May sees the release of Nerd Block’s latest Comic Block with a mix of items including a t-shirt, tumbler, bookends, and comics. Created specifically for comic fans, it’s always interesting to see what’s inside.
How does the block stack up? Is bigger better? Find out as we explore what’s in the box!?
The above features an affiliate link of which we receive a percentage
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Logan
Iceman #1 (Marvel) – Marvel finally gives us a solo comic with a queer male lead, and it’s one of my all-time favorite X-Men, Iceman. I love Iceman because of his sense of humor as well as how he struggles to live up to his Omega mutant potential. I’m excited to see Sina Grace’s approach to superheroes after writing/drawing some kick-ass autobio comics, like Not My Bag and Self-Obsessed, and Alessandro Vitti’s work on Secret Warriors was fantastic too so it looks like Bobby is in good hands.
Giant Days #27 (BOOM! Studios) – Esther going political should be a treat, and I’m really interested to see what our favorite Goth drama queen has to say about thinly veiled parodies of Nigel Farage, Theresa May, and Jeremy Corbyn. Giant Days is my go-to slice of life and humor comic, and I can’t wait to see what hilarious moments John Allison, Max Sarin, Liz Fleming, and Whitney Cogar have cooked up.
Batman #24 (DC Comics) – From the solicit, it looks like this issue will be the connective tissue between “The Button” and the upcoming “War of Jokes and Riddles”. One thing I’ve liked about Tom King and David Finch’s run is their ability to tell epic scope stories in the confines of one book, and I’m looking forward to seeing their takes on more of Batman’s classic rogues. Also, Catwoman/Batman romance is always fun, and King has given them some flirty chemistry in previous isuses. (See “The Bat and the Cat” one-off from him and Mitch Gerads)
Nothing Lasts Forever OGN (Image) – This is really a good week to be a Sina Grace fan even though it seems like the next issue of Lil Depressed Boy is light years away. I really enjoy how honest he is in his memoirs, and how his art doesn’t idealize Grace’s body and reactions to the world around him. Plus this graphic novel seems to have more of a central narrative focus than his previous book Self-Obsessed , and it’ll nice to see the character of Sina Grace grow and develop through all the hardships he faces in the story.
KISS/Vampirella #1 (Dynamite) – One thing I love about Dynamite is their no holds barred approach to crossovers. Casting Vampirella as the frontwoman of an all-girl band in L.A. in the 1970s sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Plus throw in the insanity of the KISS mythos and plenty of supernatural elements, and this should definitely be a unique comic from Chris Sebela and Annapaola Martello.
Paul
Top Pick: Champions #9 (Marvel) – I have really been enjoying this book and it just gets better and better with every issue. The action is great, but it’s the banter between the team that really makes this book work and shows them growing closer together. This issue will be focusing on Viv Vision, and if you read The Vision series, you know she has been through a lot. This will no doubt be a great read.
Iceman #1 (Marvel) – I’m interested in seeing how Bobby will be explored in this new solo title and how he can carry a book on his own. I know he’s had limited series’ in the past, but I didn’t bother with them. And with the time displaced, younger Iceman being so different from the Iceman we know, I’m curious to see what direction Bobby will go in next.
X-Men Gold #5 (Marvel) – This title has brought the X-Men back to being super heroes and has been a great read so far. A classic line up and great action makes this a book you don’t want to miss. And now the team is facing a new generation of Sentinel; of course the X-Men need Sentinels to fight, it’s a rule.
Joe
Top Pick: Dark Knight III The Master Race #9 (DC Comics) – This series hasn’t lived up to the pedigree of what it should be known for, but I’ve still enjoyed it. Here we get the final issue and it’s still Frank Miller, so I’m excited to see how this all plays out, and appreciate the career of one of the greats.
Paper Girls #15 (Image) – The other book that Vaughn writes currently, and one that should also be required reading. This is part sci-fi, goonies, and much more as this awesome cast of female characters find their way through time, and some weird Apple products.
Batman #24 (DC Comics) – Another issue to slow things down after “The Button”. I am eager to take time to reflect on the Bane aftermath, Gotham Girl, Catwoman and Batman’s relationship, and to take a quick look at where everything is at before we take a break for the upcoming “The War of Jokes and Riddles”.
