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Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Justice League #43Wednesdays 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.

Brett

Nanjing: The Burning City HC (Dark Horse) – This is one of those weeks where I could have easily chosen 20 different comics to put on my picks. Narrowing it down to five was very difficult, but this book is absolutely on top. A graphic novel taking place in Nanjing during the Chinese occupation/attack during the second Chinese/Japanese war. The atrocities committed are staggering, and this graphic novel is a nice introduction that will hopefully get people more interested in this genocide and destruction.

Hip Hop Family Tree #1 (Fantagraphics) – If you missed it, the praised Fantagraphics graphic novel series is being released as monthly comics with extra material, so perfect for new readers and old readers like. The series is an amazing recounting of the rise of hip hop music.

Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare #1 (Comix Tribe) – I love Comix Tribe’s releases, though their release schedule can be a bit spotty at times. This new series, spinning out of The Red Ten, which is being released a week early, focuses on the supervillain the Oxymoron. Comix Tribe is a publisher that absolutely deserves more eyes on their releases.

Princeless: Raven, the Pirate Princess #2 (Action Lab Entertainment) – Jeremy Whitley’s Princeless has been both entertaining and destroying comic tropes and stereotypes at the same time. This new series, which spun out of the last volume, focuses on Raven as she builds a pirate crew to take on her brothers. This issue is amazing, and there’s one sequence in particular that’ll get you laughing and thinking.

Young Terrorists #1 (Black Mask Studios) – A fascinating read that I’m still digesting. It gets Black Mask Studios back to its political roots, taking on corporations, governments, really, society as a whole.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Justice League #43 (DC Comics) – The ending to the previous issue, with Batman taking on the role of Metron, is one of the big type of developments that Geoff Johns loves in his storytelling.  Where this story arc goes from here is anyone’s guess, but it is going to be something big.

Manifest Destiny #16 (Image Comics) – This series continues with the unexplained mysteries of America’s interior, as was seen by a different Lewis and Clark.  The revelations of the previous issue seem like they will have a big impact going forward.

Secret Wars: Secret Love #1 (Marvel) – Romance comics are an important part of the history of the medium of comics.  It is nice to see a romance inspired tie-in to Secret Wars, though it will be interesting to see exactly where they take it.

Silk #6 (Marvel) – There are still a few Marvel monthlies that are moving along somewhat unbothered by Secret Wars, and Silk is one of them.  This fun series never got a good chance to gain a decent fan base but continues to impress.

Van Helsing Vs. Dracula #1 (Zenescope) – Dracula is probably the most widely used villain in comics, not in terms of appearances, but in terms of how many companies have published stories with him.  Liesel Van Helsing is a steampunk heroine that has never made the connection with readers.  Putting the two together seems like it might work though.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Princeless: Raven the Pirate Princess #2 (Action Lab Entertainment) –  Everyone loves Princeless, the feminist, funny, exciting all-ages fantasy comic staring women of color and a dragon. Raven the Pirate Princess is not just a spin-off series, it is the next step of maturation for the adventure/fantasy world Jeremy Whitley is building. While both series are all-ages this one is aimed at slightly older kids. It very effectively lampoons real world sexism in ways that I want to put on freaking flyers and hand out at conferences.

Just as important, it features young women flirting with each other. So you get pirate ships and also ‘shipping in one family-friendly, queer positive, comic book featuring mostly people of color.

Marvel, DC, take note.

Which brings us to….

Top Pick: Secret Wars: Secret Loves #1 (Marvel) – Jeremy Whitley, creator of the feminist all-ages fantasy comic dynamo that is Princeless is finally writing something for Marvel. It’s a romance story featuring Danny Rand and Misty Knight! If that wasn’t enough in this comic we get Kamalah Kahn and Robbie Reyes together. Marvel should probably publish a full time romance series again. Other then X-Men.

Black Canary #3 (DC Comics) – Last issue ended on a cliff hanger. Who’s Dinah’s ex in the covert-ops suit? And how does that mysterious kid play guitar like that? And when will someone buy me an Annie Wu commission? Her art here is killer.

Island #2 (Image Comics) – Bored of comics? Want something new? Buy this. All of the art is unlike any of the other comics art you have. Unless you read a lot of Brandon Graham stuff in which case the Brandon Graham stuff will be familiar. And by familiar I mean awesome.

