Want It Got It TPB: Wonder Woman & Justice Society of America

Coming Soon 08/06/19: Wonder Woman by John Byrne Vol. 3
Includes: Wonder Woman #125-136.
Writer and Artist: John Byrne
Publisher: DC Comics (1998)
Includes: Wonder Woman #130-133

This is what I found written about these issues,"John Byrne's run included a period in which Diana's mother Hippolyta served as Wonder Woman, having traveled back to the 1940s, while Diana ascended to Mount Olympus as the Goddess of Truth. Byrne posited that Hippolyta had actually been the Golden Age Wonder Woman. "

"John Byrne, in the Wonder Woman series, retconned in a bunch of extra stuff, including that she'd (Donna Troy) been created from clay as Wonder Woman's playmate, kidnapped by one of Hippolyta's enemies in WW's place, and subjected to repeated reincarnation in tragic lives. This was so complicated that shortly after, they killed her off."

"Now we've had an obnoxious thirteen year old as a new 'Wonder Girl,' had Byrne commit scores of heinous retcons, and gone through the abyssmal life, death, and ressurection of Diana. Now Hippolyta, whom everyone refers to as 'Polly'(ugh) is Wonder Woman. Byrne has compounded his crimes by doing a company wide retcon that sends Wonder Woman back to the Golden Age to join the Justice Society. Not only does this undo some important post-Crisis history, there seemed no point to it except to establish a Wonder Woman in the Golden Age. But, if he wanted to make that seamless, then he wouldn't have forgotten that when Diana first appeared as Wonder Woman, no one remembered the Golden Age version or connected the two together."

This 4 issue run on Wonder Woman NEEDS a TPB simply for the sake of how many people it pissed off.

Want It Got It TPB: Gipsy Omnibus

Available Now 12/04/18 - Gypsy Omnibus

Writer: Thierry Smolderen

Artist: Enrico Marini

The Gipsy/Gypsy Omnibus Should Contain: Issues/Albums/Volumes #1-6

Omnibus Why (besides the obvious): In 1997 & 2002 there were two oversized softcovers printed by NBM under the title Gipsy. In 2007 Heavy Metal put out a digest sized TPB under the title Gypsy - this TPB include issues/albums/volumes #1-3.

Clipped from Wikipedia: Gipsy (in some translations spelled as "Gypsy") is a science fiction comic series by the Swiss artist Enrico Marini and his writer Thierry Smolderen. The eponymous main character is a charismatic Roma truck driver who works on a worldwide net of motorways as a freelance trader with his own large truck.

The series is drawn in a style that combines elements from the ligne claire school, American comics, and Japanese manga, and was first published in 1992 by Dargaud. It has six volumes so far published as of 2010. It has also been translated from the original French to German, Dutch, Danish and English,and rights have been sold in multiple other languages

Story: The 'Gipsy' setting posits a near future (roughly several decades into the 21st Century) where ozone layer damage has forced all air travel to be abandoned (except for some airships), while the world is now spanned by an interconnected mega-motorway system called C3C. At the same time, global cooling has intensified, and large areas of the globe are covered in snow, inhospitable and difficult to cross, but also allowing land connections via the northern arctic. This stylistic tool allows the series to imagine a globalized future world where it still takes weeks to travel to from one point to another, and where private truckers and megacorporations compete (and sometimes fight) over lucrative freight. It also allows the series individual books to be set pretty much anywhere in the world, often travelling through remote and dangerous areas. The comics have so far been set in the arctic from Alaska to Siberia, in Mongolia, fictional Middle Eastern and Latin American countries as well as in Germany.

Want It Got It TPB: The New Doom Patrol Pre-Series '87

Coming Soon 09/24/19: Doom Patrol: The Bronze Age Omnibus

Includes: SHOWCASE #94-96, DC COMICS PRESENTS #52, DARING NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERGIRL #7-9, SECRET ORIGINS ANNUAL #1, DOOM PATROL #1-18, DOOM PATROL AND SUICIDE SQUAD SPECIAL #1, SUPERMAN #20 , DOOM PATROL ANNUAL #1 and stories from SUPERMAN FAMILY #191-193

Writer:Various
Artist: Various
Publisher: DC Comics (1977-1987)
Includes: Showcase #94-96, The Superman Family #191-193, DC Comics Presents #52, Supergirl #8-10 and Secret Origins Annual #1

I thought it would be cool if DC released a TPB of the old "New" Doom Patrol and the various places in the DC-verse they appeared BEFORE landing their 1987 series.

