STROLLING THROUGH THE F.O.C
This is one of those rare weeks where I really couldn’t spot an overarching theme in the FOC-list.
Usually, when I write these previews, there’s something about the books that just grabs my attention and, almost by accident, ties them together.
Which only reminds me that as an online shop first (except for our open warehouse days every last Saturday of the month!), it’s easy to forget what it’s like to actually walk into a comic shop.
You might go in with a specific book or idea in mind—something you’ve been thinking about for a while. But you and I both know it doesn’t take long before you’re completely swept up in the marvels and hidden gems on the shelves, losing track of what you came for in the first place.
That’s the magic of a great comic shop and exactly what we try to offer: the full spectrum of comics, to satisfy your endless curiosity.
So, let’s dive into this week’s FOC picks, covering that entire spectrum!
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How special is ROM as a character?
In the diverse landscape of superhero comics, he stands out as one of Marvel’s most unusual characters. A series that began as a simple toy tie-in and, over time, turned into a cosmic adventure with real emotional weight. Even after decades out of print, the spirit of ROM—bold, heartfelt, and just a little bit weird (after all, we’re talking about a toy here)—remains hard to forget.
Yes, the comic was originally launched to support a line of action figures, and few expected it to be more than a cheap product. But much like the teams behind G.I. Joe and Transformers, writer Bill Mantlo and artist Sal Buscema approached the project with a seriousness and imagination that gave it new life. Instead of a throwaway marketing exercise, they delivered a science fiction adventure, full of action and a surprising amount of heart.
The finale collected in this new volume is a testament to the series’ impact. What makes it memorable isn’t just the grand battles or the cameos by other Marvel characters, but the sheer sincerity and sense of fun that defined the book.
The creators seemed less concerned with selling toys than with telling a satisfying story.
ROM Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years Vol. 5 TP *PRE-ORDER*
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Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the murder among them all?
Despite some delays and a few rushed announcements in their recent rollouts, one thing about DSTLRY remains undeniable: the publisher is fully committed to its mission of giving both established comic book veterans and bold new voices the creative freedom to pursue their most ambitious and personal projects.
At this imprint, stories that might have been compromised elsewhere are allowed to fully flourish, making DSTLRY a home for some of today’s most original comics.
Warm Fusion being a perfect example for the imprints mission.
It’s a three-issue sci-fi/horror comic from Scott Hoffman and Alberto Ponticelli, set in a future New York that’s pretty much falling apart.
The main character is an escort who cosplays as Snow White and ends up investigating a series of murders in the city’s brothels—murders that are somehow connected to a mysterious new metal called, you guessed it, Warm Fusion!
And honestly, once you get into it, you can see exactly why this book is being pitched as a mix between Videodrome, The Thing, and RoboCop. It’s dark, weird, over the top, and very much committed to its style.
If you’re into stories that aren’t afraid to get a little strange and push the boundaries of the medium, this one’s definitely worth a look.
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I herald his beginning, I herald your end, I herald... legendary mapping.
Much like with Rom, we’re diving back into another epic space saga, this time with none other than the Silver Surfer at its center.
He’s such an iconic character that if someone called him the face of Marvel Comics, it would be hard to find anyone who disagreed. Whether it’s his striking look, his emotional depth, or just the aura he carries, there are plenty of reasons.
The Surfer was one of Stan Lee’s personal favorites, chosen for his legendary team-up with Moebius and as the star of the stunning Silver Surfer: Black, written by Donny Cates and brought to life by the fantastic Tradd Moore.
These are all books bursting with creativity, uniqueness, and energy—the kind of projects Marvel would hardly dare to publish today, in an era where corporate synergy seems to drive every decision in its publishing. All of which is even more reason to check out the Silver Surfer: The Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus. They just don’t make them like this anymore.
In this collection, the Surfer takes center stage during Marvel’s ultimate cosmic event, the Infinity Gauntlet saga. As Thanos returns from the dead, bent on gathering the Infinity Stones and wiping out half the universe, the Surfer races to warn Earth’s heroes before it’s too late.
Silver Surfer: The Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus Ron Lim Infinity Gauntlet Cover HC *PRE-ORDER*
Silver Surfer: The Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus Ron Lim Marvel Age Cover HC [DM Only] PRE-ORDER
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All books on FOC today
...can be found here! We don’t change the prices until at least Friday, but don't tell anyone cause that’s a secret!!!
Marvel DM Covers usually go fast, so don't say I didn't warn you about the Ron Lim Thanos cover.
ALL BOOKS ON F.O.C.
See you,
Tomás