Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) 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
Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue was a bit slow but we want to see Jon deal with some of the worst versions of Superman out there.
Disney Villains: Scar #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – The Lion King villain gets the spotlight. So far, Dynamite’s “Disney comics” have been pretty solid.
Hairball #1 (Dark Horse Comics/Flux House) – Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins do horror. Yeah, this is on the list easily.
Junk Rabbit #1 (Image Comics) – A new hero rises from mountains of consumer waste, mass homelessness, and devastating climate change. A hero rises from climate disaster. We’re intrigued.
Magic #25 (BOOM! Studios) – The series wraps up here and we’re not sure how it pulls it all off in an issue.
The Nasty #1 (Vault Comics) – A story about the perception of evil, the power of genre, the love of fandom, the need to create art, oh, and crap-your-pants TERROR! A new horror comic? There’s been a solid run of new releases so far.
Planet of the Apes #1 (Marvel) – We’re excited to see what this new era of this classic franchise brings.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – Dog of War #1 (IDW Publishing) – A “lost episode where Quark purchases an extremely rare purebred corgi from Earth.
Samurai Doggy #5 (AfterShock) – The art has been amazing with every issue in this western meets sci-fi.
Second Coming: Trinity #1 (AHOY Comics) – Jesus Christ, the Son of God, tackles his biggest challenge in 2000 years: babysitting a child with super powers! That bit alone has us hooked.
Where Monsters Lie #3 (Dark Horse) – The series about what happens in a community where serial killers spend their time off has been amazing so far.
(W) Tom Taylor (A) Clayton Henry In Shops: Apr 04, 2023 SRP: $3.99
Kal-Els across the Multiverse are being murdered…and the culprit is the man who stole Jon Kent’s childhood! Jon is joined by Earth-2’s Superman, Val-Zod, and a surprise third hero to try to stop Ultraman’s killing spree. But when Jon comes face-to-face with the man who tortured him and kept him imprisoned, he discovers an even greater threat!
Throughout its line of monthly comic books, DC will highlight Pride-themed variant covers on series that feature queer characters in regular and lead roles. This year, look for DC Pride covers on Steelworks #1 by Joshua “Sway” Swaby, Spirit World #2 from Jessica Fong, Green Arrow #3 by Luciano Vecchio, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #4 from Stephen Byrne, Superman #5 from W. Scott Forbes, Batman Incorporated #9 by Rosi Kämpe, Tim Drake: Robin #10 by Travis Moore, Poison Ivy #13 and Harley Quinn #31 are connecting covers by Claire Roe, Nightwing #105 by Yoshi Yoshitani,Wonder Woman #800 from Ted Brandt and Ro Stein, and Detective Comics #1073 by Amy Reeder.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #4 by Stephen Byrne
There’s been a massive change in the status-quo for the Superman family. Their secret identities are a thing again, allowing them to live their dual lives and get back to the way things were some time ago. That includes Jon Kent who has to find his way now that his dad has returned to Earth and Metropolis. Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 looks to do exactly that, sending Jon on a mission across the multiverse with what seems like major implications.
Written by Tom Taylor, Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 has a dual purpose. First, it needs to set up what’s to come and second, it needs to give readers a sense of where Jon is with his life. It does both of those in a nice transition that feels organic and natural. But, it drags all of that out through the comic making it a rather slow, but at the same time satisfying, start.
Someone is killing Kal-Els across the multiverse and Jon is the one being recruited to stop the villain. Why are versions of Superman being murdered? What happens after? None of that is really answered though we’re told the ramifications are huge. All of this is delivered by Val-Zod in an introduction that feels a bit odd at first. Val-Zod, known as “President Superman,” is a known entity to readers which makes the standoff-ish nature of the initial meeting between Jon and him a little weird. We know he’s a good guy but I guess they’ve never met, have they? Intelligently, Taylor forgoes the usual heroes fighting each other, and even makes a bit fun of that overused plot device.
