THE BUNKER #15
(W) Joshua Hale Fialkov
(A/CA) Joe Infurnari with Gonzalo Duarte
Price: $3.99
Age Range: 18 and up
Genre: Sci-fi
As Heidi and Billy rot in jail, Daniel spirals into the darkest corners of his mind, and Natasha must reexamine just who she wants to be, it seems that all hope is lost for the future. The two Gradys have a plan… it just might cost everyone else their lives.
THE BUNKER VOL. 3
(W) Joshua Hale Fialkov
(A/CA) Joe Infurnari
The end of the world is in motion. Alliances have broken and reformed. And the motives of those who have come from the future remain unclear. Still, all the five friends can do is continue on. While Grady pursues his future in politics, Billy’s stuck in jail, his future—again—uncertain. But when the older Grady drags Heidi into the fray, Billy decides to fight back.
This trade also includes the standalone issue drawn by Brahm Revel (The Venture Bros. storyboard artist, Marvel Knights: X-Men) and colored by Jason Fischer.
The Bunker #14
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Joe Infurnari
Someone besides Heidi finally pays Billy a visit… but things don’t go exactly as planned. Meanwhile, Heidi makes a decision that could alter the fate of the Bunker–and the world–forever.
The Bunker #14
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Joe Infurnari
Someone besides Heidi finally pays Billy a visit… but things don’t go exactly as planned. Meanwhile, Heidi makes a decision that could alter the fate of the Bunker–and the world–forever.
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: This Damned Band #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – A fun and trippy start of a series that mixes the fun of rock and roll with ghosts. This is Spinal Tap meets Ghostbusters, and it works in an awesome way. By the end of the first issue, you won’t be sure what is supernatural and what is drug induced, and that’s half the fun.
Bower Boys Our Fathers HC (Dark Horse Comics) – The webcomic is collected in print. The series focuses on Tammany Hall and Union busting, but it’s so much more, it’s about the relationships we have with our fathers. The fantastic story is backed up by beautiful artwork.
The Bunker #13 (Oni Press) – The time bending series continues its fantastic ways. In this issue we get some more info on what the deal with Heidi is including where she’s been the last three months, and more importantly who she’s been with.
Midnighter #3 (DC Comics) – Punching corporations! Seriously, this series is violent fun, that shows the struggle of a man designed to hurt attempting to figure out who he is. Steve Orlando is killing it (and a lot of people) in this series.
Nailbiter #15 (Image Comics) – One of my favorite series that has a few folks attempting to discover why a small town has produced so many serial killers. We’re getting closer and closer to finally getting an answer… I think and hope.
Alex
Top Pick: The Fox #5 (Archie Comics) – I picked issue #1 up on a whim, and this series has fast become one of my favourites. I love the fun, almost cynically innocent take on the superhero genre, and I cannot wait to get my grubby mitts on the final chapter of the opening arc.
Detective Comics #43 (DC Comics) – I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve been enjoying Mecha-Batman, and while I expect the original to return eventually, I’m enjoying this while it lasts.
We Stand On Guard #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue of this comic took me by surprise when it came out last month. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, and whether it is the underdog nature of the story or the Great White North setting, this is a series I’m looking forward too.
Edward
Top Pick: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #5 (Marvel) – This all ages comic has not been on many people’s reading list, bust it proves that some minds at Disney are still interested in creativity.
Morning Glories #47 (Image Comics) – The standout series continues by weaving in new plots to the old. Every answer continues to create five new questions.
Groot #3 (Marvel) – This series has only run two issues thus far but has been unexpectedly amazing. The story is simple enough, but executed flawlessly.
Ms. Marvel #17 (Marvel) – One of Marvel’s stand-out series gets the Secret Wars treatment. It is nearing the end before Marvel relaunches and it remains to be seen how that will affect this series.
Red Skull #2 (Marvel) – It is the Suicide Squad of the Secret Wars as Red Skull takes on the role of Deadshot.
