Blindbox Comics is a monthly comic book subscription box that includes five regular monthly releases and one exclusive variant cover. Or, you can order just the variant. Or, you can order just the comics.
We open up and show off the latest box released, going over the comics plus a variant! Find out what’s inside!
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: Divinity II #4 (Valiant) – The first Divinity miniseries didn’t really click for me – oh, I understood why it was held in such high regard, but the series never resonated with me as much as it does with other people (don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed it). I probably need to read it again, because Divinity II can apparently do no wrong in my eyes. The final issue of the four issue miniseries is bitter sweet, because this has been so good I just don’t want it to end.
4001 A.D. #3 (Valiant) – Hands down the best event this summer. I can’t wait to read this.
Action Comics #960 (DC Comics) – There’s something about the frenetic energy of this comic that has just clicked with me, and for the first time in twenty years I am beyond excited at the thought of a Superman comic.
Howard The Duck # 9 (Marvel) – An underappreciated gem, this series is one of the most effortlessly entertaining comics on the racks today.
X-O Manowar #47 (Valiant) – Valiant’s longest running series is coming to a close with issue #50, and for the duration of this arc the company are giving away free art prints (or original artwork if you’re lucky) with each issue. Which is great value on its own, but the story itself has also been pretty great, making the art print a happy bonus.
Anthony
Top Pick: Divinity II #4 (Valiant) – The end is unfortunately here (at least before the upcoming December release of Divinity III!). Divinity II, just as its predecessor series did, has been building towards a clash of titans that weighs heavily between two very different ideals and moralities. Myshka and Abram are set to face off to decide the fate of the world in which reality would alter into a Stalinverse or set back onto its rightful course.
East of West #28 (Image Comics) – Lines are being divided, alliances are being formed and death lurks around every corner. After the chaotic, violent end of last issue, multiple characters’ motives and respective ‘cards’ have been revealed. It will be very interesting to see where this series goes from now as it has reached a pinnacle (at least as of right now) to its multiple layered conflicts.
Black Panther #4 (Marvel) – Ta-Nehisi Coates has been crafting a rich script that covers a wide spectrum of folklorish tales, environments both real and metaphysical within Wakanda and Africa as a whole, as well as presenting a real understanding to both T’Challa’s position and Tenzi and The People. Brian Stelfreeze’s illustrations with Laura Martin’s colours have been providing a very imaginative and detailed look that blends the backdrop clash of technology and nature. The conflict that has been building up is about to come to a head as this first arc concludes.
Indoctrination #2 (Z2 Comics) – Like the dirty, demonic brainchild of True Detective and its H.P. Lovecraftian imagery, Michael Moreci, Matt Battaglia, and Jim Campbell present a story that fuses FBI agents, the American South and a serial killer to question the power of ideology. Moreci looks to continue his moulding of politics with violence and the horrific with the dim, atmospheric images of Roche Limit fellow creator Matt Battaglia.
Paul
Top Pick: Mighty Thor #9 (Marvel) – This book has been consistently good from the get go. The art is great and the stories have been exciting and showing a lot of character from Thor, both as Jane and the Goddess of Thunder. But I am very interested in this new development of a secret organization of corporations pulling strings from the shadows. Curious to see what their purpose/end game is. Pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed.
Civil War II #4 (Marvel) – To be honest, I’ve felt this new civil war has just been lukewarm. Sure, there have been a few casualties (a couple surprising ones) and sides are being chosen, but for me at least it feels like ‘yeah ok, we’ve done this’. The last issue was a surprise, and the consequences of one characters actions will be decided. It’s an ok read, and it does have it’s moments but I am hoping things ramp heading to the conclusion.
Civil War II Choosing Sides #3 (Marvel) – I have been enjoying this Civil War II tie in. It’s a book of three shorter stories focusing on 3 characters and their place/thoughts/opinions in this new civil war. It’s nice to see things from characters not directly tied to it in the main books and see how this fallout will affect the MU as a whole.
