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.
Alex
Top Pick: Faith #1 (Valiant) – You’re going to hear a lot about this series in the coming weeks and months, and after the critically and commercially successful miniseries from the same creative team earlier in the year, the buzz will be massive. Whether the first issue will live up to expectations is tough to say; not because the comic will be sub-par, but because the hype will be massive. I’m rooting for you, Faith.
A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #5 (Valiant Entertainment) – An underappreciated gem, this series is one of the most effortlessly entertaining comics on the racks today.Batman #3 (DC Comics) – I’m perhaps more cautious about this than I should be; the first two issues have been good, but there was a couple
Batman #3 (DC Comics) – I’m perhaps more cautious about this than I should be; the first two issues have been good, but there was a couple things in the second issue that turned me off a little bit. Although with only two issues down, there’s still a ton of potential here, so I’m not willing to give up on the series yet.Rai #15 (Valiant) – Another tie-in comic to what is, frankly, the best summer event this year: 4001 A.D., makes this a
Rai #15 (Valiant) – Another tie-in comic to what is, frankly, the best summer event this year: 4001 A.D., makes this a must-read for me.
Superman #3 (DC Comics) – I was never the biggest fan of Superman, but after having read the past two issues, I may be converted.
Anthony
Top Pick: Island #9 (Image Comics) – Island has consistently been a treat from Image that boasts a very impressive line of creators. Anthologies like this are always great at featuring a wide array of individuals that are potentially fairly unheard of and open the floodgates of material that these eclectic creators have done or are in the midst of doing.
Black Hammer #1 (Dark Horse) – Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston and Dave Stewart are looking to dive into the superhero genre but with a focus on a group of individuals trying to live an ordinary life. Jeff Lemire has continued to spark a lively, poetic script, no matter the genre he works in, so it is always interesting to see what he has up his sleeve. Visually, this series will be in good hands with the imaginative art of Dean Ormston and the always impressive colouring of Dave Stewart.
The Cloud (OGN) (Archaia/BOOM! Studios) – This looks like a very imaginative and beautifully illustrated release by Archaia. Featuring the graphic novel debut of writer K.I. Zachopoulos and illustrator Vincenzo Balzano, The Cloud has a very Neverending Story sort of vibe with quite the striking visuals.
Faith #1 (Valiant) – Faith is back with her own ongoing series! Having just recently written the mini-series of Faith and the excellent one shot of Shadowman for the 4001 event, Jody Houser looks to continue her winning streak for Valiant. Also having the one-two punch of Pere Perez and Marguerite Sauvage provide the reality and fantasies of Faith respectively on art is a wonderful thing.
Sombra #1 (BOOM! Studios) – Sombra sounds like a very intriguing tale on the mysterious and terrifying reality of the Mexican cartel. What elevates this series is the fact that the story is being drawn from the actual experiences of the artist for the series, Raul Trevino. Writer Justin Jordan looks to continue his winning streak with BOOM! Studios after the excellent mini-series John Flood and will also feature, alongside Trevino’s art, the expressive colouring of Juan Useche and letterer Jim Campbell to round out the team.
Jason
She Wolf #2 (Image Comics) – Last month Rich Tommaso’s gorgeously illustrated and written take on the horror genre, She Wolf introduced us to gabby (her of the title) as her life was thrown into turmoil and intrigue when she is involved with the death of her boyfriend on the schools grounds. Reluctantly returning to classes under the cloud of the entire schools suspicion and fear she tries to hide a bigger problem and the truth behind that night, her lycanthropy.
That is if we believe the newly turned teenage shape shifter as issue one delivered a story that blurs the diction between waking and dreaming, truth and lies. Tommaso’s She Wolf has a completely compelling narrative and structure as he begins to tell Gabby’s story through a dreamlike feverish flow of flashbacks and horrifying imagery as soon neither reader nor Gabby can tell between the two. Demonstrated by the beautifully drawn chase scene that incorporates this slip between states effortlessly. Hopefully issue two will build upon the first foundations as we begin to peel away the layers and discover the truth at the heart of the She Wolf‘s Tale.
Rumble #12 (Image Comics) – Arcudia, Harren and Stewarts frenzied tale of the undead barbarian Rathraq rolls on into its third arc with its trademark nonstop action and it’s onslaught of punches both physical and emotional. Rumble is the sleeper hit of the year for sure with its frentic fight scenes and deep mythology, with Rathraq finding the modern world filled with shadows and grey moral areas as he fights on for his body and soul.
Mr. H
Batman #3 (DC Comics) – Batman teaming up with the heroes in training is something I’ve enjoyed thus far because we are getting a much softer Bruce here. He’s not putting them through the ringer like most his sidekicks. I have been enjoying the little moments that Tom King has been providing us here and David Finch is doing some of his best work on the art. I want to get a little more backstory on Gotham and Girl though. Plus the specter of Hugo Strange is looming in the background. Bad time to be Batman, good time to be a Batman fan!