Elana
Top Pick: The Humans #7 (Image Comics) – Apesploitstion biker madness continues! I love this series so much I have a lenghthy personal essay about it coming out this week. This month’s issue features even more sex and violence and drugs and rock and roll and vengeance and period accurate hair and the color orange and oh my god the lettering! The lettering!!! All the important things in art, really.
Top Pick: The Wicked + The Divine #13 (Image Comics) – At last an issue about the mysterious goddess Tara jokingly called “goddess of who knows what” because there are so many deities with that name that it’s unclear who she’s supposed to be. I’m not sure which real world pop stars the character was inspired by. Beyoncé?
One thing is for sure, the new art by Tula Lotay is stunning!
Kaptara #4 (Image Comics) – This charming sword and sorcery in space comic won my heart. It’s saturated in lurid colors and riffs on He-Man but it doesn’t get in the way of being a very human story about a scientist who really needs a hug. And a date. Do you know any nice single men for Keith to date? I worry that Manton the warrior may take a while to come around.
Midnighter #3 (DC Comics) – Last issue our hero started to square off with the corporate powers that be. I’m really looking forward to a comic that tackles Monsanto. At least that’s where I think this is heading. Also, Midnighter punched a steak through a killer’s head. A dinner steak.
This Damned Band #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – What if Led Zeppelin really did sell their souls to the devil? It’s a brand new series from the ever funny and inventive and very British Paul Cornell (art by Tony Parker). I simultaneously love over-indulgent boomer rock and I also find it hilarious and worth deflating. This comic seems to be doing the same– both reveling and lovingly mocking the 70s rock pretentious and conventions. But with the actual Devil.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Green Lantern #43 (DC Comics) – I’ve really been enjoying this Hal on the run as a bounty hunter storyline and now that they’ve thrown Black Hand back in the mix, it should only get even better. Proof that he doesn’t need the most powerful weapon in the universe to still be a bad ass, this title is still providing bright days!
Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #3 (Marvel Comics) – Back in black and the marriage still intact? Let’s see if the removal of Spidey’s bright colors bring the foot out of the grave on this one. I really want to like this Mr. Slott, don’t disappoint me please. I’ve waited a long time for this.
JLA: Gods and Monsters: Wonder Woman #1 (DC Comics) – Having seen the movie, Wonder Woman was my favorite part. I hope they delve even deeper into her loss and betrayal. I really enjoy the twist on the New Genesis vs. Apokolips War. Should be a good one! Plus that boom tube sword is just epic. DC make a replica now!
TMNT: Color Classics Series 3 #8 (IDW Publishing) – Turtles, Shredder, April, Eastman, Laird. Isn’t that enough right there?
Paul
Top Pick: Age of Apocalypse #2 (Marvel) – Fabian Nicieza and Gerardo Sandoval took me right back into the Age of Apocalypse that I remember from so long ago; great story and fantastic art make this one of my favourite Secret Wars books, and I’m looking forward to seeing Magneto give Apocalypse’s forces the smack down!
Civil War #2 (Marvel) – Steve Rogers and Tony Stark; opposing sides in this world of Civil War have been pushed further apart after an assassination attempt has left a proponent for peace dead at their feet. I really enjoyed the first issue of this book, and I’m excited to see if the two sides come together…or tear each other apart.
Siege #2 (Marvel) – I really loved this story of the SHIELD, the wall that separates Battleworld from the zombies and robots that would destroy the planet. Not to mention Abigail Brand is calling the shots, so that alone has me hooked.
Spider-Island #2 (Marvel) – The Spider Queen has turned almost everyone in this area of Battleworld into human/spider hybrids…including the heroes…and they all serve her. Flash Thompson is one of the few not affected, and with his resistance force, has managed to help some former colleagues break from the Spider Queen’s control…but will what he’s turned them into be a help or a hindrance? This was a fun first issue and I’m excited to see how Venom’s newly freed friends help him out.
The Bunker #13
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Joe Infurnari
What’s the deal with Heidi? Between her visits to Billy and spilling her deepest secret to Natasha, there’s something else going on. Where has she been the last three months? And who has she been with?
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
We Stand on Guard #1 (Image Comics) – Brian K Vaughn is taking on giant robots and Canada. Sign me up. I’ve been awaiting this one since it was announced at Image Expo.
