Although there’s a handful of notable first issues — the heralded Death of the New Gods, Suburban Glamour and Marvel Zombies 2 among them — it’s a fairly quiet week on the monthly front.

However, the collections more than make up for it. Wednesday sees the first Buffy Season 8 trade paperback, two 52 books, a hardcover for Jeff Smith’s Shazam! Monster Society of Evil, the seventh volume of Marvel Masterworks: Avengers, and the two-pound Battle Royale Ultimate Edition, Vol. 1. And that’s just for starters.

To see what else is hitting comic stores this week — and which ones Chris Mautner and I think deserve special mention — just keep reading. And, as always, let us know your choices in the comments below.

Chris’ pick of the week:

Shazam! Monster Society of Evil Deluxe Edition

Never let it be said that we here at Blog@ ignore Jeff Smith in favor of some whiny, formulist shoe-gazer! In all seriousness, I enjoyed this series immensely, despite the heavy-handed Bush-bashing. It seems as though Smith intuitively understood what set the Captain Marvel character apart from other superheroes and, even more impressive, was able to update that essence for a modern audience. Probably one of the best superhero books of the year.

Kevin’s pick of the week:

Battle Royale Ultimate Edition, Vol. 1

I have to confess that, before this Ultimate Edition, I’d never read Koushun Takami and Masayuki Taguchi’s infamous manga (based on Takami’s novel). Oh, I’d certainly heard of the bloody thriller about junior high students forced to participate in a deadly reality show, but I’d never bothered to seek it out. Boy, was that ever an oversight. Luckily, Tokyopop’s 672-page hardcover, which collects the first three volumes, allows me to remedy that. Battle Royale is filled with over-the-top violence, graphic sex, twisted characters and other trashy goodness.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home trade paperback

Chris: If you’ve been one of those Buffy fans holding out for the trade, here it tis. Word on the street has been pretty strong for this “eighth season.”

Gear School

Kevin: I’ve been intrigued by the manga-influenced Gear School for a while now, not necessarily for the concept — it looks to be pretty standard mecha fare about giant robots and alien invaders — but by the lovely art by Nuria Peris. You can check out pages and concept sketches at the Gear School blog.

The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite #2 (of 6)

Kevin: A lot of people were pleasantly surprised by the first issue of this quirky miniseries, by My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way and artist Gabriel Ba. Maybe they figured the pop star was relying on his name alone, or that the book couldn’t possibly live up to the one year-plus of hype. But Issue 1 was weird and fun, with an intriguing set-up and hints of a fascinating backstory.

52: The Companion trade paperback
52: The Covers hardcover

Kevin: I’m not sure that I understand the thinking behind 52: The Companion. I initially thought it was a collection of stories tangential to the year-long series, but instead it’s a random sampling of solo adventures featuring the stars of 52 — some dating back to the 1960s. However, there’s not question as to why DC released 52: The Covers. Even when the series hit a lull, readers marveled at the varied and inspired covers by J.G. Jones. The 128-page hardcover features all the cover artwork, plus commentary, sketches and background information.

The Programme #4 (of 12)

Chris: For some reason I didn’t realize this was a limited series. Oh, well, I still like it.

Superman: The Bottle City of Kandor trade paperback

Chris: This might sound odd, but perhaps part of my problem with Superman today is that he’s missing the ornate mythology that those great, silly Silver Age stories had. As a kid, I really dug that complexity, especially the ones involving Kandor.

Suburban Glamour #1 (of 4)

Kevin: After a bit of a delay, Jamie McKelvie’s modern fantasy finally hits stores. I enjoy McKelvie’s art, and I’m a fan of urban fantasy, so I’m looking forward to see how the two combine.

Marvel Zombies 2 #1 (of 5)

Kevin: I love Sean Phillips’ work, but I’ve just about had my fill of superhero zombies. This time around, it looks like a Civil War mash-up. Two great tastes that go — eh, never mind.

30 Days of Night Sourcebook

Kevin: IDW keeps the 30 Days of Night machine well-oiled for the movie debut with this “illustrated guide through the entire 30 Days world.”

The Art of Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 2

Kevin: Last week Viz Media released The Art of Naruto: Uzamaki. This week the publisher rolls out the second Art of Fullmetal Alchemist hardcover, which showcases original artwork by creator Hiromu Arakawa, plus character designs for the video game and two pages of new manga panels.

