Heads Up: DC Comics Previews – November 2011

Being a comic fan can be tough. With so many publishers printing more and more books, canceling titles and starting new ones, it can be daunting when you head to the comic book shop on a Wednesday to know exactly what’s coming out.

The current system of presenting and ordering comics three months ahead of their release as set forth by the sole comics distributor, Diamond Comics, doesn’t make it any easier either. We’re not a fan of that system, we think it’s slowly strangling comics to death, but we realize it’s a harsh reality of how the industry works and we definitely don’t want you to miss out on any of the cool comics being published.

And so, as opposed to regurgitating the list of comics solicited in Previews each month, we present to you some of the highlights of things you probably won’t want to miss out on.

SPOILER WARNING – In order to get people to order comics, the publishers have a funny habit of revealing what’s happening in the books. If you don’t want anything at all to be spoiled, then you’ll probably want to skip this post and take your chances with your pre-orders and/or your shopping.

---

Note: DC Comics has a notorious reputation for incorrect solicitation information so take everything below with a grain of salt.

 

Oh, We Might As Well

What does month three of the new DC Universe look like? This!

Boo-yah! That’s a lot of books. Hopefully I will not be reading them all by then!

---

Finally!

One of the best Superman stories of all time is finally back in print! Sure, it’s not in handy dandy trade format BECAUSE THAT WOULD MAKE TOO MUCH SENSE. No, it’s in over-sized DC Comics Presents format. The first issue (in stores October) collects the first two prestige-sized chapters and this issue collects that final two chapters. What’s Superman: Secret Identity about? Well I don’t want to give too much away, but the story–written by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Stuart Immonen in his older more realistic style–is about what would happen if someone had Superman’s powers in “the real world.” It’s FANTASTIC.

DC COMICS PRESENTS: SUPERMAN: SECRET IDENTITY #2
Written by KURT BUSIEK • Art and cover by STUART IMMONEN
On sale NOVEMBER 30 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

Reprinting issues #3-4 of the original miniseries! Pursued by agents of his own country who want to “draft” him into service, Clark has one overriding concern beyond his own freedom: The safety and security of his wife and children!

More Elseworlds! I think the subject of this story is “What if Superman crash landed in Long Island and grew up to like The Smiths and Beverly Hills, 90210.

DC COMICS PRESENTS: ELSEWORLDS 80-PAGE GIANT #1
Written by CHUCK DIXON, KYLE BAKER and others • Art by KYLE BAKER, AARON LOPRESTI and others • Cover by TY TEMPLETON
On sale NOVEMBER 30 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US

A legendary “lost” comic is back! Don’t miss President Superman confronting the indignities of “Scandalgate,” the return of the Super- Sons, the Birds of Prey newspaper comic strip, the adventures of Superman’s babysitter, a classic KINGDOM COME parody, and more!

---

Vertigo Guest Artists!

Sometimes your regularly scheduled artist needs a break. Luckily, there are a lot of talented folks out there to fill-in!

You got some Jonah Hex in your American Vampire!

AMERICAN VAMPIRE #21
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by JORDI BERNET
Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
On sale NOVEMBER 30 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
MATURE READERS

In the finale of the 3-part “The Beast in the Cave,” the beast is finally unleashed! Plus: James Book and Skinner Sweet’s friendship is severed; setting in motion the events that would change their lives forever. Featuring amazing art by the legendary Jordi Bernet (Torpedo)!

Indie sensation Matt Kindt!

SWEET TOOTH #27
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by MATT KINDT
Cover by JEFF LEMIRE
On sale NOVEMBER 2 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
MATURE READERS

SWEET TOOTH’s most unusual storyline yet, “The Taxidermist,” continues. Thacker and his men are taken on a journey deep into the frozen heart of Alaska where the origins of the plague may lie hidden deep below the ice! Jeff Lemire and guest artist Matt Kindt continue their mysterious mini-epic!

I know that Rick Geary isn’t technically a guest artist since he’s been doing other issues of this book, but I’ll take any opportunity to spotlight the iFanboy favorite. Also, a point five issue? Wha?

THE UNWRITTEN #31.5
Written by MIKE CAREY
Art by MICHAEL WM. KALUTA, RICK GEARY and BRYAN TALBOT
Cover by YUKO SHIMIZU
On sale NOVEMBER 23 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
MATURE READERS

“Tommy Taylor and the War of Words” continues! Throughout history, a mysterious group of men and women has shaped the stories that humankind tells. Who were they? Where did they begin? What were their motives and their strategies? From ancient China to Medieval Germany to turn-of the century America – in the pages of Wilson Taylor’s journals, the real story unfolds…

---

For more check out the full list of DC Comics in November 2011 here.