DC Rebirth: How I Came To Accept $3.99 Comics

When I first learnt that DC was raising cover prices I was enraged. Based on my experiences with Marvel, I assumed it was the popular titles, which ship twice a month, that were being bumped up to $3.99. The decision to drop specific DC Rebirth titles from my buying habits were not yet made. By that point, I had gone back on my decision to only buy the monthly titles due to skepticism over reading a twice-a-month title. Back in January, I was buying virtually every DC Rebirth title. So believing that those same twice-a-month titles would jump in price irked me.


Upon reading this story HERE, I discovered I was wrong and my cynicism was misplaced. It wasn't the popular twice-a-month, the bulk of line group of books being bumped up to $3.99. It was the 15 or so monthly titles that were experiencing price increase. Plus, those same titles would include a digital codes similar to Marvel's old system.


While I avidly purchased Marvel's All-New, All-Different books, I never took advantage of the digital codes. As such I was unfamiliar with what was being proposed. THIS story here explained Marvel's old digital code policy as well as the price increase probably serving to boost the profitability of the monthly and presumably less popular books.


Over the years, I have come to believe that increased price points rarely lead to increased longevity of a title. Maybe in the short term but unless the book's popularity spikes, rarely long-term. However, the digital codes could have potential. Perhaps the digital codes could expand readership? An avid Rebirth purchaser such as myself would be more willing to part with issue via the back issue market as I would then own a digital copy? The latter question begs further exploration on my part. Maybe.


But the major reason why I accept the $3.99 price point for Rebirth titles is because the twice-shipping titles are still $2.99. Once I realized that most of my anger vanished. Then came acceptance. After all, Marvel's titles have been $3.99 for quite some time.


Hey, doesn't Marvel ship titles twice a month too?


Why yes. Oh wait, I have been buying some of those titles too. They sell at $3.99 a copy. Twice a month.


As such when DC eventually raises its twice-a-month books to $3.99, while I will initially be irked, I will grudgingly accept it. I may switch to more trades and digital editions. My pull list and what I purchase of the rack may be reduced.


But I won't declare 'I am dropping such and such a book!'


At the end of the day and after years of disdaining a $3.99 price point for Marvel and DC comics, I realize I have come to accept such a price point. Comic books with a cover price of $4 or more are the new normal.


Till next time, keep reading.

Look what's coming out for ANAD Marvel in March!

Mid-January approaches, which means comics shops once again start their orders for comics shipping two months in advance, ie March. My original intent was to highlight whatever cool new comic was solicited within the January previews regardless if it was of Marvel's ANAD initiative. However, time wasn't on my side simply because I now have to focus on my own personal order to submit to my FLCS (favorite local comics shop). So without further ado, here's my final new #1's for ANAD titles. Come February I hope to provide shout outs, or sarcastic quips, towards new comics from more than just Marvel.

• International Iron Man - I bought more Iron Man comics in the last couple months than I ever expected to. Heck, Iron Man has not been on my buy list for years. While I still guffaw at Tony's adopted status, a more introspective title appeals to me. Doctor Doom as supporting cast member helps too! Heard great things about the Bendis/Maleev team on Daredevil so that foretells good things ahead. I'll probably give this a try.
• Hyperion - Not sure how this squares with Squadron Supreme. Hmm. Probably should read Squadron Supreme as that will hopefully answers that question. So Hyperion is in cognito. While ANAD craze consumes me, I think I'll stick with the original, ie Superman, whose maintaining a low profile.
• X-men '92 - Absolutely loved the 90's Fox Kids show! This will be an impulse if nothing else.
• Black Widow - If any character represents Marvel's publishing approach with ANAD, one could not find a better candidate than Black Widow. To anyone who only knows Marvel through its cinematic universe, a Black Widow title would seem a no-brainer. In fact, several different Black Widow were published over the years. Note: I said several. Since ANAD admits that books are maxi-series of undefined length, Black Widow fits. Mark Waid helms the latest Black Widow book combined with the latest concept is that she is on the run and what secrets will be released next promise a thrilling book. May give it a go.
• Mockingbird - With Mockingbirds involvement in Agents of SHIELD, a solo on-going is a given. Not sure how long this will last what with an already crowded marketplace and published the same time as the big Avengers event, Standoff. Positive fan support will be needed.

New ANAD Marvels trickle in February

Not sure what's more surprising, the light number of new number ones or my disappointment at that low number. February marks the month when Marvel dramatically slows down the deluge of brand-new #1's as part of its All-New, All-Different initiative (ANAD). Only three new titles debut during the month of February as part of ANAD. Quite frankly, I am surprised at my disappointment at such a low number of new debuts as months ago I expressed skepticism at the large number of new titles. Perhaps, ANAD has brought back my love of Marvel that lay dormant since Civil War a decade ago. Probably helps that every month I discussed my views on each new title's solicitation, eh?


Spider-Man #1 - Not another Peter Parker title. For the first time in a long, long time, a new Spider-Man title where Peter Parker is not the main character under suit. Brian Michael Bendis ushers his creation, Miles Morales, into the mainstream Marvel Universe with this issue.  Quite the noteworthy event! The solicitation implies that Miles will be the primary Spider-Man operating in New York City (suppose its because Peter Parker is too busy globe-trotting). Not sure if I'll buy this or not.


Avenger Standoff: Welcome to Pleasant Hill #1 - A one-shot about an ominous town where everyone keeps tabs on each other. Apparently, Pleasant Hill plays a major role in Spring's big Avengers event. Maybe


Power Man and Iron Fist #1 - Luke Cage and Danny Rand are back together as the Heroes for Hire! Not a big fan of the cover artist but I'm in the mood for classic street-level Power Man & Iron Fist action. Probably will check it out.