Green Lanterns # 3 (DC Comics) – I am really digging the dysfunctional duo of Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz so far. Added in the fact that one of my favorite Lantern villains Attrocitus (who just looks damn cool) is bringing in an interesting story line here, I am stoked. This is certainly a very accessible title and I suggest people hop on and tighten their rings. Beware the RAGE!
Justice League #1 (DC Comics) – After the disappointment that was Justice League Rebirth #1 I wasn’t even sure this would make my cut. I am however willing to give it a shot. Tony Daniel on art (not writing thank God) and Hitch on writing could make this a must see. However, Johns and Co. left huge shoes to fill. I’m looking for something new here and by Rao, I hope we get it.
Darth Vader # 23 (Marvel) – This series is everything a Sith Lord should be. I have been catching up and rifling through back issues. The creative team here has truly found Vader’s voice. For a series that I thought should only be a mini-series, it sure proved me wrong.
Paul
Top Pick: A-Force #7 (Marvel) – This is one of my favorite team line-ups in the books I’m reading, and this title never disappoints. I love the writing, with the quips and sarcasm between the ladies, but also seeing them bonding so quickly as a team. Plus anything with Dazzler in it will automatically be a winner with me. Lots of fun and action; I think you should be reading this.
All-New Inhumans #9 (Marvel) – This has been an interesting book, with some highs and lows, but this latest story arc has been good. Flint’s search for his mother has brought us to a new tribe of Inhumans living in secret. It’s interesting to see the different factions of Inhumans, from Lash’s Tribe, to Medusa and her kingdom in Attilan and now this new group; all Inhuman but living very different lives. Anyway, Flint has found his mother, but Gorgon is in some trouble…and Ana Kravenoff is aboard to cause some mayhem. As I said, a pretty good arc so far.
Batgirl and The Birds of Prey Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – A lot of DC titles popping up in my picks lately, but this one I am excited about. I didn’t really follow the Birds of Prey pre-52, but I did know about them and the characters. I did start reading it when the 52 launched, with Black Canary and Starling forming the team, but something just didn’t really click with me on that book. Now we have the original trio back; Batgirl (once Oracle), Black Canary and Huntress. Don’t know what to expect with this new Rebirth, but I’m sure there will be a lot of ass kicking. Looking forward to it.
Uncanny X-Men #10 (Marvel) – The “Apocalypse Wars” are coming to an end, and Genocide has unleashed a horde of archangels to see his plans come to light. Magneto and Psylocke are going to have to work overtime to stop this one. Nothing groundbreaking here; good action and I like seeing Magneto and Psylocke working together, but this Apocalypse War story arc has been just ho-hum for me.
Brett
Top Pick: Garth Ennis’ Red Team: Double Tap #1 ( Dynamite Entertainment) – If you didn’t read the first volume of Red Team you missed out on an awesome crooked cop crime drama. I’m a sucker for that type of story and the fact we’re getting a second volume has me super excited.
Betty & Veronica #1 (Archie Comics) – Archie has been on a roll with their reboot of their Archie comics and Betty and Veronica are now in the spotlight with their own series. What has me more excited? It’s Adam Hughes writing and doing art. This is one I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time.
Elasticator #5 (Scout Comics) – Not checking out this superhero series? You’re missing out. This is a series and a company that’s on too few radars. Go and check it out from the beginning because you’re in for a treat!
Snotgirl #1 (Image Comics) – Bryan Lee O’Malley is doing an ongoing series. That should be enough to get people to check it out. If you don’t know who that is, he’s behind Scott Pilgrim as well as Seconds. This is a must get and expect a sell-out.
Sombra #1 (BOOM! Studios) – Writer Justin Jordan tackles Mexican Cartels in this new series. BOOM! is also releasing a version in Spanish. This is one to keep your eye on as the combination of the subject and that translation move is very interesting.
You’re going to hear a lot about Faith in the coming days, weeks and months. First reappearing in the relaunched Valiant Universe in 2012 in Harbinger, Faith, codenamed Zephyr, was often ton the receiving end of many digs about her weight; perhaps the most often quoted one is a passerby remarking “that fat girl sure is light on her feet.” Then, earlier this year she appeared in a four issue miniseries that garnered a lot of praise and media attention for the lead character Faith Herbert‘s body size, her relentless optimism, and the way that the comic written by Jody Houser has been speaking to fans on so many levels. That first issue reached numerous printings, becoming the fastest comic to reach a fifth print run. Ever.
pun, an incredibly revealing scene for both the character and the audience.
That’s a tough question to answer, because although the first issue is very good, there’s a risk that it could get buried under the weight of the miniseries. This is a continuation of the character’s story, yes, but it’s also a fresh start for those who didn’t pick up said miniseries, so there is a little bit of the comic that retreads ground that some readers will have already covered; but those pages are so much more effective than a typical recap page, and have the added bonus of being wonderfully illustrated by Colleen Doran.