Power-Up #2 (BOOM! Box/BOOM! Studios) – Magical girls for everyone! Magical girls for construction workers with beards! For Mom’s in station wagons with irritable teenagers! For tiny gold fish! And for under-employed retail workers. Cute and heartfelt. Read the review I wrote for issue 1.

Secret Six #5 (DC Comics) – Gail Simone’s original run on Secret Six is one of my favorite comics of all time. It’s taken a while to get this new volume up and running properly. But the last issue marked a major upswing in the series. It’s harkening back to the twisted humor, over the top violence and drama between members of a found family of fucked-up people that made readers fall in love with the original series.

Wolf #2 (Image Comics) – Urban fantasy is a dime a dozen right now but Ales Kott’s new series Wolf stands out. The story is completely unpredictable. This series has a David Lynchian vibe I haven’t felt in anything else I read. It’s reminiscent in tone Mulholland Drive in particular. The series is genuinely creepy and a little confusing. But I love Mulholland Drive for those very reasons. So consider that praise for this book too.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Justice League #43 (DC Comics) – Forget Age of Ultron and Ant-Man, this has been the cinematic adventure of the year for me! I love how Johns has taken the old cliché of “Bat-God” and turned it literal. Awesome stuff. His reinterpretation of Darkseid and his Apokolips horde is fantastic.  I don’t see it slowing down. Waiting at the bus stop for the next Boom Tube!

Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #4 (Marvel Comics) – Peter finally gets his daughter back and she fights by his side. I don’t think anything more needs to be said. Thwip this one up quick Webheads!

House of M #1 (Marvel Comics) – What’s better than one rule under Doom? Try Magneto. I am very glad they are revisiting this story. Was great when it was originally published. However what could Wanda wish away this time? How about hoping she utters the words “No More Reboots.”

Superman/ Wonder Woman #20 (DC Comics) – Continuing the Truth story, I’m eager to see what became of Lana Lang but if this month doesn’t turn it around, this might be it for me on this title. Big fan of Mahnke but not sure his art can save me on this. Hope I’m wrong.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #49 (IDW Publishing) – One more issue till the big one. This is where it hits the fan! Turtles, Shredder, Splinter, Bebop, Rocksteady, Metalhead, Karai. I am eagerly awaiting the showdown. Rumor is one of the Turtles may not survive..

Around the Tubes

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Yesterday was new comic book day. Did folks read anything they really enjoyed? While you decide on that, here’s some news and reviews to keep you entertained.

Around the Tubes

iO9 – Superhero Movies, Ranked – Agree? Disagree?

Kotaku – Bombshells Drop In DC Universe Online – Looks pretty good.

Kotaku – Arkham Knight’s Batgirl DLC Just Isn’t Good Enough – Anyone play this yet?

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – Black Canary #2

Tech Times – Black Canary #2

Comic Vine – Hawkeye #22

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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JUSTL_Cv42_R1_552c48ea8ad336.43158695Wednesdays 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.

Brett

The Divine (First Second) – This graphic novel written by Boaz Lavie and art by Asaf Hanuka and Tomer Hanuka is based on real guerrilla freedom fighters, who just so happen to be kids. They were believed to have magical powers and able to summon spirits. The graphic novel is magical look at this odd history, but with an emphasis on the magical aspect in the second half of the graphic novel.

Black Canary #2 (DC Comics) – Lets rock and roll! The first issue knocked it out of the park with not only a punk rock vibe in the writing, but also with the art. There’s an interesting mix of genres so far, and I fully expect the second issue to be top notch.

Book of Death #1 (Valiant) – This is the future of the Valiant universe as their summer event kicks off!

Letter 44 #18 (Oni Press) – President Blades commits his coalition forces to a take-no-prisoners drive across Europe. It’s science fiction at its best. Consistently one of my favorite comics.

Skullkickers #33 (Image Comics) – One of the most entertaining and funniest comics on the market. Jim Zub’s off the rails fantasy adventure never disappoints.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Moon Knight #17 (Marvel) – I’ve been loving the new Moon Knight series right from the get go; the combination of standalone single issue stories (for the most part), and the striking way the colourists simply don’t colour the white on Moon Knight’s costume.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – This epic story has been nothing short of fantastic thus far, but then again it is the Justice League versus Darkseid vs. the Anti-Monitor, so what would you expect?  More big developments are sure to follow in this next chapter.