The art by Clayton Henry is solid. The comic is able to go from amazing action sequences to a conversation at a kitchen table without missing a beat. With color by Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Wes Abbott, the comic delivers a balance of ominous without being totally doom and gloom. Superman is being killed and yet the imagery and colors still pop. The lettering, especially at the opening, adds to the overall vibe of scenes and comics. It’s a good combo and look that delivers a comic that feels like its style fits with what we’ve seen from both Action Comics and the newly relaunched Superman. All three titles are able to do big battles and even weighty topics but still deliver a look and feel of cheer and hope.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 is a good start. It takes a bit to get to the end’s big reveal and also the mission ahead, but it does a good job as an opening chapter. There’s a lot we know that’s coming, and that’s part of the issue. While the comic sets up Jon’s adventure, it doesn’t get us to where we want it to go, him heading to the world of “Injustice.” That’s partially why it feels a bit slow getting to the point. Overall though, it’s a first issue that’ll fit in nicely as we get to read more of the series, sadly we need to wait for that to happen.
Story: Tom Taylor Art: Clayton Henry Color: Jordie Bellaire Letterer: Wes Abbott Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
It’s new comic book day! What are you all excited for? What do you plan on getting? Sound off in the comments below! While you wait for shops to open, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
(W) Tom Taylor (A/CA) Clayton Henry In Shops: Mar 07, 2023 SRP: $3.99
ANOTHER SUPERMAN HAS FALLEN. Across the Multiverse, Kal-Els are being murdered. Val-Zod, the Superman of Earth-2, believes only one man can help stop the killing-Kal-El’s son, Jon Kent! Jon will have to step across dimensions and face the killer of the Kal-Els, the monstrous Ultraman, the man who kidnapped and tortured him for years. And Val-Zod is not acting alone in trying to save the Supermen. Who is the mysterious woman alongside him? And what is her shocking connection to the Super-Family?
Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) 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
Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 (DC Comics) – Someone is killing versions of Superman across the multiverse and Jon Kent is called upon to stop the killing.
ARC (Image Comics) – An intriguing comic focused on illegal poaching and those fighting against it.
Black Tape #2 (AWA Studios) – The first issue was interesting about a musician who died and the viper’s circling to take advantage of what’s been left by him.
Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was a lot of fun putting the spotlight on a relatively new character and taking a familiar dynamic and switching it up.
By Water: The Felix Manz Story (Plough Publishing) – The true story of the conflict between establishment reformer Ulrich Zwingli and his student Felix Manz.
Dejah Thoris #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Chuck Brown writing an early chapter of Dejah’s life? Yeah, we’re intrigued.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (IDW Publishing) – With a film coming later this month, check out the prequel comic!
The Gimmick #1 (AHOY Comics) – It’s superpowers meets wrestling in a very interesting debut that sets up an intriguing world and story.
Killchella #3 (Scout Comics) – What should’ve been the festival weekend of a lifetime has now turned into a nightmare. It’s the horror genre mixed with summer music festivals.
New Mutants: Lethal Legion #1 (Marvel) – We’re told this ties into the upcoming “Fall of X” which puts it on our spotlight.
Predator #1 (Marvel) – We’re promised this will turn what we know about the Predators on its head and we’re here for it.
Samurai Doggy #4 (AfterShock) – The previous issue was a visual feast and we’re intrigued what this next issue brings.
Space Job #2 (Dark Horse) – The first issue was hilarious and caught us off guard. We laughed a lot and hoping for more of that in the second issue.
Stoneheart #1 (Image Comics) – A new ongoing fantasy series from Emma Kubert.
Traveling to Mars #4 (Ablaze) – Roy gets an unexpected chance at salvation when his estranged wife agrees to talk to him before his spaceship cuts off communications with the Earth. A surprisingly heartfelt series.
X-23: Deadly Regenesis #1 (Marvel) – An unknown chapter of Laura’s life!
(W) Tom Taylor (A/CA) Clayton Henry In Shops: Mar 07, 2023 SRP: $3.99
ANOTHER SUPERMAN HAS FALLEN. Across the Multiverse, Kal-Els are being murdered. Val-Zod, the Superman of Earth-2, believes only one man can help stop the killing-Kal-El’s son, Jon Kent! Jon will have to step across dimensions and face the killer of the Kal-Els, the monstrous Ultraman, the man who kidnapped and tortured him for years. And Val-Zod is not acting alone in trying to save the Supermen. Who is the mysterious woman alongside him? And what is her shocking connection to the Super-Family?
It’s one of two new comic book days! What are you all getting? What are you excited for? Sound off in the comments! While you think about that, here’s some comic news from around the web.
