FABLES #68
JACK OF FABLES #18
HELLBLAZER #239
INVINCIBLE #49
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #117
The usual suspects - these are the only series I get in single issue formats anymore. Tut if you must, but I’ve still got somewhere in the neighborhood of 35 longboxes in storage throughout my house, just waiting to be whittled down to a more manageable number.

ESSENTIAL POWER MAN AND IRON FIST TP VOL 01
In the mid to late 80s, Jim Owsley (later known as Christopher Priest) and Mark Bright ended up on this title and quietly turned it into what may be the finest comic Marvel was publishing at the time, right up until it’s cancellation. This collection starts a bit before that era, obviously, but I’m getting it anyway if for no other reason than to do my part to convince Marvel to keep publishing the series in this format until we do get to the Owsley/Bright era.

GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY THE WEDDING HC
Sure, Dinah stabbing not-Ollie in the neck was a pretty stupid example of the plot driving the characters, but the art in the wedding special alone is worth the (heavily discounted) price of admission.

INVINCIBLE PRESENTS ATOM EVE #1
A single-issue one-shot, to be sure, but I dig the Invincible corner of the Image Universe enough to make that sacrifice. I’m sure this’ll end up wrapped in an Invincible hardcover in the future, but what the hell.

FEAR AGENT TP LAST GOODBYE
I really can’t think of any sci-fi comic I’m reading right now other than Fear Agent (OK, I’m waiting for the next wave of Marvel’s Annihilation hardcovers…), and I’m enjoying it immensely. In addition to Rick Remender’s truly inventive and fun writing, this TPB also features Tony Moore back on art, and frankly, any chance to read a Moore illustrated story is reason enough for me to shell out my money.

GRENDEL HC DEVIL QUEST
I probably wouldn’t have passed on this if it weren’t for that sweet, sweet DCBS discount, but the discount I did receive, so the book I did order. Reprinting Wagner’s Grendel Prime backup stories in one complete edition, I already know what I’m getting, and I’m looking forward to reading it in one sitting.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA HC VOL 02 LIGHTNING SAGA
I’m an unabashed fan of Meltzer’s comic book writing, from Green Arrow to Identity Crisis to the first JLA arc, so getting this was a no-brainer. Factor in the JSA and LoSH and you have DCU nerd manna in a hardcover edition.

SUPERMAN CAMELOT FALLS HC VOL 02
Part two of what may very well be the best Superman story I’ve read in over a decade. Busiek’s writing hasn’t been this strong in years and Pacheco’s art is always a joy to see. The only downside to this storyline is that it really makes me want to read more Arrowsmith.

IRREDEEMABLE ANT-MAN TP VOL 02 SMALL MINDED DIGEST
I doubt anyone is surprised at the cancellation of Ant Man, and to be honest, it’s probably best for this quirky (by Marvel standards) title to go out while it’s still strong.

LONERS TP SECRET LIVES OF SUPER HEROES
I read the first issue and enjoyed it alright, and I also liked the group’s introductory storyline in Runaways, but if I’m being totally honest, it’s the cover gallery that I’m buying this collection for. Remaking 80s teen movie posters with superheroes subbing in for the Brat Pack? Stupidly genius.

Total Damage: $92.17 plus $7.95 shipping = $100.12

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