The Bunker #12 (Oni Press) – Josh Fialkov’s time travel comic has been amazing with each issue and the fact is, I have no idea what will happen. It’s just beyond amazing and one of my favorite comics.
Red Skull #1 (Marvel) – If there’s one character that can mess up Doom’s new world, I’m convinced it’s the Red Skull. Maybe we’ll get the first hints as to how Doom will fall here?
Secret Wars #4 (Marvel) – The first three issues were solid in the best Marvel event in quite some time. It’s interesting to see where it all goes, and I’m along for the ride.
The Wicked + The Divine #12 (Image Comics) – Did you read the last issue? That alone is the reason I’m looking for this one. I seriously have no idea what’s happening next.
Alex
Top Pick: Will Eisner’s The Spirit #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – I’m a sucker for anything set in the 40’s, and the Spirit is no exception. I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I heard the comic was being released. I even though the movie was pretty decent. Did I just lose my nerd-cred?
Detective Comics #42 (DC Comics) – I’ve always been a closet Harvey Bullock fan, so to have at least a two-part story focused exclusively on him? There is no way I couldn’t pick this up.
We Stand On Guard #1 (Image Comics) – A military comic that features giant robots and is written by Brian K Vaughn? What’s not to love?
Elana
Top Pick (tie) The Wicked + The Divine #12 (Image Comics) – Ack! My heart! It’s been smashed somewhere on the floor! It’s listening to “People Who Died” and “Rock and Roll Suicide” on repeat.
But Don’t You Cry Tonight (Gillen/McKelvie still love you, baby). There’s an underworld bellow us (BAYBAAHH) and Persephone is the goddess who comes back from the dead every spring.
This month’s issue is a flashback to Inanna’s origins. So put on Purple Rain and pretend you don’t know what’s to come.
Top Pick (tie) The Humans #6 (Image Comics) – It’s been reported that this issue is going to start giving us some more material about the women in The Humans and Johnny’s long lost former girlfriend. I’ve always appreciated how even in this male-centered story all of the female characters are easily identifiable and unique. This issue could make good on that promise.
But that’s not what I read this comic for. That’s just my intellect talking. I read it because it’s in my guts. (Teaser of a thought piece I’m working on).
It’s safe to say this comic will continue to be some of the best crafted, most addictive, least office appropriate reading you’ll find.
A-Force #2 (Marvel) – All of everyone’s favorite female heroes on one team! I was a bit thrown off by this new issues’s summary page. It describes Sister Grimm and Ms. America as foster sisters. Brett and I had interpreted them as a romantic couple. But let’s see where this goes. Hopefully there will be girl kissing and sharks being punched. And more She-Hulk.
Airboy #2 (Image Comics) – Hey Kids! Airboy is appearing in a comic of the same name! But I’m not reading this for a WWII Boy Adventurer. I’m here for the gonzo struggles of the artist as a middle aged man. (Read my review of issue 1 to find out more.) Will this comic’s writer and artist– this story’s actual protagonists– despoil the golden lad of the Golden Age? Pretty sure all of the hangovers we’re ever had, all put together are less interesting then the hangover that this creative team is about to experience (and they invite us along for the ride).
I want to warn our readers that there is seriously transphobic content in issue 2. I did not have a review copy when I put this issue on my picks list and wrote my endorsement based on my having enjoyed issue 1. Now, having read this issue I am not endorsing it. We will be discussing the problems with it soon. I’m really disappointed.
For more on this, you can read our post “Airboy Crashes and Burns With Transphobic Second Issue”
Years of Future Past #2 (Marvel) – This Secret Wars title seems to have gone entirely under the radar. That’s a shame. It’s a Claremonterrific spin-off of the classic X-Men Future Dystopia, the one that birthed all those crazy X-Men continuities. The book’s got heavy handed but emotionally resonant political metaphor to spare. It also has Kitty Pryde married to Colossus (though he’s only the 2nd best member of the Rasputin family for her to be in love with) and they have a daughter! And she meets Logan’s mysterious son “Cameron”. Ooooo. Who’s he named for?
