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Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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SwampThing_001_cvr_Jones_56240e9bab2e83.86181442Wednesdays 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: X-O Manowar #43 (Valiant) – A new year, and a new story arc. After the last gut punchingly brilliant story, Exodus, I can’t wait to see what’s next for Aric of Dacia. Plus, Ninjak… there’s something special about seeing those two characters interact, so my expectations are pretty high for this issue.

Johnny Red #3 (Titan Comics) – This series swept me off my feet after the first issue, and the love affair has shown no sign of slowing down. I love everything about this series.

Spidey #2 (Marvel) – I enjoyed the last issues look at the earlier days in Spidey’s crime fighting career, because it hearkens back to a time before Parker was a globe trotting playboy with a super powered body guard (that sounds familiar…). That it’s also drawn by Nick Bradshaw? Definitely something I’m keeping my eye on.

Uncanny X-Men #1 (Marvel) – I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of Sabretooth trying to turn hero. I intend to pick up the first issue to see whether the idea is as interesting as I hope it will be.

Brett

Top Pick: Swamp Thing #1 (DC Comics) – Swamp Thing’s co-creator returns to write this brand new limited series. There’s been solid runs on the character lately, and I’m excited to see what Len Wein does with this series.

Johnny Red #3 (Titan Comics) – I’ve really enjoyed Garth Ennis’ take on this classic character and war comic. Each issue has delivered in every way and a series that has completely caught me off guard in how good it is.

The Last Contract #1 (BOOM! Studios) – I’m a sucker for a story that has a hit-man returning to his profession to get revenge. The first issue is a solid beginning, and it’s a series that could be a lot of fun if you’re in to that sort of story.

Nailbiter #19 (Image Comics) – I love this series. Focusing on a small town that has created a crazy amount of serial killers, the story has shifted to Atlanta, and I’m dying to know how it ties in to the bigger storyline.

Star Wars: Darth Vader #15, Star Wars #14 (Marvel) – The next two parts of Vader Down? Yes please!

 

Elana

Top Pick: Bitch Planet #6 (Image Comics) – It’s the best sci-fi left wing comic of the year. So obviously we buy it.

A-Force #1 (Marvel) –  G. Willow Wilson is writing and Nico Minoru isn’t wearing that atrocious outfit anymore.

The Fade Out #12 (Image Comics) – It’s the final issue of the best noir and mystery comic in ages. Of course you’re buying it.

Midnighter #8 (DC Comics) – I have had moments of concern and moments of praise for this comic but think this book is on an upswing and with former Catwoman artist David Messina coming on to the book I think it’s going to be great.

Weirdworld #2 (Marvel) – One of the most promising new titles at Marvel. It delivers on the All New All Different promise in a way very few comics have. Latina teenager (yay!) gets trapped in a far-out world of sword and Sorcery.

 

Jason

Top Pick: Howard the Duck #3 (Marvel) – Zdarsky’s second run of Howard comics definitely improves and builds upon excellent foundations and it wasn’t surprising that my one of my favourite series also had one of my favourite issues of the year by far. Finally Howard and Tara come to face to face (or more accurately Bill, face, muzzle and bill) with Shocket and Linda and I can’t wait to see the interactions between them as they try and shake off the annoying advances of The Wizard and the ever looming threat of The Collector. This title along with Squirrel Girl, which it will soon cross over with, always deliver the prefect mix of humour and heart. Once again the talented Mr Quinones is back to regular art duties after the wonderful single issue by guest artist Veronica Fish last month.

Doctor Strange #4 (Marvel) – Continuing a whole week gorging on All New All Different Marvel is issue four of the Bachalo and Aaron’s run on the Sorcerer Supreme. While last issue felt like somewhat of a re-tread of the first issue in terms of plot it’s still a series I’m enjoying. The slow burn of the whole science versus magic story that the duo have been building over the last three issues, with Strange discovering in the last issue that fellow Sorcerer’s are being killed along with places of magical power. Bachalo’s artwork is gorgeous, in particular the way he presents the astral planes and Strange’s unique view of New York City, teaming with mystical parasites. The washed out planes with splashes of colour are simply striking and hint at even greater artistic flourishes to come.

