The New Champions looks “younger”.
Not that you can tell how old someone is by a flaming skull…but the other character does seem taller.
Looks like a hot A.I. mess to me.
Either that or some pretty darn awful digital junk
Theres a bunch of Ghost Rider-inspired variants on FOC
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Hey Everyone. Here’s a quick run down of interesting books on FOC this week (that I didn’t highlight last week).
.
Facsimiles and Reprints
New Mutants #98 - Facsimile Edition (Foil Variant)
Gotta love keys in foil. At least I do.
Web of Spider-Man #1 (2nd Print)
If this was clearly Gwen Goblin, it’d be much better. My gut says it’s not, but hard to really know.
Not often we get a cool Major Blood cover!
Edge of Spider-verse #2 (2nd Printing)
My favorite cover this week. Should be popular for obvious reasons.
Indy Spotlights / New #1’s
Bear Pirate Viking Queen #1 (of 3)
A blood-splattered story of conquest. Bears. Pirates. Vikings. And Queens-all battling for their claim to determine what the world will become. Rendered in stunning watercolor by artist JONATHAN MARKS BARRAVECCHIA, it’s a gorgeous story of the blood spilled to make countries. And what’s cooler than bears, pirates, vikings, and queens??? With 72 stunning pages, it’s sure to be one of the most beautiful and thought-provoking books of the year.
Vikings, Pirates and Bears…Oh My!
Yea, I’m picking this book just to make a Wizard of Oz pun. Actually, it might be cool if you like three of the most random things going at it…it stands out in a weak crowd this week.
Rounding out this week is the new Space Ghost #1. Not exactly excited about this book, but I do appreciate the classic cartoon look of this variant. Now bring on the Herculoids!!!
And that’s it. I know there are a few more variant co era out there, but short on time this week.
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The fully published piece. Thanks to D-Rog for doing before he takes a much needed vacation.
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Carnage #7 and Avengers Annual #10 FOC next Monday the 15th.
Here’s the full list for what’s FOCing next week at pRH.
2.5 Dimensional Seduction Vol. 10
A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch Vol. 2
ALIEN: BLACK, WHITE & BLOOD #4
ALIEN: BLACK, WHITE & BLOOD #4 KHARY RANDOLPH VARIANT
ALIENS: WHAT IF…? #3
ALIENS: WHAT IF…? #3 MAHMUD ASRAR VARIANT
ALIENS: WHAT IF…? #3 STEPHEN MOONEY VARIANT
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #256 FACSIMILE EDITION
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #256 FACSIMILE EDITION MIGUEL MERCADO VARIANT
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: BLOOD HUNT #1 [BH]
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: BLOOD HUNT #1 BLOOD RED BLANK VARIANT [BH]
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: BLOOD HUNT #1 JOSEMARIA CASANOVAS VARIANT [BH]
Assassin’s Apprentice II #6 (CVR A) (Anna Steinbauer)
AVENGERS ANNUAL #10 FACSIMILE EDITION
AVENGERS ANNUAL #10 FACSIMILE EDITION ELIZABETH TORQUE VARIANT
AVENGERS ANNUAL #10 FACSIMILE EDITION FOIL VARIANT
BL First Crush Anthology: Five Seconds Before We Fall in Love
Black Night Parade Vol. 3
BLOOD HUNT #2 [BH]
BLOOD HUNT #2 DAVID BALDEON FANGS VARIANT [BH]
BLOOD HUNT #2 E.M. GIST VARIANT [BH]
BLOOD HUNT #2 E.M. GIST VIRGIN VARIANT [BH]
BLOOD HUNT #2 GABRIELE DELL’OTTO CONNECTING VARIANT [BH]
BLOOD HUNT #2 GABRIELE DELL’OTTO CONNECTING VIRGIN VARIANT [BH]
BLOOD HUNT #2 KAEL NGU VARIANT [BH]
BLOOD HUNT #2 PEACH MOMOKO VARIANT [BH]
BLOOD HUNT: RED BAND #2 [BH]
BLOOD HUNT: RED BAND #2 LOGAN LUBERA BLOODY HOMAGE VARIANT [BH]
Bluey: Let’s Play Outside!: A Magnet Book
CAPTAIN MARVEL BY MARGARET STOHL
CARNAGE #7
CARNAGE #7 NIC KLEIN STORMBREAKERS VARIANT
CARNAGE #7 SALVADOR LARROCA VARIANT
Census
Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers (Manga) Vol. 8
Cyberpunk 2077: XOXO
DARK X-MEN: THE MERCY CROWN
DEADPOOL #1 CHRIS CAMPANA 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DEADPOOL #1 INSIGNIA RATIO 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DEFENDERS EPIC COLLECTION: ENTER - THE HEADMEN
Disney Pixar Inside Out 2 Ultimate Sticker Book
DOOM #1
DOOM #1 ADI GRANOV VARIANT
DOOM #1 ADI GRANOV VIRGIN VARIANT
DOOM #1 GEORGE PEREZ VARIANT
DOOM #1 GREG AND TIM HILDEBRANDT DOCTOR DOOM MARVEL MASTERPIECES III VARIANT
DOOM #1 GREG AND TIM HILDEBRANDT DOCTOR DOOM MARVEL MASTERPIECES III VIRGIN VARI ANT
DOOM #1 MARIA WOLF VARIANT
Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord: Production Magic Turns a Nameless Village into the Strongest Fortified City (Light Novel) Vol. 2
EC Covers Artisan Edition
Goblin Volume 2: The Wolf and the Well
HELLVERINE #1
HELLVERINE #1 GERARDO SANDOVAL VARIANT
HELLVERINE #1 JOSHUA CASSARA SPOILER VARIANT
HELLVERINE #1 KEVIN EASTMAN VARIANT
HELLVERINE #1 MARK TEXEIRA VARIANT
HELLVERINE #1 MARK TEXEIRA VIRGIN VARIANT
HELLVERINE #1 MARTIN COCCOLO FOIL VARIANT
HELLVERINE #1 SKOTTIE YOUNG VARIANT
IDW Monthly Title Catalog: June 2024 [SINGLE UNIT]
Kei X Yaku: Bound By Law 1
Ladies on Top Vol. 6
Let’s Make Bread!