Fun Fact (clipped from Wikipedia): Eclipse Comics also printed a two-issue index (with covers drawn by John Byrne) to the Doom Patrol in 1984, which included all of their appearances from their first to their final appearance before their early 1980s return.Dork Fact: The Doom Patrol series in 1987 was the only book I ever submitted an idea for the letters page's name. I can't remember what I submitted but I know it was cool and that they were lame for not picking it!

Want It Got It TPB (sort of): Starjammers & Brood Saga Omnibus

Coming Soon 06/25/19: Starjammers
Includes: STARJAMMERS (1995) 1-4, STARJAMMERS (2004) 1-6, MATERIAL FROM X-MEN UNLIMITED (1993) 32
Dork Note: Hopefully, Marvel will one day do a Starjammers Omnibus, but until then we at least have the two out of three mini-series collected. I don't understand why they didn't include the original mini-series seems like a no brainer.

Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Publisher: Marvel Comics (1980-1984)
Includes: X-Men #104, 107-109, 154, The Uncanny X-Men #155-158, 161-167, 174, X-Men Spotlight on Starjammers #1-2, Uncanny X-Men #275-277, Starjammers #1-4, and Starjammers #1-6

Spoilers Below on WHY this needs to be a Omnibus
We learn that Corsair is Cyclop's father.
There are impregnating nasty aliens called the Brood - Marvel's and Chris Claremont's answer to Aliens!
Giant space whales live in the universe and are used as ships.
Wolverine fights off a brood stomach baby and wins, but barely.
The X-Men attack the newly formed New Mutants, who hold their own.
Professor X completely transforms into a Brood, but manages to keep his mind somewhat intact then gets a new cloned body that allows him to walk.
Kitty is kicked out of the X-Men.
That is some wild and crazy shit - plus the Starjammers are space pirates - SPACE PIRATES!

Creation: Dave Cockrum created the Starjammers with the intent of having them star in their own series. However, when he submitted the concept for Marvel's two try-out series, Marvel Spotlight and Marvel Premiere, he was repeatedly informed that these series were booked for two years solid. Running out of patience, Cockrum showed the Starjammers to X-Men writer Chris Claremont and convinced him to use the characters for this series. In order to provide a plausible excuse for the Starjammers to make repeat appearances in X-Men, they decided to make Corsair, the leader of the Starjammers, be the father of Cyclops, the leader of the X-Men

Marvel Handbook: The Starjammers were a group of renegade spacers who perform acts of piracy and sabotage in the tradition of old English buccaneers. The original Starjammers, Ch'od, Hepzibah, Raza, and their human leader Corsair met in the slave pits of the Shi'ar Empire. This was during the reign of D'Ken the mad when atrocities of the Empire were many. When the four escaped and stole a starship, they swore vengeance on the tyrannical government that had enslaved them. They battled the empire abourd their ship, the Starjammer (of which they have at least two). Soon others joined the Starjammers to fight for freedom.

Want It Got It TPB: Flashpoint

COMING SOON on 02/26/19: Elseworlds Justice League Vol. 3 will include this mini-series!

COMING SOON on 07/11/17: Elseworlds: Justice League Vol. 2  This TPB came out BUT DID NOT include this mini-series. Shame on you DC SHAME!!!
Writer: Pat McGreal
Artist: Norm Keith Breyfogle
Publisher: DC Comics (1999-2000)
Includes: Flashpoint #1-3

Clipped from www. speedforce.org posted by Kelson:

In this story, a paralyzed Barry Allen has turned his super-fast mind to scientific research and development. A mission to Mars discovers a key designed to open a gateway to (essentially) the speed force, which they call the Flashpoint, and which appears to be linked to other realities. Only one problem: the last time it was used, it destroyed all life on Mars.