Mr. H
Top Pick: Secret Wars #4 (Marvel Comics) – Sheriff Strange, Lord Doom. Marvel’s version of Game of Thrones continues and it’s been epic! Unlike Convergence, part of me doesn’t want to see it end. If only Doom can win…
Action Comics #42 (DC Comics) – Truth continues and we see the “Man” without the “Steel” try to adapt and overcome everything put in his path. Last month was a joy and I’m waiting to see where this month takes us. Hopefully up, up and further!
Barb Wire #1 (Dark Horse Comics) The return of the bounty hunting Babe! Adam Hughes cover alone sold me on this one. If the inside is as good as the cover, I won’t need to keep the receipt.
Green Lantern #42 (DC Comics) – Everyone’s favorite renegade: Han.. er.. Hal Jordan continues his outlaw journey through the cosmos without the Corps by his side. Doesn’t mean it won’t be any less action packed!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #47 (IDW Publishing) – Evil Baxter Stockman, a horde of Mousers and half- shelled heroes. Is it 1984 again? That’s well and ok with me! Me thinks it’s Cowabunga time again!
Paul
Top Pick: A-Force #2 (Marvel) – All the women from the Marvel Universe on an island, fighting and protecting their island from outside threats…led by She-Hulk? YES PLEASE! This is one of the few Secret Wars tie ins that I have really enjoyed, AND it has been reported this title will survive as an on-going title with the MU figures itself out. I highly recommend getting on board with this one.
X-Tinction Agenda #2 (Marvel) – The second Secret Wars tie-in I really enjoyed, this title sees Havok and the mutants of Genosha dying from a virus running rampant, and their only hope is charging into X-City against Phoenix and taking the help they need to save their people. Definitely a show down I look forward to seeing.
Years of Future Past #2 (Marvel) – Kate Pryde, along with her parents Shawdowcat and Colossus, have broken free from their prison, and with a handful of fellow mutants, have to race through their ruined city to try and save their surviving friends. I’ve always enjoyed stories showing a bleaker future, and how the X-Men, no matter their numbers, band together to try and set things right.
The Bunker #12
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Joe Infurnari
Billy contemplates his smaller world behind four walls and Grady’s actions which put him there. How long can friendship last? Is it worth punishing present Billy for the crimes his future self will commit?
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: Midnighter #1 (DC Comics) – Steve Orlando takes on the brutal character, who also happens to be gay. Orlando is a talented writer and to see him take on such an important series is fantastic. Can’t wait to read this one.
Broken World #1 (BOOM! Studios) – With a meteor days away from causing an extinction-level event on Earth, time is running out for Elena Marlowe. While most of the planet’s population and her family were approved by the government to escape on one of the giant spaceships headed to another planet, her application was denied due to her mysterious past. With the meteor fast approaching, Elena tries desperately to find a way to fake her way onto the last ship or else be left behind to die with the rest of Earth’s rejected denizens.
The Bunker #11 (Oni Press) – Three months later. Grady begins his political campaign while Billy sits in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. But once again, everyone is at the mercy of their future selves. An amazing series.
Jupiter’s Circle #3 (Image Comics) – Mark Millar’s prequel series has been fantastic the first two issues. This third continues to look at how power corrupts.
Secret Wars #3 (Marvel) – The series really kicked off with the second issue. While I’m still a bit cautious about this major event as a whole, so far the main series, as well as the tie-ins, have all been very good. Marvel’s events have had a habit recently of starting strong than tanking, here’s hoping we don’t see a repeat.
Edward
Top Pick: Suicide Risk #25 (BOOM! Studios) – This is it! The finale to this gripping series. We finally get to find out the final fates of all involved and whether the heroes can save two worlds.
Bat-Mite #1 (DC Comics) – DC has been taking more risks than usual in the past year, and this series continues that streak running. It will be interesting to see what they can make of this series.
Justice League #41 (DC Comics) – After a lead-in like the last issue, it is evident that the creative team means big things for this series.