Louder Than Words, Actions Speak
MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #20
MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #20 GORAN PARLOV VARIANT
Mr. Villain’s Day Off 04
MS. MARVEL: MUTANT MENACE #3
MS. MARVEL: MUTANT MENACE #3 MAHMUD ASRAR BLACK COSTUME VARIANT
MS. MARVEL: MUTANT MENACE #3 PEACH MOMOKO VARIANT
My Little Pony: Set Your Sail #2 Cover A (Ganucheau)
My Little Pony: Set Your Sail #2 Variant B (JustaSuta)
My Lovesick Life as a '90s Otaku 3
NEW X-MEN MODERN ERA EPIC COLLECTION: E IS FOR EXTINCTION
Ninja Vs. Gokudo 1
NYX GALLERY EDITION
Precarious Woman Executive Miss Black General Vol. 10
Ragna Crimson 12
Reborn as a Barrier Master (Manga) Vol. 6
SINS OF SINISTER
Space Usagi: Death and Honor
Sparks Volume 1: Portals
SPIDER-MAN BY MICHELINIE & LARSEN OMNIBUS [NEW PRINTING, DM ONLY]
SPIDER-MAN BY MICHELINIE & LARSEN OMNIBUS [NEW PRINTING]
SPIDER-MAN: THE COMPLETE BLACK COSTUME SAGA OMNIBUS
SPIDER-MAN: THE COMPLETE BLACK COSTUME SAGA OMNIBUS VARIANT [DM ONLY]
Star Trek: Defiant #15 Cover A (Unzueta)
Star Trek: Defiant #15 Variant B (Vilchez)
Star Trek: Defiant #15 Variant RI (10) (Ward)
STAR WARS: MACE WINDU #4
STAR WARS: MACE WINDU #4 CHRIS SPROUSE THE PHANTOM MENACE 25TH ANNIVERSARY VARIA NT
STAR WARS: MACE WINDU #4 PHIL NOTO SNOKE & KYLO REN MASTER & APPRENTICE VARIANT
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures–Saber for Hire #2 (CVR A) (Rachael Stott)
Summer Vamp
Summer Vamp
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho (Light Novel) Vol. 5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures #13 Cover A (Myer)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures #13 Variant B (Rosanas)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Sourcebook #3 Cover A (Nishijima)
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime 24
The Apothecary Diaries 01 (Light Novel)
The Butcher’s Boy #1 (CVR A) (Justin Greenwood)
The Duke of Death and His Maid Vol. 12
The EC Archives: Weird Fantasy Volume 4
The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook
The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest 18
The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash (Manga) Vol. 5
The Yearning Fox Lies in Wait
THUNDERBOLTS: WORLDSTRIKE
To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts 15
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3 BETSY COLA ULTIMATE SPECIAL VARIANT
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3 DUSTIN NGUYEN VARIANT
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3 PEACH MOMOKO DESIGN VARIANT
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3 PEACH MOMOKO VARIANT
ULTIMATE X-MEN #3 TONY DANIEL VARIANT
VENOM BY AL EWING VOL. 6: INFILTRATION
Virgin Love 3
WEAPON X-MEN #4
WEAPON X-MEN #4 DECLAN SHALVEY VARIANT
WHAT IF…? VENOM #4
WHAT IF…? VENOM #4 DIOGENES NEVES DESIGN VARIANT
WHAT IF…? VENOM #4 NICOLETTA BALDARI VARIANT
WHAT IF…? VENOM #4 ROD REIS VARIANT
Whodunnit?
