2010 The Martian Manhunter Archives Volume 3 PX Edition Table of Contents by Tom Hartley

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With my posting delay and the post-holiday Thursday arrival of comics, I didn't have time to point out that the Diamond Comics Distributors Previews Exclusive Edition of The Martian Manhunter Archives Volume Three had finally arrived. No one was more surprised than me that DC sold out of their first printing of this book, even with the ordering snafu that saw the book under-printed. Obviously, it was the awesomely infinitesimal sway of this blog that led to this revised edition, now with a reprint of the lead story from Detective Comics #306, the first appearance of Professor Arnold Hugo. Most likely, going back to press, DC wanted to hedge their bets by offering an additional reprint, perhaps in hopes of picking up some double dip dollars while delivering product to those who missed theirs in the first round. I'm a bit disappointed that there is no indication on the outer cover that this is a variation from the first printing other than the advisory sticker on the shrink wrap. However, I'm bowled over to finally get "The Wizard of a Thousand Menaces" on high grade paper stock with vibrant colors. It sure beats my yellow-brown original copy.

The reason for giving this printing its own post is actually under the cover. First, once you remove the recycled dust jacket, instead of the usual green foil Martian Manhunter "pie" symbol on the actual cover, it's done in gold (as is the text on the spine.) It seems to me like that would be more trouble than offering a new cover, but I guess it cuts down on confusion for those seeking this edition (well, not the collectors hot for a first printing.) The other change is a revised Table of Contents, not only listing the Hugo story, but replacing J'onn J'onzz with the Professor in the front page image. I think that's pretty darn swell, especially since it looks like Hugo is directing you to read the stories.