Want It Got It TPB: Mutant X

Available Now 11/06/18: Mutant X The Complete Collection Vol. 1
Includes: MUTANT X 1-17, ANNUAL 1999
Coming Soon: Mutant X: The Complete Collection Vol. 2
Includes:MUTANT X 18-32, ANNUAL 2000-2001

Writer: Howard Mackie
Artist: Various
Publisher: Marvel Comics (1998-2001)
Includes: X-Factor #149, Mutant X #1-32 and Annual 1999, 2000, and 2001

Havok ends up in a parallel universe. A universe where many lives have taken a strange and twisted path. Check out the character descriptions below of Havok's teammates, The Six, and tell me you don't want to read more about this world.

Clipped from Wikipedia:

Bloodstorm (Storm) : In this reality, Storm wasn't able to be saved from the bite of Dracula and instead was transformed into a vampire. Aside from her control over the weather, she also is able to transform into a mist, summon, control and transform into vermin and other animals such as wolves, and drain blood through her fangs. In defiance of her darker nature, Bloodstorm employs Forge and Kitty Pryde as food sources so she doesn't have to kill.

Brute (Beast): In this reality, Hank McCoy's experimentation went too far. Instead of his furry simian form he has transformed into a green furred and scaled amphibious creature. To add insult to injury, his intellect degenerated to the equivalent of a small child's. He also made a faulty deal with demons, which resulted in his legs being replaced with goat hooves.

Fallen (Angel) : Apocalypse's experimentation resulted in a more organic look for Warren. Instead of the metal wings and blue skin, he was given bat wings, deathly pale skin and the ability to breathe fire.

Ice-Man: Left without a device to suppress his powers after the tampering of the Asgardian deity Loki, Bob Drake was left trapped in his ice form without the ability to touch another living thing. Because of this, he has become distant, and his stalwart humor has turned to cynicism. He also sees himself as partially responsible for the Brute's mental regression and tries his best to look out for his friend.

Marvel Woman: The clone of the deceased Jean Grey, Madelyne found happiness in the arms of Havok, even having a son with him that they named Scotty. According to a S.H.I.E.L.D. file, Madelyne made a deal with the demons of Inferno to unlock her telekinetic potential. She framed Brute for the deaths of Green Goblin and a clone of Spider-Man. She later attacked the city possessing the Beyonder's body.

Fun Fact: This universe, the above characters, even had a toy line from Toy Biz. Yeah, I know CRAZY!

Want It Got It TPB: Atlantis Chronicles

Available Now: Aquaman - The Atlantis Chronicles Deluxe Edition 

Writer: Peter David

Artist: Esteban Maroto

Publisher: DC Comics (1990)
Includes: Atlantis Chronicles #1-7

Clipped from Wikipedia: The history of Atlantis was detailed in The Atlantis Chronicles a 7-issue limited series published by DC Comics from March 1990 through September 1990. It was written by Peter David, and illustrated by Esteban Maroto. The series focused on a series of Atlantean historical manuscripts, also called The Atlantis Chronicles, and chronicled the rise and fall of Atlantis. Each issue dealt with a separate era or event in Atlantis' past, beginning with its sinking, as told through the royal historian's point of view.
Clipped from Wired/GeekDad: This is a big, sprawling Shakespearean family saga that tells the history of the DC Universe Atlantis through the lives of its royal family.
It starts, of course, with strife between two brothers. That strife is passed down through the generations as the members of the royal family view not only to rule the underworld kingdom but also scheme to conquer the world above. Every good family saga needs a great villain and this story has one in Kordax, who’s reviled for a mutation and returns for revenge on those who cast him out. Love is won and lost, cities destroyed, and the series ends with a glimpse of Aquaman as the child destined to carry all this family history.

A longer plot summary can be found in this Comics Should be Good blog post.

Want It Got It TPB: Supergirl VS Blackstarr

Available Now: Daring New Adventures of Supergirl Vol. 2
 Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Artist: Carmine Infantino and Rick Hoberg
Publisher: DC Comics (1983 and 1985)
Includes: The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #13-15 DC Presents #86

I have never read this storyline. I, however, have read several people posts online which said this was a good Supergirl story. Plus she is in her 1980's costume. Read a Review

Want It Got It TPB The End of the Justice League of America

Available Now in the Omnibus: Justice League The Detroit Era Omnibus

Writer: J M DeMatteis
Artist: Luke McDonnell
Publisher: DC Comics (1987)
Includes: Justice League of America #258-261

With sales plummeting fast DC decided to end this incarnation of the Justice League of America and reboot it, but before they did they decided to kill a few. Professor Ivo an old Justice League foe sends multiple androids to do it.

