Free Weegie has been freed! There were some shipping snafus, but Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #686 is now in stores—and we’re shipping two issues a month until we catch up (in April)!

Here’s the breakdown on the new on-sale dates:

January 9, 2008: DuckTales #3: Scrooge’s Quest
January 16, 2008: US #371, WDC #686
January 30, 2008: US #372, WDC #687, Treasures #2
February 12, 2008: US #373, WDC #688, Barks/Rosa #2
February 27, 2008: US #374, WDC #689
March 5, 2008: US #375, WDC #690
March 19, 2008: US #376, WDC #691, Spring Fever #2

Geppi announced that… Gemstone Publishing will be… relocating to York, PA effective the first week of October 2007.

[snip]

“York has an exciting dynamic to it. It’s definitely a city and a region on the move, and we’re excited to be a part of that. This is a terrific entry into a rich marketplace, both in terms of the history to be found and the collectors with a vibrant interest in it. I am personally very pleased to be able to create this opportunity,” Geppi said.

Yup, that’s right: moving from Timonium, MD to York, PA in just a couple of weeks: “The new facility, located at 3679 Concord Road, York, Pennsylvania 17402, is expected to be fully up and running by the first week of October 2007.” Gemstone is now under the “Geppi Entertainment” banner, along with Diamond Intl. Galleries, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, Hake’s Americana & Collectibles and Morphy Auctions.

(HT: Infuze Magazine)

I just got my (complimentary) advance copy of The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck This collection is, hands down, the best “classic Disney character” stories I’ve ever read!

ITEM CODE: FEB058460
SC, 7×10, 96pgs, FC Price: $9.99

I’ve got issue #1 (sold out!), and #2 (also sold out!) is coming in this week… so far, I really like the story: it’s got a lot of potential, and from the tidbits I’ve picked up, I think the story’s going to flesh out nicely.

For those who "must know," here are the issue summaries for the stories comprising this volume (special thanks goes to Silver Bullet Comics for cataloging PREVIEWS in its entirity each month!):

Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker (Issue 1)

A strange force has been twisting the magical world and making its way toward Wonderland. Alice, who has become the right hand of the Queen of Hearts, sets out to find out what this dark magic is and perhaps find her way home in the process. We’re also introduced to Jim Hawkins, proud, independent, adventurous…and fired! A pirate without a ship, Jim’s never been one for taking orders, and that lands him on his own, but not for long. Pinocchio, once again a little wooden boy, tags along and invites Jim on a whole new adventure.

Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker (Issue 2)

Jim and Pinocchio continue their quest to Oz, when they are sidetracked by a band of religious zealots who kidnap Pinocchio! At the same time, Red and Piper confront Grandma’s kidnapper, who points the finger at Alice! An exciting, action-packed issue not to be missed!

Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker (Issue 3)

All roads lead to Oz, but no one ever said it would be easy getting there. Jim Hawkins fights to rescue his friend Pinocchio from the denizens of the World Tree, but he may not like what he finds. Meanwhile, while searching for Red Riding Hood’s grandmother Alice, Red and the Pied Pier find their way blocked by three hell-bent Billy goats. Granny’s secret is revealed, but will it matter by the time they find what’s left of her?

Lullaby: Wisdom Seeker (Issue 4)

LULLABY comes to a dramatic conclusion as Jim and Pinocchio finally come face to face with Alice, the Piper, Red Riding Hood and Cheshire Cat. A bond is formed quickly, not only because both groups are heading toward Oz, but also because they share a common menace. A menace that threatens everyone� Oz’s own Tin Man. But just as everything else has been twisted and bent in this fairy tale world so has the Tin Man. Can the newly formed fellowship stand against the lumbering, steam powered giant, or will this be the end of the journey for our heroes?

LULLABY: WISDOM SEEKER is © and ® Mike S. Miller & Hector Sevilla, 2005. All Rights Reserved.