Doomed #2 (DC Comics) – Probably the biggest surprise of the DC You relaunch, featuring an approachable main characters and a strong group of supporting characters.

Dr. Fate #2 (DC Comics) – Another impressive DC You title, with a character focused story to try to put this character back into the mainstream.

Grimm Fairy Tales 10th Anniversary Special Alice (Zenescope) – The two Grimm Fairy Tales 10th anniversary specials thus far have been really fun.  Mix that with its best property, Wonderland, and this should promise to be pretty amazing.

Guardians of Knowhere #1 (Marvel) – Secret Wars gets its chance at taking on the Guardians of the Galaxy tie-in which looks to be pretty fun.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Island Magazine #1 (Image Comics) – 116 pages a month of genre defying, artist driven comics and writing. This is Brandon Graham’s (“Multiple Warheads” King City” “8House”) creator-owned comics magazine and every month will be something new. Imagine if Heavy Metal Magazine (the sci-fi and comics magazine full of Crepax and Moebius, not a magazine about Megadeath) was debuting in 2015. This would be that. It’s not like anything else you have. This month’s has a comic about skateboarding by Ludroe. Kelly Sue Deconnick writing about writing. Lovely Emma Rios art.  There’s just a whole lot here and it’s not like anything else.

The 6 Voyages Of Lone Sloane GN (Titan Comics) – This is the 1970s psychedelic scifi fantasy artgasm of my dreams. Dreams with Hawkwind space rock soundtracks.  The writer/artist is Philippe Druillet known for his work in Heavy Metal Magazine. He created Elric of Melniboné fan art so good that the character’s creator, Michael Moorcock himself actually wrote it into his world. No surprise that the world  Duillet creates here looks a lot like something out of Moorcock’s brain. Good choice as that’s one of the trippiest brains of all time!

Black Canary #2 (DC Comics) – Black Canary’s in a rock band touring the U.S. And fighting space ninjas before they kidnap her band’s adorable kid guitarist. Do you like rock? Do you like comics? You need this.

Lumberjanes #16 (BOOM! Studios) – “For the love of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, please” by this comic! It won an Eisner. It is warm and funny and creative and educational (it turns the names of important Women In History into exclamations). It has queer kids experiencing their first crushes. It’s the comic you wish you had when you were a kid. So make a kid’s day and buy this comic to share.

Secret Six #4 (DC Comics) – Last issue featured a now rightfully legendary “who had weird sex on the couch last night?!?” cover. It was a simple joke but it was damn funny and do you know what? I think this book is finally getting in the swing of things. In fact, it’s quite literally going to a strange and alien local. It’s going to The Suburbs where few anti-heroes/villains have gone before.

 

Johnny “Big Daddy Cool” Dellarocca

Top Pick: Ant-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) – I am a die hard fan of hank Pym. Without apology. So, to see him return as a feature star yet again in an Ant man book has given me hope about the future of the character, and suggests that his final fate in Rage of Ultron is not in continuity and is at best an alternate future “What if?” Hank Pym fans unite!

Hail Hydra #1 (Marvel) – Everyone knows the bad guys are the coolest characters, right? This, and the Red Skull Secret Wars spin off should give everyone their does of Marvel’s evil goodness for a while! Plus, it is a Remender book. How can you go wrong, really?

Mistry PI #1 (Graphic India PTE. Ltd) – I have a feeling based on the publisher that this one is going to be hard to find on shelves, but it has all the stuff that intrigues me so I’m going to hunt it down or at least find it on digital. “There are things that exist in the shadows that ordinary people know nothing of. Another world that lies underneath our very own; a world of demons, monsters, djinns, mummies, werewolves, vampires and demi-gods. It’s in this world that Darius Mistry and his friend, Amos Golem, operate as Paranormal Investigators for hire.” What else can you ask for? I mean, really?

