#IReadsYou Review: KINGSMAN: The Red Diamond #1

KINGSMAN: THE RED DIAMOND No. 1 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Williams
ART: Simon Fraser
COLORS: Gary Caldwell
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
COVER: Frank Quietly
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Gibbons; Rob Doyle; Simon Fraser
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2017)

Rated M/Mature

Kingsman: The Secret Service created by Mark Miller, Dave Gibbons, and Matthew Vaughn

The Secret Service was a 2012 six-issue comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar, artist Dave Gibbons, and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class).  It was published by Icon, a pseudo-creator owned imprint of Marvel Comics.  Vaughn directed a film loosely adapted from this comic book that was entitled Kingsman: The Secret Service.  [The Secret Service comic book has since been re-branded as Kingsman: The Secret Service to tie-in closer to the film franchise.]

The Secret Service was apparently inspired by “classic” James Bond films and the spy thriller genre in general.  The story focused on a super-spy and his young and wayward nephew whom he recruits into “the secret service.”  With the impending arrival of a second film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, there is a new six-issue comic book, Kingsman: The Red Diamond.  It is written by Rob Williams; drawn by Simon Fraser; colored by Gary Caldwell; and lettered by Peter Doherty.

Kingsman: The Red Diamond #1 finds Gary “Eggsy” London living the ribald life of a highly effective British secret agent and man-about-town.  As the story begins, Eggsy is called to rescue a royal, but while the mission is successful, Eggsy does something that gets him in trouble.  Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Eggsy, another world-beating supervillain plots to destroy civilization.

I found the original Kingsman: The Secret Service comic book miniseries to be earthy, droll, nonchalant, and rather grounded, unlike the slickly-produced film.  Kingsman: The Red Diamond #1 also lacks polish, which I consider a good thing.  This first issue opens in such an unassuming manner that you might mistake it for a disaster in the making, but writer Rob Williams offers lots of surprises and delightful little shocks to make this an enjoyable read.  Plus, Williams teases the new villain in that perfect kind of way that makes readers want to come back for the second issue.

The art and graphical storytelling by Simon Fraser is acceptable, but considering that Fraser is following a legend and exceptionally gifted comic book artist like Dave Gibbons, maybe Fraser is not quite acceptable as he would be following an artist who was not a shining light.  It is almost as if The Red Diamond is being produced on the cheap.

In the end, however, I want to read more Kingsman: The Red Diamond, and this series may have even more surprises in store for its readers.  The creative team may also blossom as the series advances.

[This comic book has a preview of “Maestros” by Steve Skroce, Dave Stewart, and Fonografiks.]

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: FARLAINE THE GOBLIN Book 7: "The Final Land"

FARLAINE THE GOBLIN No. 7
STUDIO FARLAINE – @TreeGoblin

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Pug Grumble
COVER: Pug Grumble with Jean-Francois Beaulieu
VARIANT COVER: David Petersen
ISBN:  978-0-9890058-7-6; paperback (September 2018)
68pp, B&W; $5.00 U.S.

All-Ages

Book 7: “The Final Land”

Farlaine the Goblin is a series of fantasy graphic novels published by Studio Farlaine and written and drawn by the cartoonist who goes by the nom de plume, “Pug Grumble” (but who was previously credited as “Anonymous”).  Mr. Grumble has been providing me with PDF review copies of the recent Farlaine editions.

Each Farlaine comic book/graphic novel is published as a paperback (landscape dimensions 11.8” x 7.75”).  The story focuses on Farlaine the Goblin, a tree goblin and a shaman from the forest of Fin-Din.  He has spent years wandering the many “Oddlands of Wug” in search of a forest that he can call his own.  Farlaine has two companions.  The first is Ehrenwort, a tree he carries in a sack on his back; Farlaine also talks to Ehrenwort, whom he describes as his “Verdan.”  The second companion is a “Tink” whom Farlaine met in an earlier adventure in the “Tinklands.”  A rotund, mechanical fellow (think Star Wars' BB-8 with two wheels), he has been named Drowsy by Farlaine.

Farlaine the Goblin: Book 7, The Final Land opens to find Farlaine, Ehrenwort, and Drowsy leaving The Winglands, or at least trying to leave.  And the bully dragon our heroes met in The Vaultlands (Book 5) is still vexing them.  To complicate matters, fate takes the gang back to The Tinklands, the home of Drowsy!

