This Isn’t A Library: New, Notable Releases Into Comics’ Direct Market



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Here are the books that make an impression on me staring at this week's no-doubt largely accurate list of books shipping from Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. to comic book and hobby shops across North America.

I might not buy all of the works listed here. I might not buy any. You never know. I'd sure look at the following, though.

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DEC181964 LETTERS TO SURVIVORS GN $15.95
This doesn't feel like a big week at the comics shop for yours truly, and this book of spare, wry, and inventive Cold War-soaked comics from the height of extermination paranoia hits the spot. From the miracle-workers of NYRC.

DEC181917 INCAL OVERSIZED DLX LTD ED $125.00
Another way to own a crucial comics work, and if we've learned anything this decade it's hard to argue against as many entry points on such works as this bizarre, lurching industry can eject from its maw. Whether or not it's the one for you is why we have comics shops, although this may involve them putting it on a counter in front of you off of a safe place on a wall.

DEC180422 HELLBOY COASTER SET $9.99
NOV180280 UMBRELLA ACADEMY COASTER SET $9.99
I don't think comics-related items are the point of comics, and I find baffling the frequency with which bookshelves are festooned with related action figures and toys. I am, however, a significant fan of original comics art and high-end prints, and the occasional three-dimensional item like this one catches my eye. I'm also fond of Christmas ornaments. People should do more of those.

NOV180581 TRANSMETROPOLITAN TP BOOK 01 (MR) $19.99
DEC180604 WILD STORM #20 $3.99
DEC180605 WILD STORM #20 VAR ED $3.99
The most important work related to writer Warren Ellis to own in its best format and the best of the recent comics series related to Warren Ellis in its best format. One thing I like about the Wild Storm adventure comics is that their context is previous comic book written by Ellis or by writers working according to his influence.

DEC188797 DIE #1 3RD PTG (MR) $3.99
OCT180190 EAST OF WEST #41 $3.99
DEC180967 DOCTOR STRANGE #11 $3.99
Three comic-book format comics, including a key third printing of the role-playing game related Die, the increasingly pay-offs filled East Of West and Marvel's competent, confident Doctor Strange which pops in that current line-up.

JAN192170 TRUTH IS FRAGMENTARY TRAVELOGUES & DIARIES GN (RES) $19.99
This is a necessary comics shop restocking of the Gabrielle Bell book at the front end of her current surge to the top of alt-comics expression, and a required work for any modern comics library. Bell is one of those comics about whom devoted readers constantly fret doesn't get enough attention, and they're right.

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The full list of this week's releases, including some titles with multiple cover variations and a long, impressive list of toys and other stuff that isn't comics, can be found here. Despite this official list there's no guarantee a comic will show up in the stores as promised, or in all of the stores as opposed to just a few. Also, stores choose what they carry and don't carry so your shop may not carry a specific publication. There are a lot of comics out there.

To find your local comic book store, check this list; and for one I can personally recommend because I've shopped there, albeit a while back, try this.

The above titles are listed with their Diamond order code in the first field, which may assist you in finding comics at your shop or having them order something for you they don't have in-stock. Ordering through a direct market shop can be a frustrating experience, so if you have a direct line to something -- you know another shop has it, you know a bookstore has it -- I'd urge you to consider all of your options.

If I failed to list your comic, that's because I hate you.

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