Rocket Racoon and Groot #1 (Marvel) – Spinning out of the pair’s excellent solo books the gung-ho raccoon and his monosyllabic companion are finally back together in one book, once again written by Skottie Young, also contributing covers for the series. The addition of new artist Filipe Andrade made me sceptical at first after seeing his one off issue from the last volume. The previous two volumes divided art duties between Young and Jake Parker, both of whom did a delightfully adorable Rocket!

It was the only issue I didn’t like, and for me the artwork seemed jarring against the other two artists more cutesy and cartoony take. While a great style in its own right it was just too serious and seemed out of sync with Young’s quick paced, witty script. However I’m big enough to admit when I’m wrong and Andrade seems to have tweaked and softened his style slightly for the new series bringing back in some of the cute. The preview pages have definitely renewed my interest in the title. I eagerly look forward to seeing the mix of his art and Young’s comical hijinks as this issue opens with the pair being mourned by their fellow Guardians!

The Vision #3 (Marvel) – King and Walta’s eerie look at the Vision and his new family continues to spiral out of control as they struggle to stick together as a ‘normal family’ despite the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Truly the strangest and most gripping book that Marvel are putting out at the moment, even with the post-secret wars shake up putting the Vision in suburbia to explore humanity and normality is really bold and it completely pays off. Despite the title, the standout character of this series for me is Virginia. While all this is going on she battles with her own identity and place in the world. Haunting and shocking in equal measures.

 

 

Patrick

Top pick: Sheriff of Babylon #2 (Vertigo) – The first issue was a perfect demonstration of establishing a compelling plot and interesting characters. The acclaimed writer of The Omega Men and Grayson explores post-invasion Iraq in this story about the search for justice when no justice system stands.

Miracleman by Gaiman and Buckingham #6 (Marvel Comics) – Many people probably don’t realize how lucky they are to be living in a world where Miracleman gets to see the light of day. The classic hard-to-find story is nearing the end of its reprint, making the greatest superhero-as-god story ever written available to everyone.

Paper Girls #4 (Image) – Four teenage newspaper-delivery girls struggle through an otherworldly invasion. You don’t even need to be able to read to enjoy this nostalgic sci-fi series. Cliff Chiang’s art makes each page a rich, intoxicating experience.

Swamp Thing #1 (DC Comics) – Swamp Thing’s original writer brings botanical terror to readers in this new series. If that isn’t enough for those looking for back-to-roots horror, this story is illustrated by the amazing Kelley Jones (Batman: Red Rain, Venom: The Madness).

 

Paul

Top Pick: A-Force #1 (Marvel) – This was one of my favourite titles during Secret Wars, so I’m very excited to see some of the ladies of the Marvel Universe brought together again in “our” world.  It’s going to be fun to see what role Singularity will play in the present universe, and how these heroes will be brought together.

Uncanny X-Men #1 (Marvel) – I’m interested in the team line up in the this book (hoping Psylocke is put to better use after that terrible Vol. 4 stint of X-Force), but I’m definitely getting an X-Force vibe off this book after reading the premise.  I hope Magneto is still as compelling in this book as he was in his solo and this offers a lot more then just a lot of scowling, snarling and blood shed.

The Vision #3 (Marvel) – This is the All New All Different title that has been exactly that for me.  I wasn’t even going to give this title a shot, but I am so glad I did; what a pleasant surprise!  Vision has made himself a family to live a quiet ordinary life…and it has been anything but!  The experiment is not going to end well, and I highly recommend picking this title up to see where it all leads.

Review: Paper Girls #3

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papergirls03-coverPaper Girls #3 is here and it opens with two random teenagers, Terry and Gabrielle, as they try to make sense of the supernatural events driving the series. As they stand on their school’s football field and stare up into the swirling vortex above them, Terry goes from confessing his crush on Gabrielle to getting handsy with her. As his sexual entitlement gets the best of him things verge on turning outright rapey when a pterodactyl-riding warrior swoops out of the vortex and vaporizes them both. Speaking in a bastardized Old English dialect that I can’t help but read in Idris Elba’s voice, this new player refers to his victims as “Scruddy teenagers,” a comment that I’ll come back to later.