Now, The Tinklands, lacking “Tinks,” is up for grabs.  Fill it up with enough of something, and that is what that land becomes.  For instance, The Tinklands could become a peg-leg land!  For Farlaine, this could also become the end of his journey.  He is running out of lands, and Ehrenwort may be dying.  To save her, Farlaine and Drowsy will have to use all of their imagination, but most of all, they will need to call forth what is good and true within them.

Pug Grumble gave me copies of Farlaine the Goblin, Trade Paperback, Volume 1, which collects the first three graphic novels in the series, and also Book 4 back in 2015.  I read them and fell in love with Farlaine the Goblin.  I have been a fervent supporter of Grumble's efforts, and I have been doing my part to spread the good word about a certain goblin's good work.

Now, we come to the release of the final book, Farlaine the Goblin: Book 7, The Final Land.  It is fitting that Book 7's variant cover edition features cover art by David Petersen, whose Mouse Guard fantasy comic book series, became a huge hit after Petersen originally self-published the first issue.  Farlaine is like Mouse Guard in that both are great fantasy comics not published by biggest North America's biggest comic book publishers.  Yet both Grumble and Petersen's talent and work shine, and their comics are as good as anything published by a major comic book publisher.

When I read Farlaine, I feel as if I have entered a venerable library, and after perusing the shelves, I have found a leather bound volume.  Upon opening it, I discover something old, but timeless.  Farlaine the Goblin is a new work, but it brims with old magic, as if it belongs right alongside The Hobbit and The Wind in the Willows.  I feel that way whenever I reread the first issue of Neil Gaiman's beloved fantasy comic book series, The Sandman.  While Farlaine the Goblin is new and unknown to so many readers, readers that will discover it in the future will discover a classic fantasy tale infused with the sense of magic that classic fantasy must have.

Farlaine the Goblin: Book 7, The Final Land is a great final volume.  Its themes of forgiveness, redemption, friendship, reinvention, and discovery make this story sparkle with possibilities.  That makes Farlaine seem as if his story is ending with him being a goblin in full.  Farlaine the Goblin: Book 7, The Final Land is not about finality.  Farlaine will go on “happily ever after” even if his creator never engages him again.  He will always be there waiting for new readers to enter a library or a bookstore and to discover his journey.

10 out of 10

http://www.farlaine.com/
facebook.com/FarlianeTheGoblin
twitter.com/treegoblin

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint syndication rights and fees.

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Review: THE DEMON: Hell is Earth #1

THE DEMON: HELL IS EARTH No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Andrew Constant
PENCILS: Brad Walker
INKS: Andrew Hennessy
COLORS: Chris Sotomayor
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
COVER: Brad Walker and Andrew Hennessy with Lee Loughridge
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

The Demon created by Jack Kirby

“Hell is Earth” Part One

Etrigan the Demon is a DC Comics anti-hero/superhero.  The character was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in The Demon #1 (cover dated: August 1972).  Etrigan is a demon from Hell, but he often finds himself allied to forces of good, for instance to Batman (when he was based in Gotham City).  Etrigan, also known as simply, “The Demon,” is bound to a human, Jason Blood, who recites an incantation when he wants to summon Etrigan to take his place.

Etrigan returns in a new six-issue miniseries, entitled The Demon: Hell is Earth.  It is written by Andrew Constant; drawn by Brad Walker (pencils) and Andrew Hennessy (inks) colored by Chris Sotomayor; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.

The Demon: Hell is Earth #1 finds Jason Blood living in a shack in Death Valley.  He has not freed Etrigan from inside himself “in a very long time.”  Troubling visions, however, are plaguing Blood, including a vision of Etrigan setting a child on fire.  Unbeknownst to Blood, that child is heading to Death Valley, and well as an old ally.  Meanwhile, a dark force launches its plans right at Etrigan.

I could be my cynical self, but I am shocked by how much I am liking The Demon: Hell is Earth #1.  Writer Andrew Constant offers a story that intrigues.  Often, these first issues, with their slow gathering of players and forces, do not interest me enough to keep reading past the first issue, but I am ready for the second issue of this series now!  Pencil artist Brad Walker offers a number of exciting pages, especially the powerful two-page reveal of Etrigan.  Inker Andrew Hennessy finishes Walker's pencils with sharp potent line work.