In the first issue Vibe gets choked to death while saving a boy.

In the second issue the android sent to kill Gypsy fails due to a developed conscience, but it's enough of a close call for Gypsy who gives up the superhero gig and returns home to her parents.

In the third issue Steel gets mortally wounded smothering an android that explodes. Steel's grandfather (ex-Commander Steel ) eventually pulls the plug on his grandson.

In the fourth issue Vixen and J’onn J’onzz attack Professor Ivo's base and defeat his android army only to discover that Ivo is completely insane. Vixen quits the team leaving J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter the sole survivor of the Justice League of Detroit.

Dork Note: I would luv to have the entire Justice League of Detroit run as a TPB!

Want It Got It TPB: Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover

Available Now 11/13/18: Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Edition Vol. 1
Contains: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #244, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ANNUAL #3, GREEN LANTERN #194, WONDER WOMAN #327-328, LOSERS SPECIAL #1, INFINITY INC. 318-20, DC COMICS PRESENTS #87-88, OMEGA MEN #31, BLUE DEVIL #17-18, NEW TEEN TITANS #13-14, ALL-STAR SQUADRON #50-51 and FURY OF FIRESTORM #87

Coming Soon 05/14/19: Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Edition Vol. 2
Contains: DC Comics Presents #86, Swamp Thing #44, Losers Special #1, Legends of the DC Universe: Crisis on Infinite Earths #1, Infinity, Inc. #18-25, Infinity, Inc. Annual #1, Justice League of America #244-245, New Teen Titans (Series 2) #13-14 and a story from Detective Comics #558.

Coming Soon 10/15/19: Crisis on Infinite Earths Companion Deluxe Edition Vol. 3
Contains: Amethyst #13, Blue Devil #17-18, Wonder Woman #327-329, Swamp Thing #46, Legion of Super-Heroes #16 and #18, Superman #413 and #415, DC Comics Presents

Writer: Various
Artist: Various  
Publisher: DC Comics (1985-210)
Includes: Losers Special #1, Infinity Inc. #19, Infinity Inc. #20, Infinity Inc. #21 ,Infinity Inc. Annual #1, Infinity Inc. #22, Infinity Inc. #23, Infinity Inc. #24, Infinity Inc. #25, Wonder Woman #327, Wonder Woman #328, Wonder Woman #329, All-Star Squadron #50, All-Star Squadron #51, All-Star Squadron #52, All-Star Squadron #53, All-Star Squadron #54 ,All-Star Squadron #55, All-Star Squadron #56, Blue Devil #17, Blue Devil #18, DC Comics Presents #86, DC Comics Presents #87, DC Comics Presents #88, New Teen Titans #13, New Teen Titans #14, Omega Men #31, Omega Men #33, Fury of Firestorm #41, Fury of Firestorm #42, Green Lantern #194, Green Lantern #195, Green Lantern #196, Green Lantern #198, Justice League of America #244, Justice League of America #245, Justice League of America Annual #3, Superman #413, Superman #414, Superman #415 , Legion of Super-Heroes #16, Legion of Super-Heroes #18, Swamp Thing #44, Swamp Thing #46, Detective Comics #558, Amethyst Princess of Gemworld #13, DC Comics Presents #94, DC Comics Presents #95, All-Star Squadron #60, Legend of the DC Universe Crisis on Inifinite Earths #1, Dead Again #1, JLA Incarnations #5, Legacies #6

Dork Note: Here is my shot at what should be included and in what reading order. How did I do?

Want It Got It TPB: Tempest

Coming Soon 06/26/18: Aquaman - Tempest
Collects: Tempest #1-4, Teen Titans Spotlight #10 and #18, and SHOWCASE '96 #1

Writer: Phil Jimenez
Artist: Phil Jimenez
Publisher: DC Comics (1996)
Includes: Tempest #1-4

With Tempest (aka Aqualad-a name I like WAY BETTER then Tempest) playing a major role in Blackest Night, you'd think DC would cash in and put this mini into TPB. But nooooo and it doesn't look like they will any time soon.

