help of the Justice League to survive the “verdict”!
On sale March 26 • 12 of 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

• Anybody out there still care about this series? Anyone? Bueller?

THE STARMAN OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC
Written by James Robinson
Art by Tony Harris, Wade Von Grawbadger and others
Cover by Harris
At last — the hit series created by James Robinson (BATMAN: FACE THE FACE) and Tony Harris (EX MACHINA) of the 1990s is collected in a series of six spectacular hardcover editions. This inaugural volume features a new cover by Harris and collects STARMAN #0-16, originally published from 1994 to 1996.
Advance-resolicited; on sale May 21 • 6.75” x 10.25” • 448 pg, FC, $49.99 US

• Excellent, Smithers! Excellent!

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN: BLACK DOSSIER — THE ABSOLUTE EDITION
Written by Alan Moore
Art and cover by Kevin O’Neill
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen returns in this amazing new Absolute Edition! England in the mid 1950s is not the same as it was. The powers that be have instituted…some changes. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has been disbanded and disavowed, and the country is under the control of an iron-fisted regime. Now, after many years, the still youthful Mina Murray and a rejuvenated Allan Quatermain return and are in search of some answers. Answers that can only be found in a book buried deep in the vaults of their old headquarters, a book that holds the key to the hidden history of the League throughout the ages: The Black Dossier.
This amazing new Absolute Edition is sure to thrill fans, and includes a 3-D section complete with custom 3-D glasses, plus text pieces, maps, and a stunning cutaway double-page spread of Captain Nemo's Nautilus submarine by Kevin O'Neill. As if this wasn’t enough, also included is a NEW rarity: a 45-rpm vinyl recording of the song "Immortal Love," sung by Alan Moore himself!
Retailers please note: This title is published in the United States only.
Advance-solicited; on sale June 11 • 8.25” x 12.5”
200 pages, FC/B&W, $99.00 US • Mature Readers

• I assume they will be adding more than a cutaway and a .45 RPM record to justify the $70 price increase. I am curious to hear Alan Moore sing, but not $70 curious.

ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 3
Written by Neil Gaiman
Art by Various
Cover by Dave McKean
The third volume collecting Neil Gaiman’s seminal, award-winning series starring the Dream King in deluxe format. ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL. 3 presents several key SANDMAN tales in a slipcased hardcover edition, including “Brief Lives,” in which the Sandman’s sister Delirium prevails upon her older brother to help her find their missing sibling, Destruction. But their journey through the Waking World has dramatic repercussions for their family and also for the relationship between the Sandman and his wayward son, Orpheus. Also included is the spectacular short story “Ramadan,” a tale of a young king of ancient Baghdad and the deal he strikes with The Sandman to grant his city immortality, with spectacular illustrations by P. Craig Russell (Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde, The Jungle Book).
Never-before-collected bonus features include pin-up pages from galleries in THE SANDMAN #50 and SANDMAN SPECIAL #1, the Desire story from VERTIGO: WINTER’S EDGE #3, THE ENDLESS GALLERY #1, script and thumbnails from THE SANDMAN #50, and a section on the Endless retail products (poster, statues, t-shirts, Little Endless and more)! Plus, an introduction by artist Jill Thompson.
Advance-solicited; on sale May 28 • 8.25” x 12.5” • 616 pages, FC, $99.00 US

• Man, they are just carpet bombing us with volumes of this series. Didn't Volume 2 just come out?

YOUNG LIARS #1
Written by David Lapham
Art and cover by Lapham
Indie comics auteur and SILVERFISH creator David Lapham hasn’t embarked on a monthly series since STRAY BULLETS, his magnum opus that garnered industry awards and international acclaim. Now Lapham’s back with YOUNG LIARS, his first full-color monthly series, about a group of misfits and their desperate attempt to salvage their crushed dreams.
“I haven’t had this much fun since my Uncle Chuck took me on a crime spree in the fourth grade.” — David Lapham
At the core of YOUNG LIARS is the disturbing relationship between Danny Noonan, a habitual liar and crap guitar player from Texas, and Sadie Dawkins, the object of his desire. Sadie was a poor little rich girl until a bullet lodged in her brain turned her into an adrenaline junkie who only listens to Danny.
But who shot Sadie is only part of the mystery that drives YOUNG LIARS, from the twisted club scene of lower Manhattan to absurdist hijinx on the high seas. And from the hot shores of Ibiza to the haunted castles of Spain, Danny, Sadie and their entourage of losers will run from poorly disguised assassins, demented billionaires, and psychotic midgets — not to mention each other — in an absurd quest to get rich and famous. Or kill each other trying. YOUNG LIARS will provide relentless action, suspense, sex and murder in the way that only David Lapham can deliver.
A sneak peek will run in DMZ #28. Watch for a graphic trailer at dccomics.com.
On sale March 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

• I have come around to the cult of Lapham. I guess I have to pick this one up.