I think I am smitten with colorist Chris Sotomayor's riot of reds and oranges.  That makes the demonic and dark elements alight with hellish delight.  Tom Napolitano, an accomplished letterer, hits all the high notes or words, and his lettering here makes the dialogue snap and crackle.  The Demon: Hell is Earth #1 shows that comic books are a team effort and that a good team can turn a comic book that seems like just another thing into a thing worth reading.

7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You Juniors October 2018 - Update #69

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From Newsarama:  Fox has reportedly hired Julius Avery, the director of "Overlord," to direct its long in development film based on the "Flash Gordon" comic strip.

From BleedingCool:  Juan Jose Ryp announces that he is leaving Valiant Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Former Marvel President Bill Jemas and former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso are launching a new comic book/multimedia publisher, "Artists, Writers & Artisans Inc."  Grant Morrison and Garth Ennis are among the talent working on books for them.

From ANN:  Suu Morishita, creator of the "Shortcake Cake" manga, will launch a new manga, "Hoshokukei Heroine ni Ato 1-nen Inai ni Taberaremasu (I Will Be Eaten by a Predatory Heroine Within the Next Year)" on the Gangan Online website November 12.

From ANN:  Aya Shouoto, "Kiss of the Rose Princess" manga creator, also launching a new title at Gangan Online.  The title has not yet been released.

From Deadline:  Legendary to adapt Kohei Horikoshi's manga, "My Hero Academia" manga into film.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Captain Marvel: Monica Rambeau" trade paperback will only be available in comic book stores - not at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

From ComicBookBin:   Webcomic Johnny Bullet #1 in color
From ComicBookBin:   Webcomic Johnny Bullet #1 en couleur

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' hip-hop variant covers from a few years ago to appear on actual hip-hop albums.

From Newsarama:  Kelly Thompson, one of three writers relaunching Marvel's "Uncanny X-Men," talks to Newsarama.

From ICv2:  Fantagraphics Books early 2019 releases include an art book of the late, great Wally Wood's erotic comics and art.

From ColumbusDispatch:  Event explored Jewish influence and input in American comic books.

From KyodoNews:  Cameroon-born manga artist deftly captures life growing up in Japan

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics is discontinuing its line of "Marvel Comics Digest."

From GeekTyrant:  RWBY will get a new manga in English releases of "Shonen Jump."

From BatesNews:  How Gabby Rivera is revolutionizing pop-lit’s depiction of the comic-book hero

From BleedingCool:  A Marv Wolfman-penned Superman story will see the light of day next year.

From ComicBook:  The first Pokemon manga has never been released outside of Japan because it depicts, among other things, full frontal nudity.

From IGN:  This article talks about Junji Ito's new "Frankenstein" collection.

From BleedingCool:  Retailers ordred 300,000 copies of "Return of Wolverine #1."

From 13thDimension:  In 2017, comic book writer/artist/designer/cover illustrator Alex Ross pitched a reboot of the Fantastic Four.  See his images from his proposal at "13th Dimension."

From BleedingCool:  Writer Chuck Wendig says he was fired from Marvel because of his politics.  He was in the middle of writing a "Star Wars" miniseries.

From ABCAustralia:  Aussie manga creator Queenie Chan tells her story.
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From DorkSide:  News from the Lucasfilm Publishing panel at NYCC 2018.

From AutoStraddle:  What were the gayest comic books from New York Comic Con 2018.

From Newsarama:  "The Walking Dead'" Robert Kirkman has signed a deal with Sony Television to form a new production company, Skybound Galactic, which will develop comic book projects for television, among them Top Cow's "The Darkness."

From BleedingCool:  Here is a one-page preview of "Batman: Damned #2."

From Polygon:  Bruce Wayne's penis is making DC Comics reassess future "Black Label" releases.

From ComicBook:  "The Walking Dead" creator Robert Kirkman quietly launches the animated series, "Super Dinosaur," in Canada.

From CriticalHit:  Big announcements from New York Comic Con 2018.

From CBR:  New manga and novel based on American anime series, "RWBY," coming in 2019.

From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane says that he is planning a trilogy of "Spawn" films.

MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:   It is just coming to light that Jim Novak, one of the most influential and accomplished comic book letterers and designers, died in April of this year.  He worked for both DC Comics and Marvel Comics.  He redesigned the "Star Wars" logo and also designed the logo for the film, "Creepshow."