Andy Oliver of Broken Frontier writes of the mini-series: Slizzath first appeared in Tempest #1 (Nov 1996) . Slizzath is actually Tempest’s uncle, part of the Atlantean exile group known as the Idylists. In that miniseries he attempted to drain away Garth’s magical powers, as he does here, and was responsible for an undead duplicate of the former Aqualad’s lost love Aquagirl (who died in Crisis On Infinite Earths). As a necromancer his desire to die and ally himself with the Black Lanterns during the Blackest Night makes perfect sense.

A Fact about Phil Jimenez and the Tempest mini-series posted on Queersupe: His first open relationship was with his first editor and mentor at DC, Neal Pozner, who was HIV-positive when they started dating, and was hesitant about dating someone younger and HIV-negative. Jimenez became Pozner’s caretaker until his death in 1994 and in the last issue of the Tempest miniseries, Jimenez dedicated the miniseries to Pozner, and wrote an editorial page in which he came out publicly for the first time. “It got over 150 letters,” he says, “including the classic letter from the kid in Iowa: ‘I didn’t know there was anyone else like me.’ Coworkers at DC were surprised to hear Jimenez referred to as Pozner’s partner at his memorial as their relationship wasn’t public knowledge.

Want It Got It TPB: Batman Year 3

Coming Soon 10/23/18: Batman The Dark Knight Detective Vol. 2
Collects: Batman #432-444 and Batman Annual #13

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Pat Broderick
Publisher: DC Comics (1989)
Includes: Batman #436-439

Dork Note: Unlike it's predecessors Batman: Year One and Batman: Year Two, this 4 issue storyline was denied TPB status. DC needs to tie off this loose end and release this as a TPB.

The plot involved the origin of the first Robin and his initial interactions with Batman. It also includes sequences set in the (when it was originally published contemporary) 1989 Batman continuity, a period in which Batman recovers from the recent death of the second Robin (Jason Todd), Dick Grayson (the original Robin) returns to Gotham City after a long absence and Boss Zucco (the individual responsible for the death of Grayson's parents) is paroled. Additionally, the storyline features the first appearance of Tim Drake, who would later became the third Robin.

Want It Got It TPB: Aquaman Mini-Series

Available Now (minus The Legend of Aquaman, but with Aquaman Special #1): Aquaman The Legend of Aquaman

Writer: Robert Loren Fleming and Keith Ian Giffen
Artist: Curt Douglas Swan
Publisher: DC Comics (1989)
Includes: Aquaman #1-5 and The Legend of Aquaman
I love Curt Swan!

The tidbits Robert Loren Fleming and Keith Ian Giffen added to Aquaman's mythos in this mini were fantastic!

Have you ever wondered why Aquaman wears that orange and green suit? Well, wonder no longer, because it's all there. Here is a hint...he's representing!

It is a crying shame this has NOT been collected into a TPB yet. DC you better recognize!
 
Fun Fact: In this mini-series there is an essay by Mark Waid covering the origin of Aquaman from 1941. It also reprints the first appearance of Aquaman from More Fun #73.

Want It Got It TPB: Superboy and LSH's Earthwar

Coming Soon 07/17/18: Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 2 

Writer: Paul Levitz
Artist: James Sherman and Joe Staton
Publisher: DC Comics (1978)
Includes: Superboy (Legion of Super-Heroes) #241-245

Clipped from Wikipedia: "Earthwar" is a story arc that was published in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes and ran from July to November in 1978. The story arc features the efforts of the Legion of Super-Heroes to halt a massive intergalactic war involving the United Planets, the Khunds, the Dominators, the Dark Circle and the sorcerer Mordru.

Clipped from www.fanzing.com by Rick Bennett:

The Earthwar Saga: In the summer of 1978, I, a young boy of eleven years, read an epic. It wasn't the tale of Homer, or the Odyssey, or Dante's Inferno. It was "The Earthwar Saga". And it truly was epic in scope to me. Levitz's Earthwar Saga was the first truly epic comic book I ever read, both in scope and in the talent that contributed to it. When I first bought the books with James Sherman on the art chores, I was blown away. This was a richness of detail and composition, of subtle shading and coloring that I had never seen before. It established in me a deep and abiding love for crisp, clean art, even more so than the art of the great Mike Grell. This was art that was the precursor the fine quality of the Darkness Saga, art truly ahead of its' time. Then, with the change to Staton, a much simpler standard of quality was the rule. I didn't think too much of it as a boy, but as I re-read these issues, I noticed that I appreciated that the work wasn't drawn to be beautiful. Earth was devastated with destruction and death everywhere. Staton's art reflected this bleakness grandly.Earthwar, in all respects, was a truly fine story, in the opinion of both an eleven year old kid, and the comics fan that he grew up to be.

