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Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

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.

Brett

The Paypacks #1 (Dark Horse) – A hilarious new entry into the superhero genre. How do heroes get all of those wonderful tools? They need to get them from somewhere right? What happens when they fall behind in payments for them? This is the group tasked with getting those items back. And holy shit is it amazing.

D4ve2 #1 (IDW Publishing) – The second volume to the amazing digital series. It’s a year after the events of the first volume, and another ship shows up. The first volume was fantastic, I’d expect the second to be the same.

Jem and the Holograms #7 (IDW Publishing) – Jerrica and her sisters face their biggest threat yet—success! This sounds really interesting, and helps I love the series in general, which helps.

Prez #4 (DC Comics) – DC Comics’ series about a teenage girl elected President is winding up to be rather prophetic. I now want to read about this future election/political series, to see what’s going to happen in the real world.

Princeless: Raven, the Pirate Princess #3 (Action Lab Entertainment) – Raven has part of their crew, now she just needs the rest. This series has more to say in just a few of its panels than most do their entire run. An entertaining comic series that has something to say too.

Elana

Constantine the Hellblazer #4 (DC Comics) – Johncon is about to go on a “magical bender” through London. This is going to hurt so good. His particular brand of self obsession mixed with self loathing may not make for a good friend in real life but he is a lot of fun to spend time with on the page. Easily one of DC comic’s best books.

The Fade Out #9 (Image Comics) – Something huge is about to happen in my favorite LA noir series. Gil, the blacklisted screenwriter is about to blow up a Hollywood cover-up centered around a powerful man who sexually assaults women. At least, that’s what I THINK is about to happen. This story is a mystery after all and so far nothing has been as simple as all that.

Island #3 (Image Comics) – The art is out of this world— the first story in this issue is absolutely museum worthy art. I think if you skim this issue you’ll know if it’s right for you. A range of kinds of stories and different kinds of art and nothing in here feels cliched. Some of it can be challenging to process and that’s the point. This new comics magazine pushes at all the boundaries in the medium.

Lumberjanes #18 (BOOM! Box/BOOM! Studios) – New creative team and a new story arc start for our favorite girls at the badass feminist summer camp of your dreams. The original team won an Eisner. Let’s see what this new crew can do.

No Mercy TP Vol. 1 (Image Comics) – Take a bus load of college bound kids getting ready to go on one of those “building schools and posing for photos with brown people” trips to Central America. And then push the bus off a cliff. There is nothing else like No Mercy. It is brutal and human and completely unpredictable. It’s totally outside the conventions of standard comics between its unique, sensitive art, diverse cast and unclear genre alignment. A good choice for comics unbelievers too.

Rat Queens #12 (Image Comics) – The D&D adventuring party you wished you rolled with. Great art. Feminist fun.

Kenny

Top Pick: Usagi Yojimbo #148 (Dark Horse) – I have been a longtime fan of the wandering ronin Myamoto Usagi and, whether he is in the midst of a multi-arc epic or a single issue, Stan Sakai always delivers a masterpiece.

Bizarro #4 (DC Comics) – There are a lot of serious comics out in the world right now and sometimes you have to break that up with a little fun. And that is exactly what Bizarro is. Simply put, this comic puts a smile on my face and that is more than enough reason to check it out.

Captain America: White #1 (Marvel Comics) – My picks are very heavily creator influenced this week and this selection is no different. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale have been a favorite tandem of mine for a while and seeing the two back at it is all the motivation I need to be excited for this comic.

Secret Six #6 (DC Comics) – The first iteration of the Secret Six is probably my favorite comic series ever. Yes, I said it. And, while the initially relaunch started slowly, it seems Gail Simone and our favorite gang of psychos is finally getting back to the beautiful brand of lunacy that I love them for.

Mr. H

Captain America: White #1 (Marvel Comics) – The amazing team of Tim Sale and Jeph Loeb back again! I have not been disappointed by them in any previous endeavor thus far and no reason to believe it to happen here. Things are sure to be excelsior True Readers!

Review: Secret Six #5

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Brett

After the initial attack on Big Shot’s home (and the shocking revelation of one member’s true identity), the team’s suburban retreat has been exposed. As the team starts to fracture, this highly dysfunctional band of outcasts prepares for the next strike from Mockingbird!