100 BULLETS #89
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Eduardo Risso
Cover by Dave Johnson
The final story arc of the series begins here! With all his soldiers in place and his final plan in motion, Agent Graves finally has a chance to kick back and enjoy his success — but is the cork-popping premature? And where does a south-side Chicago crime syndicate fit into the plan?
On sale March 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • MATURE READERS

• Man, that first sentence depresses the hell out of me. I love, love, love 100 Bullets.Now, that the end is nigh, maybe I'll gather up the entire series one weekend and read it all in order.

JACK OF FABLES #21
Written by Bill Willingham & Matthew Sturges
Art by Tony Akins
Cover by Zachary Baldus
Jack’s sidekick Gary — the Pathetic Fallacy — takes center stage in the Golden Boughs Theatrical Society’s production of Hamlet! With: Alice as Ophelia, a pair of squash rackets as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and Wicked John as Laertes! But who’s using the play as cover for an escape attempt? Find out in this thrilling issue that even your freshman Lit professor would be proud of! Note: This issue may contain streaking.
On sale March 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
MATURE READERS

• I love this series as well. "This issue might contain streaking." Hilarious!

JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE: PART 1
Based on the art of Ed Benes
Sculpted by Alterton Bizarre

Ed Benes’ legendary image from the cover of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #7 stands tall as it becomes a multi-part statue! Sold in three parts, each features two of the world’s greatest superheroes and includes a piece of a bonus Red Tornado figure. (To fully assemble Red Tornado, all three Build-a-Scene statues are needed.) All of the pieces slide together to make a complete cover scene in striking 3-D!

• The first part of the statue includes Batman, Wonder Woman, and the base and tornado portion of Red Tornado.
• Part two will include Superman, Black Canary, and the torso of Red Tornado.
• Part three will include Green Lantern, The Flash, and the head and cape of Red Tornado.

The JLA BUILD-A-SCENE STATUE is a limited-edition, hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue measuring approximately 8” tall x 14” wide x 10” deep when fully assembled. (Each piece measures approximately 8” tall x 5” wide x 5” deep, except for Red Tornado, which measures approximately 10.375” tall x 8.5” wide x 5.5” deep.) It includes a certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a 4-color box. This limited edition statue is manufactured to order.

Advance-solicited; on sale August 13, 2007 * Statue * $150 US

Minor assembly is required.

• I am amazed that there is a strong enough market to support the occasional $150 superhero statue, let along one strong enough to support one where you have to buy 3 $150 statues to complete the scene. Amazing!

 

The Countdown conundrum

A recent interview with Dan DiDio at Newsarama has caused a stir along the internets. Former DC employee Valerie D’Orazio has spoken on it, and so has Heidi MacDonald. And now me.

Here is a blurb from DiDio that Heidi printed in her blog that I want to touch on...

"The channels that are carrying a lot of the reaction that I’m seeing are coming from the stores themselves and from fans that I’m at conventions with. I attend multiple conventions throughout the course of the year, and I’ve gotten a very positive reaction to what’s going on.

Given that there seems to be a very vocal – and I don’t know its size – group of fans online that is counter to that hasn’t really affected sales at all. I find it humorous that information that comes to me from online is erroneous in regards to the actual sales figures. I find it humorous that certain retailers decide to make blatant statements about how they’re going to be striking back at the book by making returns, when in fact the portion of books that they’re actually returning is less than 0.01% of the books that we sold.

