While I was off enjoying the salty air of the Maine coast this last week, DC went and dropped a A-bomb on the comic book reading world.*

It appears that due to some issues with royalties, DC has canceled the publication of several upcoming Showcase Presents books, including those collecting Suicide Squad and Johan Hex. My reaction was as could be expected.

This really sucks. I mean, I was really looking forward to that Suicide Squad book. A lot.

At this point in my life, I really live for those phonebook-sized tomes of reprinted decadence. Other than a handful of new floppies, all of my recent comic book purchases have revolved around newsprint. For DC to cancel the Suicide Squad Showcase, it’s like Marvel denying us a World War Hulk trade. It’s just not supposed to happen.

It does suck that this all comes down to a unwillingness on DC’s part to pay out royalties, because I never want money to come between me a what I want, but it remains a glimmer of hope that eventually these books will be printed.

In the meantime, Marvel will keep me happy by giving me exactly what I want in measured intervals. DC, you better have that Suicide Squad book out before Marvel as a chance to publish an Essential Daredevil covering the Miller years or else we’re finished.

*That is, my comic book reading world.