7/15/2008: The Wizard Price Guide takes readers behind the scenes to let them know what comics they should be paying attention to and what books are moving in stores around the world.
By David Paggi
Posted 7/15/2008
SUMMER MOVIE MADNESS
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" and "The Dark Knight" are going to be battling it out for box office dominance this weekend but you can read about them teaming up in Hellboy/Batman/Starman, a two issue crossover miniseries written by James Robinson and drawn by Mike Mignola from 1999. Both issues are currently $10.
THE GRAND DIRECTOR
A mysterious new Captain America shows up this week in Captain America #40. He's actually The Grand Director, a onetime replacement for Steve Rogers during the 1950's who first appeared in Captain America #153-156 and was revived as The Grand Director persona in Captain America #232. In the current run it was discovered that Red Skull and Doctor Faustus have been keeping him in suspended animation since his supposed death in order to revive him as an evil Cap. His early appearances are currently valued at $15 each, while Captain America #232 is $5.
SHOP TALK
Retailer Buzz and Gossip
HELLBOY
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army" was No. 1 at the box office last weekend, which begs the question: Where do all those new fans go to get their Hellboy fix after the movie is over?
Answer: Their local comic book store.
"We have seen a marked increase in the number of readers seeking out anything and everything Hellboy related," said Bob Hoskins of Stormwatch Comics in West Berlin, NJ. "The run of trades has been cycling in and out of the store at a steady pace and we are adding both standing orders for B.P.R.D. and seeing the casual browser picking it up."
BEST BETS Final Crisis: Rogue's Revenge #1 (DC, $3.99): Former Flash team, Geoff Johns and Scot Kolins team up for a tale of revenge Rogues-style in this Final Crisis tie-in mini. This proven fan-favorite team on a big event tie-in could lead to instant sell out.
Spike: After The Fall #1 (IDW, $3.99): Everyone's favorite bad boy gone good has got his own new miniseries launching at IDW. This in-continuity story picks up on some unanswered questions regarding Spike, after his appearances in Angel: After The Fall. Expect Whedon buzz (though Whedon gets no credit on the book) to follow after.
