This year, I’ve been noticing a big change in my comics-buying habit! As the number of DC releases decreases, I’m buying more Dynamite Entertainment books!
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?
As anyone who reads this column probably knows, I’m a big DC Comics fan. There have only been a few of their titles that I don’t buy and read, and that includes anything with Scooby Doo. I just never got into that character, which is nothing against those who enjoy him.
But in 2025, I’ve been noticing that more and more of what DC puts out is a mini-series, not an ongoing book. That means I usually have about five to six or so issues, then the book stops. Sometimes another mini-series takes its place, but often that doesn’t happen. So, my weekly stack of DC stuff has been getting smaller and smaller this year.
Granted, Scott Snyder (who someday I’m convinced will be the head of DC Comics, if they’re smart) has plans to release a new line of books in early 2026 called “DC Next Level.” According to what was announced during this year’s New York Comic-Con, it’s going to swing things back their way as far as my pull list, with books featuring a new Batwoman series, the return of the Legion of Super-Heroes, a new Lobo book, the return of Deathstroke: The Terminator, Firestorm: The Nuclear Man, Batman: Shadow of the Bat, Zatanna, The Demon, and a new book called Barbara Godon: Breakout. It’s called a broadening or an expansion of the DCU rather than a reboot, something they have been famous (or infamous) for doing in recent years. Hey, that Absolute Universe of theirs is really flying, in my opinion!
So, this may only be a brief respite, but I think it is worth noting that even I, a loyal DC Comics fan for many years, has noticed a change in even my interests.
WHAT HAS BEEN OF INTEREST TO ME THIS YEAR?
My local shop has also been noticing my pull list changes, and that largely has had to do with Dynamite Entertainment reviving long-dormant comics and animation characters. See, I grew up reading and/or watching these guys, and they have been bringing on excellent talent to beef up or update their concepts, and it’s working for me!
One of the books that’s really been a favorite of mine has been Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, which is written by Jimmy Palmiotti. There has been a serious change to the story here, moving Blue Falcon to the lead of the series. Yes, Dynomutt was originally an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of Scooby Doo, which is why the show was called Dynomutt and the Blue Falcon (you see the difference there, I’m sure). The new comic is truly a great find for a dog lover like me. The dog who will become Dynomutt is seriously injured, and the Falcon, who thankfully happens to be an excellent engineer and scientist, rebuilds his faithful dog, and it is all done is such a way that touches my dog-appreciating heart! The Falcon is also treated with a LOT more respect than he had been previously, so this title is one I am always anxious to read when it appears.
The next book I’m enjoying is The Herculoids, based on the Hanna-Barbera cartoons of years past. The author, who I interviewed for my podcast, is a big fan of these alien creatures like I am, and he is filling in some of the gaps we were left with in the animated show. I hope it goes on for a very long time! I also have gotten into Silverhawks, which I never watched on the TV.
Then, too, Space Ghost recently began the second “season” of that comic, and I’m enjoying the way the comic is true to its roots while filling in other gaps we needed told, particularly when it comes to Jan, Jace, and Blip, Space Ghost’s companions.
A hero they recently gave new life to has been Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt. I’ve only seen the debut issue so far, but I like what I’m reading! Thundarr the Barbarian is getting going as well! And I hope Disney pays attention to the popularity of the Gargoyles and DuckTales comics, then orders new animated shows based on them!
Dynamite has been gaining quite the reputation by retooling or revisiting established properties, and that includes The Terminator, Army of Darkness, and Vampirella, just to name a few. They just began a new Supernatural comic based on the long-lived TV show. I also have liked their Jonny Quest mini-series as well as the Harley Quinn/Elvira crossover. And more of the Powerpuff Girls, okay?
Does this mean I buy EVERY revival that Dynamite is offering? No, some of the properties I haven’t been a big fan of, including Thundercats (which obviously is selling well without me, based on the number of monthly titles), their Disney “Villains” books including Maleficent and Ursula.
I also never got into Speed Racer, who is coming out from Mad Cave Studios. Since David Pepose is writing this (as well as Space Ghost), I may indulge in a collected edition when that is released so I can try it out! I was never big on Captain Planet and the Planeteers, so that one has not been on my pull list, either. But I do get the new Phantom comic, though!
I do buy a few Marvel titles, including Infernal Hulk, Battleworld, and the occasional Spider-Man book (like the “Noir” version and the recent holiday special). It just depends on the story and who the creators are!
MOVING AHEAD!
As I previously mentioned, I expect my DC intake to increase before long, but I’m not planning on dropping any of the other books, including Dynamite’s offerings. That is, of course, unless the quality drops or they are cancelled, something I hope does NOT happen!
On many levels, I’m glad the offerings of a few companies are causing me to buy outside of just one. That means that my long-loved variety in reading will continue unabated in 2026.
I always tell people, though, if you know what I will like before I actually see the comics, more power to you! I know *I* certainly can’t tell until I dive in.
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