Wives!? It seems this issue revolves around wives, as they seem to be the driving motivation by a couple of characters. Writer Gail Simone lays a lot on the table with this issue, but also keeps the humor going with subtle (and some not so subtle) jokes.

There are lots of revelations, like the identity of Big Shot (we don’t spoil things here!), what brought these folks together, and why the Riddler is so pissed. Then there’s some interesting questions raised too, like why is Black Alice referencing Swamp Thing and dressed like Hawk? Maybe I missed something?

Dale Eaglesham‘s art style fits the more lighthearted vibe I get from this volume. There’s a lot more jokes and just a positive feel about it all, and that might be due to the brighter colors and setting in the suburbs. It’ll be interesting to see how Eaglesham’s style fits when things get a bit darker, and if it still holds strong.

The issue felt like an Agatha Christie revelation mixed with The Usual Suspects. While it doesn’t quite stand on its own, as part of the story arc, it’s fantastic. A much needed issue that seamlessly fits into the overall story not breaking its stride. Its taken a few issues to get there, but Simone’s latest Secret Six run is starting to remind me a lot of her modern classic run, and that’s a very good thing.

Story: Gail Simone Art: Dale Eaglesham
Story: 8 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

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.

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..

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

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.

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.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Brett

We Are Robin 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.

Brett

Top Pick: Raputin #6 (Image Comics) – The end of the first story arc caught me off-guard as it left Rasputin dead from being shot. Fast forward 100 years, and the mad monk is now working as a political aide for a Presidential Candidate. Wait, what!? The first arc was solid, this second one starts off with a bang. If you missed that first arc, the trade paperback is out this week too!

Fight Club 2 #2 (Dark Horse Comics) – The first issue was fantastic, and this second one is a world wind in madness. Chuck Palahniuk continues Tyler Durden’s story, and so far it’s amazing.

Legacy of Luther Strode #2 (Image Comics) – Give me some of that good ole ultraviolence. The kung-fu action is over the top, and over the top bloody, and beyond entertaining too.

Material #2 (Image Comics) – Ales Kot’s first issue got me to think. I’m expecting more of the same for the second issue as things hopefully become clearer and the various stories begin to merge in some way. A comic that’s socially conscious and relevant.

Transformers: Windblade #4 (IDW Publishing) – A new lost colony has been found, and Starscream and Windblade vie to make them part of the new Transformers world. Who will win out, and who will gain influence? This series focuses on Windblade’s effort with absolutely beautiful art that makes it stand out from the other Transformers series.

Edward

Top Pick: Mulan Revelations #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – Although it comes off looking a bit like Image’s Lazarus, this futuristic dystopian cyberpunk uses an unlikely heroine for its lead as the actual historical character is transported through time to the future of China.

Batgirl #41 (DC Comics) – The new Batman didn’t really go over all that well as the story arc to follow after End Game, but Batgirl has been running as one of the best quality comics for a few months now. What happens when the two meet?

Grimm Fairy Tales Presents the Little Mermaid #5 (Zenescope) – Although it has been a little up and down in terms of its story telling, this miniseries is likely to launch the Little Mermaid back into relevance as one of Grimm Fairy Tales main heroines. What that means is decided here.

Jem and the Holograms #4 (IDW Publishing) – The subject matter has not been very deep, but neither has there really been any misstep in this entire series thus far. This is a series for those that can let their comics be fun and not only about superheroes.

MODOK Assassin #2 (Marvel) – The first issue of this series was unquestionably the biggest surprise of the Secret Wars tie-ins thus far and undoubtedly one of the most fun as well (and violent). Whether it can carry on this momentum will be interesting to see.

Elana

Top Pick: Secret Six TP Vol. 2: Money for Murder (reissue) (DC Comics) – This TP contains the rightfully legendary panels in which Dick!Batman punches Catman saying “If you must know…I had a burrito!”

This is peak Gail Simone and it’s some of the best comics ever.

This TP is a reissue of “Unhinged” and some subsequent issues, which is really the 3rd volume of Gail Simone’s groundbreaking series in the 00s that started with Villains United. All if it is a must-read.

