TRADE WAITING #15: Week of December 15, 2021

Graphic novels. Collected editions. Omnibuses. Trades. These are really all just words for “a kickass way to read comics”. So, with this column we’re going to look at all of those kickass bound pages that are hitting comic shops, bookstores and online outlets this week! (Note that in some instances, the release dates to comic shops, online retailers and book stores are different)

STRANGE ADVENTURES HC
Written by Tom King
Art by Mitch Gerads, Evan Shaner
Published by DC Comics
Price: $39.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Adam Strange is the hero of Rann, a man famous throughout the galaxy for his bravery and honor. After leading his adopted home to victory in a great planetary war, Adam and his wife Alanna retire to Earth, where they are greeted by cheers, awards, and parades. But not all is as happy and nice as it seems, as the decisions Adam made during battles on Rann come back to haunt his family and threaten the entire DC Universe. Now his fate rests in the hands of one of his fellow heroes, Mr. Terrific, who must choose between saving Adam or the world.

Collects STRANGE ADVENTURES #1-12

What I say: The ongoing creative adventures of King & Gerads continue! You throw in Evan Shaner and…just feast upon those visuals! 376 pages of hardcover glory!

X-MEN: HELLFIRE GALA – THE RED CARPET COLLECTION HC
Written by Jonathan Hickman, Leah Williams, Tini Howard, Al Ewing, Vita Ayala, Simon Spurrier, Benjamin Percy, Gerry Duggan, Zeb Wells
Art by Sara Pichelli, Stephen Segovia, Scot Eaton, Marcus To, Nick Dragotta, Matteo Lolli, Valerio Schiti, David Baldeon, Lucas Werneck, Joshua Cassara, Bob Quinn, Pepe Larraz and more!
Published by Marvel Comics
Price: $75.00
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: “Tonight is the one…that will have all the fireworks.”—Emma Frost.

The Hellfire Gala is the biggest event of the season, and anyone who’s anyone will be in attendance. Krakoa’s best and brightest are all dressed to impress in Jumbo Carnation’s finest creations, and they’re welcoming the Avengers, the Fantastic Four and more familiar—and shocking—faces to the party to end all parties.

As close allies and bitter enemies rub immaculately tailored shoulders and monotonous deals are brokered, X-Force is on hand to keep the peace—and handle any undesirable gatecrashers, Krakoa’s first team of X-Men is revealed to the world, and the surprises won’t end there.

Cancel any other plans—the Gala is the place to be, and you’ll want to be able to say you were there.

Collecting: X-Men (2019) #21 / Marauders (2019) #21 / Excalibur (2019) #21 / X-Force (2019) #20 / New Mutants (2019) #19 / X-Factor (2020) #10 / Hellions (2020) #12 / S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #6 / Way of X (2021) #3 / X-Corp (2021) #2 / Wolverine (2020) #13 / Planet-Size X-Men (2021) #1 / Classic X-Men #7 / Marvel Voices: Pride / Hellfire Gala Guide

What I say: If you’re an avid reader of this current X-run, then a deluxe edition pulling together all of the Hellfire Gala is the way to read it!!

JUST ROLL WITH IT
Written by Lee Durfey-Lavoie
Art by Veronica Agarwal
Published by Random House Graphic
Price: $20.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Starting middle school is hard enough when you don’t know anyone; it’s even harder when you’re shy. A contemporary middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Guts and Real Friends about how dealing with anxiety and OCD can affect everyday life.

As long as Maggie rolls the right number, nothing can go wrong…right?

Maggie just wants to get through her first year of middle school. But between finding the best after-school clubs, trying to make friends, and avoiding the rumored monster on school grounds, she’s having a tough time…so she might need a little help from her twenty-sided dice. But what happens if Maggie rolls the wrong number?

A touching middle-grade graphic novel that explores the complexity of anxiety, OCD, and learning to trust yourself and the world around you.

“A charming, compassionate story that’s sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever stayed up worrying.” –Gale Galligan, adaptor and illustrator of the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel series

What I say: “For fans of Guts and Real Friends” – that’s all you need. But, in all seriousness, a relatable comic for kids dealing with anxiety and OCD? These stories change lives, and are entertaining as all hell.

LEONE: NOTES ON A LIFE OGN
Created by Carmine Di Giandomenico, Francesco Colafella
Published by Image Comics
Price: $16.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Acclaimed creator CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO (The Flash, Daredevil: Battlin’ Jack Murdock) and rising star FRANCESCO COLAFELLA present the true story of LEONE, an Italian man who immigrated to the U.S. to find fortune, freedom, and jazz and left it again to save lives. From the stage of his last concert in New York City, through the sound of his trumpet, Leone recounts his past and his future in an emotional, nonlinear memoir made of music and memories.

Step into the shoes of an American immigrant in this timely tale about spreading love and strength wherever you go and never forgetting where you came from.

What I say: I love this kind of story, and I’m getting some serious Monk vibes here, but with its own special hooks via the electirc artwork of superstar Carmine Di Giandomenico. A must for the “non-cape” set.

NIGHTWING VOL. 1: LEAPING INTO THE LIGHT HC
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Bruno Redondo, Rick Leonardi, Neil Edwards, Scott Hanna, Andy Lanning, Adriano Lucas
Published by DC Comics
Price: $24.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Nightwing is back—and his drive to keep Blüdhaven safe has never been stronger! But his adoptive city has elected a new mayor with the last name Zucco. When Nightwing enlists Batgirl’s help in investigating the politician bearing the same name as the man who murdered his parents, she unearths details that will shock and fundamentally change the hero.

Dick Grayson’s big heart has protected those persecuted by bullies in his youth, combated evil alongside Batman as Robin, and pledged his newly inherited wealth to enriching Blüdhaven as Nightwing. His kindness and generosity have always guided his life. But now a new villain stalks the back alleys, removing the hearts of the city’s most vulnerable. Who is this terrifying new menace named Heartless, and will he be able to resist plucking out the biggest heart in all of Blüdhaven?

Collected in this Infinite Frontier Nightwing evolution are issues #78-83.

What I say: Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo are creative forces to be reckoned with, revolutionizing characters that nobody even thought could be, driving the world of cape comics forward in unexpected and wonderful ways. Now, it’s Nightwing’s turn.

…and with that, I call this week done. Happy reading, comics fans!

You can find your local comic book shop using Comic Shop Locator here: https://www.comicshoplocator.com

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