Overall this installment is pretty fast-paced, and Cliff Chiang and Matthew Wilson continue to bring the eye candy with their artwork. I’ve mentioned it before, but Chiang’s mouth designs are especially impressive in how they communicate the girls’ personalities through their reactions. While I’d like to have had a bit more by way of major plot advancement at this point, this issue was still a solid read.

*Spoilers Ahead*

Issue #2 ended with a cliffhanger in the form of a gunshot, and after the events at the football field we finally find out who was on the receiving end. As the girls scramble to get their bloodied companion to a hospital we come to learn that friends are not something Erin is particularly rich with. On their panicked drive they encounter Space Idris, as I’ve come to think of him. At first a threat, he questions if they are locals and uses translational technology to apologize to them. He informs them that it is dangerous for children to be out during ablation, so we now know there’s some kind of cleansing ritual afoot. Unfortunately, as he’s promising to save the gunshot victim and shed some much-needed light on what’s going down, he meets an untimely end at the hands of the deformed, mummy-esque aliens readers will recognize from previous issues.

When I said I’d come back to Space Idris’ comment about “Scruddy Teenagers” this is the moment I was referring to – using the same translational vocal box that Space Idris employed, the mummies peel back their wrapping, deny being aliens, and assure the girls, “We’re just like you – teenagers!” Those who read the premiere issue may remember that when Erin was first harassed by three boys on her paper route, her reaction was an aggravated “Ugh, teenagers!” Her disgust proved to be warranted, which makes me think this new batch of teens may not be the allies they’re selling themselves as. Compile that with the opening near-assault in this issue and I’d say writer Brian K. Vaughan seems to be making a point of painting teenage boys as the enemy as far as the Paper Girls universe is concerned. There’s definitely an age-related conflict at the root of the events taking place, and I’m hoping Issue #4 will deliver a little more generously with answers than with questions.

Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson
Story: 8 Art: 9 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy in trade

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Around the Tubes

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It’s new comic book day tomorrow! What are folks excited for this week? We’ll have  our picks in a few hours, but until then, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

Medium – The US Rebel Alliance Strikes Back – An awesome read.

CBR – The Mission: “Black Panther,” Director Diversity and What Happens Next – Joe is always a must read.

The Beat – It’s complicated: Marvel Netflix TV and movie characters won’t crossover in Avengers: Infinity War – When expectations go too far.

The Outhousers – Marvel Hires Showrunner for Canceled Iron Fist Show – So chalk another wrong bit of news from all those sites saying the series was cancelled.

Loser City – Down and Out in Terminal City: Catching Up with Ed Brisson – A good interview.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

The Rainbow Hub – Extraordinary X-Men #3

CBR – Gotham Academy #12

CBR – Paper Girls #3

Nothing But Comics – Showman Killer: Heartless Hero

CBR – The Vision #2

Review: Paper Girls #2

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PaperGirls02_CoverPaper Girls #2 rolled out last week, and the mysteries keep unfolding in the sci-fi adventure’s sophomore issue. Cliff Chiang’s artwork continues to perfectly compliment Brian K. Vaughan’s storytelling as he deftly captures the fear in one’s eyes, the nuance of a pre-teen girl’s upturned nose, the judgment she can reveal in a subtle snarl. Matt Wilson’s color work evolves to mark the passage of time, leaving behind the more varied palette of Issue #1, settling here into a softer, cotton-candy color scheme of early dawn that lends itself to the magical surrealism of the narrative.

*Spoilers below*

As the girls question the iPod discovered at the end of Issue #1 – something they only understand as a curious, Apple-branded device, being that it’s 1988 – they start to realize their local population has thinned considerably. This, in addition to the ever-expanding cast of monsters that are populating (and perhaps annihilating) the Paper Girls universe, has both the characters and myself strongly suspecting that a tear in time is at least partially to blame for the seemingly apocalyptic disturbances wreaking havoc on suburban Cleveland.