This series is about a team of bad men and bad women learning to take care of each other. If you like complex but funny characters, like your humor dark and enjoy laughing while you are being gutted by metal claws (metaphorically), your heat-strings played upon by deranged masked killers — and who doesn’t– then you need to buy this book to survive.

Top Pick: Fight Club 2 #2 (Dark Horse) – This series is smart and fun. If you loved Fight Club (like I do) and your the right kind of fan (you know, the good kind, that appreciates the story as an examination of the crisis of masculinity and as a queer text) then you need to be reading this series. It is a continuation of the original book taking place some years into the future and written by Palahniuk himself. The art is first-rate too.

Batgirl #41 (DC Comics) – I was sure that we were about to get a new Oracle in the form of Frankie, Bab’s awesome coder roomate (who also uses crutches). But now I don’t know! Based on last night’s podcast where we interviewed writer Brenden Fletcher I’m now calling this issue Schrödinger’s Oracle. It may not happen. Open the box.

Kaptara #3 (Image Comics) – I’m just getting into this unprecedentedly creative space opera/comedy. Nothing else like it out there. The art style has a look thats somewhat psychedelic. Our lead character is a gay scientist of indian descent who drips sarcasm and insecurity and is a pleasure to read.

Material #2 (Image Comics) – Writer Ales Kot is doing something completely unique in comics. This book feels a bit like post modernist literary fiction. Except its a comic. And unlike literary fiction these days I actually enjoy it. A lot. Smart and political and worth your attention. He was our guest on the podcast a few weeks back. Have a listen.

We Are Robin #1 (DC Comics) – I want to like this. The youth of Gotham unite and declare themselves Robin. That sounds like a sentiment I can get behind. I don’t know the creative team. Will have to check it out!

Johnny with Comixstravaganza Live

Top Pick: We Are Robin #1 (DC Comics) – I’ve never been a huge Batman fan, so I’ve never actively read or collected any bat titles. But this concept of the collective youth of Gotham adopting Robin as their symbol is intriguing. I’ll be picking this one up just to see how it is executed.

Ant-Man: Larger Than Life (Marvel) – I’m a little shocked that this book stars THE Ant-Man, Hank Pym instead of Scott Lang. As a long time Hank Pym fan, this has me hopeful about his character in the upcoming film and MCU as a whole, but more than that, could this be signaling a change in direction for Pym? Recent storylines suggest he sacrificed himself to stop Ultron in Rage of Ultron, but could this book be signaling a new return of Pym? Probably not, but I like to hold out hope.

Captain Midnight #24 (Dark Horse Comics) – It all ends here. This title has been for me the most satisfying monthly book over the last two years. Josh Williamson knows how to write these pulp-era characters, and this series has shown it in a big way!

Rasputin #6 (Image Comics) – Just when you though the story had ended, we jump forward 100 years to the present where the “Mad Monk” may still be alive? I’ve loved the way Alex Grecian portrayed Rasputin in a heroic way as a healer, and Rossmo’s art is absolutely gorgeous! If you missed issues 1-5 you can also pick up the collected TPB out this week too!

The Shadow #100 (Dynamite Entertainment) – My top pick! I got the preview copy last week and just fell over with the writing and art. This is an anthology issue with various creators, but most notable is Francesco Francavilla, and Howard Chaykin. I’ve always said Chaykin was born to draw the Phantom, but Francavilla’s work is unbelievable! He is definitely another artist who was born to draw The Shadow! I hope we see more Shadow from him soon!

Mr. H

Top Pick: We are Robin #1 (DC Comics) – Social Media Superheroes? This one sounds so intriguing just cannot pass up. A true team that is reflective of the world right outside our window.

Batgirl #41 (DC Comics) – The new Batman (Commissioner Gordon) encounters his (Batgirl) daughter. A can’t miss father/ daughter showdown!

Grayson #9 (DC Comics) – Dick Grayson: Secret Agent? Yes Please! DC Comics reimagining of one of it’s most beloved characters into a super spy continues after the long Convergence break. Plus adding Helena Bertenelli (Huntress) into the mix sounds fantastic!

Green Lantern: The Lost Army #1 (DC Comics) – Power Rings, survival journey and adventure along the way with everyone’s favorite cosmic cops? This one’s a no brainer. Can’t wait to see them light em’ up!

The Walking Dead #143 (Skybound/Image Comics) – It’s The Walking Dead. Can you ever get enough?

