Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Alex
Top Pick: Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #8 (Valiant) – It’s no secret that I’m a Valiant fan, and the Eternal Warrior has become on of my favourite comic book characters. While the first series he starred in is perhaps best forgotten, Wrath Of has been consistently very good (if not great) for the past seven issues, and this one is no exception – I’ve already finished the review copy, and now I’m looking forward to getting the physical version in my hands.
A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #4 (Valiant) – Quite possibly one of the most entertaining series around, and I’m looking forward to this issue.
Batman #1 (DC Comics) – Tom King kicks off a new (old?) era in the Dark Knight’s world… and with Rebirth being a surprise for me in how much I’m enjoying it, I’m beyond optimistic for the new era.
Dark Night: A True Batman Story (DC Comics) – I’ve been waiting for this for a year, and that wait will be over Wednesday. I’m a little excited.
Vote Loki #1 (Marvel) – I’ve somehow missed everything about this comic, but the idea of the God of Mischief running for president seems like something I frankly have to read.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Batman #1 (DC Comics) – No its not 1939 but we get an issue #1 from the Dark Knight for a trip time. David Finch is always on the pretty pencils but I’m very interested on where this story is going. Almost everything from Rebirth so far has the Midas touch. Let’s see if it wilts under the Gotham pressure.
Superman #1 (DC Comics) – Hell yes. A superhero with responsibility and progression? Oh not only that, THE superhero? Finally my Superman back in action with his new bound super son in tow. I’m stoked and the creative team knows how to handle family drama. High Metropolis sky scraper hopes for this one.
Justice League #51 (DC Comics) – The aftermath of the bombshell dropping death and “rebirth” (sorry had to) of Darkseid. Johns’ run has been masterful, let’s see what he leaves in his wake. I am optimistic.
The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 (DC Comics) – Finally we get the story in the Miller verse just what the eff happened to Robin. Is it justified into making Batman the cold stone he is? We shall certainly see. Call me curious but bring it on. I want to see it first hand.
Civil War II #2 (Marvel Comics) – So far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this. A story with consequences, deaths, and outcomes. I want to know how Tony Stark handles this and what drives the knife. This is a definite must see.
Anthony
Top Pick: Descender #12 (Image Comics) – Descender is back! One of the more fresh sci-fi comics on the shelves from two of the most exciting creators. Jeff Lemire has crafted quite the world so far that feels like there is still quite a bit to be explored. Dustin Nguyen’s illustrations are a treat to have on an issue-by-issue basis. His watercolour painting gives off such a vibrancy to the world of Descender. Now that more of a focus is being drawn on the Robot Resistance, it will be very interesting to see what exactly is going to be planned and how the major characters will be involved.
I Hate Fairyland #6 (Image Comics) – Yet another Image series that is making a return. Skottie Young’s covers dial up the cuteness factor with his array of variants for Marvel but Gert and the world of fairyland only appear to be sunshine and lollipops on the surface. This is another great title that is always exciting to see where exactly Young is taking the viewers every issue. His innovation and ability to poke fun at fairy tale tropes are consistently spot on. Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s colours really make the world pop with a wide scattering of the colour spectrum. Oh, and this is definitely not for the wee kids. If Gert was mad about her situation before, one can only imagine what she will be like now that she is queen.
Black Widow #4 (Marvel) – Chris Samnee and Mark Waid have crafted yet another must read title for Marvel. Black Widow has been tense and exciting from the start, with some beautiful visual compositions from Samnee. Matt Wilson on colours is just another reason to grab this book purely for the illustrations alone. With Natasha back in Russia and amongst her childhood surroundings, this looks to be another personal story with visions of her past. The Weeping Lion, a very intriguing, mysterious villain, is pulling the strings as of right now with not much really known about them. There are a lot of unknown factors driving this series which makes it unexpected around every corner.