Fun Fact: At the conclusion of this story arc the Legion overturn the article of the Legion Charter that prohibits married Legionnaires from active duty. Two of it's founding members, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl return, while Duo Damsel and Bouncing Boy elect to stay retired.

Want It Got It TPB: Elfquest Omnibus

RELEASED on - August 19, 2014: The Complete Elfquest Volume 1 - COLLECTING: The entirety of what is now known as "The Original Quest" in stunning black and white, including an extensive gallery of concept art, pinups, and covers, with commentary from series creators Wendy and Richard Pini.

RELEASED on - February 17, 2015: The Complete Elfquest Volume 2 - COLLECTING: The entirety of The Siege at Blue Mountain and Kings of the Broken Wheel in stunning black and white, including an extensive art gallery with commentary from series creators Wendy and Richard Pini.

RELEASED on - February 17, 2015: The Complete Elfquest Volume 3 - COLLECTING: ElfQuest: Dreamtime and ElfQuest: Hidden Years (#1-9)

COMING SOON - May 16, 2017: The Complete Elfquest Volume 4 - COLLECTING: Issues from ElfQuest: Hidden Years (#10-#15) and the ElfQuest: Shards saga (#1-#16).

Dork Note: I know these are not quite Omnibuses, but they're close enough so I'm putting this in the win catagory! Hopefully, Dark Horse will continue releasing these collections - since Volume 4 only takes us thru to 1996. On A Side Note: I read Elfquest for the first time when I was super baked and it was AMAZING!

 

Omnibus Why (besides the obvious): I have always had a slight interest in reading this series, but never really pursued it. Several months ago I bought (on Ebay) some of the original TPBs and quite enjoyed them. Like most stuff printed over many years - books are either to hard to find or too expensive to buy. Unfortunately, the Elfquest series falls into both these categories; which means a MASSIVE Omnibus on par with The Invisibles Omnibus would be perfect! Of course it would have to be several massive Omnibuses because of the 200+ issues!

The Elfquest Omnibus Should Contain:

1978: Fantasy Quarterly 1 [anthology]
1978-1984: Elfquest: The Original Quest - 20 story issues plus one "extra" issue (#21); #1 reprints the story from Fantasy Quarterly 1; #21 was a "bonus" issue containing fan letters about the end of the quest, background sketches, published reviews, editorials, and other behind the scenes material (sort of a mini-Gatherum).
1980: Epic Illustrated #1: anthology work containing new Elfquest short, "Homespun" 

1986: Warp Graphics Annual, containing "Courage, By Any Other Name..."
1986-1988: Siege at Blue Mountain - 8 issues
1988-1990: Kings of the Broken Wheel - 9 issues
1992-1996: Hidden Years - 30 issues (29 numbered issues plus issue 9.5)
1992-1996: New Blood - 35 issues
1993-1995: Blood of Ten Chiefs - 20 issues
1993-1994 WaveDancers - 6 issues
1993: New Blood Summer Special - 1 issue
1994: Elfquest Bedtime Stories - anthology work containing several new shorts
1994-1996: Shards - 16 issues
1994-1996: The Rebels - 12 issues
1994-1996: Jink - 12 issues
1995-1996: Kahvi - 6 issues
1995-1996: Two-Spear - 5 issues
1996: WaveDancers II Special - 1 issue
1996: Metamorphosis - 1 issue
1996-1999: Elfquest II - 33 issues
1997: Kings Cross - 2 issues
1997: Worldpool - 1 issue
1998: Frank Frazetta Fantasy Illustrated #1 & 4: anthology work containing new Elfquest shorts
1998: Elfquest: The First Twenty Years: anthology work containing new Elfquest shorts.
1999: Wolfrider - Reader's Collection containing the conclusion to the storyline begun in Elfquest II
2001: Wolfshadow Summer Special - 1 issue
2001: Recognition Summer Special - 1 issue
2002: In All But Blood - Reader's Collection containing two new Elfquest shorts
2004: The Searcher and the Sword (graphic novel)
2006: The Discovery - 4 issues

Dork Note: I am sure I am missing some issues - sorry if I am. 