Where Monsters Dwell #3 (Marvel) – I’ve got to admit that the I wanted to love this book. The Dieselpunk in me, was so excited about a serial style adventure pitting the Phantom Eagle against dinosaurs in the sky. BUT, when the first issue went in a completely different direction, I was less than trilled. HOWEVER, Issue #2 came along and the series started to grow on me. The final panel of issue #2 had me hooked and now I can’t wait to see what issue #3 hold in store for our heroes!
Mr. H

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – Darkseid! The Antimonitor! The all powerful newcomer Grail! Sounds like the ultimate cosmic battle royale. So get your tickets. As good ol J.R. would say “It’s gonna be a sloberknocker!!” Oh yeah and those Justice League guys? They’ll be there too.

Green Lantern: The Lost Army #2 (DC Comics) – Here’s to new rings and ramifications! The mythos expands let’s see where it goes!

Red Sonja #1973 (Dynamite Entertainment) – A anniversary anthology of the sexiest woman to ever brandish a blade, blood and guts, leather and chain mail bikinis, how can it miss! Looking forward to a sterling celebration where hopefully it makes the Red Wedding look like a spilled glass.

Siege #1 (Marvel Comics) – Zombie hordes, death machines and Annihilation waves. Count me in. In Doom we trust

Superman/Wonder Woman #19 (DC Comics) – The former man of steel and amazing Amazon battle the Suicide Squad deep in the fields of Smallville! This title has been a sleeper as of late. Here’s to it fully waking me up.

 

Matt

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – The start of Darkseid War in the last issue was a wonderful and epic culmination of the entire Johns run on Justice League, and I can’t wait for it to continue.

Ant-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) – The Ant-Man movie coming up has me and I’m sure others craving some Ant-Man action in comics; surely this annual will hit the spot.

Hawkeye #22 (Marvel) – Matt Fraction’s critically-acclaimed, soon-to-be-classic run on Hawkeye will finally come to an end this Wednesday.

Planet Hulk #3 (Marvel) – I’ll admit that I’m an issue behind on this book, but I can’t help but be excited for another issue of this ridiculous spirital successor to Planet Hulk, a comic I truly love.

Silver Surfer #13 (Marvel) – This issue’s solicited promise of offering a story important to the state of the cosmic Marvel Universe as well as another story focused on just the two leads of this great series means that there is something special to look forward to here.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Siege #1 (Marvel) – This title promises to show us The SHIELD, which protects most of Battleworld for the more violent, monstrous elements of this new world.  Anyone who breaks the law from any region in Battleworld is sent to The SHIELD to defend it, so I’m very curious to see which band of characters we’ll be following.  Plus, it has Abigail Brand, so I am looking forward to this one.

Captain Britain and The Mighty Defenders #1 (Marvel) – I was a fan of the Mighty Avengers title, and this book spins off from that, so I’m interested to see how that concept plays out in Battleworld.  This is a shorter series, only looks like it will be 2 issues, so I hope the story gets across in that time, and doesn’t feel rushed.

Secret Wars: Battleworld #3 (Marvel) – I’ve enjoyed this title, as well as Secret Wars Journal, giving us shorter stories from areas of Battleworld not focused on in the main books.  This shows us other versions of some of our favourite characters…and this one gives us a story of a Wolverine who has found peace and a non violent life, who is confronted with other, more ferocious versions of himself.  Could be a fun read.

Years of Future Past #3 (Marvel) – This Secret Wars tie in consistently keeps me engaged and enjoying the story of this area of Battleworld and the mutants fighting for their survival.  Also, Lockheed is a big ass dragon breathing fire at sentinels..so yeah, I’m in.

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It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d everyone get that you liked? Anything that you didn’t?

While you decide, here’s some news and reviews from around the web you might like.

Around the Tubes

Kotaku – Batman: Arkham Knight Is Full of Superman Easter Eggs – Cool to see.

ICv2 – Confessions of a Comic Book Guy–And That’s a Good Thing – A good read.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – Age of Ultron vs Marvel Zombies #1

Talking Comics – Black Canary #1

Flickering Myth – Bullet Gal #12

CBR – Fight Club 2 #2

CBR – Jem and the Holograms #4

Comic Vine – Superman #41

CBR – We Are Robin #1

Listen to Graphic Policy Radio with Guest Brenden Fletcher on Demand

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On demand: iTunes ¦ Sound Cloud ¦ Stitcher

Graphic Policy Radio interviewed writer Brenden Fletcher for our podcast and if you like his work (Batgirl, Black Canary, Gotham Academy) and/or care about creating inclusive comics in which young people, people of color, women and girls and LGBTQ people are represented then you should give it a listen.