Red Hood and the Outlaws: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – I read this title for a time when the new 52 came to be, with Jason Todd, Arsenal and Starfire teamed up and facing down mystical and alien threats. Now we have Red Hood who stumbles into a team up with Artemis (the Amazon, not the Young Justice character) and apparently Bizzaro; yup, sounds strange to me too, but I have to say I am curious to see what this trio is going to do together.
Brett
Top Pick: Divinity II #4 (Valiant) – This miniseries just like the previous volume has been absolutely fantastic. Every issue delivers and the resolution of how two god-like beings end their battle makes sense and is satisfying. I can’t wait for the third volume later this year and this issue leaves some clues that has me even more excited.
4001 AD #3 (Valiant) – Epic is how I feel about this one. This has been a fantastic event as Valiant keeps delivering.
Batgirl #1 (DC Comics) – Barbara hits the road and the concept of that sounds WAY too interesting to not check out. Something different is good.
Captain Kid #1 (Aftershock Comics) – Mark Waid has a new superhero comic and the premise sounds interesting enough. Waid does some excellent comics, especially of the superhero genre, so a new one has me at least interested in seeing what the first issue is like.
Tomboy #6 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – If you’re not reading this series, you’re missing out. It’s a dark and brutal vengeance story featuring a teenage girl. Charles Bronson in the form of a tween.
How do you kill an idea? Across the dusty plains of America’s southwest, a deadly storm is brewing. A string of murders portend the sinister designs of an infamous terrorist to bring about the end times. Two FBI agents have heeded the signs, and only their rogue actions, aided by a potentially untrustworthy expatriate with deep ties to the terrorist, can push this darkness back. Indoctrination explores America’s terrifying underbelly-of death cults and sleeper cells, serial killers and apocalyptic nightmares.
Take the X-Files, mix in characters that feel like they’d be more comfortable in Se7en, and add cults, and I feel like you’ve got Indoctrination, written by Michael Moreci. Matt Battaglia joins Moreci on art, and the two together kick off this new series that attempts to go a bit deeper than bad guys doing things.
What I like about Indoctrination is that it starts with the familiar and uses that to dive into more, and deeper, discussion, especially when it comes to one’s motivation. This is a dive into the mind of the crazy person, Silence of the Lambs, but terrorism. That attempt to give us a bit more than “they hate us” for motivation is partially what makes this first issue stand out. Not everything is completely clear, but it’s a solid start that brings us into this world that feels familiar, but slightly off at the same time (like a horror story).
There is some oddness such as a short essay by Matt Kibbe, a Libertarian that attempts to explain some of the series concepts, while only focusing on the evil committed by “some” individuals. It’s an interesting read, but definitely has problems in how it’s presented. It focuses on blaming extremists in Islam, while overlooking crimes committed by Christians for instance. There’s also some irony in railing against indoctrination, which is in itself a type of indoctrination…
What also makes this stand out is Battaglia’s art which really fits the feel of it all. The dirty and scratchy look of it fits the vibe of the series and is what I’d expect from a solid noir/crime comic. The art shouldn’t feel polished, and in this case it reflects the madness within.
The first issue is a solid start. There’s some slight issues, the essay in the end as an example. But, overall, the comic is a beginning that has me wanting to come back for more. This is a series that wants you to explore ideas and think about them. So far it’s set things up, where it goes will be interesting.
Story: Michael Moreci Art: Matt Battaglia
Story: 8.05 Art: 8 Overall: 8.05 Recommendation: Buy
Z2 Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Captain America: Steve Rogers #2 (Marvel Comics) – With all the controversy over the ending of issue one, how could it be anything but? Is Cap really a HYDRA agent? Or is there something much larger at play? I love anything that gets us fans talking and draws attention to our joy. So depending on how this is written it could be a good thing. I remember when Brubaker brought Bucky back as the Winter Soldier and now, he’s absolutely beloved. I refuse to believe this is our Steve but I am looking forward to finding out more.