From Webtoons:  Warren Ellis and Colleen Doran's new webcomic, "Finality," has debuted.

NEW YORK COMIC CON 2018:

From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane says that he will meet with a "Game of Thrones" cast member about creating a comic book series.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Women of Marvel" panel at NYCC 2018 fielded a "talent and diversity" question.

From BleedingCool:  There was a #MeToo and #TimesUp panel at NYCC 2018.  Unionization of comic book creatores came up. [As a side note, here is an article about an attempt to form a comic book union, from ComicsAlliance.]

From THR:  NYCC 2018 attendees thrill to the film footage from director Neil Marshall's "Hellboy" reboot.

From BleedingCool:   Due August 20, 2019 is "White," a sequel to Kwanza Osajyefo, Tim Smith, Jamal Igle, and Khary Randolph's "Black" comic book miniseries.

From CBR:  Joss Whedon will oversee BOOM! Studios upcoming "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" comic books series.  Whedon will join writer Jordie Bellaire and artist Dan Mora to reboot the entire Buffy concept.

From Newsarama:  Marvel new "Invaders" comic book will launch in 2019.  It is set during World War II and will pit Captain America and Sub-Mariners against each other.

From Newsarama:  "Star Trek: The Q Conflict" will bring together four "Star Trek" franchises, the "Original Series," "'The Next Generations," "Deep Space Nine," and "Voyager."

From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane draws a Michael Myers "Halloween" poster for NYCC 2018.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics rumored to announce "Wonder Comics."  This is an in-continuity teen comics imprint from Brian Michael Bendis.
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From Deadline:  Actor Matt Bomer will play "Negative Man" in DC Universe's streaming, live-action TV series based on the comic book, "Doom Patrol."

From YouTube:  The YouTube channel, "Cereal at Midnight," discusses IDW's current miniseries, "Bubba Ho-Tep and the Cosmic Bloodsuckers."

MEMORIAM - From EW:  Carlos Ezquerra, the artist who co-created seminal British comics character, Judge Dredd," has died at the age of 70.

From EW:  Chuck Palahniuk announces "Fight Club 3" comic book series with artist Cameron Stewart.  It would be the second sequel to his cult novel, "Fight Club," that was produced as a comic book, following the 10-issue "Fight Club 2," which was also drawn by Stewart.

From HeatVision:  Dynamite Entertainment announces another comic book starring "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark."  It is entitled "The Shape of Elvira," a reference to the Oscar-winning film, "The Shape of Water."

From CBR:  Neil Gaiman ("The Sandman") has signed a development deal with Amazon.

From DeejayDayton:  "Babblings About Comics" blog talks about New Titans Annual (1995).

From BleedingCool:  "Marvel Action" is the name of Marvel/IDW's line of all-ages comic books starring Marvel characters.

From BleedingCool:  Comic book creator and attorney, Rod Underhill, recently died.  There is a GoFundMe campaign to help his family.

From Variety:  The "Titans" TV series that streams of the "DC Universe" streaming service will stream to international customers on Netflix.

From Newsarama:  In DC Comics' "Action Comics #1005," writer Brian Michael Bendis brings back the classic version of Steve Ditko's Charlton character, "The Question."

From DailyCalifornian:  Why you should start reading "Saga."


OCTOBER 2018 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for October 2018
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for October 2018
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for October 2018
From BleedingCool:  Caliber Press for October 2018
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2018
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for October 2018
From TheOuthousers:  Dynamite Entertainment for 2018
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for October 2018.
From TFW:  IDW Publishing from October 2018
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for October 2018
From CBR:  Marvel Comics for October 2018.
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for October 2018
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for October 2018
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertaiment solicitations for October 2018.

