Welcome to the very first edition of Trade Watch here at KPB Comics. If you’re like me, your weekly trip to the local comic shop is about more than just hunting down single issues; it’s also the perfect time to scout for freshly printed graphic novels and trade paperbacks.
We started KPB Comics to celebrate the art of the medium, and Trade Watch is our new weekly initiative to help you navigate the often-overwhelming world of trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and massive omnibuses. Every Tuesday, we will break down the biggest collected editions hitting the shelves, so you know exactly where to invest your reading time and your hard-earned budget.
We are kicking things off with a heavy hitter as Absolute Batman Vol. 2: Abomination leads a packed week of new releases.
What is Absolute Batman Vol. 2: Abomination?
This second volume from the superstar creative team of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta continues to redefine the Dark Knight for the modern era. As a flagship title for DC Comics and their new Absolute Universe, this story gives us a Bruce Wayne who lacks the traditional billionaire resources we are used to seeing. This version of Batman is a working-class hero who has to be more resourceful and much more brutal. In this collection, he faces off against a reimagined version of the Abomination, a villain that pushes this new Caped Crusader to his breaking point. The art by Dragotta remains a highlight, offering a sharp and energetic look that sets this book apart from anything else on the stands.
Is the Sentry Omnibus Vol. 1 worth the shelf space?
For fans who love the deeper, more psychological side of Marvel Comics, the Sentry Omnibus is the massive release of the week. This collection brings together the entire complicated history of Robert Reynolds, starting with the original 2000 series by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee. It is a thick volume, totaling over 1,000 pages, and it tracks the character’s journey through his time with the Avengers and his constant struggle against his dark shadow, the Void. While omnibuses are a bigger financial commitment, having this entire saga in one high-quality hardcover is the best way to experience one of Marvel’s most powerful and tragic figures.
What is the story in King Kong: The Great War Collected?
If you want a break from superheroes, Dynamite Entertainment is offering something unique with King Kong: The Great War Collected. This trade paperback, written by Alex Cox with art by Tommaso Bianchi, tells a “lost” story set during World War I. The narrative follows a German U-boat crew that ends up stranded on Skull Island, finding themselves caught between the horrors of human war and the primal majesty of Kong. It is a fantastic pick for fans of monster movies and historical fiction, providing a fresh take on a cinematic icon that feels both classic and new.
Who are the heroes in New Champions: Change Is Coming?
Marvel is also looking toward the future with the release of New Champions: Change Is Coming. This collection is inspired by the popular variant cover initiative and features a script by Steve Foxe with art by Ivan Fiorelli. The story introduces a group of young, new heroes who are trying to find their place in a world dominated by legends. It captures that same “new generation” energy found in books like Young Avengers. For readers who enjoy seeing how the Marvel Universe evolves, this volume is an essential starting point for these fresh characters.
What else should you look for this week?
The week is rounded out by several other great collections across different genres. IDW Publishing continues its mutant epic with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Nation Vol. 2, which features a huge team of creators like Caleb Goellner and Declan Shalvey. If you prefer something more mind-bending, Uncanny Valley Vol. 2 from Boom! Studios wraps up a dark mystery that blends reality with animation. Families and younger readers should check out Teen Titans Go!: Go Big or Go Home!, while longtime fans will appreciate Fantastic Four Fanfare Collected, an anthology celebrating Marvel’s first family with stories by legends like Mark Waid and Alan Davis.
