Okay, two books this week with no back stories to them, one from Marvel comics and one from their Distinguished Competition (remember when Marvel used to call them that? You’re old).

First up is Amazing Spider-man: Origin of the species written by Mark Waid (Captain America, Fantastic Four) and illustrated by Paul Azaceta (Punisher Noir). The story collates Amazing Spider-man issues 642-647, the book it is reprinted in also contains some other little stories that I will talk more about later as there does not seem to be any reference to where they are from.

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Is it insensitive to call a preview of Daredevil #1, a book about a blind superhero, a first look? It's not me, that was the title on the Marvel press release...okay, maybe I am feeling a little evil tonight but with good reason. The Sidekickcast kept loyal to DD through the terrible times of the poorly executed and disapointing Shadowland, held fast whilst undergoing the lacklusture Daredevil: Reborn and have even dedicated a full feature, The Devils Back Bones to the glory days of our favourite Marvel vigilante. Now, here we are,back again right where we started, new book, new creative team but same old Matt Murdock.

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So…Stan Lee’s The Traveler. Let’s get it out of the way, this is Stan Lee’s the same way all those books they sell to miserable, retarded housewives and twentysomethings in Tescos are by Katie Price. To be fair the book is down as written by Mark Waid so they are only really saying Stan Lee came up with the basic idea and let them plaster his name all over it, but still. Anyone buying this expecting Stan to have had more than a passing involvement will probably be disappointed.

Anyway the latest issue of this title is number five which kicks off the second arc.

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Link: http://www.boom-studios.net/

Effective immediately, the no longer evil Mark Waid is stepping down from the responsibility of Chief Creative Officer at BOOM! Studios. Waid will continue his run on Irredeemable and Incorruptible and his brand new break-out hit collaboration with Stan Lee, The Traveller.

Mark Waid has been an inspiration at BOOM!, during his tenure at the publisher we have seen a small time operation grow into a successful, critically acclaimed and comercially viable comic book company. I'm not saying it is completely all down to Mark but it cannot be denied that he has been the guiding light, always leading from the front with good comics and a sense of fun. Not too long ago Mark commented that he would be giving up reading superhero comics, is this the next step in the talented creator changing the direction and focus of his work? I hope not but whatever he chooses to do next, I'll be along for the ride.

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Link: http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/09/27/robert-harras-named-editor-in-chief-vp-dc-comics/

Bob Harras, formerly Marvel Editor-in-Chief (1995-2002) is now Editor-in-Chief at DC comics reporting directly to Dan Didio and Jim Lee. This role has been vacant for quite some time now, so they question has to be asked does DC really need an editor-in-chief? And even if they do, is Bob Harras really the right man for the job?

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The unintended Sidekickcast world tour of podcasts continues as this week the Comic Book Outsiders were kind enough to open up their doors to little old me. A good time was had and Steve made me feel so welcome, even adapting their Challenge segment to make me feel more at home. Here's what they have to say about it:

In this episode Scott is away so Steve is joined by Gavin Jones, one half of The Sidekick Cast, a fantastic UK comics podcast. Before they get into the news, there is a quick reminder about the book club and current selection which is Eastern Standard Tribe by Corey Doctorow. We'll be recording the next episode in two weeks and will be discussing the book, so there is still time to pick up a copy of the book for free from Corey's website in various document formats, or you can download it as an audio book, read by Corey Doctorow. Email your comments to Scott or Steve or post your feedback on the book on our forum. Also send us your suggestions for the next book club selection.

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Link: http://www.boom-studios.net/

To celebrate one year of Irredeemable, Mark Waid and Boom! Studios have gone an interesting way. Firstly they're having a party @ C2E2 Challenger's Comics Friday April 16th, 2010, nothing too unusal there as Boom! are quickly becoming the rock stars of the comic book world and secondly at the same event you'll be able to see the launch of the Irredeemable Fragrance line from Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs. The Irredeemable Fragrance line features 5ml perfume oil blends based on the people and places of Irredeemable, including the Plutonian, Bette Noir and Mr. Qubit. So what does a Qubit smell like?!

You have to love the way these guys promote, not just content with some of the best comic book viral marketing, they're now even mocking their very own methods, kudos. Anyone that is going to the event and would like to do a report for us we'd more than happy to accomodate you, click here to be our roaving reporter, our man on the ground, the guy with his ass in the grass...you get the idea.