NOVEMBER 2018 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for November 2018
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for November 2018
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2018
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for November 2018
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2018
From TheOuthousers:  Fantagraphics Books for November 2018
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Lion Forge solicitations for November 2018
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics solicitations for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion 2000AD for November 2018
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2018

DECEMBER 2018 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for December 2018
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for December 2018
From ComicList:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2018
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2018
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2018

JANUARY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Aspen Comics for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Papercutz for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for Jan. 2019

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for October 31, 2018

BOOM! STUDIOS

AUG181377    BONE PARISH #4    $3.99
AUG188719    BONE PARISH #4 FOC CROOK INCV    $3.99
AUG181399    FENCE #11    $3.99
AUG181363    PLANET OF THE APES TIME OF MAN #1 MAIN    $7.99
AUG181364    PLANET OF THE APES TIME OF MAN #1 VIRGIN ALLRED VAR    $7.99
JUN181228    WWE UNDERTAKER ORIGINAL GN    $19.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 31, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

AUG180392    GOT MAGNET 4 PACK    $9.99
JUL180506    I AM A HERO OMNIBUS TP VOL 08    $19.99
AUG180364    STARCRAFT SCAVENGERS #4    $3.99
JUN180346    STEPHEN MCCRANIES SPACE BOY TP VOL 02    $10.99
AUG180318    STRANGER THINGS #2 CVR A BRICLOT    $3.99
AUG180319    STRANGER THINGS #2 CVR B RUTH    $3.99
AUG180320    STRANGER THINGS #2 CVR C MORRIS    $3.99
AUG180321    STRANGER THINGS #2 CVR D SATTERFIELD PHOTO VAR    $3.99
JUN180355    WITCHER LIBRARY EDITION HC    $49.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 31, 2018

DC COMICS

APR180291    AMERICAN VAMPIRE OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 (MR)    $99.99
APR180308    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE BATMAN STATUE BY GERARD WAY    $80.00
APR180307    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE THE JOKER STATUE BY GERARD WAY    $80.00
JUL180727    BATMAN HAUNTED KNIGHT TP NEW ED    $19.99
AUG180451    BATMAN SECRET FILES #1 FOIL    $4.99
JUL180732    BATMAN THE DARK PRINCE CHARMING HC    $34.99
APR180301    DC GALLERY JOKER 1:1 BUST BY RICK BAKER STANDARD ED    $1000.00
APR180300    DC GALLERY JOKER 1:1 BUST BY RICK BAKER ULTIMATE ED    $1500.00
JUL180742    DEATHBED TP (MR)    $16.99
AUG180487    DEATHSTROKE YOGI BEAR SPECIAL #1    $4.99
AUG180488    DEATHSTROKE YOGI BEAR SPECIAL #1 VAR ED    $4.99
JUL180747    DEMON HELL IS EARTH TP    $16.99
SEP180471    DOOM PATROL #12 (RES) (MR)    $3.99
SEP180472    DOOM PATROL #12 VAR ED (RES) (MR)    $3.99
AUG180489    GREEN LANTERN HUCKLEBERRY HOUND SPECIAL #1    $4.99
AUG180490    GREEN LANTERN HUCKLEBERRY HOUND SPECIAL #1 VAR ED    $4.99
AUG180462    HEROES IN CRISIS #2 (OF 9)    $3.99
AUG180463    HEROES IN CRISIS #2 (OF 9) VAR ED    $3.99
AUG180482    HEX WIVES #1 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180483    HEX WIVES #1 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
AUG180541    INJUSTICE VS THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
AUG180473    JL DARK & WONDER WOMAN THE WITCHING HOUR #1    $4.99
AUG180474    JL DARK & WONDER WOMAN THE WITCHING HOUR #1 VAR ED    $4.99
SEP180412    JUSTICE LEAGUE AQUAMAN DROWNED EARTH #1    $4.99
SEP180413    JUSTICE LEAGUE AQUAMAN DROWNED EARTH #1 VAR ED    $4.99
AUG180544    MAD MAGAZINE #4    $5.99
JUL180765    MAN OF STEEL BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS HC    $24.99
AUG180491    NIGHTWING MAGILLA GORILLA SPECIAL #1    $4.99
AUG180492    NIGHTWING MAGILLA GORILLA SPECIAL #1 VAR ED    $4.99
JUL180768    RED HOOD & THE OUTLAWS TP VOL 04 GOOD NIGHT GOTHAM    $19.99
JUL180791    SUPERGIRL TP VOL 04 PLAIN SIGHT REBIRTH    $16.99
AUG180493    SUPERMAN TOP CAT SPECIAL #1    $4.99
AUG180494    SUPERMAN TOP CAT SPECIAL #1 VAR ED    $4.99
AUG180576    TERRIFICS ANNUAL #1    $4.99
AUG180579    WILD STORM #18    $3.99
AUG180580    WILD STORM #18 VAR ED    $3.99