This issue looked impressive on a previews page for the lineup and page count. The buzz factor and excitement level made it seem like a can’t miss. It missed.

Once you get past the hype, and actually read the thing, the content was underwhelming. The art was great, just about every creator delivered on that level, but the stories were often bland and bordering on boring. I never had much history with “Concrete” and i was expecting something much more interesting that what was delivered…I was left wondering what the big deal was? Chaykin delivered some sort of contrived adult romance melodrama that was really uninteresting. “Mr. Monster” had some great retro art and was kind of goofy fun. The Frank Miller “Xerxes Preview” was short a few pages. “Snow Angel” was fun and really the only piece that did anything interesting and sort of original.I really enjoyed that and I was expecting more of that kind of thing.

Compilations like this are a tough sell because they sell for a premium price but are only as strong as the weakest link. I appreciate the effort and acknowledge the titles importance in comics’ history, but i’m not seeing much magic with this relaunch. I didn’t feel it was worth the time or money…actually, I kinda wish i could return this and get my lunch money back.