Folks who read Paper Girls’ debut will remember Erin’s opening dream-sequence, which left her questioning her sister’s safety upon waking. Issue #2 picks up with another foreboding nod to Erin’s sister, a character that has yet to develop but is likely being set up to have a larger purpose in the story’s broader mythology. (Or perhaps she’s just a McGuffin meant to propel Erin along in her journey? I look forward to finding out either way.)

As the girls try to figure out the best way to mount a defense against their increasingly bizarre circumstances, they find themselves at Mac’s house in search of a gun, which they unfortunately discover in the grips of Mac’s drunken stepmother. This is not only a pivotal moment in terms of setting-up a climactic cliffhanger, it also affords readers our first real emotional look at hard-as-nails Mac as a multidimensional character.

Paper Girls is a perfect example of why I tend to read my comics in collected volumes instead of singular issues – I want more. Now!

Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Cliff Chiang
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy in trade

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Mini Reviews

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Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

Alex

Hercules_1_CoverDead Vengeance #2, is set during the 1940’s and reads, in the very best of ways, as if it was a Golden Age comic that has been produced today. The concept of a reanimated corpse who may have been murdered solving their own murder is strangely compelling, and is presented here with a fresh take and enough humour to make it worth adding to your pull list. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Buy

We Stand On Guard #5. The lines continue to blur in the thought provoking miniseries that asks some tough questions about the nature of war. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Hercules #1* – There’s something really fun about this comic, with Hercules trying to move past his drunken reputation and revive the heroic reputation he used to have, by using less conventional mythological means. The comic is fun, and I’m a fan of the direction ol’ Herc is headed in. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation Buy

Extraordinary X-Men #1* was …okay. The entire issue felt like a giant prologue for the rest of the trade, so based on this comic I’d probably wait for that. Or pick it up next month depending on how the second issue rates. Art is great, though. Overall Rating: 6.75 Recommendation: Wait To Read

Brett

Atomic Robo and the Ring of Fire #3 – It feels a bit like Pacific Rim for kids, but that’s not a bad thing as I’m still having fun reading the series. Giant robots and giant monsters + Atomic Robo! What’s not to love. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

Axcend #2 – On the surface the comic might seem like a goofy video games and comic mashup, but it’s JohnnyRed1really an examination of gamer stereotypes and personalities. It’s getting interesting. Overall Rating: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Black Science #17 – I just love this series and it’s many realities and complete crazy ideas. This issue kicks off a newish arc and could be a good starting point and it’s ideas somehow get even more out there. And that ending! Overall Rating: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Deadpool # 1 – I didn’t enjoy last volume, and I didn’t enjoy this first issue of this volume either. The story doesn’t interest me. The humor doesn’t get me to laugh. And the character feels like he’s beyond over saturated. No thanks! Overall Rating: 5 Recommendation: Pass

Exit Generation #2 – The series is shaping up to be a fun read. Just one of those comics you can pick up and have fun. I’m liking how the characters are shaping out, including a female Han Solo-ish character this issue. Fun is the key word. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

Johnny Red #1 – I went in not expecting a whole lot, but writer Garth Ennis does do some solid war comics. I was blown away by this first issue which not only has a great story (and way to tell it), but also solid art too. A fantastic surprise. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Klaus #1 – I’m not the biggest Morrison fan, but this series’ first issue surprised me. It’s a combination of Conan with a bit of holiday magic. But the art by Dan Mora really stands out, outshining the story. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

Lazarus #20 – The comic continues the political and military maneuvering as it’s all out war. The series is never disappointing. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

Nailbiter #17 – I seriously love this serious about serial killers all from a small town. This issue kicks off a new story arc which isn’t quite new reader friendly, but a good starting point. One of the first comics I read each time I get ahold of it. Overall Rating: 8.25 Recommendation: Read