Want It Got It TPB: Jack Kirby's Machine Man Omnibus!

RELEASED on - 08/16/16: Machine Man by Kirby & Ditko: The Complete Collection.
COLLECTING: Machine Man (1978) 1-19; Incredible Hulk (1968) 235-237; Marvel Comics Presents 10

 

Clipped from The Marvel Project: Drawing inspiration from one of my favorite features at The Dork Review, I’m putting out the call for a Machine Man collected edition! I was actually surprised to not have a Machine Man TPB or Omnibus as I searched through the Kraalo Archives this week looking for source material for the Machine Man #13 review. With so much of Jack Kirby’s work already collected, including 1970s gems like Devil Dinosaur, a Machine Man Omnibus seems like a no-brainer. X-51 first appeared in Marvel’s adaptation of 2001: A Space Odyssey #8 (July 1977) so maybe the publication rights to that early work is in question because of the status of that licensing deal. In any case, I hope that Marvel is able to resolve the issues at some point because it would be great to see Kirby’s Machine Man re-mastered in large format with the amazing new coloring they have done for all the Omnibus editions.

Dork Note: Thanks for the kind words, dude and I couldn't agree more about the Omnibus.

Want It Got It TPB: Nightcrawler Mini-Series

RELEASED on - 01/12/16: X-Men Epic Collection: The Gift - COLLECTING: NIGHTCRAWLER (1985) 1-4 among other things.
RELEASED on - 10/18/16: X-Men #153 & Bizarre Adventures #27 can be found in a variety of TPBs, but both are in Uncanny X-Men Omnibus HC vol. 02
Dork Note: There still isn't a TPB that includes Nightcrawler #1-4 (2002), but for now I'm glad we at least have the 1985 mini in TPB.

Writers and Artist: Various
Created by: Len Wein and Dave Cockrum
Publisher: Marvel Comics (1981-2002)
Includes: The Uncanny X-Men #153, Bizarre Adventures #27, Nightcrawler #1-4 (1985), Nightcrawler #1-4 (2002)

Since Nightcrawler is one of the most popular X-Men there is...these two mini-series and their tie-ins should be compiled and reprinted.

I never read the second mini-series, but I did read the other bits. The Bizarre Adventure explores the world Nightcrawler travels through while teleporting. Bizarre Adventure is then followed up with a fairy tale story in the X-Men, which then becomes, somewhat, reality in Nightcrawler's first mini-series.

Note to Marvel: Why did you never make a Bamf Doll seen in the X-Men #168 and I believe first appeared in X-Men #153? I would have loved to get one for my daughter.

Want It Got It TPB: Vigilante

COMING SOON on 04/04/17: Vigilante by Marv Wolfman Vol. 1.
Collects NEW TEEN TTIANS ANNUAL #2 and VIGILANTE #1-11

 

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Various
Publisher: DC Comics (1983-1984)
Includes: The New Teen Titans Annual #2 and Vigilante #1-7

Clipped from Wikipedia: The character was revived and updated in 1983's New Teen Titans Annual #2 by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez.

History: Adrian Chase (Vigilante) is a New York district attorney whose family was killed by mobsters. This caused Chase to seek justice in his own way as the Vigilante. The character was one of the first amoral characters in American comic books, influenced by the Punisher from Marvel Comics and The Executioner series of novels. 

Synopsis: Spinning out of the very popular NEW TEEN TITANS series, this 1980s introduces New York City prosecuting attorney Adrian Chase, who takes the law into his own hands after the mob wipes out his family. As the Vigilante, Chase targets underworld leaders and takes them out without hesitation, but is haunted by his actions. Similar in tone to the GREEN ARROW tales of the same era, these gritty tales reflect the crime-ridden streets of 1980s New York City.  