“Dawn of DC” is kicking off in January 2023. It’s a year long storytelling initiative from DC Comics. The initiative picks up on the Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths and DC Universe: Lazarus Planet events. The world’s superheroes have emerged from the biggest, most devastating battles of their lives and are reinvigorated in their fights against evil. Readers can expect “epic new storylines,” over 20 exciting new titles, superstar creative teams, and villains that will push the heroes beyond their limits in bold adventures, this line-wide, multievent narrative initiative kicks off with January’s Action Comics#1051.
All year long, DC will be celebrating the classic characters while also embracing the next generation of new heroes, as everyone will be needed to help fight against the darkness. Dawn of DC will shine the spotlight on a number of fan-favorite superheroes and super-villains that haven’t been front and center for some time.
Dawn of DC is an easy entry point for both lifelong readers and those picking up a comic for the first time to dive into the new stories. Over 20 new comic titles will be launching throughout 2023 as part of Dawn of DC, featuring Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Shazam, the Doom Patrol, Green Arrow, Cyborg, the Penguin, and more.
Kicking off in January with the previously announced Action Comics #1051, Dawn of DC features an exciting new era for the Man of Steel. Action Comics #1051 is the start of a format change that will see three new stories included in each issue from writers Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Dan Jurgens, and Leah Williams. In Superman #1 out in February, from writer Joshua Williamsonand artist Jamal Campbell, Clark Kent is settling back into his life on Earth while iconic and new enemies erupt from the shadows to take him on. Jon Kent will also get to forge his own path and will take on the man responsible for his kidnap and torture, Ultraman, in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #1 by Tom Taylor and Clayton Henry available at local comic shops in March.
Spinning directly out of Lazarus Planet, the world’s strangest superheroes are saving the world by saving its monsters! In the team’s first main line series in over a decade, the Doom Patrol returns in Unstoppable Doom Patrol by Dennis Culver and Chris Burnham, available in March.
Clark and Jon won’t be the only Kent family members with their own series. Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow by Kenny Porter and Jahnoy Lindsay will launch in April. Determined to find his place in a strange universe, Conner Kent/Superboy leaves Earth behind. But his journey of self-discovery brings him face-to-face with a group of freedom fighters who challenge not just everything Conner stands for but what it means to bear the Superman crest.
Green Lantern fans will have their pick of Green Lanterns in 2023 when both Green Lantern: Hal Jordanand Green Lantern: John Stewart fly into comic book shops! Green Lantern: Hal Jordan by Mariko Tamaki and an artist yet to be announced will be available in April. Fan favorite Hal Jordan returns to Earth and to his blockbuster superhero action storytelling roots. Spinning out of that series and launching later in the year, Green Lantern: John Stewart is by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and an artist to be announced at a later date. The beloved John Stewart gets back to basics as the military-trained, gritty, but heroic Green Lantern.
Oliver Queen has been lost since Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, and his family is determined to find him—but there are dangerous forces just as determined to keep them apart at any cost. Green Arrow by writer Joshua Williamson and artist Sean Izaakse, which launches in April, is an action-packed adventure across the DC Universe that sets the stage for major stories in 2023.
A classic title returns with tales of the Dark Knight and core stories building out Dawn of DC! Coming in May, Batman: The Brave and the Boldfeatures top writers and artists, including Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Guillem March, Gabriel Hardman, Dan Mora, Rob Williamsand more.
Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths forever changed Victor Stone, and now, as Dawn of DC rises, he might just hold the secret to Earth’s future! He gets his own series, Cyborg, in May from a talent team that will be revealed at a later date.
The creative team behind the smash-hit Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, writer Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora, is reunited once again on Shazam!, available in June. Billy Batson is back as the champion in the action-comedy comic about a boy with powers that rival Superman’s and a whole lot of growing up left to do. We’ll see Shazam hanging out at the Rock of Eternity, his secret clubhouse that can travel through space and time, as well as punching dinosaurs in the face, seeing how long he can hold his breath on the moon, and getting into wild and fun adventures with his tiger, Tawky Tawny, by his side.
After escaping Gotham City and his criminal past to happily retire to Metropolis, the Penguin is forced back into organized crime by the U.S. government! The feathered felon, and Gotham City, will never be the same. Spinning out of the pages of Batman, The Penguin (working title) will be available in June from writer Tom King and artist Stefano Gaudiano.
Just in time for his 30th anniversary, John Henry Irons must bring Metropolis into the future while trusting his niece Natasha to carry the mantle of Steel. Steelworkswill be available in June from a talent team that will be revealed at a later date.
Stay tuned as more from Dawn of DC, including the titles releasing in the second half of 2023, will be announced soon!