The May edition of Diamond Comic Distributors’ monthly Previews catalogue arrives in comic shops, hobby stores, and other specialty outlets on 30th April, with Women in Comics in the limelight along with plug for the relaunch of Rob Liefeld’s omnipotent character Supreme from Warren Ellis and Tula Lotay and news of some new exclusive, comic shop-only Doctor Who merchandise.
The catalogue as usual offers a detailed guide to planned comic releases from all major US and British comic publishers out in about two months (sometimes longer) so fans can order in advance. Previews UK, which has a circulation of about 6000 copies, is a special monthly edition of the catalogue which features 24-page highlighting products available only to UK retailers and consumers.
We’re told it’s the largest issue of the catalogue yet published, weighing in at over 600 pages, offering nearly 2,500 new items and features comic books, graphic novels, toys, and other pop culture merchandise scheduled to go on sale beginning July 2014.
Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini’s new series Low from Image Comics features on the front cover. Driven beneath the ocean’s waves due to environmental collapse, humanity reemerges after millennia to explore the newly alien Earth.
On the back, DC Entertainment’s Grayson is in the limelight, a new series that finds the former RobinDick Grayson has renounced his Nightwing identity and joined the secret agent service Spyral in Tim Seeley and Mikel Janin’s new series from DC Entertainment, Grayson.
Inside, Previews celebrates women in comics, both as characters and as creators, with interviews, spotlights, and more. Kelly Sue DeConnick, the writer of Marvel Comics’ Captain Marvel, talks about the challenge of increasing female participation in the comics industry as well as her career in a two-page interview. Plus, four more women creators talk briefly about their careers in comics.
Spotlighted titles include Dark Horse Comics’ Groo Vs. Conan #1, the long-awaited crossover between two beloved barbarian heroes; DC Comics’ Robin Rises: Omega #1, the prelude to a new storyline that pits Batman against the forces of evil for the fate of his son, Damian; IDW Publishing’s Ragnarök #1, Walt Simonson’s new bimonthly series drawn from the stories of the end of times according to Norse mythology; Image Comics’ Supreme: Blue Rose #1, the relaunch of Rob Liefeld’s omnipotent character Supreme from Warren Ellis and Tula Lotay; and Marvel Comics’ The Legendary Star-Lord #1, a new solo series starring the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy from Sam Humphries and Paco Medina.
Previews also shines a special spotlight at some of the blockbuster books and products coming this July, including Skottie Young’s new Rocket Raccoon series; Archie Comics’ Life With Archie #36 and #37, the celebration of Archie’s life following his death in this series that looks at Riverdale’s future; Watson-Guptill’s Words For Pictures, a how-to guide for writing comics from fan-favourite Marvel Comics writer Brian Michael Bendis; Good Smile’s The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker: Link Nendoroid; and many more titles.
For Doctor Who fans, there’s details of more exclusive apparel that can be found only at your comic shop. The tenth Doctor looks as if he stepped out of a Duran Duran album for the Doctor Who: 3D Glasses shirt.
The catalogue also offers an early look at DC’s Futures End. This September, DC Entertainment takes readers five years into the future of the New 52, where the heroes of the DC Universe face challenges unlike anything they have ever seen, and the books for this special event feature 3D motion covers and are offered this month
• Previews – May 2014 goes on sale at your local comic shop or specialty store on Wednesday 30th April. For more information on the dedicated UK offerings in the catalogue, or to receive updates on UK-only releases, you can sign up for a special e-Newsletter from Diamond here
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics - Current British Publishers, Doctor Who, downthetubes Comics News, Magazines