WOLVERINE: MADRIPOOR KNIGHTS #4
WOLVERINE: MADRIPOOR KNIGHTS #4 DAN JURGENS VARIANT
World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume 4
X-MEN: FOREVER #4 [FHX]
X-MEN: FOREVER #4 JIM RUGG VARIANT [FHX]
X-MEN: FOREVER #4 PHIL NOTO QUIET COUNCIL VARIANT [FHX]
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FCBD 2024 ENERGON UNIVERSE SPECIAL (BUNDLES OF 25) FOC’d 1 week after the other Lunar FCBD titles but was one of the 1st to ship and is already here.
It’s also in stock at Lunar right now if your store needs more copies.
There should be no shortage of free copies on FCBD I can forsee.
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I’ve been totally out of sorts this week. I keep remembering It’s F.O.C. Sunday, only to completely forget about it two seconds later.
I’m either very busy, or going senile…maybe a little from Column A and B…
Anyway, given the short time span I’m going to zip through this and post it on the forum to get the information out there.
Covers
Immortal Thor #11 (Arthur Adams Variant)
Usually these Arthur Adams covers with weird faces and boobs that defy gravity within their costumes are incentive ratios. Not this time! You’re welcome (says Arthur).
Amazing Spider-Man #50 (JTC Negative Space Variant)
Green Goblin is back again for the 1000th time. And now you get to pay $9.99 to read about it.
Well, if you’re going to pay that amount at least they’re offering a nice negative space black suit (virgin) variant.
Ultimates #1 (JTC Negative Space Variant)
Speaking of negative space variants, the new Ultimates series also has a virgin variant of Iron Man. I wonder if more of these are on the way again. We’ll speak more about the new Ultimates series below.
Monolith #1 (of 3) (Cover B- McFarlane Variant)
Monolith first appeared in Spawn 313, but he gets a miniseries here. I don’t know much about him as a hellspawn, but I do know it’s hard to pass up Mcfarlane covers for $2.99.
Notable Reprints
If you’ve followed my FOC articles, you know I’m a big fan of the Howard white background later prints of image Energon Universe titles. This FOC is gonna hurt (me, anyway) as a bunch have been announced.
Transformers #5 (2nd Print - Thundercracker)
Transformers #5 (2nd Print - Arcee)
Transformers #6 (2nd Print - Devestator)
Transformers #6 (2nd Print - Wheeljack)
Cobra Commander #2 (of 5) (2nd Printing)
Void Rivals #7 (2nd Printing)
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #6 (Facsimile - Foil Variant)
Secret Wars foil facsimiles continue…two more before the big one.
Ultimate Black Panther #1 (4th Printing Blank)
Just in time for Convention season, Ultimate Black Panther gets a blank sketch variant.
Reads
Superior Spider-Man #7 (Humberto Ramos Variant)
Five words: Otto Octavius, the Superior Spider-Boy.
That’s all we get. If you’re a Spider-Fan-Boy this book is for you. I like the Ramos cover.
Loosely based on real events in 12th century England during what was known as “The Anarchy.” A time where the country was beset with plague, civil war, and demons. William of Newbury is a neurotic monk, fearful of the earthly world, but confident and unwavering in the face of true evil. He fights the dead to restore peace, but his brother is intent on stopping him, fearing for his soul. Newbury is dark, yet quaint, deadly yet cute. Follow him as he negotiates with thieves, evades his brother and the church, and battles the undead and evil spirits.
A new anthropomorphic supernature series from Dark Horse and the co-creator POWERS. Promises a Hellboy meets Redwall vibe. I’ll likely grab the book from the LCS when it comes out. Could be a good book to stash a copy away as future spec.
Pick of the Week
You know it’s been coming for a while now…an all-new team of ULTIMATES and the next chapter of the new Ultimate line.
Six months ago, Tony Stark sent Peter Parker a radioactive spider to set him back on the course to become Spider-Man. Since then, Iron Lad (Stark), Captain America, Doom, Thor and Sif have begun to do the same for other lost heroes, building a network of super-powered heroes hungry for change… Now they must band together to destroy the Maker’s Council and restore freedom and free will to a world ruled from the shadows!
This pick is more for the read as I don’t expect much spec here. But you never know.
Parting Thoughts
Sorry for this coming out so late! DC had a few cool covers but nothing that wow’d me. Have a great week everyone!
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I didn’t order any but Image is giving an extra 5% discount level for all the reprints this week. It’s not enough to get me interested but may bump other peoples orders higher.
I am a bit tired of negative space variants, but I kinda dig that Ultimates one.
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Hello CHU! Back again for another FOC Sunday! The last few weeks have been a little meh…but this week there are a few books I’m excited about. A little blend of everything…covers have some good stories underneath, and even the read picks have good covers.
COVERS
Spider-Boy #7 (David Baldeon Black Costume Variant)
The conclusion to Spider-Boy’s first story arc promises a major turning point in the life of Bailey Briggs! His life (and this comic) will never be the same again!