Want It Got It TPB: War of the Gods

RELEASED on - 03/29/16: War of the Gods
Dork Note: Unfortunately, all the crossover issues were left out of the TPB; except Wonder Woman's.
  Writer and Artist: George Pérez
Publisher: DC Comics (1991)
Includes: War of the Gods #1-4. Crossover titles-Animal Man #40,Batman #470,Captain Atom #56-#57,Demon #17,Doctor Fate #32-#33,Flash #55,Hawk and Dove #28,Hawkworld #15-#16,L.E.G.I.O.N. '91 #31,New Titans #81,Starman #38,Suicide Squad #58,Superman: The Man of Steel #3,and Wonder Woman #58-#62

This kind of series is what brings George Perez's artwork alive. His amazing grasp of layout and space becomes overwhelmingly apparent in this series. Gods fighting Gods with the Superheroes between...DAMN!

Fun Fact (clipped from Wikipedia): Around the time of this story, George Pérez was having editorial problems that caused troubles and problems writing the storyline even back to its inception. He felt that DC Comics was not doing enough to celebrate Wonder Woman's anniversary that in turn would promote the story. Also, DC did not plan the story for newsstand distribution, but for retail stores only. Originally, the final issue was going to have Steve Trevor and Etta Candy marry, which was building up since the series was relaunched. DC stopped it so the next writer following Pérez, William Messner-Loebs, would do it instead. For several years, because of all this, Pérez would separate himself from DC.

Fun Fact (clipped from Wikipedia): Touchingly, the final page of Wonder Woman #62 features a letter from Pérez addressed to Diana herself, making clear his feelings on having been a part of arguably one of the most iconic heroines ever created. The following is his letter to Princess Diana, also known as Wonder Woman:

Dear Princess Diana,

I just wanted to let you know just how grateful I was that you allowed me to document your adventures, and it is a great sadness that I must now announce my retirement from the Wonder Woman series.

I've learned a lot these past few years and I'd like to think that I'm a better person for having followed your adventures and hope I did your exploits justice.

As so often happens in life, it's time to move on to start working on that new chapter in the book of life (a recurring image you'll notice in my final issue.) I leave you in the capable hands of one William Messner-Loebs, about whom you might want to ask your new friend Dr. Fate, and the talented Jill Thompson.

Well, that's it for me. I'm glad your current troubles are over and hope your current troubles will prove less hazardous. In your line of work I know that seems unlikely, but there’s no harm in hoping.

Take care, Princess Diana. And as they said over at Themyscira: The Glory of Gaea be with you.

Want It Got It TPB: Sons of the Tiger! Omnibus Volume #1 & 2

RELEASED on - 11/22/16: Deadly Hands of Kung Fu Omnibus Vol. 1
COLLECTING: DEADLY HANDS OF KUNG FU 1-18; SPECIAL 1
COMING SOON on 06/20/17: Deadly Hands of Kung Fu Omnibus Vol. 2 
COLLECTING: DEADLY HANDS OF KUNG FU 19-33; MATERIAL FROM BIZARRE ADVENTURES 25

 

Writer:Various
Artist: Various
Publisher: Marvel Comics (1974-77)
Includes: The Deadly Hands of Kung Fu Special and #1-32 (appeared as a backup story in the series)

This series felt so 70's it was crazy, man. Dig it, racial unity under Kung Fu!
"When three are called, and stand as one, as one they’ll fight, their will be done…for each is born anew, THE TIGER’S SON!"

Clipped from Wikipedia: The Sons of the Tiger were three martial arts heroes featured in comic books published by Curtis Magazines (a short lived imprint of Marvel Comics) called the Deadly Hands of Kung Fu. The series was created by Gerry Conway and drawn by Dick Giordano, and was published in the early 1970s amidst the "Kung Fu" or Chopsocky movie craze.

The Sons of the Tiger made appearances in Special Collector's Edition: Savage Fists of Kung Fu #1. They also appeared in the Special Album Edition of Deadly Hands of Kung Fu. Both of these appearances contained the same story, titled "The Master Plan of Fu Manchu". In this story, the Sons of the Tiger team up with Iron Fist and Shang-Chi. The Special Collector's Edition contained the story in color, while the Special Album Edition was in black-and-white.

The Sons of the Tiger were three friends and martial arts students of Master Kee: Lin Sun, of Chinese ancestry, was the leader of the trio and adopted son of Master Kee; Abe Brown was an African American from the ghetto streets of Harlem; and Robert Diamond was a Caucasian Hollywood actor.