We got to break some news last night! Brenden just received new pages drawn by the great Ming Doyle (who we interviewed the week before). The two share a gothic aesthetic so it’s a great collaboration. Not sure which project it will be for…perhaps the Batgirl Annual?

Helen Chen, the artist who drew the painterly, charming and lightly Miyazaki-ish Gotham Academy #7, will be an artist for the Batgirl Annual.

I invented the concept of Schrodinger’s Oracle. Dare we look into the box (issue 41) to see if there’s a new Oracle? Brenden’s response to my question was rather specific.

If future issues of Brenden’s books are late it’s because I told him about Gravity Falls, a TV cartoon I describe as Twin Peaks for kids. Oops.

We learned the inspiration behind rock and roll Black Canary, Brenden’s musical past, some hidden Batman characters in Gotham Academy and the secret behind why Montreal is a comics hub (it has something to do with public policy…)

And that’s just the beginning!

Graphic Policy Radio with guest Brenden Fletcher LIVE this Monday

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GP Radio pic MondayThis Monday night Graphic Policy Radio hits the airwaves with a brand new guest. Joining us for the first time is comic creator Brenden Fletcher. The show airs live Monday, June 22 at 10pm ET.

Brenden Fletcher has been a professional storysmith for more than a decade. Hailing from the worlds of theatre and film, Brenden made an impact on comics with DC Comics’ award-winning Wednesday Comics anthology, penning the critically acclaimed Flash story with Karl Kerschl. Since then he’s been developing new media and video game properties, most recently partnering with Ubisoft to extend its line of Assassin’s Creed graphic novels. He’s currently writing the Black Canary series for DC Comics while continuing to co-write Batgirl with Cameron Stewart and Gotham Academy with Becky Cloonan.

We’ll be discussing Brenden’s entire career but especially his work on Gotham Academy, Batgirl, and the brand new Black Canary which debuts in comic shops this week.

You can Tweet us your thoughts to @graphicpolicy. And listen in live this Monday!

Review: Black Canary #1

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black-canary-1-promo-121636Dinah Lance hits the road! After years as a soldier and vigilante, the LAST place Dinah saw herself is on stage…but she’s quickly learning she’d die to protect the gang of misfits she’s fallen into. And she just might have to – for some reason, the newly rechristened band Black Canary seems to be a magnet for trouble…and Dinah’s not gonna believe it when she finds out the reason why!

Martial arts, super-spies, and rock ‘n’ roll combine in Black Canary #1 courtesy of writer Brenden Fletcher and artist Annie Wu. Going into this first issue, I didn’t know what to expect. We know Dinah joined a band from her time in Batgirl (of which Fletcher is a writer), but can you make a series just from that? Fletcher proves you can, but it’s also fun to add in all kinds of fighting, aliens, a mystery, and a lot of humor.

The great is folks can pick up the first issue and need to know absolutely nothing. Dinah’s past is a mystery in this series, and whether you know it or not, it doesn’t matter, and both old an new readers will be able to go into it and enjoy it in different ways because of that. But, it’s that humor and action that will get people hooked. Black Canary #1 to me feels a little like Scott Pilgrim, but with a much more kick-ass lead singer.

Part of that Pilgrim vibe is the art which might be the one that most breaks from what I’d consider DC’s house-style that was prevalent during the New 52. Annie Wu’s art is very cool to check out matching a rock and roll vibe. It’s something I’d expect on a flyer advertising an underground rock concert. It’s very unique, and just cool to check out.

Black Canary seems to be another break from the DC mold, helping the publisher diversify their line and most importantly do that with fun, entertaining comics. When I was done reading the first issue I not only wanted to read the second, I also wanted to hear the album that’d been produced by the band within.

Story: Brenden Fletcher Art: Annie Wu
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Around the Tubes

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It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d everyone get?

Around the Tubes

CBDLF – Connecticut Middle Schooler Investigated by State Police for “Death Note” List – Calls for a ban in 3…2…1…

Kotaku – Batman’s Big Collector’s Edition Cancelled At Last Minute – Well that sucks.

The Full Bleed – What Movie Producers Can Teach You About Selling Comics – An intriguing read.