Artemis Fowl, Vol. 1, graphic novel

Kevin: I couldn’t get into Eoin Colfer’s YA series on which this is based, but I can definitely see it translating well as a graphic novel. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old criminal mastermind who, in the first book, sets out to capture a fairy (who aren’t quite like the fairies we think of; they’re packing heat).

Awesome: The Indie Spinner Rack Anthology, Vol. 1, trade paperback

Chris: From the folks that brought you Action Philosophers and the Indie Spinner podcast comes this 208-page anthology featuring all-new work by such folks as “Al Columbia, Renee French, Nick Bertozzi, Bernie Mireault, Raina Telgemeier, Steve Hamaker, Dave Roman, Josh Cotter, Kazimir Strzepek, Liz Prince, Neil Swaab, Robert Goodin, Matt Kindt, Roger Langridge, Sam Hiti, GB Tran, Jamie Tanner, Alec Longstreth and many more.” That’s a lot of people.

Bookhunter graphic novel

Chris: Jason Shiga’s graphic novel combines ’70s cop TV shows with the sedate world of libraries for some very wry high-concept high jinks. It’s a funny, likable book, that while not necessarily my favorite of Shiga’s (that would be Fleep), is enjoyable enough to recommend to those looking for a laugh.

The Boys #11

Chris: With every issue this series seems in danger of tipping over into too much parody and becoming something trite and distasteful. So far, though, Ennis and Robertson have been able to maintain their precarious balancing act. This latest issue starts a new storyline involves a trip to Moscow.

Drifting Classroom, Vol. 8
Golgo 13, Vol. 11
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster, Vol. 11

Chris: Three of the best manga out there right now return once again, like clockwork, all at the same time. I’ve been catching up on Classroom in particular lately and remain in awe of how utterly fearless it is in its willingness to go for broke.

I Am America (And So Can You) hardcover

Chris: If while you’re at the comics store you should get a strange hankering for straight-up prose (I know, it’s weird but I’ve heard it does happen sometimes), Diamond will be bringing Stephen Colbert’s new book to stores.

Let’s Be Perverts, Vol. 4

Chris: You again? I thought I told you to go away the last time. Quit bothering me.

NASCAR Heroes #2

Chris: “Help me, NASCAR Heroes! I can’t turn left!”

Skyscrapers of the Midwest #4

Chris: Josh Cotter’s surreal and highly bitter tale of youth in the rural U.S. concludes with this issue. This has been a consistently strong and emotionally powerful work that, despite its heavy Chris Ware influence, suggests that Cotter is an artist well worth keeping an eye on.

Tales to Demolish #2
Tales to Demolish #3

Chris: Series by Eric Haven, published by Sparkplug Books. Mostly containing dry, clever parodies of various classic comic genres like superheroes and westerns, though a cut above the usual parody ilk. I’d recommend at least checking out Issue 3.

Tintin and the Secret of Literature hardcover
Tintin: The Pocket Essential

Chris: The first item is a critical analysis of Herge’s classic character, by Tom McCarthy. I haven’t heard a jot about this book but I’m a sucker for all things Tintin, so I’ll at least give it a flip-through. The second is one of those “all you need to know,” Rough Guide-type books. I had no idea Tintin had become so popular in the U.S. to warrant the release of a book like this. That’s certainly encouraging.

Trailer Park of Terror Color Special #7

Chris: Man, I am so sick of these whiny autobiographical comics. When will these guys learn to stop talking about themselves and learn to tell a story?

Here’s the full list of comics shipping this week:

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUL070028 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER LONG WAY HOME TP $15.95
JUN070044 CHUNCHU GENOCIDE FIEND VOL 2 TP $10.95
AUG070122 CONAN #45 (MR) $2.99
JUN070030 GEAR SCHOOL GN $7.95
APR070055 HANAMI INTERNATIONAL LOVE STORY VOL 2 TP $9.95
AUG070033 REX MUNDI DH ED #8 $2.99
JUN070058 STAR WARS CLONE WARS ADVENTURES VOL 9 TP $6.95
JUN070052 STAR WARS TALES O/T JEDI OMNIBUS VOL 1 TP $24.95
AUG070129 UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE #2 (OF 6) $2.99