Paul

Top Pick: X-Men ’92 #1 (Marvel) – The X-Men from the 90s are back?? *Insert fanboy squeal here* I might be getting ahead of myself, not knowing how Secret Wars will be portraying my merry mutants, but I am so excited to see this line up back, just as I remember they looked when I would walk into my comic shop all those years ago eager to read their latest adventure. Here’s hoping myself and other fans are not disappointed.

E is for Extinction #1 (Marvel) – I’ve picked this title because I am a fan of all things X. Secret Wars, to me, has not been the earth shattering event it was promoted to be. But I am looking forward to a title devoted to the X-Men and what they’ve become in Battleworld. I like the premise described as mutants really being ‘homo SUPERIOR’ and look forward to seeing a world where they are idolized and not feared.

Loki Agent of Asgard #15 (Marvel) – I have loved this book from day 1. The journey of a twenty-something Loki, trying to escape his future self; finding a friend he actually cares about; finding himself doing the right thing (in his own special way) has been a Loki I easily got on board with. Things are changing for him however, and I for one can’t wait to see how it all goes down.

Pharoah

Top Pick: X-Men ’92 #1 (Marvel) – Definitely had my interest piqued when I saw it in Previews for this month’s solicitations. We take nostalgic look at X-Men, from 23 years ago, with none other than JIM LEE returning for this series!!!!!

Evil Dead 2: Beyond Dead by Dawn #1 (Space Goat Productions) – Horror comics seem to be what is all the rage, and the fact they have this comic which picks up where the movies end, this sounds like it will be fun, if anything it gives the average Evil Dead fan something to look forward to before the new show premieres on Starz.

Fight Club 2 #2 (Dark Horse Comics) – Chuck Palahniuk continues Tyler Durden’s story in this new series from Dark Horse, the first issue did not disappoint, so I am hoping Palaniuk has even more surprises in store in this issue.

Mulan Revelations #1 (Dark Horse) – Another interesting reboot, to a well told legend, this time the guys at Dark Horse tackle Mulan , but in the same way the anime , 7 Samurai, reboots Akira Kurosawa ‘s classic film, hoping the execution lives to the promise.

We Are Robin #1 (DC Comics) – From the DCYou reboot going on at DC, hundreds of teenagers all over Gotham, are adopting the ”R”, adding a new dimension to the Batman mythos.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Brett

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.

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

Around the Tubes

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Brett

It’s a new day, and a long weekend approaches…..

Around the Tubes

The Beat – Space Goat Productions launches its own print line – Welcome! The water’s fine!

Newsarama – Meet the New NEW SUICIDE SQUAD – I might start reading the series again.

Poughkeepsie Journal – Exhibit focuses on the art of comic books and more – Very cool!

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – All-New X-Men #36

Comic Vine – Amazing Spider-Man #14

The Beat – Amazing Spider-Man #14

Comic Vine – Captain Marvel #12

CBR – Chrononauts #1

Comic Vine – Darth Vader #1

Nothing But Comics – Darth Vader #1

Comic Vine – Deep State #4

Comic Vine – Divinity #1

The Beat – Divinity #1

Comic Vine – Ghosted #17

Comic Vine – Green Lantern Corps #39

Comic Vine – Guardians of the Galaxy #24

Comic Vine – Harley Quinn Valentine’s Day Special #1

Comic Vine – New Suicide Squad #7

Comic Vine- Secret Six #2

Comic Vine – Thor #5

Around the Tubes

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Brett

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.

Brett

Top Pick: Princessless: The Pirate Princess #1 (Action Lab Entertaiment) – A new volume of Princeless is here! Everyone rejoice! The first issue is as wonderful as expected, and features a kick-ass minority woman in the lead. In fact all of the main characters are kick-ass women! Perfect for kids and adults.

Darth Vader #1 (Marvel) – Marvel’s relaunch of the Star Wars comics line has been solid so far, and Darth Vader takes the spotlight in his own series. Can’t wait to see what writer Kieron Gillen does with him.

Divinity #1 (Valiant) – The first issue is a fascinating departure from previous Valiant series and the character is nothing like what they’ve done before. The first issue is a trippy dreamlike tale, and its so good. This is not your normal superhero series.