Superman #24 (DC Comics) – One of the most consistent books coming from DC Rebirth. It looks like this will deal with the continuing Hamilton County story, as the Kents already moved back to Metropolis in Action Comics.
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #3 (Marvel) – I have been pleasantly surprised with this title so far. It has only been two issues, but so far so good from the creative team of Duggan and Kuder.
Shay
Top Pick: Divided States of Hysteria #1 (Image) – Holding up a mirror to the US that’s just as frightening as what’s going on in the real world. I expect this one to be way more interesting than a Trump tweet with an equal amount of societal terror.
Top Pick: Suicide Squad Vol. 2 Going Sane (DC Comics) – Kryptonite, Lex Luther, Amanda Waller and all kinds of world ending Squad hijinks collected in one volume, containing four of my fave issues with a bonus Harley comic!
Bane Conquest #2 (DC Comics) – Nobody puts Bane-y in a corner er, I mean cell. This is one promising issue showcasing pure Bane badassery and some back story in kings.
Harley Quinn #21 (DC Comics) – The beginning of the Red Roses story arc part deux focuses on the interesting relationship and unrequited, maybe, love between Red Tool and Harley and I’m all kinds of ready to sip that crazy tea.
Bullseye #5 (Marvel) – SHIELD to the rescue, or capture, Bullseye’s mission coming to an end and what promises to be a great story.
Brett
Top Pick: Catalyst Prime Noble #2 (Lion Forge) – The first issue was top notch as we’re introduced into this new world that beyond the superpowers actually looks like a world we live in. Diversity on the page (beyond characters, but locations, situations, dynamics) and on the creative end are already paying off in an entertaining way.
The Flintstones #12 (DC Comics) – Some of the best political and social commentary anywhere wraps up with this final issue. Twelve issues weren’t enough and at the same time, it feels like we didn’t deserve this beyond intelligent comic series.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #1 (Marvel) – Writer Charles Soule tackles this new series focusing on Vader and the time after Episode III as he was learning to become Vader, a Sith, and the dawn of the Empire.
The Unsound #1 (BOOM! Studios) – A new horror series from writer Cullen Bunn. His previous horror series have all been top notch and I’d expect no less from this.
The Walking Dead #168 (Skybound/Image Comics) – The last issue showed this series can still surprise and deliver a punch to the gut. This issue begins the fallout in what I imagine will be a not very stable Rick.
This ragtag group of heroes is a force to be reckoned with – in space, and beyond! Superstar writer Gerry Duggan and Aaron Kuder have re-invented everyone’s favorite “a-holes” in Marvel’s All-New Guardians, and with All-New Guardians #4 hitting comic shops in June, there’s no better time to jump on board.
Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket Raccoon are taking their adventures to new heights as they blast their way through the galaxy. But trouble is never far behind for this band of misfits, and with the new Nova Corps hot on their tail and a war between the Elders of the Universe, space has never been more exciting – or more dangerous.
All-New Guardians #4 features a cover by Aaron Kuder and Ive Svorcina and a variant by Russell Dauterman.
It’s a new week, who saw Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 this weekend? What’d you think? Sound off in the comments below!
While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Around the Tubes
Talking Comics – “Hail,” No: Hydra Cap, Heroes, and the Mistakes of “Secret Empire” – An interesting read.
CBR – Pepe the Frog Is Dead: Creator Kills the White Supremacist-Hijacked Icon – Sigh.
The Detroit News – Craft beer and comic books come together in Clawson – A new spin on conventions.
ICv2 – Disney Goes Over-the-Top with ‘Star Wars,’ Marvel Content – Interesting.
DC Comics – DC Entertainment Expands Editorial Leadership Team – Congrats to all!
The Comichron – Soft start to 2017 continues with April sales; Secret Empire #0 tops charts – For those interested in the sales horserace.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Talking Comics – All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Herts Advertiser – The Amazing Spider-Man: The Clone Conspiracy
Talking Comics – Batman #22
Herts Advertiser – Captain America: Steve Rogers – The Trial of Maria Hill
Comic Attack – Catalyst Prime: Noble #1
ICv2 – John Blake: Mystery of the Ghost Ship
ICv2 – The Loud House Vol. 1: There Will Be Chaos
Talking Comics – Nightwing #20
Talking Comics – Secret Empire #1
Herts Advertiser – Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Civil War II
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1
(W) Gerry Duggan (A/CA) Aaron Kuder
Rated T+
In Shops: May 03, 2017
SRP: $3.99
A NEW ERA OF COSMIC ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!
