The Gosh! Authority 29.04.26

Hello!

It's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! And COMICS GIVEAWAY DAY! (There are two now....it's complicated...)

Yes, that's right, this Saturday sees the annual festival of free comics, and we've got the usual mix of free comics, kids drawing workshops and killer signings! Well, one signing this year, but it's a good one! Get the details here, and don't forget we open at 10am on the day to kick the excitement off early! Details here.

But what of the regular comics this week, you ask?

HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK

• SWAMP THING 1989 #1 - A dream fulfilled! DC right the wrongs of the past and finally finish Rick Veitch's Swamp Thing story from 1989, beginning with what would have been Swamp Thing #88 by original artist the late Michael Zulli, and then continuing for three more issues drawn by Tom Mandrake to present what would have been the conclusion to Veitch's run. If you're unaware, the storyline had the Swamp Thing being adrift in time, and this issue involved him meeting Jesus. Fearing a backlash, DC refused to publish the issue and Veitch resigned in protest. It's always been one of the great lost storylines, so it's nice to see it made whole at last!

• ODDBALL'S ODYSSEY #1 - An alcoholic monkey falls of the wagon and sets off with his skunk pal in pursuit of a radiant swan. The pair journey across mythical landscapes filled with peril and beauty in the hope of winning her heart. Fairly standard stuff if you're Tony Millionaire in what publisher Bad Idea bills as a "cross between Homer's Odyssey and Moebius' Arzach". All I know is that it's Tony Millionaire and so goes right to the top of the read pile.

• BATMAN WONDER WOMAN: TRUTH #1 - A one-shot by Jeph Loeb and Jim Cheung set in the aftermath of Batman Hush. Batman and Wonder Woman are on the trail on the Joker and Harley Quinn who look to have nicked her Lasso of Truth. The clock is ticking to get it back before it gets sold into the wrong hands. A lovely looking, enjoyable superhero romp.

• RED ROOTS #1 - Details are pretty light on what this new series by Oblivion Song and Void Rivals artist Lorenzo De Felici is actually about, but early word is extremely positive. It'll certainly look very nice, as De Felici is no slouch in that department. We know that it's dark, involves a serial killer and a teacher, and that there's some kind of weird, supernatural element going on. Intriguing!

• ACTION 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 - An anniversary celebration of the comic that paved the way for 2000AD, with a line-up of creators including Garth Ennis, Rob Williams, Steve White, John Higgins, Mike Dorey, Patrick Goddard & Staz Johnson. Hook Jaw! Dredger! Kenny "Lefty" Lampton!

• WARBIRD #0 - A new action thriller from Robert Venditti, Derek Kolstad (original John Wick writer) and Jesse Lonergan (with a lovely Frank Quitely cover!) A high-level repo man (we're talking yachts and planes) is hired to retrieve a plane from the Russians, one built on research stolen from the West. Action ensues!

• ZATANNA #1 - Jamal Campbell did a great job with his recent Zatanna run, so it's nice to see him back as the writer and artist on the DC Next Level relaunch of the series. As the Prime Magus, Zatanna is now the head honcho of magical practice in the DCU. Time to set the world to magical rights!

• JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERGALACTIC SPECIAL #1 - Star Sapphire assembles a team of Justice Leaguers to save the planet Naltor from a Witch Queen in this one-shot from Nicole Maines, Jadzia Axelrod, and Travis Moore. Green Arrow, Adam Strange, Galaxy and Dreamer answer the call!

And that's it! See you Saturday!

Andrew.

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May Catalogues

Catalogues for DC, Image, Titan and a number of others (in the "Next Phase" catalogue) can be found here each month. 

Catalogues for Marvel, Dark Horse, Boom, IDW and others (in the "PRH Panels" catalogue) can be found here each month.