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
Invisible Republic #1 (Image Comics) – This new series is not what I expected at all. It follows a journalist who’s researching how an empire rose and fell. The story perspective is what really stood out to me, and out of everything I’ve read so far this week, this one beyond exceeded my expectation.
Chrononauts #1 (Image Comics) – Mark Millar and Sean Gordon Murphy do the time travel thing in this latest Millarworld release. The first issue is entertaining, but how it’ll differ from Black Science (an Image comic with a similar premise) will be key.
Frankenstein Underground #1 (Dark Horse) – The latest entry into the Mignolaverse is a fantastic read and welcome addition to one of the strongest comic universes out there.
Giant Robot Warrior Maintenance Crew (Cosmic Times) – When we get stories about giant robots and the folks who control them, it’s always an individual, or a couple of people that get all the glory. Did you know there’s a whole team within the robot that keeps it running? This hilarious series focuses on the individuals who don’t get enough credit.
Transformers #39 (IDW Publishing) – The Combiner Wars have begun, and holy crap is this first issue amazing.
Edward
Top Pick: Red One #1 (Image Comics) – This new series seems to have a lot of potential, combining a talented creative team with an interesting concept. It seems like Evil Knievel mixed with Black Widow, all of which leads to a double cross.
Batgirl #40 (DC Comics) – The new direction of Batgirl has almost become meta- and aware of itself, but maybe rightfully so after its success. It will be interesting to see where the creative team can take the character after their success so far.
Princess Leia #2 (Marvel) – Some were expecting more out of this series after the success of the other new Star Wars series, but one of the Star Wars universe’s more complex but also overlooked characters deserves another look to see what happened before Hoth.
Satellite Sam #12 (Image Comics) – This series never fails to disappoint, with its intricate story and deep characters. Revelations upon revelations show that the golden age of Hollywood was not what we thought it to be.
Silk #2 (Marvel) – Spider-Gwen gets all the fanfare, but is Silk what it should have really been? The series is a step above its spider-rival and worth a second look.
Elana
Top Pick: Storm #9 (Marvel) – This Important X-Men Book is entering a new arc and I’m eager to see what it is. This book asks important questions about who we are in the world and how those of us with and without superpowers can empower oppressed people worldwide. It’s a topic I’d like more comics to consider since the premise of superheroes really begs that question.
Black Widow #16 (Marvel) – I have a feeling this issue is going to involve a lot of asskicking, espionage and top notch art. Because it always does. Noto puts the rest to shame. His painterly panels are very approachable for new readers who may be put off by cartoonish-ness elsewhere. The story reads like an action/suspense film right now.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #3 (Marvel) – It’s really funny. And even if I wasn’t hooked I’d still have to buy it for my husband. I love the narrative device of Doreen owning a set of Deadpool Trading cards that give background on any enemy she faces. North’s secret text below the panels joke is carried over from Adventure Time but this book has a strong sense of character all its own. I love Squirrel Girl’s attitude and I bet it would be great for kids.
Lazarus Vol. 3 Conclave TP (Image Comics) This book rocks in trades. It is the smartest dystopian sci-fi around. A comic that is doing our medium proud and a heroine who looks like she can actually kick your ass.
Loki Agent of Asgard #12 (Marvel) – On our podcast we talked about Al Ewing’s writing here and how the book’s tone and Loki’s voice reminds us of his writing on Doctor Who: the 11th Doctor. You should give this comic to our friends who love Matt Smith’s Doctor Who or Hiddleston as Loki. It really is a good gateway drug! I mean comic, sorry, gateway comic (though start from issue 1).
Johnny Dellarocca (Comixstravaganza Live)
Top Pick: Silk #2 (Marvel) – we really enjoyed issue one and the pace and tone of the premiere did a great job of establishing the connection to Peter Parker, but at the same time setting it apart completely.
Avengers – Busiek and Perez Omnibus (Marvel) – FINALLY! The smaller collections have been difficult to find, so this omnibus is a welcome addition to your hardcover library. If you are a fan of “old school” super team adventures than you know Busiek and Perez’s run was legendary. They successfully resurrected this franchise from the brutal death brought in by Leifeld (and Lee’s) “Heroes Reborn” debacle. Also this is in the days when a story arc was 2-3 issues instead of the epic 12 – 24+ issue arcs of Bendis and Hickman. Busiek’s Avengers actually DID something instead of wandering around reacting.
This is the pick of the year
Frankenstein Underground #1 (Dark Horse) – It’s Mignola. It’s Frankenstein on the lamb. Do need anything else?
Princess Leia #2 (Marvel) – I’m really hoping that this continues to be strong. Vader #2 suffered a little bit, but the creative team on this is really strong! What’s great about these canon series is that we potentially see greater depth in the characters and that should enhance our appreciation of the films. So far Marvel has done s great job!
Rocketeer Complete Dave Stevens TPB (IDW Publishing) – IDW is doing a great job of breathing new, authentic life into this character and this month they are reprinting the complete Dave Steven’s series in one collection in paperback. The hardcover collection from Dark Horse us hard to find, so a TPB is welcome!
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