Dark Knight III: The Master Race # 5 (DC Comics) – Well this comic and I are completely love hate. I hate that it’s always late, but I love the train wreck that unfolds in the pages. I’ve long decided that Miller’s master work is the Dark Knight Returns and he will never top it. These attempts at trying just get even more ridiculous. As a die hard Superman fan, it’s a macabre curiousity at seeing what ol’ Frank is going to do to tear down the Superman legacy even more every time he touches the character since it highlights how out of touch he is. Plus I love cranky Bruce Wayne and Carrie Kelly. After this Frank needs to stay the Hell away from DC Heroes. He just can’t write them, and obviously Azzarello is taking his cues from Miller. If not, it’s a bigger cluster than when Singer made Superman Returns to honor Richard Donner. I know it’s awful but it’s almost satirically bad that I can’t wait to see it even worse. Remember folks, Jersey Shore was popular for a spell there too. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the insanity.
Cryptocracy #1 (Dark Horse) – What’s this? A non DC or Marvel book on my list? That’s right true readers. This one caught my eye. Nine clandestine families that secretly control and manipulate reality? Hmmmm sounds interesting and I’m getting in on the ground floor. Seems cool enough to give it a shot, but I am not expecting anything world bending here.
Alex
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – The first issue was a brilliant start to a crime caper about four kids walking into a bank. A charmingly intelligent comic that deserves your attention, the first issue was amazing, and if you can find it you should snap it up. I’ve been waiting for the second issue for awhile, and I am so excited for this.
Lobster Johnson: Metal Monsters Of Midtown #2 (Dark Horse) – Lobster Johnson is one of those characters that evokes the feel of the pulp heroes from the late 30’s, which is already something I’m a fan of, and then when you add in the fantastic period art work and the steampunkish element of the Metal Monsters and you have a miniseries that is right up my alley.
Will Eisner’s The Spirit #12 (Dynamite Entertainment) – This has been one of the most entertaining series of the last year, hands down. Every week this comic comes out is a good week.
X-O Manowar #47 (Valiant Entertainment) – Pound for pound, Valiant have the best superhero universe out there, but when the premier title in the Valiant universe is coming to a close with an explosive story… I can’t wait to see where this is going. Plus, there’s a bonus print with the physical comic, so that’s also cool.
Anthony
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – Matthew Rosenberg already knocked it out of the park with We Can Never Go Home and returns with another series for Black Mask Studios with Tyler Boss’s imaginative and playful artwork. The first issue was an amalgamation of so many awesome things (with an array of wonderful movie poster-inspired variants) and proved to be one of the most endearing reads of the year so far. This is a must buy.
East of West #27 (Image Comics) – Jonathan Hickman is a long form, comic book version of a mad scientist. His titles are consistently well crafted and can take their time to manifest, but when they do bloom, it is certainly worth the wait. East of West is Hickman at his best with the striking visuals of Nick Dragotta to put to life this futuristic American backdrop. Things have been really heating up as tensions continue to rise between the numerous factions.
Jupiter’s Legacy Vol. 2 #1 (Image Comics) – Mark Millar and Frank Quitely return to Jupiter’s Legacy! Millar has done a pretty solid job at deconstructing the superhero genre with recent titles like Huck, Jupiter’s Circle and the first volume of Jupiter’s Legacy so it will be interesting to see the direction that the creative team will be taking in this sequel series. Frank Quitely’s art will surely be worth the price of admission alone.
Bloodshot Reborn #14 (Valiant Entertainment) – Jeff Lemire has continued to present a more nuanced, emotional and humanized tale of Bloodshot that proves the character is more than just a government controlled killing machine. The new arc entitled ‘Bloodshot Island’ sounds like a Doctor Moreau-esque storyline that will feature Mico Suayan’s incredibly detailed line work and Valiant’s reliable colourist David Baron.
Jade Street Protection Services #1 (Black Mask Studios) – If Black Mask Studios is releasing a new series, it is an absolute must buy. The publisher has been releasing a steady flow of confident, gritty and fun titles over the last couple of years and Jade Street Protection Services looks to aim to be among those books. Judging by the solicitations, Fabian Lelay’s illustrations with Mara Jayne Carpenter’s colours are going to provide a vibrant, manga-like pop to the words of Katy Rex.