Deadpool & the Mercs for Money #1 (of 5) - Don't normally buy min-series and wouldn't count this as a brand-new number one; however I'm excited by this motley band of mercenaries led by Deadpool. Okay, I am also surprised by how many Deadpool-starring titles that elicit interest in me. Points for ANAD.  Believe it or not, its not because of the upcoming film. In any case,  the 90's were my golden age of comic book collecting as I controlled the majority of the purchasing decisions. I became aware of characters such as Foolkiller, Terror, Solo, and Stingray during that time. So a book starring them excites me. The Parental Advisory leads me to believe all sorts of carnage will occur. I'm leaning towards yes.

Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (1st ANAD review and Halloween Part 4)

Yep, its time for the promised and much belated fourth Halloween installment. A very special installment as its my very first review of Marvel's All-New, All-Different (ANAD) line. Which title am I reviewing? Why, Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. issue one! Read it on Halloween while watching a couple episodes of iZombie. Before we begin I will refer to S.H.I.E.L.D. as simply SHIELD as typing the acronym is simply tedious.


Art: Brent Schoonover and Nick Filardi comprise the art team on this inaugural issue. They do a bang-up job. Storytelling is top-notch as one can easily follow the story without resorting to reading the dialogue (although the dialogue does help...). The colorist, Nick Filardi, colors enhance the pencil and ink art of Schoonover without drowning it out with murky backgrounds. I was rarely confused by an of the art. While the art wasn't superbly detailed, it wasn't simplistic. Just enough detail that does not overwhelm. But wait, its a monster book, correct? While the art is not horrific in tone, it does an adequate job of portraying 70's era Code-approved monsters.


Story: The inaugural issue of Howling Commandos of Shield is exactly that. We meet the cast and learn what their mission is. The Howling Commandos then undertake their mission and... don't achieve the mission that SHIELD gave them. So a rag-tag team of monsters being whipped into shape by the legendary (and former Howler) Dum Dum Dugan will be a focus of the series as Dugan and Marie Hill discuss later in the book. Absolutely loved how Man-Thing was as the heavy artillery. Was a bit disappointed that the werewolf character isn't Werewolf by Night but a character named Warwolf. Overall, I felt it was a fun romp that combined classic Howling Commandos action with 70's Marvel monsters. In fact, its a rather neat touch that there's analogs for the classic Universal Horror Monsters (Frakenstein, Werewolf, Creature from the Lagoon, Dracula, and Zombies). Not to mention the historical touch of classic 50's and 70's monsters in Man-Thing and Orrgo.


The Verdict: As a run-of-the-mill first issue I give it a 2.5 out of 5 stars. That said, I consider Howling Commandos of SHIELD a guilty pleasure. If you want to read about classic movie monsters done in the Mighty Marvel Manner along with Man-Thing, Hit Monkey, Orrgo engaging supernatural threats in military fashion this is your book. By the way, yes, I am referring to Dum Dum Dugan as one of those classic movie monster analogs.

ANAD Marvel New January #1's

Well, I have lost a bit of blogging momentum as I several entries that I have yet to complete. What better way than to break that logjam than an old stand-by via my blogging my thoughts on the new slate of #1's that debut in January (solicited during November) as part of Marvel's All-New, All-Different (ANAD) initiative? Probably should check my astonishment at the sheer size of the new volumes debuting during January; however, Marvel did say that they were releasing sixty new series as part of ANAD. Marvel does deserve praise for the timed-releases as more obscure titles have a greater chance of surviving. Something DC should realize... Since its the month of November, my buy/impulse/pass rating should be taken with a grain of salt. By now, I am still figuring which of October's releases I'll retain. Generally takes me a couple months to decide - provided I keep up. Furthermore, I want my commentary on ANAD to extend beyond solicitations so I may try titles that I would avoid otherwise.


Here they are:

• Old Man Logan - I never read the original Old Man Logan story. Quite frankly, I'm still burned out on reading Wolverine regularly. However, the concept of an elderly Logan trying to prevent his bleak future from happening combined with the sample art provided is enough to pique my interest. Never say never.
• Captain Marvel - Nitpick aside I could do without them co-opting Alpha Flight to be the name of the space program that protects Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Otherwise, if there was a time read the adventures of Carol Danvers I think now would be the time as she leads that particular erstwhile organization. The fact that two of the creators behind the show Agent Carter, ie Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, helps greatly.
• Rocket Raccoon & Groot - Why they had solo series for both Rocket and Groot boggles my mind as much of their appeal stems from their buddy relationship. Since I collected both, sign me up for this one.
• Spider-Man/Deadpool - Once upon a time, Deadpool was but a mere, minor character. Shocking, right? Then during the late 90's there was a cult comic starring the Merc with the Mouth that comic fans raved about. Many compared it to the glory of early Spider-Man. Sadly, I never had the pleasure of reading that Deadpool run. Fast-forward to January and that very creative team returns to Deadpool. Not only that but a certain aforementioned web-slinger will be co-starring as well. This may actually be my first non-team Deadpool comic...
• Silver Surfer - Wait, isn't this the same creative team...? Absolutely hate forced re-numberings if nothing changes. Silver Surfer showing someone the unknown aspects of Earth could be neat and I like the creative team of Slott and Allred. Maybe.
• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - I like the television series that's inspired by this series. The notion of more regular Deathlok appearances appeals to me. Frankly, the comic may be closer to what people expected of the show during its first season. Another we'll see title.

Solicitations were much, much vaguer and shorter than last month's. You either love the concept and creative team or you don't.