But that’s not why I’m highlighting this book. It’s the cover, which is a negative space variant homage to one of the “original” negative space covers, issue 101 of Spectacular Spider-Man. And for that reason this is the Dirty D Cover-of-the-Week!
Batman Gargoyle of Gotham #3 (of 4) (Cover A)
The penultimate installment of Rafael Grampa’s visionary series! Batman’s investigation leads him into the deadly lair of Doctorgeist–where his presence is not only expected…but welcomed. Their savage fight for the soul of Gotham–and the soul of Bruce Wayne himself–will send shock waves through the city from which it might never recover. And elsewhere, the fugitive Crytoon makes a twisted acquaintance that finally gives him something to smile about…
I’m curious whether this issue we’ll meet the joker of this story…and whether that character is the creepy rendition that is on the cover on Cover A.
Titans #11 (Cover C - Design Variant)
I believe Vanadia is a new character, but she may have debuted in issue #10. But here’s her first cover and it’s an open order design variant.
It looks as though Darak and Solila will find the Autobot Springer (featured on the cover) buried in the wasteland, formally introducing him to the Energon Universe. For those unfamiliar, Springer first debuted in the Transformers Movie #1 (1986), the boyfriend of Arcee and was a staple in the 80’s cartoon. I’m really loving the Void Rivals story and how it’s re-introducing beloved classic transformers characters. And this cover is a pretty sweet.
NOTABLE REPRINTS
Military Comics #1 Facsimile Edition
Here’s an interesting facsimile. Military Comics #1, featuring Blackhawk’s first appearance. Unfortunately no foil variant for this one.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #2 (of 12) (Facsimile Edition Foil Variant)
Crisis on Infinite Earths facsimile editions continue with issue #2. Foils included.
INDEPENDANT SPOTLIGHTS
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Alpha #1
This special issue explores the effects this change has on those connected to the brothers, from Old Hob to Jennika, across the five boroughs and all the way through Mutant Island. It’s hard to tell how important someone is until they are gone.
Filling the gap between issue #150 of the (no longer) ongoing series and what is looking to be sort of a reboot with the new series. A lot of covers, so pick the one you like for the read.
Fan favorite Canto returns in this finale series to the Shrouded Man saga. I like cover A as well.
PICK OF THE WEEK
Comic debut of the SPIDER-WOMAN from ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE MOVIE. Also promises we will witness the true birth of the Spider-Society setting up the next SPIDER-VERSE storytelling epic!
Maybe we’ll learn more about her pregnancy as well. Long term spec here, though. Lots of covers featuring this version of Jessica, but she is best when on her bike! So stick with cover A.
And there you have it! Have a great week everyone!
5 Likes
Did not put together an FOC article this week because there really wasn’t much to get excited about. That, and I spent just about every waking moment working outside around my house before it rained Sunday evening.
But here are a few interesting books that I thought I’d highlight.
Baron Boolean appears on this cool cover. I believe he’s appeared in a few previous books this year, so not a first in story.
Something is wrong in the deep forests of Broke Tree Valley. The legends speak of something larger than human comprehension…A monstrous phantom that disappears for decades at a time. Now, it’s back, and things are about to go Very Bad if four people-Olivia, Jess, Kokoro, and Mason, scientists who have come to the small city of Kasbro to investigate a bizarre series of seismic activities in this heavily forested valley-can’t put the Mammoth to rest. One real problem with this is…Olivia’s dead.
New limited series from Mad Cave sounds interesting.
Uncle Scrooge Infinity Dime #1 (Alex Ross Cover)
When UNCLE SCROOGE’S fabled money bin gets stolen by a shocking culprit, the world’s toughest duck must undertake a quest unlike any other, alongside a surprising array of allies: other versions of himself! Also re-presenting the classic CHRISTMAS ON BEAR MOUNTAIN, the first appearance of Scrooge McDuck by the legendary DISNEY COMICS creator, CARL BARKS!
Marvel publishing a Disney character story is interesting by itself. But I like the Alex Ross cover for this book.
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Hello CHU Nation. Happy Mothers Day to all the hard working Moms out there!
Sorry I’m getting this out so late on Sunday. I have been gardening and mulching what feels like 24-7 since Friday evening…and in the little time I wasn’t doing that it was something Mothers Day related.
Fortunately (for me) there isn’t a whole lot that caught my attention this week, so this will be short.
Covers
Deadpool / Wolverine is on the horizon. So this cover might get popular. These movie covers tend to “pop” when the actors/actresses featured in them do a private signing or appearance at a con. Although not “art”, still going to call this the cover of the week.
Reprints and Facsimiles
Batman Gotham by Gaslight #1 (Facsimile Edition - Foil Variant))
I thought this book already had a facsimile. This elsewords universe is going to get expanded upon in a few months with “Batman Gotham by Gaslight the Kryptonian age”.