Newsarama – Fantastic Four Hits Denny’s … No, Seriously – Interesting.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

CBR – Black Canary #1

Comic Vine – Black Canary #1

Flickering Myths – Burning Fields #5

Comic Vine – Deadpool’s Secret Wars #2

The Outhousers – The Fiction #1

CBR – Ghostbusters: Get Real #1

Comic Vine – Ghostbusters: Get Real #1

Talking Comics – Gotham Academy #7

Comic Vine – Ms. Marvel #17

The Outhousers – Negative Space #1

Comic Vine – Old Man Logan #2

Comics Alliance – Prez #1

Comic Vine – Runaways #1

The Outhousers – The Strain: The Night Eternal #10

Comic Vine – X-O Manowar #37

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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black-canary-1-promo-121636Wednesdays 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.

Brett

Top Pick: Prez #1 (DC Comics) – A teenager is elected President by Twitter in this future send-up of the state of politics. Working in politics I found myself laughing, and cringing at how accurate the series was, especially in its more satirical moments. It hit close to home, which is a good thing. A fantastic send-up perfectly timed for the 2016 Presidential race.

The Kitchen #8 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – I’ve loved this series since the start. It’s a take on the mob genre, except set in the 70s, and it’s the women in charge. The last few issues have had twists and turns of double crosses and all sorts of deals. This final issue of the miniseries is going to be explosive and entertaining.

Letter 44 #17 (Oni Press) – It’s WWIII people!!! Writer Charles Soule has gone all out in this series focused on a President dealing with first contact with aliens, and the crew that’s doing so. The story has been amazing and when I think I have things down, the series throws a curve.

Princeless: Be Yourself #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – It’s a new volume of the fantastic series that has a young princess saving herself, as well as her sisters. Destroying tropes, pointing out the idiocy of some accepted things in entertainment, and doing it while entertaining too!

Southern Bastards #9 (Image Comics) – One of the best (if not the best) comic on the market right now. The writing, the art, all of it is beyond amazing. It’s the homecoming game, but there’s also been a murder. It’s never too late to hop on and check out this Southern noir series.

 

Chris

Top Pick: Ei8ht # 5 (Dark Horse Comics) – Travelers lost in time, check. Selfless heroism, check. A merciless opposing force, check. This time travel thriller has its bases covered. The art style consisting essentially of black and white shading with contrasting color to provide surface texture may drive away those interested in other titles with bright colors and intense detail. However they would be missing out  on an intriguing tale of time travel where the character connection across time and place are more than meets the eye.

Archie vs. Predator #3 of 4 (Dark Horse Comics) – Even without reading the previous two issues this comic immediately called out to me as a must read. I have to admit that my love for Predator and comic mash-ups is to blame for that. Right away I could see this is not the Archie I was expecting. This issue has it all classic Archie humor,  blood and gore, and a captivating storyline complete with satirical introspective of those stuck in a horrific movie like situations.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – The beginning of a 4 part series where our heroes are unknowingly transported to an alternate dimension when the will of a God is thwarted. To return home they must work with their counterparts from this dimension who luckily just so happen to have experience with this sort of adventure. Reference Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Ghostbusters. This issue lays the ground work for what I expect to be yet another great series from the Burnham, Schoeing and Delgado team over at IDW.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey & April #1 (IDW Publishing) – Love TMNT but tired of the Turtles then this comic is for you. Take all the turtle powered action and replace it with a teenage love story between Casey and April. While this reviewer is not regretting the time spent reading this issue, it did not rouse much more than a fleeting interest in the series. This issue is a definite pass in my book.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Prez #1 (DC Comics) –  DC is committed to trying something new, and while that hasn’t necessarily worked so far, this new #1 looks like an intriguing updates on the short-lived series from 1973, as a teenage twitter sensation becomes the next President of the United States.  Hopefully it is equal parts social commentary and Bartgirling.

Alex + Ada #15 (Image Comics) –  The finale to this engaging series is here and we get to find out the final fate of the unlikely lovers.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #4 (Marvel/Disney) –  Did you ever watch a Disney movie and think to yourself that it is pretty entertaining despite the G rating?  That same feeling permeates this series.

