Showcase Presents II

So I just checked and DC is releasing in Feb. 2006, Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery.

Written by Len Wein, Robert Kanigher, Gerry Conway and others; Art by Bernie Wrightson, Neal Adams, Gil Kane, Alex Toth and others; Cover by Joe Orlando

Do you dare to enter…the House of Mystery? Everyone who does will find a full 22 issues of this classic DC series! Beginning with editor Joe Orlando's first issue (#174), this 552-page black-and-white trade paperback features a wealth of art from macabre masters!

DC Universe | 552pg. | B&W | Softcover | $17.99 US | ISBN 1401207863

On Sale February 8, 2006

Finally, I can read some of the early stories.

Showcase Presents

In the same tradition as Marvel Comics's Essential series of books, DC launches their version. Entitled Showcase Presents, each volume will feature a different hero/group. Unlike Marvel, DC has printed their version with much better paper stock. Now DC fans can finally relive many of those stories reprinted. So far 4 volumes have been released with 2 more soon to be released.

Here is the breakdown of issues featured:

Showcase Presents: Superman Vol. 1
---SUPERMAN #122-133
---ACTION COMICS #241-257

Showcase Presents: Metamorpho Vol. 1
---THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #57-58, 66, 68
---METAMORPHO #1-17
---JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #42

Showcase Presents: Green Lantern Vol. 1
---SHOWCASE #22-24
---GREEN LANTERN #1-17

Showcase Presents: Jonah Hex Vol. 1
---ALL-STAR WESTERN #2-8 and #10-11
---WEIRD WESTERN TALES #12-14 and #16-33

Showcase Presents: Justice League of America Vol. 1
---THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28-30
---JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1-16
---MYSTERY IN SPACE #75

Showcase Presents: Green Arrow Vol. 1
---ADVENTURE COMICS #250-266, 268-269
---THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #50, 71, 85
---JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #4
---WORLD'S FINEST #95-140

Ghost Rider Movie

The next big thing in comic book movies is here with Sony Pictures' Ghost Rider. This features Nic Cage as tormented Johnny Blaze and Eva Mendes as love interest Roxanne Simpson. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, who directed both Daredevil and Elektra. I look forward to either hating it or loving it.

Official Site

Doc Frankenstein

The coolest new modern comic I have seen in a long time has to be Doc Frankenstein. I was a little hesitant to but it, because I figured it would just be another attempt at making a monster character interesting. However, after reading the first issue I was blown away by the artwork and the story. The frequent oversize panels with extreme detail was mind-blowing.

The only criticism I have of the title is the shipping schedule which seems to be every other month.

Burlyman Entertainment

Also check out Shaolin Cowboy while you're at it.

OA Commissions

I am not a big fan of OA, but I can understand the enjoyment some might get from spending thousands of dollars on it. One thing I do like is having artist commissions done of your favorite character. Here are 2 websites that offer artist commissions.

Fred Hembeck

During my childhood reading comics in the 70s and 80s, one of the things I can remember was the artwork of Fred Hembeck. As far as I know Fred never drew a title of his own. However he did draw an issue of Spider-man, and he did several other pieces of humorous art. His trademark on his characters being the swirled knees.

Here is website for your enjoyment. Hembeck.com

New CGC Labels

So the brain trust at CGC has decided their labels were not confusing enough and have decided to "simplify" them by changing them. The word on the street is that CGC was getting pressured by dealers to correct the stigma associated with PLODs (Purple Rrestored Labels). So CGC has listened and has changed the Universal Label to Certified Label, and the Restored Label to Apparent Label.

IMO, this is a tragic change that CGC should not make. Timie will tell if it was a smart move.

Here for your enjoyment is the link to their press statement and pictures of their pretty labels.

Proposed Label Changes