This is also a weird book to be foiled.
Deadpool Kills Marvel Universe #1 Facsimile Ed
We pretty much know that Deadpool will be killing off a lot of marvel multiverse characters in the new movie. So it makes sense that this book would get the facsimile treatment. No foil variant.
There are also variant themed books coming too.
Mad Magazine #1 Facsimile Edition
Mad magazine gets the fax treatment. No foil variant.
Godzilla #1 (Facsimile Ed Foil Variant)
This has been teased for a while now. Finally on FOC. And it’s getting foiled!
Reads
Thanos is off to find the INFINITY STONES! He’s in for a shock when he discovers that the Infinity Stones have been incorporated into actual people like STAR, QUANTUM, OVERTIME, PRINCE OF POWER and MULTITUDE! But wait, there are six Infinity Stones but only five people listed?!
Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara is about to take on the most dangerous black ops mission of her career: infiltrating the mysterious rising power in Japan known as Clan Arashikagew, Scarlett must use her very particular set of skills to survive undercover… and discover a shocking weapon that could change the balance of power on Earth.
Personally, I’ll wait for the inevitable Howard white background variant. There are several “spoiler” incentive ratio variants.
Indy Spotlight
In a land pervaded by cruelty and evil, the most innocent among us-young Lamb, the last of their kind-was selected to become a final dark sacrifice. Their death would forever seal the darkest of the Old Gods from our realm and usher in a new age ruled by the four eldritch Bishops of the Old Faith. So Lamb died . . . then forged a deal of their own.
At the crossroads of eternity, Lamb was met by the imprisoned deity known as the One Who Waits, who revealed the lies and distortions of the false prophets who rule the world above. And so, Lamb was bequeathed the power and responsibilities of the Red Crown and returned to the land of living with unholy powers to exact vengeance and deliver a new cult unto the earth.
Based on the popular video game by Master Monster. Could be a hit.
Falling in Love on the Path to Hell #1
Double-Length First Issue. The sun set on samurai and gunslingers at roughly the same time, but our two leads didn’t die off quietly. In the East, Asami, an Onna-musha warrior and female samurai, would rather die with her weapons than surrender them to a sword hunt. In the West, the gunslinger MacRaith follows his revenge to the bitter end and pays the ultimate price. The future lovers are mortally wounded a world apart and awake together in a purgatory ruled by a ruthless society of damned warriors.
Cover reminds me of Star Wars. Samurai vs Gunslinger!
Pick of the Week
Marvel revealed that Peach Momoko will be debuting four new characters in Ultimate X-Men #4. Momoko creations Mori and Natsu - but also the debut of Ultimate Universe versions of Surge and Nico Minoru
Issue #3 comes out this week, so beware the last page cameo. Cover A appears to feature some of the new characters. But there is also a nice Momoko variant.
Ultimate X-Men #4 (Peach Momoko Variant)
Parting Words.
It’s late! Gotta get this out (at least on the forums) before Midnight or it turns into a pumpkin! Later!
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Hey CHU Nation. It’s another Sunday and that means its FOC time once again! Running late, so dive in!
Reads / Covers
This issue is so shocking and troubling we can’t even show you the cover!The cover has been spoiled. Enter The-Spider-Man-Who-Cackles…?
Dirty D Cover-Of-The-Week
The most explosive SHE-HULK story in HISTORY starts here! Something is brewing that is going to have effects felt beyond just SENSATIONAL SHE-HULK. You cannot afford to miss it!Another “mystery” solicitation. Has me intrigued. If it’s a dud at least there’s a Adam Hughes cover.
Reprints & Facsimiles
Normally I’d rank this higher being a first appearance (The Assembly) with the characters on the cover…But (1) they’ve all already had cover appearances, and (2) there’s a 1:25 incentive. So maybe a long term hold
If you’re collecting these, here’s the next issue in the black suit saga. Next month is issue 258 which I’m still holding out for a foil…
Speaking of foil faxes….next month is the big one!
And for those collecting Crisis foils.
New Ones
Venomverse is reborn, with stories of symbiotes from all across the Multiverse! First, Benjamin Percy and Brian Level spin a tale of the murder of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes by one of their own…but who? Then Christos Gage drags Venom from Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 across the Venomverse to take on Knull!Not exactly sure if there will be new characters, but could be a good read.
“Fat” Charlie Nancy leads a boring life as a boring Londoner, until he discovers two things: That his recently deceased father was, in fact, Anansi the Spider, the trickster god of African folklore, and that he has a twin brother he’s never met. Which kicks off a reality-spanning odyssey of sibling rivalry, jealous deities, and one poor soul who’ll realize what it means to be a god.Adaptation of Gaiman’s Locus and British Fantasy Award-winning novel as a comic book series for the first time-and soon to be a television show on Amazon Prime!