DC COMICS

JUL070208 52 THE COMPANION TP $19.99
JUN070180 52 THE COVERS HC $19.99
APR070314 AQUAMAN #54 POSTER $7.99
AUG070241 AQUAMAN SWORD OF ATLANTIS #57 $2.99
AUG070329 ARMY @ LOVE #8 (MR) $2.99
JUL070293 ARMY @ LOVE VOL 1 THE HOT ZONE CLUB TP (MR) $9.99
APR070312 BATMAN #655 POSTER $7.99
AUG070288 BATMAN STRIKES #38 $2.25
AUG070243 BIRDS OF PREY #111 $2.99
APR070313 BLACK CANARY POSTER $7.99
AUG070244 BRAVE AND THE BOLD #7 $2.99
AUG070286 CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #18 $2.25
AUG070232 CATWOMAN #72 $2.99
AUG070253 CHECKMATE #19 $2.99
AUG070196 COUNTDOWN 28 $2.99
AUG070209 DEATH OF THE NEW GODS #1 ( OF 8 ) $3.50
AUG070210 DEATH OF THE NEW GODS VAR ED #1 ( OF 8 ) $3.50
AUG070330 DMZ #24 (MR) $2.99
AUG070307 EX MACHINA #31 (MR) $2.99
AUG070331 FABLES #66 (MR) $2.99
AUG078137 GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY WEDDING SPECIAL #1 2ND PTG $3.99
AUG070311 HIGHWAYMEN #5 (OF 5) $2.99
JUL070273 I HATE YOU MORE THAN ANYONE VOL 2 $9.99
JUN070206 JSA ALL STAR ARCHIVES VOL 1 HC $59.99
AUG070247 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #14 $2.99
AUG070296 MAD CLASSICS #19 $4.99
AUG070294 MAD MAGAZINE #483 $3.99
AUG070214 METAMORPHO YEAR ONE #2 (OF 6) $2.99
FEB070373 NIGHTWING 13 INCH DELUXE FIGURE $69.99
AUG070314 PROGRAMME #4 (OF 12) $2.99
AUG070256 SHADOWPACT #18 $2.99
APR070311 SHAZAM #1 POSTER $7.99
JUN070213 SHAZAM MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL DELUXE HC $29.99
JUL078179 SHOWCASE PRESENTS TP WORLDS FINEST VOL 01 $16.99
JUN070175 SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL #7 $2.99
JUL070254 SUPERMAN THE BOTTLE CITY OF KANDOR TP $14.99

IMAGE COMICS

MAY071860 CAPES VOL 1 TP PUNCHING THE CLOCK $17.99
JUN071945 DARKNESS LEVELS TP $14.99
MAY071869 ELEPHANTMEN #11 $2.99
AUG072017 KILLING GIRL #3 (OF 5) (MR) $2.99
AUG071985 LAZARUS #1 (OF 3) $3.50
AUG071989 RIDE HALLOWEEN SPECIAL ONE SHOT $3.50
JUL071928 SUBURBAN GLAMOUR #1 (OF 4) $3.50
AUG071971 SWORD #1 $2.99
MAY071895 WITCHBLADE #110 $2.99
AUG072052 WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA #9 $3.99

MARVEL COMICS

AUG072214 AVENGERS CLASSIC #5 $2.99
AUG072212 CAPTAIN AMERICA #31 CWI $2.99
AUG072213 CAPTAIN AMERICA CHOSEN #3 (OF 6) $3.99
AUG078021 CAPTAIN AMERICA CHOSEN 2ND PTG #1 (OF 6) $3.99
AUG072316 DAILY BUGLE NOVEMBER PI
SEP072167 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER BORN PREM HC $24.99
AUG072235 MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #17 $2.99
AUG072233 MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #29 $2.99
AUG072238 MARVEL ADVENTURES TWO-IN-ONE #4 $4.99
AUG072240 MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #2 $3.99
AUG072196 MARVEL ILLUSTRATED TREASURE ISLAND #5 (OF 6) $2.99
AUG072289 MARVEL MASTERWORKS AVENGERS VOL 7 HC VAR ED 84 $54.99
AUG072288 MARVEL MASTERWORKS AVENGERS VOL 7 NEW ED HC $54.99
AUG072242 MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #1 (OF 5) $2.99
MAY072143 MIGHTY AVENGERS #5 CWI $2.99
AUG072269 NEW EXCALIBUR #24 $2.99
AUG072250 PENANCE RELENTLESS #2 (OF 5) $2.99
JAN072415 POWERS #26 (MR) $3.95
AUG072301 SPIDER-GIRL VOL 9 SECRET LIVES DIGEST TP $7.99
AUG072204 SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #5 $4.99
AUG072276 TERROR INC #3 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99
AUG072198 ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #47 $2.99
AUG072201 ULTIMATE X-MEN #87 $2.99
JUL078257 ULTIMATE X-MEN ZOMBIE VAR #87 $2.99
AUG072265 WOLVERINE ORIGINS #18 $2.99
AUG072266 X-MEN EMPEROR VULCAN #2 (OF 5) $2.99
AUG072315 X-MEN MESSIAH COMPLEX POSTER $6.99

WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT

JUN073152 CW FALLEN SON DEATH CAP SPIDER-MAN #1 FINCH CGC 9.8 CVR PI
JUL073175 THOR #1 OLIVIER COIPEL CVR CGC 9.8 PI
AUG073261 TOYFARE ALIEN VS PREDATOR 2 CVR #124 $4.99
AUG073262 WIZARD ANIME INSIDER EVANGELION CVR #50 (NOTE PRICE) $4.99

OTHER PUBLISHERS

AUG073748 30 DAYS OF NIGHT SOURCEBOOK $7.49
AUG073975 99 #1 $2.99
AUG073943 ABYSS #1 (OF 4) $2.95
JUN073770 AEGIS VOL 5 GN (MR) $9.99
AUG073384 ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #183 $3.69
JUL073947 ART OF FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST VOL 2 $19.99
JUL073617 ARTEMIS FOWL VOL 1 GN $9.99
AUG073376 AWAKENING #2 (OF 10) (MR) $3.50
AUG073629 AWESOME INDIE SPINNER RACK ANTHOLOGY VOL 1 TP $14.95
JUL073820 BATTLE ROYALE ULTIMATE ED VOL 1 HC (OF 5) (MR) $24.99
AUG073727 BEOWULF #3 $3.99
AUG073967 BOOKHUNTER GN (MR) $15.00
AUG073491 BOYS #11 (MR) $2.99
JUL073747 CLICK VOL 3 GN $9.99
AUG073573 CONSTELLATIONS IN MY PALM GN (MR) $12.95
AUG073755 CORY DOCTOROWS FUTURISTIC TALES HERE AND NOW #1 (OF 6) $3.99
JUL073903 DEVI #14 $2.99
APR073361 DINOWARS POCKET MANGA VOL 1 (NOV068434) $14.95
JUN073771 DOKEBI BRIDE VOL 6 GN $9.99
APR073619 DRAGONLANCE CHRONICLES VOL 3 GOPEZ CVR A #4 (OF 12) $3.50
APR073620 DRAGONLANCE CHRONICLES VOL 3 WALPOLE CVR B #4 (OF 12) $5.50
JUL073958 DRIFTING CLASSROOM VOL 8 TP (MR) $9.99
AUG073506 EDUARDO RISSOS TALE OF TERROR TP $14.99
JUL073508 E-MAN DOLLY $3.99
JUN073807 FURRLOUGH #175 $3.50
JUL073910 GAMEKEEPER VOL 1 TOOTH AND CLAW TP (MR) $14.99
AUG073771 GENE SIMMONS HOUSE OF HORRORS #2 $9.99
JUN073806 GENUS #85 (A) $3.50
AUG073557 GI JOE AMERICAS ELITE #28 $3.50
JUL073959 GOLGO 13 VOL 11 GN (MR) $9.99
JUN074003 GRIMM FAIRY TALES RETURN TO WONDERLAND #3 (OF 7) (MR) $2.99
JUL073937 HANA KIMI VOL 20 GN $9.99
JUL073543 HONEY LICKERS SORORITY VOL 1 (A) $10.95
JUL073736 HOUSE OF CLAY GN $12.95
JUL074109 I AM AMERICA AND SO CAN YOU HC $26.99
AUG073955 I OTAKU VOL 1 STRUGGLE IN AKIHABARA GN (MR) $9.99
AUG073377 INANNAS TEARS #2 (OF 5) (MR) $3.95
AUG074058 INDIA AUTHENTIC TP VOL 01 BOOK OF SHIVA $14.99
JUL073949 INUBAKA CRAZY FOR DOGS VOL 5 TP $9.99
JUL073512 IRON WOK JAN GN #26 $9.95
AUG074049 JOHN WOOS SEVEN BROTHERS SERIES 2 #2 (MR) $2.99
JUN073387 JUNGLE GIRL CHO FOIL CVR #1 PI
AUG078086 JUNGLE GIRL PX ED #2 PI
JUL073513 JUNK VOL 4 GN $9.95
JUL073705 KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #131 $4.99
JUL073541 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER THE WORLD ASKEW #2 (OF 4) $2.95
AUG073576 L ETOILE SOLITAIRE GN (MR) $12.95
JUL073363 LEGEND OF ISIS #3 $3.50
JUN073773 LETS BE PERVERTS VOL 4 GN (MR) $9.99
JUL073961 NAOKI URASAWAS MONSTER VOL 11 TP $9.99