Paul
Top Pick: Extraordinary X-Men #11 (Marvel) – It’s a throw down with the X-Men fighting in the future against Apocalypse’s horsemen. The Apocalypse Wars have been a fun read, and I’ve been really enjoying this title exploring another possible future, with the younger students grown into X-Men. Nothing earth shattering happening, just a fun read.
Captain Marvel #6 (Marvel) – A Civil War II tie in…and Carol is pissed! She has clearly chosen her side in this new civil war, and the stakes are getting high. It’s going to be interesting to see how far she’ll go to for what she believes in.
Mockingbird #4 (Marvel) – This is just a guilty indulgence for me, being a long time fan of Bobbi’s. The missions are exciting, the humor is fun and this issue she’s off to save her ex, Hawkeye. It’s also interesting to see her check ups and monitoring of her health after receiving the infinity formula and the super soldier serum. I’m just waiting to see something big happen. Fun all around.
Uncanny X-Men #9 (Marvel) – Magneto and Psylocke are trying to save Archangel from being taken over by Apocalypse; Sabretooth and M are exploring the Morlock tunnels and come across a ghost from M’s past. Again, nothing earth shattering happening here, just a fun read with decent action. Psylocke and Fantomex meeting up should be good.
Javier
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – The first issue was amazing, and I wasn’t the only one to think so. It has a large and well-deserved mass appeal.
Jade East Protection Services #1 (Black Mask Studios) – So far Black Mask’s line of books have failed to disappoint. There’s already a lot of buzz out there, I hope it lives up to the hype.
Indoctrination #1 (Z2 Comics) – Another indie title with possibilities. It has all the apocalyptic themes I’m into.
East of West #27 (Image Comics) – Even more end times lore, set in a dystopian alternate timeline.
Brett
Top Pick: 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank #2 (Black Mask Studios) – It says something when so many of us have this series as our top pick. The first issue was absolutely amazing and was a damn near perfect set-up with characters that are some of the most relatable in comics. It’s been a bit since that first issue, but that doesn’t diminish my excitement for this second issue.
Chum #3 (ComixTribe) – I’m a sucker for a good noir/crime story and this surf crime comic has been entertaining for the first two issues.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis (DC Comics) – Am I the demographic this graphic novel is aiming for? Probably not, but that hasn’t stopped me from enjoying my advance review copy. It’s a solid debut comic that’s perfect for the audience intended, younger kids.
Indoctrination #1 (Z2 Comics) – I read the first issue some time ago and it’s a weird mix of X-Files and occult story. Really good and can’t wait to check out future issues.
Jade Street Protection Services #1 (Black Mask Studios) – A new series from Black Mask? Yes please! All ages badassness? Yes please!
“How do you kill an idea?”
Across the dusty plains of America’s southwest, a deadly storm is brewing. A string of murders portend the sinister designs of an infamous terrorist to bring about the end times. Two FBI agents have heeded the signs, and only their rogue actions—aided by a potentially untrustworthy expatriate with deep ties to the terrorist—can push this darkness back.
This June, comic book writer and novelist Michael Moreci and artist and former political operative Matt Battaglia will unleash Indoctrination, a comic book series about America’s terrifying underbelly—of death cults and sleeper cells, serial killers and apocalyptic nightmares. Indoctrination follows these two FBI agents as they develop a complicated relationship with an infamous terrorist, in an attempt to solve a string of grizzly, seemingly related murders. Mixing elements of True Detective with Seven, this new series from Z2 Comics captures the definition of fear in the 21st century.
In a release, Moreci said:
With Indoctrination, we really wanted to create a thrilling, entertaining story that is also a way to explore the reality of death cults like ISIS, and the terror they instill in us which is constantly pulsing beneath the surface of American culture. Collaborating with Matt Battaglia has been ideal, because he’s a gifted artist who has also been able to use his background in politics to inform his work on Indoctrination.
At its core, Indoctrination is an exploration of the power of ideas, and how ideology can drive mankind to act in horrifying ways. The series marks the first full length illustrated comics work of Battaglia who has previously worked for a Washington DC Super PAC.
Indoctrination is due out in June from Z2 Comics, and will retail for $3.99.