Dirty D’s Pick of the Week
When a mysterious meteor falls on the wide-open plains of the Midwest, it will unleash a chain of events that find Gotham’s bizarre Batman contending with not just the twin threats of the Catwoman and a mysterious international assassin but also the emergence of superhuman beings beyond all comprehension!Think Marvel’s 1602…but 19th century and DC. This limited series will expand upon the Universe from which Gotham by Gaslight was set in, introducing new versions of popular DC characters beyond the confines of Gotham City, and some new ones as well.
Long term spec at best, but Gotham by Gaslight is a classic. So I’m hoping for a great read if anything here. And that makes this the pick of the week.
There also a Jock foil variant of which a new villain or character may be on the cover (see below). Which is odd because the 1:25 is the same cover, just card stock.
Parting Thoughts
Once again, getting this out a little late. One of these weeks I’ll get back into the groove! Have a great week, CHU.
2 Likes
Hello CHU Nation. Getting this out late (as usual). Been taking advantage of the great weather in the North East this Memorial Day weekend…only leaves so much time for FOC scouting!
DC’s on break this week, so things are a bit light. So this will be quick. Let’s dive in!
Cover of the Week
Star Wars Ahsoka #1 (Concept Art Variant)
We’ll talk more Ahsoka below, but nothing really stood out to me cover wise this week. But I do like this concept art cover for issue #1. This one is for the Sabine Wren fans. Sabine doesn’t have too many covers as it is.
It’s also a 1:10 ratio, and I’m not big on highlighting these in FOC articles, but this book will be heavily ordered with much higher ratio incentives and I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of store exclusives pop up as well. So should be easy to find at cover or slightly above. And that’s why this is the Dirty D Cover of the Week!
Reprints
Not much for reprints. There are others like blood hunt and maybe a facsimile or two…but nothing exciting. But I did highlight this Monolith Mcfarlane cover as a first print, which was a B&W. I’m glad I held off because I like the color cover better.
New Number 1’s
Destro is the latest GI Joe villain to get a limited series in the Energon Universe.
JAPAN, 977. KID VENOM has made his presence known to the evil symbiotes taking people and creatures hostage…but who else has their eye on Kintaro and his symbiote? The world of KID VENOM expands as new characters and dangers are revealed!Seems like this series has been talked about for a while. New characters, could be a spec book.
Independent Spotlights
Down-on-his-luck rideshare driver Jerry Hauser’s existence is a bleak one… But after a twist of fate, Jerry is given the chance of a lifetime… which, if he’s not careful, may well end his lifetime. So begins this California noir-a rollicking and gleefully lurid pulp crime story for our time.New miniseries from Image.
Cyan Fitzgerald is just a young woman trying to find her place in the world. As the daughter of Wanda Fitzgerald, the former wife of Al Simmons (aka Spawn), she has been endowed with incredible abilities-abilities that keep her cut off from those around her. Her journey into the darkness starts here.Not a new character, but the latest in Spawn characters getting mini-series to expand the universe. There is a McFarlane cover that doesn’t appear to have been revealed…
Honorable Mentions
Hefty Smurf loves to play sports, but he can’t get the other Smurfs to play with him. His solution? Create the “Smurf Olympics”! The Smurfs divide themslves into two teams, all competing for the grand prize: a kiss from Smurfette. But when one Smurf is turned down by both teams, he decides to compete on his own, throwing the games into chaos! Can one Smurf take on the whole village? And can the Smurfs stop cheating and playing pranks on each other long enough for the games to actually take place? Find out in this special one-shot release of the classic story from 1979!Sounds fun! Classic smurfs!
Cool Lego cover for Star Wars Insider Mag. It’s the Newsstand as well so should be pretty east to find.
Pick of the Week
The comic adaptation of the Disney+ series! Which means we’ll be getting the first appearance of Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati (also on the cover A). Huyang did appear in a flashback in Star Wars Age of the Republic #1, but this will be his first major roll…
Anyway, these characters look to play larger rolls in the future of Star Wars, so for that reason this is the Dirty D Pick of the Week!
Parting Thoughts
It’s late on Sunday night…so not much left in the tank here. Until next week!
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FOC 6/2/25
Hey everyone! Had a burst of energy (and a rare window of free time) this Sunday morning, so was able to put my FOC list together a little earlier than usual recently. It helps there really haven’t been too many big books out there worth highlighting before orders close too. But I found some fun ones and exciting reads that will be hitting shelves in about a month. So let’s check them out!
Covers
Another movie variant for Deadpool. These are popular when signings of actors/actresses come around. Dirty D cover of the week!
A nice homage to Batman 442, when Tim Drake officially became Robin! Outta her way, jerk-ass!
New Ones
Kaare Andrews returns to the world of SPIDER-MAN’S dystopian future in this sequel to the landmark, SPIDER-MAN: REIGN story. This next installment will introduce a new BLACK CAT and introduce Miles Morales as well (who I believe is on the Variant and homage cover shown below).