Rasputin #10 – We’re given lots of insight in how Rasputin is still alive and working as an American political adviser. While I wish the mystery was played out a bit more, it’s all very interesting and somewhat what I expected. A series that’s such a great idea, and really entertaining. Overall Rating: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #46 – What always surprises me about IDW’s Transformers is how it gives so much depth to the characters that’s lacked at times elsewhere. This issue is all about confronting stereotypes post war and if a Decepticon can change his stripe. Overall Rating: 8.40 Recommendation: Read

Velvet #12 – Fuck Bond, give me Velvet. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Elana

PaperGirls02_CoverPaper Girls #2 – Top notch creative team has a huge hit on their hands. Issue 1 was super accessible but issue 2 is super emotionally charged. I love the realistic female characters and dialogue . The strong sense of time and place as a Cleveland suburb in 1988 is outstanding. It’s one of the most solidly rooted pieces of fiction around. This cliff hanger though has got me on edge and I genuinely don’t know what’s next. Overall Rating: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Monstress #1: It’s beautiful & terrifying & a necessary fantasy book. In terms of unique world building and feminist sensibility plus accessibility to non comics readers I think Image has a new Saga sized hit on their hands. Overall Rating: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

The Humans #9 – The series has been getting more nihilist as things go downhill for our protagonist biker-chimp-Vietnam-vet. He cannot leave his ghosts behind and immersing himself in a world of greater violence sure ain’t helping. It gets hard to read at times but it’s true to the character and the world he inhabits. The art is tight as ever. A few particularly haunting panels this issue.

I did enjoy getting to watch Queenie , Cha Cha, Snacks and the other biker chicks (but really mostly Queenie) throw down and fight and beat up the fuzz. Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Fight Club 2 # 6 – This is a great comic that lives up to its premise: an examination of the modern construct of masculinity. Smart, twisty with extremely brutal humor. It’s utterly fearless and a lot of fun. If you liked the book or the movie you need to drop everything and pick this up. Overall Rating: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Mr. H

Amazing Spider-Man #3* – This run just keeps getting more fun and we are treated to the best issue yet. Anytime you get Spidey and Johnny Storm under the same roof it’s high tide hijinx. Slott really nails the dynamic between these two. He understands their brotherly bond quite well. It was cool to see the new home of Parker Industries is the former Baxter Building. Watching Spidey and Torch argue and fight throughout the issue was very entertaining and the art by Giuseppe Camuncoli was stellar. Really liked the touching scene at the end as well as a great cliffhanger. Another W for this title. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.

Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).

Around the Tubes

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The weekend is almost here, and that means comics and SPECTRE! Who’s going to see the film this weekend? While you check the availability of tickets, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

DC Comics – DC Entertainment Statement on George Barris – Our thoughts are with Barris’ family and friends.

BBC – Graphic novel tells autobiography of child soldier – We really want to check this out.

CBLDF – Middle School Censorship Plan Leaves New Jersey Community Torn – Sigh.

CBR – “Arrow” Sees Ratings Bump with Constantine Appearance – People are surprised?

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Nothing But Comics – Paper Girls #2

Comics Alliance – Snowpiercer: Terminus

 

Review: Paper Girls #1

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PaperGirls01_CoverPaper Girls is the latest offering from writer Brian K. Vaughan, someone whose work I thought I hated based on two things: A single issue of Y: The Last Man, which intrigued me in concept but annoyed me in execution, and the mind-numbingly stupid abomination that was the television adaptation of Stephen King’s Under the Dome. Thankfully Saga helped me turn the corner on Vaughan, and I found the storytelling and artwork of Paper Girls to be similarly satisfying. I was immediately sold by the opening dream sequence which is especially aesthetically reminiscent of Saga. It’s this sequence that introduces readers to 12 year-old Erin while also setting a darkly fantastic tone that carries into the character’s waking life and hopefully the entirety of the series.