JUN073962 NARUTO MOVIE ANI MANGA $14.99
JUL073733 NASCAR HEROES #2 $3.95
JUL073476 NEGATIVE BURN #14 (MR) $5.99
JUN073409 NEW BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SEASON ZERO FOIL CVR #2 PI
AUG074051 NICOLAS CAGES VOODOO CHILD HYRAPIET COVER #4 (MR) $2.99
AUG074052 NICOLAS CAGES VOODOO CHILD TEMPLESMITH COVER #4 (MR) $2.99
AUG073574 PASSION VOL 4 GN (MR) $12.95
JUN073297 PLAGUE O/T LIVING DEAD #5 (OF 6) (MR) $2.50
JUN073298 PLAGUE O/T LIVING DEAD GORE CVR #5 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99
JUN073299 PLAGUE O/T LIVING DEAD PAINTED CVR #5 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99
JUN073300 PLAGUE O/T LIVING DEAD ROTTING CVR #5 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99
JUN073301 PLAGUE O/T LIVING DEAD TERROR CVR #5 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99
JUN073302 PLAGUE O/T LIVING DEAD WRAP CVR #5 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99
JUL073954 PORTUS TP $9.99
JUL073278 PRIMORDIA #1 (OF 3) (MR) $3.95
JUL073866 RATATOUILLE CINEMANGA GN $7.99
JUL073360 RAY HARRYHAUSEN PRESENTS SINBAD ROGUE OF MARS #1 (OF 5) $3.50
JUN073398 RED SONJA #26 $2.99
JUN073769 ROUREVILLE VOL 2 GN (MR) $9.99
JUN073349 SAVAGE BROTHERS VOL 1 TP $14.99
JUL073955 SHAKUGAN NO SHANA VOL 2 TP $9.99
JUL073913 SHOJO BEAT NOV 07 VOL 3 #11 $5.99
AUG073451 SIMPSONS COMICS #135 $2.99
AUG073288 SKYSCRAPERS OF THE MIDWEST #4 (MR) $5.00
JUL073899 SNAKEWOMAN VOL 2 TALE OF THE SNAKE CHARMER #4 (MR) $2.99
AUG073762 STAR TREK YEAR FOUR #4 $3.99
JUN073245 STARKWEATHER IMMORTAL #1 (OF 4) (MR) $3.95
AUG073930 STEVE DITKO READER VOL 3 TP (O/A) $25.00
JUL073619 SWING OUT SISTERS GN (A) $19.95
AUG073722 TABOO DISTRICT GN (O/A) (A) $19.95
JUL073804 TALES TO DEMOLISH #2 (MR) $3.00
AUG073968 TALES TO DEMOLISH #3 (MR) $5.00
AUG073929 THE JACK KIRBY READER VOL 2 TP (O/A) $25.00
AUG073807 THE SUPER NATURALS #1 (O/A) $2.50
AUG074226 TINTIN & SECRET OF LITERATURE HC $29.95
AUG074227 TINTIN POCKET ESSENTIAL 2ND ED $9.95
JUN073723 TRAILER PARK OF TERROR COLOR SP #7 (MR) $3.99
JUL073632 TRANSFORMERS BEAST WARS THE ASCENDING #2 $3.99
JUN073220 VAMPIRELLA WIZARD WORLD TEXAS CON ED $29.95
AUG073399 VERONICA #184 $2.25
JUL073821 WARCRAFT ULTIMATE ED HC $29.99
APR073884 WHITEOUT VOL 2 MELT TP DEFINITIVE ED (MR) $13.95
JUL073249 WONDERLAND #5 $3.95
AUG074098 YAOI CANDY #1 (A) $3.95
FEB073666 YOUR LOVER VOL 3 GN $9.99
JUL073202 ZIG ZAG #2 (MR) $4.95

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 at 3:04 pm and is filed under Books, Can't Wait for Wednesday, Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Manga, Retailers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.