Love the Spawn-ish Cover A look too (above) although I don’t think it’s a direct homage.
A new limited series starring Zatanna. She has her fans, and there are a lot of covers for issue 1. I personally like the Rodriguez A solid red background (should be stunning in person) and there’s an Artgerm foil (below) if you collect such things.
Cool Reads
WOLVERINE has been mindwiped, manipulated and given false memories so many times, what is the truth of his long life? Now, as a journey into his own past becomes paramount to the survival of mutantkind, delve into the TRUE story of LOGAN’s life, from his earliest days in the late 1800s, to the many wars he’s fought alongside comrades like CAPTAIN AMERICA and SABRETOOTH, to the WEAPON X procedures that changed his life forever, his days on the X-MEN and more! All IN CONTINUITY, this includes some adventures and links to the past never before revealed, giving the most complete picture of WOLVERINE’s history EVER ASSEMBLED! In print for the first time!A sort-of retelling of Wolverines life story to date. It’s not an oversized book so I’m not sure how they’re going to cram this all in to one issue…but could be an interesting read with some surprises thrown in.
Pick of the Week
The INQUISITORS are among the most skilled and deadly threats to those who served the light side of the Force. Buried in the annals of Jedi lore is the story of TENSU RUN, the Jedi who faced the Inquisitors and DARTH VADER! What became of him, and why did the EMPIRE so greatly fear his existence?Mostly a read for Inquisitor fans. It does promise yet another Jedi that survives Order 66; Tensu Run will debut this issue. I do not believe he’s on any of the covers for issue 1, so perhaps grab a copy of cover A to stash away as there are some inquisitors that could be new (I don’t recognize the one on the lower left, anyway). For that reason this is the Dirty D Pick-Of-The-Week!
Parting Thoughts
Wow, got this done before noon on Sunday. It’s been a while since I’ve accomplished such a feat. Happy hunting this week!
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FOC 6/9/24
Welcome back CHU Nation for another FOC highlight reel! This FOC is a special one, as DC has finally come to its senses and realized cutting off books earlier than most others, and releasing them on Tuesday is just not cool.
So we’re back to all books having the same FOC!! That also means that when this article is released Sunday evening all books are still able to be ordered.
That being said, this is one of the better weeks. Not crazy speculation wise, but mostly cool covers, good reads and a few surprises for us fans!
Spoiler Alert
Scarlett #2 (of 5) (Cover B - Spoiler)
In order to find her missing friend Jinx, Scarlett goes undercover, deep into the belly of Clan Arashikage, to discover the truth. But the man known as might have other ideas…Ah, good ol’ spoiler covers. They get me every time! This should be the next big gimmick. Drop the whole foil variant shtick (except for facsimiles!) and second prints nobody asked for…go with spoiler covers for new character appearances and reveals!
FYI, this isn’t the only variant cover of this book to feature a spoiler. The 10 Copy incentive has a blacked out head shot, and 1:25 also is a spoiler.
Ultimates #2 (Inhyuk Lee Ultimate Spoiler Variant)
Captain America reckons with the Maker’s dismantling of nations…by visiting the White House! Leading to a massive brawl between MIDAS and this young band of freedom fighters… …but Midas has been holding a superhuman hostage as a power source! PLUS: The dark history of what used to be the United States on Earth-6160…We need more spoiler covers!
I’m guessing this spoiler will feature this superhuman hostage. Possible first appearance of a new character…but likely an ultimates version of a 616 character.
Reprints
Jim Hensons Dark Crystal Archive Ed #1
The classic 1983 single issue adaptation of The Dark Crystal from writer David Anthony Kraft (The Savage She-Hulk) and artists Bret Blevins & Vince Colletta is lovingly restored and represented as part of BOOM! Studios’ Archive Edition line!Skeksis, Mystics, Gelflings, oh my! The Dark Crystal was one of those iconic movies from the early 80s, like Secret of NIHM, that parents were likely fooled into thinking it was for kids, but in reality had complex darker themes and enough violence or creepy characters to scare kids to the point that parents regretted it. “I thought this was another muppet movie!”
But if you were like me, they stood out from the mundane and hold a special place and memories. I was so disappointed when they did not renew the Netflix TV series, Age of Resistance, for a second season as I thought it was phenomenal.
I believe this series reprints Marvel Movie Special 24 across the 3 issues. Personally I like the B cover as the A cover is just the original cover art to the Marvel Mini issue #1.
Jim Hensons Dark Crystal Archive Ed #1 (of 3) (Cover B)
Wolverine #88 (Facsimile Ed Foil Variant)
Facsimile of the first Deadpool/Wolverine battle…foil-Iized!
New Ones
DC’s epic summer event kicks off with a bang, as the combined might of FAILSAFE and the BRAINIAC QUEEN has at last given Amanda Waller the ability to steal the metahuman abilities of every hero and villain on planet Earth.Not my thing, these event books, but a lot have enjoyed the brainiac and failsafe runs in Batman and Superman.