A&A: Adventures of Archer and Armstrong #4 (Valiant) – The end of the first arc is sure to feature some of the great hilarious, entertaining antics that this series has been littered with. Rafer Roberts has been a worthy writer to take on the writing baton from Fred Van Lente in the last Archer and Armstrong series. He has alongside him David Lafuente’s pencilling of the hectic surroundings within Armstrong’s satchel and some great laugh out loud moments. The dynamic duo, with the addition of Mary-Maria and her fellow sister assassins, are about to face the party god Bacchus in a final confrontation
The Spire #8 (BOOM! Studios) – The Spire has been a fantastic fantasy murder mystery that has really been building to the reveal of who exactly has been committing all of these murders. Simon Spurrier has written some real, three-dimensional characters to truly care about very early on so it will make this final issue all the more difficult to turn its final page. Jeff Stokley’s visuals are reminiscent of the lived-in, detailed, atmospheric illustrations of Frederik Peeters’s AAMA and are a wonder to look at. Andre May’s colours really create a rough, dirty sheen to the streets of the Spire and a tense, unaware veil to the outside with Stokley’s innovative designs to the environments and people. Though this is a fantastical series, its dilemmas and political intrigue amongst the various groups of people make The Spire a highly relatable series.
Paul
Top Pick: Civil War II #2 (Marvel) – The stage is set and the sides are being drawn. Iron Man has made the first move, and this is going to show us where the heroes stand when it comes to an Inhuman who can see the possible future. The first issue was some exciting stuff, though I would like to see more of a debate on the topic. But I am really looking forward to seeing this unfold.
Civil War II: X-Men #1 (Marvel) – Magneto is not happy and I can’t wait to see his reaction to the news of the latest Inhuman. Tensions are already high between the X-Men and the Inhumans and this is going to send things into the red zone. The X-Men didn’t play a huge part in the first Civil War, but you can be sure their presence will be felt this time around.
Titans: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – The Teen Titans, then Titans have always been a favorite of mine. Sure, DC comics are not a standard thing for me, but Rebirth has been a chance for me to check things out as it were and see if the titles are worth my time. I am excited to see these characters again and hopefully it’s a title I’ll want to keep up with.
Uncanny X-Men #8 (Marvel) – Psylocke comes face to face with Fantomex after a less then friendly parting some time ago. I will be ringside to check this one out!
Brett
Dark Knight: A True Batman Story (DC Comics) – The true story of Paul Dini and his dealing with being assaulted and mugged while he was working on Batman: The Animated Series. The graphic novel is a brutal and honest story not just focusing on Dini’s experience but the warts and all life he was experiencing. This is putting it out there on paper, and so far it’s one of the best reads I’ve had this year.
Black Eyed Kids #3 (Aftershock Comics) – This is seriously one of the creepiest comics out there right now. I think I know what’s going on, and I’m beyond weirded out while reading it. A horror/suspense comic done right.
Descender #12 (Image Comics) – Beautifully written with beautiful art. Descender is back after a short break and I can’t wait to dive in and catch up with the series. The sci-fi story is top notch bringing in all sorts of elements and philosophical debates, but the art is absolutely amazing. Easily one of the best comics out there right now.
Green Lanterns #1 (DC Comics) – Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz are the Green Lanterns of Earth and will have to work together. The concept is basic buddy cop, but the fact it’s focused on the “D team” of Lanterns who generally have not been embraced by fans is fantastic. Can’t wait to dive in and read this.
Superman #1 (DC Comics) – I think the Rebirth issue knocked it out of the park for this series and I’m hoping this first issue continues that. I haven’t been a fan of Superman for some time, but that transition issue in Rebirth really put the super and hope back into the character.
Meredith kidnapped by the BEK. Jim and Lara uncover a confusing connection to the past. A police officer makes a gruesome discovery. The BEK gas station shooter’s plan begins to unfold.
The weekend is almost here! What geeky things are folks doing? Anyone going to any conventions? Sound off in the comments below!
This issue sets out to establish tone more than anything else. Focusing on a young sleepwalking boy named Michael, the story also encompasses locals noticing the appearance of black-eyed kids (yes, even if it’s in the title, I still have to say it) as they make their presence known in the community.