Erin sets out on her paper route in the wee hours of November 1st, 1988, a date she’s dubbed “Hell Morning” on her calendar, and we quickly learn where this epithet comes from as she is immediately harassed and threatened by a trio of costumed boys – “teenagers” she seethes under her breath. It’s this confrontation that introduces us to the rest of the titular Paper Girls Mac, KJ, and Tiffany as they roll up on their bikes ready to defend a sister in need. With a few sharp words (well, calculated slurs might be a more apt description) Mac sends the boys packing. The rest of the issue is largely expository and focused on world-building, familiarizing readers with the core characters, their wits, and how they use them when confronted by aggressors in all forms, be they teenage boys, a dickheaded cop or…aliens?

Other reviews I’ve read have described Paper Girls as “Stand by Me meets War of the Worlds,” but if I were pressed to compare it to something at this point, I’d be more tempted to invoke the film Repo Man for the mix of sci-fi mystery and punk attitude. However, while Paper Girls is heavy on the angst and grit, it goes lighter on the comedic snark and campiness than its cinematic predecessor. It’s hard for me to praise this pilot issue without wandering into spoiler territory, but the characters are an admirable pack of sharp young women who are actively trying to integrate their school smarts with street smarts and I look forward to seeing how they develop as the series grows.

Story: Brian K. Vaughan Art: Cliff Chiang
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy In Trade

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Around the Tubes

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We’re still recovering from New York Comic Con, and it’s new comic book day tomorrow! What’s everyone excited for this week? While you decide on that, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

CBDLF – 5 Year Court Battle Leads to Censorship of Lebanese Comics Magazine – Sigh.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

CBR – The Omega Men #5

CBR – Paper Girls #1

CBR – Secret Wars #6

CBR – Star Wars #10

Around the Tubes

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The Graphic Policy team is descending on New York Comic Con, so make sure you head to our Twitter account for live updates from the show! Until we kick that off, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

ICv2 – Tricia Helfer Joins “Power” Cast for Season 2 – Cool.

Newsarama – Lex Luthor to Provide Free WiFi at New York Comic Con – Mhmmm, this is how digital nerd flu begins.

ArtsBeat – New ‘Bloom County’ Online Comic Strips to Be Collected and Published – Woohoo!

CBLDF – Zunar Trial to Proceed After Malaysian Court Rules on Sedition Act – Grumble. Grumble. Grumble.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – The Amazing Spider-Man #1

The Outhousers – Axcend #1

CBR – Batman and Robin Eternal #1

Comic Vine – Batman and Robin Eternal #1

CBR – Doctor Strange #1

CBR – Invincible Iron Man #1

The Outhousers – Jughead #1

Comic Vine – Paper Girls #1

CBR – Rowan’s Ruin #1

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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PaperGirls01_CoverWednesdays 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: Old Man Logan #5 (Marvel) – I loved the first Old Man Logan, it remains to this day one of the best Wolverine stories told in the last fifteen years. This sequel doesn’t quiet measure up to those lofty heights, but I never expected it too. This story is a fun exploration of a character that has been missing from our comics for a long time, and I’m enjoying every page.

Detective Comics #45 (DC Comics) – Honestly, if it wasn’t for the possibility of more Harvey Bullock, this comic wouln’t be on my list at all. Who doesn’t love Harvey Bullock?

 

Brett

Top Pick: Drawn Onward (Big Planet Comics/Retrofit) – I picked up a copy of this small press indie book a while ago, and seriously it’s one of the best comics I’ve read this year. A comic that looks at a relationship from two perspectives, you need to read the comic front to back, and then back to front to get the full experience. Absolutely brilliant. You can read my review here.

Captain Canuck #4 (Chapterhouse Comics) – Remember when superheroes were supposed to be fun? This comic series follows Canada’s champion and is exactly that, fun with lots of action!

Cyborg #3 (DC Comics) – A comic that has parts superhero and part reflection, Cyborg’s solo series has been a breath of fresh air in many ways, especially since its tackled so many issues such as race and disabilities head on.

Jughead #1 (Archie Comics) – Archie’s relaunch of their titles have been amazing so far. Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson are masters at what they do, and the fact they’re on this comic has me beyond excited.