Also, there’s an “unlock variant (see pic below), cover J…not sure what it takes to qualify, but its a pretty sweet cover. One to look out for.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2024 #1
“Reboot” of the TMNT after the last series ended at 150. Not expecting new characters of significance, but it does promise a new start.
Thundercats Cheetara #1 (Cover A - Sozomaika)
Dynamite’s first spin off series for Thundercats stars with Cheetara!
Indy Spotlight
Introducing a treat of young veterans, survivors of a massive intergalactic war. They’ve fought every day of their existence and won a terrible victory. Now they’re stranded on Earth, free agents for the first time. But when relics from their long war appear, threatening their chance at better lives, their greatest battle begins. They’ve fought for a million planets. Can they fight to save their own souls?New series by image. Cover A is a wrap around.
Pick of the Week
Bailey Briggs, the one and only Spider-Boy, is trapped in the Web of Life and Destiny! Tumbling through the Multiverse! Featuring at least one Spider you’ve seen before but NEVER on these mighty Marvel pages.I could pick this book up for the cover alone. It’s a fun cover featuring classic Spider-Verse characters. But what puts this book at the top this week is the promise of a first appearance of a spider character we have not yet seen in a comic book, but we are familiar with. Some pop into my head that might have been on covers but I don’t think stories…but I can’t be 100% sure.
I believe all the characters on the cover have “appeared” in at least a cameo prior, but feel free to point out if I’m mistaken.
In fact, let’s have some fun with this….If you have any guesses who it might be, feel free to provide your speculation in the comment section in the CHU forums! First to guess the right answer will get a mighty CHU No-Prize, just like Marvel used to award in the old days!
Drek of the Week
Cover A of this book and a few of the variants have been hot on the secondary market. So Marvel decided to reprint this. There is also a 1:25.
If there’s any long term value, it’s with the first print. And the 1:25 incentive is just going to make this book overprinted relative to the actual demand. Not to mention the cover leaves much to be desired. Avoid!
Parting Thoughts
Schools are wrapping up classes for the year… Convention season is upon us. It’s officially Summer! Have a great week!
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I sold all my first printing copies of DOOM so I’m happy to at least be able to get a cheap second print to hold onto 
Dirty D F.O.C. (6/17/24)
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Any of you get anything comics related for a Dad’s Day gift? If so, feel free to share it on the CHU Forums!
Lot of interesting books this week. So without further ado…
Covers
Very nice cover by Dell’Otto. Dirty D Cover-Of-The-Week!
In this biweekly series we’ll see the ABSOLUTE POWER event through the eyes of evil–as told from the point of view of the TRINITY OF EVIL!Dan Mora looks to have a foil variant for each issue (x7) of this limited series, each one featuring a character, issue #1 starting with “Last Son”…
Number Ones
Forge leads a custom-made, handpicked team of mutants - RACHEL SUMMERS, BETSY BRADDOCK, SAGE, SURGE and introducing TANK - in off-the-books missions so dire, so integral to the fate of the Marvel Universe, there’s no time to stop for permission!A “Tank” previously appeared (and apparently died) in Ironheart #6 back in 2019…So not sure if this a a new character or redesign of the prior character.
War rages beneath the waves. Seven kings, old and new, fight to rule the watery realm. But where is Namor? He’s sitting behind bars on the surface, with no intention of ever setting foot in the seas again. So begins an Atlantean event that will forever reshape the landscape of the undersea world while at last laying bare the dark history of Atlantis and its fiercest, most infamous defender.Interesting synopsis. We’ll have to see if the writing holds up.
Reprints
Should have been a foil variant for this key book. It appears as though the fax will continue past 258.
First Nightwing, First Jericho and Deathstroke origin. I’ve never read this book, so I’m grabbing the foil for fun!
I’m not sure if places will offer this for pre-order, but if you’re interested in checking out how Saga started, its getting the Image $1 Reprint treatment.
A very cool 3rd print variant from the Duke mini.
A very creepy 4th printing of Cobra Commander #1.
Indy Spotlight
A coming-of-age horror series, a Breakfast Club in a graveyard filled with frights both nostalgic and new, for fans of Locke & Key and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina!Sounds like fun. And it’s only a 2 issue mini. Highlighting the FOC cover.
Pick of the Week
In 1988, DC fans made a seminal choice in the history of DC publishing–voting to kill off Jason Todd’s Robin in the Death in the Family storyline. Now, for the first time, we want to find out what would have happened if fans had voted to let him live. And it begins–with the murder of The Joker!You had to know this was coming when the Faux-simile of Batman 428 came out several months ago. I was just getting serious about collecting comics when Death in the Family story went to print, so this is very nostalgic for me. We’re probably going to learn Jason was always destined for the anti-villain Red Hood or similar role. Either way I’m looking forward to this What If? story. So this is a more of a read pick than spec pick.
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