The reality is that the sales are there, the strength is there, and I have a lot of faith in regards to how the series works and how it’s moving forward. From my standpoint, there were stumbles along the way, just as there were stumbles with 52, but the best part about it is that we were able to sit down with the talent and figure out how we would be able to make course corrections during the series, which we did. We recreated the pacing, and we put the focus back on Countdown again, which is what it is about. It was going too far abroad in regards to making sure everything lined up perfectly, and when you do that, something was going to be serviced improperly. I want to make sure that Countdown is serviced properly. Countdown, as I said, is the spine of the DC Universe, but it works better if it stands on its own, rather than stands on the strength of everything around it. I feel very confident in where the series is going, I’m very excited about where the story is going, and the best part about it is that it’s where we thought it was always going to be, so we haven’t had to change that much along the way"

Would it be wrong to sum up these paragraphs as  DiDio saying "NOTHING IS WRONG! WE ARE FIXING IT!"

First off, people are not just going to come up to DiDio's face and say Countdown sucks. That's what the internet is for. So all that DiDio is hearing is sunshine and roses doesn't surprise me.

Now, about the sales. Here are the sales estimate charts for May and June courtesy of CBGXtra.

Name	Rank	Issue	Price	Company	Sales	Date
Countdown (Vol. 2)	19	51	$2.99	DC	91,054	May-07
Countdown (Vol. 2)	20	50	$2.99	DC	83,725	May-07
Countdown (Vol. 2)	22	49	$2.99	DC	81,458	May-07
Countdown (Vol. 2)	25	48	$2.99	DC	79,784	May-07
Countdown (Vol. 2)	17	47	$2.99	DC	77,456	Jun-07
Countdown (Vol. 2)	19	46	$2.99	DC	76,315	Jun-07
Countdown (Vol. 2)	21	45	$2.99	DC	74,871	Jun-07
Countdown (Vol. 2)	22	44	$2.99	DC	73,925	Jun-07

 

I cleaned it up in excel a bit, but the figures are accurate.

What the numbers show here is a steady decline. Now, I don't have access to July or August, so there might be a bump later. But sales declined by 17,129 copies, 124 copies more that the June sales from DC's Blue Beetle (great series, by the way) between the first issue (#51) and the last one in June (#44).

Could this be the natural attrition of sales that all new series go through? Yes. Could this be fans leaving the series in droves? Yes.

Don't forget, these sales figures are based on retailer orders and do not represent the number of issues fans buy. The issues could be sitting in retailers back issue bins. However,it also should be said that issues #50, $49, and #48 have received 2nd printings.

But sales declines usually take a while to become evident. Not every issue of Countdown is sold to people who have hold lists at stores. Some, perhaps many, are impulse buys buy browsers who pick one up with their order. Retailers order enough to accomidate these browsers and if these browsers stop picking up the series of the shelves, it takes time for the retailers to adjust their orders.

So, I think it is a bit too soon for DiDio to use sales to refute the size of the Countdown naysayers. Only time will tell who is right and who is wrong.

I want to comment on another quote from DiDio about the number of crossovers:

"...we at DC Comics produce a certain number of comics on a monthly/yearly basis. We are not producing any more books than we have in any other year or the previous year. We have chosen to produce books that, we believe, can capitalize on the success of things that we have going on with the hope that they sell better than books that don’t capitalize on things that are going on.

It’s very simple – no different than the logic that any other company would employ when they have something that is successful. You want to build on that success. Dark Horse has Buffy and Star Wars – they know they can put out more Buffy and Star Wars because that’s successful to them. The same thing with Marvel and Civil War and World War Hulk - they put out more product tied to events that are successful in the hopes that the product tied in to that will be successful as well. We are building off of our successes right now – we are not creating additional product, we’re not flooding the market. We are just replacing the books that we feel would not sell as well as the books that we hope will sell well."

And if I were to sum these paragraphs, it would "ALL DC WANTS IS YOUR MONEY!"

Perhaps that is a bit unfair. But really, isn't what DiDio is saying, "Sorry fans of Manhunter, Hawkgirl, and Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis! Instead of devoting time to promote them, letting them find their fan base, or fixing them so they get more readers, we're going to cancel them and publish a passel of Countdown tie-ins that fans of that series will have to buy to get a grip on the story. We know you're pissed, but don't worry, we'll restart all of those titles later on, do the same halfassed job getting them off the ground, and then cancel them again."

Let me just say this. 52's least selling issue sold more than Countdown's best, and there was only one spin off series from that (and then only because they needed to shoe-horn in the continuity changes 52 didn't have time for). Sure the whole "One Year Later" thing might have something to do with that, but they could have had 10 tie-in series for it if they tried hard enough.