Morning Glories #46 (Image Comics) – The series should be heading towards another big moment some time in the next few issues. Will this issue be the linchpin?
Wonderland #36 (Zenescope) – Zenescope’s best series returns for its monthly dose of Wonderland infused madness and mayhem.
Elana
Top Pick (tie): The Wicked + The Divine #11 (Image Comics) – Stunning art, emotionally compelling characters a big fat mystery and a whole lot to say about being young and about pop culture and fandom.
The comic has been picked up by DeConnick and Fraction’s new TV production company so you better start reading this book before it hits the small screen so you can brag about liking it before it was mainstream.
Top Pick (tie): The Humans #5 (Image Comics) – Bikersploitation meets apesploitation meets 70sploitation. This new issue puts us on the road to trucksploitation too (yes that’s a genre! Haven’t you seen Convoy? I haven’t but whatever).
This underground comic styled book is one of the best comics of the year. Neely’s art is evocative, expressive and funny but it is also technically outstanding. He’s a remarkable draftsman and inker. Reading this book will remind you why hand lettering and coloring makes such a big difference.
Oh and there’s sex and drugs and violence and monkeys and a soundtrack to download.
Airboy #1 (Image Comics) – Robinson is a strong writer who’s known for excavating emotional resonance and intellectual stories out of overlooked gold and silver age heroes.
And that’s the joke here.
The preview makes it clear this comic has a different project in mind. He’s created a meta comic about the making of an air boy comic (air boy being a square golden age hero) and the drugs one takes to do so– starring non other then James Robinson & Greg Hinkle (this book’s creative team). There are Hunter S Thompson references.
Sure! Why not!
Spiderwoman #8 (Marvel) – Hopeless’s run has always been a fun read but as of last issue it’s turning out to be a comic that has something to say. Last issue included a big reveal that makes us question a lot of our assumptions about criminals and about women. I want to see where this goes and I’ve never been as intrigued with this book as I am right now.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #6 (Marvel) – I love that front headline of this comic always states that she has all the powers of a squirrel and all the powers of a girl. Because both girls and squirrels have more power then anyone gives them credit for and this book wants you to remember that. Also it’s hilarious fun and totally beginner friendly.
“Big Daddy Cool” Johnny Dellarocca
Top Pick: Bat-Mite #1 (DC Comics) – It’s freaking Bat-Mite! What else do you need?
Airboy #1 (Image Comics) – Another great pulp hero by another established “classic” creative team (see a pattern here?). I am particularly interested in the concept behind this series, and the previews suggest that this is a “breaking the 4th wall” type of series that will have healthy does of action, adventure and comedy. Well, see but it is definitely worth a look!
Justice Inc.: Avenger #1 (Dynamite) – I’m going to be honest and upfront. I have never been a fan of The Avenger. I was hoping the Justice Inc. series from Dynamite would change that, but it didn’t. That series for me wandered and was too disjointed. Plus The Avenger was written like a spoiled whiner. Saying that, I wasn’t a Daredevil fan either. Until Mark Waid took over the book. Now mark Waid is writing The Avenger. I’m a little excited.
The Phantom #3 (Hermes Press) – There are two Phantom books out this week. While I love the concept of Dynamite’s King series, it hasn’t quite hit the right notes (unlike Flash Gordon). However, Peter David’s series from Hermes Press not only hits the right notes, it is an orchestral work of a master!
Princess Leia #4 (Marvel) – Another Mark Waid title, and in my opinion the best of the Star Wars line, and my top pick of the month. It’s a shame the series is only 5 issues. Waid and Dodson have created magic with this one!
The Bunker Vol. 2
Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov
Artist: Joe Infurnari
The future has not been saved.
A bomb tore a chunk out of San Francisco. Daniel began his job at Aspire, following in his father’s footsteps. Will the apocalypse keep happening? Or will something trigger a change in the future? A future where Grady Potts wields his power as president to his advantage. Where Daniel has locked himself away, desperately seeking a cure for the virus. Where Heidi and Billy are criminals. Where Natasha is forced to help Grady find a way to travel into the past…
…but for what purpose? To help change the future? Or to preserve it?