The Sculptor (First Second) – This came out last week, but Previews has it listed for this week. Scott McCloud’s latest graphic novel is an absolute masterpiece.

Southern Bastards #7 (Image Comics) – Jason Aaron’s Southern gothic series has been amazing so far. You never know where each issue will take you. This is one of the first comics I read when I get a chance.

Edward

Top Pick: Legenderry Red Sonja (Dynamite Entertainment)– Two genres meet in an unexpected way as the steampunk meets the red-haired barbarian in a Victorian setting. It is unconventional to be sure, but also a lot of fun.

Grimm Fairy Tales: Wonderland #32 (Zenescope) – Another great one-shot from the creative team that is taking this series in brand new directions. It is a cat-and-mouse story where the mouse is another cat.

Morning Glories #43 (Image Comics) – Casey has decided to run for class president in order to save Jade, but she doesn’t have a chance of winning does she? Not until the unexpected happens.

Secret Six #2 (DC Comics) – Fans responded to the release of this series under the new 52 banner at DC with great interest, but the first issue left many confused. Combined with a long wait for the second issue, what will fans end up thinking?

Thor #5 (Marvel) – This series has been telling a great story, and yet continues to divide fans over the radical change. Those that look beyond it will realize that this is no stunt.

George

Top Pick: Guardians Of The Galaxy #24 (Marvel) – The second chapter of The Black Vortex story line. Frankly, anything concerning the GOTG right now is worth picking up each week as the stories are getting better and much more fun each month.

Darth Vader #1 – If Star Wars #2 was any indication of how this series is going to be then we are on for one amazing ride. The art and writing blend seamlessly to bridge the gap between two amazing movies we have loved for so long.

Morning Glories #43 (Image Comics) – The students at Morning Glory Academy are getting more involved in the politics at school and the inevitable meeting with mysterious Headmaster should be just right around the corner.

Southern Bastards #7 (Image Comics) – The ending to the last arc left all of us with our jaws on the floor. The current arc is just as great and we can’t get enough of this amazing football tradition in the deep South

The Walking Dead #137 (Image Comics/Skybound) – The new arc promises to reveal more about The Whisperers, a new ‘cult-like’ group that we (or our heroes) know little of. Carl has been more of a focus recently and that is definitely a good thing.

Comixstravaganza’s “Big Daddy Cool” Johnny Dellarocca

Top Pick: Five Ghosts #15 (Image Comics) – Grey vs Van Helsing! – this is one of the most original concepts in comics! Every month, Frank Barberie delivers high-octane high adventure! This is part 3 of the new story arc and it’s Fabian Grey vs. Van Helsing!

Darth Vader #1 (Marvel) – I have always maintained that Vader is either hero or villain, depending on your point of view. The previous Dark Horse series did a lot to paint him as a hero. I hope this new Marvel series does the same. But, for the first time ever, it’s canon!

Doc Savage Omnibus Vol. 1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – normally I’m not a huge fan of trades, but sometimes a series is better when compiled rather than in monthly single issues. I’m feeling this may be true for the new Dynamite Doc Savage series. Plus in many cases you get more bang for your buck with a good collection. And the job Dynamite has done with these classic pulp heroes, it’s more than good, they’ve been great!

Legenderry Red Sonja #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Steampunk. Red Sonja. Any questions?

Legenderry Vampirella #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Ditto.

Graphic Policy Radio, LIVE This Monday

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Brett

It’s Monday night and that means a brand new episode of Graphic Policy Radio! The show airs live this Monday at 10pm ET.

We’re back talking comics. There’s been a lot of brand new comics debuting over the past few weeks, and some very high-profile ones at that. We’ll be discussing….

Angela: Asgard’s Assassin – The character debuted in Spawn, but now is over at Marvel. After a stint in Guardians of the Galaxy, the character headlines her own series.
Bitch Planet – The most talked about comic of the past week. This comic shows how you can take on social and political issues within an entertaining story.
Deathlok – The classic character who was an integral part of last season’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. gets its own series.
Secret Six – We loved the pre-New 52 version of the series, but how does this new team and relaunch stack up?
and more!

So join us this Monday and let us know your thoughts about these new series! You can call in at (619) 768-2952 or Tweet us your thoughts @graphicpolicy