Doomed #1 (DC Comics) – Another DC #1, this series looks at a person that can change into Doomsday.  Part of the problem of the appeal of Superman stories is that they lack the street level outlook that some readers like (with the present Truth storyline only sort of helping that.)  Maybe this series is DC’s way of finally shaking up its Superman mythos.

Grimm Fairy Tales 10th Anniversary Special #2 Red Riding Hood (Zenescope) –  Zenescope’s least celebrated superhero, Britney Waters, gets another chance to shine here.  Just when will they give her an ongoing series?

 

Elana

Top Pick: Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Spinning off of the hip, young Batgirl series is a new series featuring one of the all time best characters in comics. It’s about time she gets a solo series. The book’s premise is that our super powered vocalist becomes the singer of a rock band, goes on tour and fights bad guys on the road. The awesome rock and roll outfits get my approval.

Wu’s art is hip as hell– the line at her booth at Special Edition was enormous.  Fletcher star is rising fast (see hits like Gotham Academy & Batgirl for starters). This is a creative, modern duo writing for an inclusive audience. The future of super hero comics. So I was pleasantly surprised to read in an interview with Fletcher that some of the legacy of the great Silver Age social issues comics series Green Lantern/Green Arrow is continued in this book. Here’s to a new generation’s “hard traveling heroes“.

Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) – The multiverse at stake so who will take care of Jersey City? Kamala is breaking my heart with this cover. Who needs a hug!?

Runaways #1 (Marvel) – Noelle Stevenson’s series Nimona is a runaway hit on the Internet that appeals to a younger and often female Fanbase. This is her big two debut. Her work on Lumber Janes is going to win an Eisner. Having her write a Runaways story about kids with super powers sounds like a match made in heaven. And boy do I miss these kids.

Secret Six #3 (DC Comics) – I need to know what the hell is happening! Gail’s original Secret Six series is kind of the best thing ever. The new series had a good premise but it’s been a rough go. I will keep giving this a series chance. I still have faith!

Thors #1 (Marvel) – Because unlike the Highlander there CAN’T be only one. Most excited for of course our female Thor and Storm. Cute detective story premise seals the deal.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Thors #1 (Marvel) – Jason Aaron has been on fire lately and if he’s that good with one God of Thunder, I’m dying to see what he does with a whole roster! In brightest day, in blackest.. oh wait. Nope just pumped for this book! Go Thors!

Justice League of America #1 (DC Comics) – It’s by Bryan Hitch, the man who brought us the cinematic epic which was The Ultimates, I’d like him to take the true Ultimate team in comic books, let him cut loose and see what he can do.

Old Man Logan #2 (Marvel) – Wolverine is dead. Long live a more cranky, aged and badass version of Wolverine. Dystopian futures always bring me a semblance of hope. All I can say is, yes.. and SNIKT!!

Robin: Son of Batman #1 (DC Comics) – First off it’s got Damien Wayne, A Giant Pet Man-Bat, it’s written and drawn by Patrick Gleason. Umm did I mention a Giant Pet Man-Bat??

Wonder Woman #41 (DC Comics) – So far the Finch’s take on the Iconic Amazon have intrigued me. While I don’t think they are at the top of what they could do, I’d like to see what they have further in store. This book has been a guilty pleasure of mine and my gf Ms. B too. Plus, I hope to get some reasoning behind Diana’s new costume.

 

Pharoah

To Pick: Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) -This is my top pick of the week just because this character has been nothing but fun since she entered the universe, and it looks like Secret Wars, has come to Jersey City, definitely curious to see how Kamala Khan will be tested!!!

Astronauts In Trouble #1 (Image Comics) – As a company, Image is basically the Jerry Bruckheimer of the comics world, producing blockbuster after blockbuster, and with Charlie (Walking Dead) on this, it definitely has high hopes.

Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Brenden Fletcher (BATGIRL) and Annie Wu (HAWKEYE) bring this character to the forefront, after her much needed exposure on the show, Arrow, she finally gets her own shot in this DC reboot.

Mad Max: Fury Road: Furiosa #1 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – After watching the newest Mad Max movie, it definitely has one curious about that whole universe and this comic aims to explore the origin of The Furiosa and it definitely has cred, as it is written by mad Max creator, George Miller himself.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – this sounds so cool, as the film versions and cartoon versions become part of the same world in what can only be interesting chaos

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