TRADE WAITING #5: Week of October 6, 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)

ABBOTT 1973
Written by Saladin Ahmed
Art by Sami Kivela, Mattia Iacono
Published by BOOM! Studios
Price: $17.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Elena Abbott is a tough-as-nails reporter with growing powers, but can she save the soul of an entire city?

It’s 1973 and Abbott’s focused on the most important election in the city’s history.

It will take everything she’s got to find who (or what) is using dark magic to sabotage the campaign of the prospective first Black mayor of Detroit and stop them dead in their tracks.

Eisner Award-winning writer Saladin Ahmed (Black Bolt, Miles Morales: Spider-Man) and acclaimed artist Sami Kivelä (Machine Gun Wizards) return to the Hugo Award-nominated world of Abbott.

Collects Abbott: 1973 #1-5.

What I say: Abbott’s back, and if you don’t know who she is…then what the hell are you waiting for? Go grab the first volume, devour it, and then you won’t have to suffer the arduous wait for the next tale, CAUSE IT IS RIGHT HERE.

SENSATIONAL WONDER WOMAN
Written by Stephanie Phillips, Alyssa Wong, more
Art by Meghan Hetrick, Bruno Redondo, Eleonora Carlini, more
Published by DC Comics
Price: $16.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: The all-new Sensational Wonder Woman series celebrates Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary and the legacy of Diana of Themyscira!

A combination of fan-favorite storytellers and trailblazing fresh voices and artists come  together in this reader-friendly, high action series is poised to deliver dynamic, standalone stories that are free of continuity, giving hardcore fans even more Wonder Woman action to love and new fans a fun starting point to enjoy stories and provide a gateway to discovering more about Princess Diana.
During a battle with the villain, Wonder Woman sacrifices herself to stop him, the impact from his psychic blast trapping her in an alternate reality. With the help of guest-star Hawkgirl, Diana must remember who she is before it’s too late. Diana teams up with other allies from the Wonder Woman mythos, such as Cheetah, Steve Trevor, Hippolyta, Wonder Girl and others along the way.

This collection of Sensational Wonder Woman #1-12 features writers like Stephanie Phillips, Alyssa Wong, and more paired with great artists such as Meghan Hetrick, Bruno Redondo, Eleonora Carlini and writer/artist Colleen.

What I say: The word “icon” isn’t big enough to properly encapsulate the gravitas that Wonder Woman has, and she’s one of the most amazing characters in comics to see a creator deep dive, shallow dive or really any character study of her. She is so multi-faceted and what better way to celebrate her 80th anniversary than seeing what a diverse set of voices have to say about Diana today.

AMETHYST: PRINCESS OF GEMWORLD
Written by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale
Art by Asiah Fulmore
Published by DC Comics
Price: $9.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: Amaya, princess of House Amethyst in Gemworld, is something of a troublemaker. She and her brother have great fun together until a magical prank goes much too far and her parents ground her…to Earth! They hope a whole week in the mundane world will teach her that magic is a privilege…and maybe washing dishes by hand will help her realize the palace servants should be respected.

Three years later, Amy has settled into middle school and ordinary life. She doesn’t remember any other home. So when a prince of the realm brings her home and restores her magical destiny, how will she cope?

Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld introduces a new generation to a fantastical place and a truly fantastic princess.

What I say: “Traditional” (I hate that word, but I wasn’t sure what else to say) comic readers may not know Shannon Hale & Dean Hale, but they need to look up their names and recognize some brilliant work! Titans of the middle grade space bringing Amethyst to a generation of younger readers? YES, PLEASE.

JAMES BOND: BIG THINGS HC
Written by Vita Ayala, Danny Lore
Art by Eric Gapstur, more
Published by Dynamite Entertainment
Price: $24.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

The publisher says: When a priceless piece of art is found to be fake, investigations lead down a rabbit hole of international crime and corruption. But what the hell does James Bond know about the world of art forgery?

Agent 007 is a loner, by nature. But finally, he accepts that he needs help. But will trusting someone else help his mission…or lead to the deaths of innocents?

Collects issues #1-#6 of James Bond (2019).

What I say: So, apparently, there’s like a new James Bond movie or something? And a shiny new hardcover written by star writer Vita Ayala is dropping at the same time? Coincidence? I THINK NOT. But I also don’t care.

BATMAN AND ROBIN AND HOWARD
Written by Jeffrey Brown
Art by Jeffrey Brown, Silvana Brys
Published by DC Comics
Price: $9.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

What the publisher says: Sidelined by a crime-fighting field trip gone wrong, Damian Wayne must refocus his attention on his life as an average student and learning how to be a team player–especially when he meets his match in his new rival, Howard.

To Damian Wayne, there is nothing more important than protecting the streets of Gotham City as Robin. But when he makes a critical mistake while out on patrol, Damian finds himself benched. And what’s more, Damian’s dad, Bruce Wayne–a.k.a. Batman–decides that starting over in a new school will be just the distraction Damian needs from his superhero routine.

Certain that Gotham Metro Academy has nothing to teach him, Damian is completely unprepared for the challenge he finds in Howard–the smartest and most athletic kid in school. The boys’ rivalry is instantaneous and fierce…and both are sure only one of them can be the best in their class.

What follows is a funny story of rivalry, friendship, and mystery from bestselling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown.

What I say: DC, you’re killing me with the “middle grade titans throwing down an irresistible tome of glory” this week! Jeffrey Brown is well known for his Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Goodnight Darth Vader and Lucy & Andy Neanderthal series, and this is priming to be another stellar addition to a brilliant stable of work.

ASCENDER VOL. 4
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Dustin Nguyen
Published by Image Comics
Price: $12.99
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

What the publisher says: The epic space fantasy saga from creators JEFF LEMIRE and DUSTIN NGUYEN that began in the pages of DESCENDER comes to a spectacular conclusion!

As Mother rallies her forces to wipe out the resistance, our heroes meet an old friend who reveals the untold secrets of the universe. With the fate of all things hanging in the balance, who will remain standing when the forces of magic and technology collide?

COLLECTS ASCENDER #15-18.

So sayeth I: The concluding volume of the Ascender series caps off a collaboration that started in 2015 with the Lemire & Nguyen’s Descender, and to crank out a space fantasy at this level for this long is worthy of a standing ovation in the creator-owned comics space!

…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

Any purchases made via retailer links provided in this article may result in this site receiving a share of that sale, which is truly appreciated!

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