Double ships every month!
The Guardians of the Galaxy have taken off into space once more, on their biggest and weirdest misadventures yet! Kicking things off with the biggest heist they’ve ever tried, we join Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon and company as they blast their way through the galaxy, the peacekeepers of the Nova Corps hot on their tails. And once they find themselves caught in a war between The Collector and The Grandmaster, there will hardly be time to explain why Groot can’t grow any bigger, what Gamora is searching for or why Drax has sworn off violence! But don’t worry, we will – with a new twice-monthly schedule, All-New Guardians of the Galaxy has space for ALL your Marvel Cosmic needs!
A new era begins right here! This May, blast off with your favorite ragtag group of spacefaring heroes for a historic new beginning! New adventures. New creative team. High adventure in the depths of space! Marvel has released a first look at All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1 – the new ongoing series hitting comic stores and digital devices everywhere on May 3rd! Creators
Creators Gerry Duggan and Aaron Kuder take Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccoon to new heights as the Guardians of the Galaxy return to the stars! Yet as this band of misfit reunites to blast their way through the galaxy, they’ll find that it won’t be long before trouble finds them! With the new Nova Corps hot on their tail and a war between the Elders of the Universe, thing have changed out on the edges of space!
Exciting alien worlds! Thrilling action! The mysteries of deep space! Strap in and hold on, because you’re in for a thrill ride to the furthest corners of the Marvel Universe!
Plus – don’t miss an original 10-page All-New Guardians of the Galaxy story on Free Comic Book Day (May 6th) from Duggan and Kuder!
Featuring covers by Aaron Kuder & Ive Svorcina, Leinil Yu, Skottie Young, John Tyler Christopher, and Jeffrey Veregge.
The biggest heroes, the biggest creators and the biggest stories are coming to Free Comic Book Day 2017! Marvel has unveiled the first of two, can’t-miss Free Comic Book Day offerings this year. Featuring two thrilling tales, All-New Guardians of the Galaxy FCBD #1 is the place to be to catch a prelude to two of 2017’s biggest new comics!
First, blast off with Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon and Groot as they head for the stars and right into an all-new ongoing series! Creators Gerry Duggan, Aaron Kuder and Ive Svorcina bring you over-the-top action and out-of-this-world adventure as the stage is set for May’s highly anticipated All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1! As this unlikely band of misfits returns to outer space once more, nothing will prepare them for their first run in with the new Nova Corps!
Then, head back down to Earth and the mean streets of Hell’s Kitchen as the blockbuster creative team that brought you Civil War II, Invincible Iron Man and Ultimate Spider-Man bring you their next explosive epic in…The Defenders! Superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez and Justin Ponsor unite Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist as they go head-to-head with the new criminal element in the Marvel Universe. What new player is running things in the underworld? Find out here with a 10-page tale that leads directly into The Defenders #1 this June!
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day on May 6th at participating comic shops everywhere!
This summer, your favorite ragtag group of spacefaring heroes are blasting off with a historic new beginning! New adventures, new creative team, high adventure in deep space! Marvel is pleased to announce All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1 – a new ongoing series launching this May from blockbuster creators Gerry Duggan and Aaron Kuder and Ive Svorcina!
Star-Lord. Gamora. Drax. Rocket Raccoon. Groot. Reunited and it feels so good! After an extended stay on this mudball we call Earth, the Guardians of the Galaxy return to the stars! Yet, as this band of misfits reunites, they’ll find they’ve undergone some…changes. Drax the Destroyer has sworn off violence. Groot isn’t regenerating as he once was. This team better get it together, because it won’t be long before they find themselves in a war between the Elders of the Universe. One that will force them to pull off the biggest heist they’ve ever attempted – literally!
Exciting alien worlds! Thrilling action! The mysteries of deep space!