Southern Bastards #11 (Image Comics) – The best ongoing comic being produced hands down, no question.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Paper Girls #1 (Image Comics) – The writer of Saga (aka the comic even my Dad will read) and the artist of Wonder Woman team up for some 1988 newspaper girl badassness.

Top Pick: Jughead #1 (Archie Comics) – I never read Archie till the relaunch and boy does this one look like fun. Zdarsky and Henderson are aces at comedy without being mean spirited. Both are zany and oddball talents, making them the most Jughead-worthy team ever.

8House: Yorris Part 1 (Image Comics) – 8House is always something interesting and new. I’d suggest getting all #1 of the 8House mini imprint if you’re hungry from something unique and strange. This book has a euro-comic feel shared by many of the 8House stories.

Cyborg #3 (DC Comics) – A seriously smart comic about disability and race. It’s also great as pure sci-fi. Because those are things good sci-fi is supposed to do.

Doctor Strange #1 (Marvel) – I’ve wanted a new Doctor Strange book for a long time. Jason Aaron’s pitch is a strong one: “Who do you call when things are coming out of your dreams and trying to kill you? He’s the only person standing between us and the forces of darkness, but has he been paying his tab?” –  The mildly de-aged Doctor sounds like he could be the Marvel version of John Constantine. But I’d prefer if it goes its own way since Constantine is winning at Constantine-ing (boy do I love that comic).

The Humans #8 (Image Comics) – Serious shit went down last issue in my favorite historical-fiction/funny-animal/ape-sploitation comic. Now, the biker gang’s old ladies are on the cover of this month’s issue with semi-automatic weapons pointed. That’s all I’m saying.

 

Kenny

Top Pick: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #50 (IDW Publishing) – Shredder vs. the Turtles. 90% of my childhood was built around this rivalry and time has made me no less excited to see these mortal enemies go at it again.

Doctor Strange #1 (Marvel) – I have always had a special place in my heart for comic book characters that are so far on the fringe of their own universe that people with outrageous super powers rarely dare to go into their realm and Doctor Strange personifies this better than almost anyone.

The Omega Men #5 (DC Comics) – After all the push back resulting from DC attempting to end this series at issue 6 I had to check out what all the fuss was about and I have yet to be disappointed.

What If? Infinity – Thanos (Marvel) – Anyone who has ever heard a story has always wondered “What if?”. And I always get a kick out of Marvel trying to answer these questions. Especially, ones I never thought to ask like how Thanos joining the Avengers would turn out.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Siege #4 (Marvel) – This has been a fantastic Secret Wars tie in, and I am very excited for this issue….Thanos has arrived!  Can Abigail and the defenders of The Shield survive?  Can’t wait to find out!

Avengers #0 (Marvel) – A slew of new Avengers titles coming down the line, and this issue #0 gives us a look at the new teams.  Very excited to get inside the teams we’ve only seen teaser pics about; the rosters, their missions…and apparently someone is keeping a close eye on these Avengers.  Can’t wait!

Contest of Champions #1 (Marvel) – Heroes fighting in a cosmic game of chess, to see who can wield incredible power.  Yeah, it’s been done before, but with different versions of heroes and villains to pull from?  Ok, I’m interested.

 

Pharoah

Top Pick: Doctor Strange #1 (Marvel) – Jason Aaron tackles another iconic Marvel property, and I got a feeling, he is about make this legend, even more relevant and exciting than ever!!!

Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel)- any storyline that brings back Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson into the Spiderverse, is one at least finding out why, which is only part of the fun.

Batman and Robin Eternal #1 (DC Comics) – The reintroduction of Dick Grayson into Batman’s world??/ I cannot wait to read this, as Dick revisits a case when he was Robin.

Contest of Champions #1 (Marvel) – a classic showdown between Thanos, Maestro, Venom Gamora, and a host of others battle it out

Paper Girls #1 (Image) – I love Brian K.Vaughn’s work , as he truly has the Midas touch when it comes to series, especially when it original series , and this one is right up his alley and he teams up Cliff Chang of Batman fame for this one.

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