August’s Biggest, Bloodiest Omnibus Picks! - Big Book Pre-Orders August '26 - Walt's Comic Shop

Oh, hello! I almost didn’t see you there.

Quite a lot of things happened this past month, haven’t they? San Diego Comic-Con is over, with so many awesome announcements. My favorite: Shadow of the Bat from Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez! How cool will that be?!

The Eisners were also announced, and I predicted most of them. Assorted Crisis Events too, I swear! And finally, Spider-Man: Brand New Day hit theaters. I can’t believe Sadie Sink is playing [CENSORED] in the MCU! Hope Walt doesn’t get mad that I spoiled that for you all…

Speaking of spoilers, did you have a pick on all the August Pre-Orders? There’s plenty of fun stuff to look at, and oh, so many Absolute Editions that make my wallet weep like I do in the gym. And since your friendly neighborhood Big Book Guy is all about that gym life, I picked out some delectable omnis to add to your weightlifting routine! Get ready, because this one is gonna get bloody good!

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Batman: Gotham Adventures Omnibus Vol. 1

We’re starting with a modern classic. Who doesn’t love some Batman? This is the third in the “Adventures” omni set and takes place in the same continuity as The New Batman Adventures cartoon. For those unaware, The New Batman Adventures was the third and final season of the legendary Batman: The Animated Series, right after The Adventures of Batman & Robin.

The reason it’s the best is simple: It introduces Tim Drake into the universe. What, did you expect I wouldn’t talk about my boy and the best Robin ever? Ha. Ha. Ha.

To be honest, this might have been my favorite run from this universe. It captures the tone of the classic cartoon so well, mixing that grit with child-friendliness-ish to astonishing effect. There are superheroics, as well as wonderful, deeper explorations of the characters. The stories here are episodic, and you can come and go as you like and still have a blast. Or, conversely, you can read it cover to cover and keep coming back to it again and again, like I know I will.

While the writing does a lot for me, the art is where this run truly wins me over. Drawing deeply from Bruce Timm’s original models, Rick Burchett shines, while Terry Beatty’s inks and Lee Loughridge’s colors push it even further, with Ty Templeton handling the writing. Even when the team changes in the latter half of the book, I am sure it will keep your attention and that you will love it as much as I do. It’s a must-buy for all BTAS fans and those curious to see what the fuss is all about!

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Predator Kills the Marvel Universe Omnibus

For those who want something a bit gorier, there’s always Predator. When Marvel got the license to Aliens and Predator some six years ago, people were excited to see just how much superhero blood would be shed. And now, here we are, with a big book scribed by Marvel’s #1 blood-spiller: Benjamin Percy.

When he first penned Predator vs. Wolverine, I was mildly intrigued. But then Predator vs. Black Panther hit, and what was a one-off, action-packed thing became a story spanning multiple minis, characters, and years. This book collects them all: Wolverine, BP, Spider-Man, and finally, the mini that gives the omnibus its name.

Ben Percy weaves a story masterfully. He loves the Predator lore and gives us an alternate universe where the Yautja, the Predator “race,” if you will, view the Marvel Universe as their ultimate hunting ground. He starts small: a personal battle between Logan and a Predator, fought across the decades. He quickly expands the story to incorporate Wakanda, New York City, and the world, while giving one of the Predators an interesting twist.

There is a killer roster of artists working on the book too! I am sure there will be something for everyone’s taste, as well as an artist or two that people love to dislike. But even those pages are good because they will give you the chance to say, “You’re one ugly mother…”

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The Complete Nemesis Collection Library Edition

The third pick for this month rounds everything out and ties it with a red, red, red bow. What if Batman was a psychotic killer? Meet Mark Millar’s Nemesis. He’s a billionaire genius who uses all of his intellect, resources, and physical training to terrorize the police and the general public, all while dressed in white for further contrast. Of course, the white gets stained red very quickly.

If you’ve ever read a Millar book, then you kind of know what to expect. It’s mindless, over-the-top, shocking, and visceral. You can switch off your brain, dive into the book, and have a blast with it. Nemesis goes up against cops, superheroes of the Millarworld universe, their sidekicks, and, of course, thanks to constant escalation, the entire globe! If you want a dark inversion of classic superhero tropes, you’ll find it here!

What sets this book apart for me is the art you will find within. Longtime collaborator Steve McNiven helps establish the character, and Jorge Jiménez does a banger job reloading him. Pepe Larraz picks up the torch in Big Game, while Valerio Giangiordano and Matteo Scalera finish it off with the one-two punch that is Rogues’ Gallery and Forever. The book is also part of Dark Horse’s Library Edition collection, so you can bet it will have a great build and binding, unless they majorly mess something up. They’ve had a good track record thus far in my book!

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