Hello my fellow CHU-zers! It’s that time again for Dirty D to go over some books that are at their final cutoff this week.
Today while thinking about this article, I came to the realization that there may be some that pass through here not familiar with this article, and wonder why some books are highlighted, and others are not. Well, my ultimate goal is just general awareness of open order books that shops may not have an abundance of come day of release. That could be variant covers (as some shops don’t order much beyond cover A), first issues that could go under the radar and potential first appearances that could become scarce if FOMO hits early.
I rarely call attention to incentive ratios as I’d don’t really care for books over cover price. But every so often I might point one out because it’s just something unusual.
Within that, I’ll typically kick things off with a cover of the week, then close things out with a pick of the week, which usually is the book I think has the most spec potential or just looks to be a great read for that week.
And since I’m usually scrambling to get this thing out before FOC is over (which can vary by shop, but Monday is the final day typically), I try to keep things simple and hit the high points. There are so many books each week, so everyone is welcome to comment if they feel I missed one, made a miscalculation, or just don’t agree. It’s all good!
So with all that out of the way, let’s dive in to this weeks books.
COVERS
I know it’s Turkey week, but we’re looking 5 weeks ahead. And that means this FOC is all about the Big guy in the red suit. So this week’s cover of choice goes to Santa…looking all bad-ass, Dark Knight style. Stay off his naughty list.
In shops December 25th (I kid you not…that’s what it says! Will your LCS be open?).
Warning: Will not improve vertical leap ability or basketball dunking. Leaping over tall buildings is Superman’s domain. Do not attempt.
In Shops 12/25/24.
NEW NUMBER ONES
I normally wouldn’t single out a new DC series of a character that has had series before. But this one is going to be written by Al Ewing. So it’s with mentioning here. Lots of covers to choose from. In shops 12/25/24.
They’ve all appeared in other books and covers already. Well, except one. But with this book it becomes official. The New Champions are here. In shops 1/8/25. (Also features a new Wakanadan Champion not seen before)
REPRINTS
I’ve stayed away from Absolute Batman
#1 reprints, as we all knew it would go at least 4 printings deep. Will it end here? In shops 12/25/24.
And I wouldn’t point out later printings of the subsequent issues, but this cover to issue
#2 is pretty cool. And you should also check out the 1:25 copy (below) as it features the Dump Truck Batmobile! Crazy. In shops 12/25/24.
I think everyone is familiar with Evil Ernie. Hard to believe this book is 30 yrs old. Well, the original anyway. In shops 12/31/24 (New Years Eve!)
Here at CHU Mark Spears covers have been discussed quite a bit. This weeks FOC features the third printing of issue
#1 of his Monsters book from Keenspot. We know this will be popular…but one has to ask…who is this guy calling? (And where did he find a working phone booth?).
In shops 1/1/25.
FIRST APPEARANCES?
ENTER: STEVE TREVOR! A Harbinger is but a messenger. It is The Tetracide that you must fear, for The Tetracide leaves nothing behind. Diana’s true enemy has been revealed–and it will take everything she has to save Gateway City from oblivion!
I haven’t read the book…is Steve Trevor the Harbinger? Either way, seems like a milestone issue for AWW’s first major villain. In shops 12/25/25.
The streets of Gotham run red with blood–blood that the mysterious villain known only as Asema has taken quite an interest in. Who is this scalpel-fingered creature collecting the plasma of young men, and what is Asema’s connection to Bruce Wayne?
I suspect this is who is on the cover, jumping the Duo, and likely a first full (may cameo at the end of 1091). Bat rogues gallery (particularly females) are ones to keep an eye on. In shops 12/25/24.
Wolverine #5
WEAPON X changed WOLVERINE’s life forever when they bonded his claws and skeleton to the unbreakable metal adamantium. THIS IS WORSE. Who or what is the ADAMANTINE?
This may just be a reveal or a “mutation” of a character already introduced. In shops 1/8/25.
INDY SPOTLIGHT
JG Jones, teams up with co-writer Phil Bram to spins an unforgettable yarn of desperation, murder, and resilience in this beautifully hand-painted story of Americana in the primal grip of brutality. In the darkest days of the Great Depression, death stalks the Dust Bowl. As towering dust storms blast the parched Oklahoma panhandle, farmers try to flee the failing town of New Hope, but no one gets far. Battling his own demons, Sheriff Meadows teams up with Sarah, a traveling photojournalist, in a desperate fight to stop a serial killer on the loose-the Death that rides the Dusters.
Not much grabbing my attention in the Indy world this week…but I do like JG and hand painted art in comics. So that helps makes this book stand out from the rest. Comes out 12/25/24.
PICK OF THE WEEK
THE ULTIMATE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY! America Chavez takes center stage in this issue as a group of galactic travelers from a far-flung, Maker-free future arrive in search of her!
Yeah, not much going on this week. So this book gets the PotW win by default. New characters plus cover appearance on Cover A (and one is a dog, how cute is that!). It’s checking the boxes, if anything.
Parting Thoughts
I went to a local comic show in Bristol, CT today (down the road from ESPN), so been a busy day. I’ll be putting together a quick summary over the next week, so look for that (likely in the forums). Otherwise, have a great week and eat lots of turkeyf! 
