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: Past Aways #1 (Dark Horse) – Matt Kindt is one of the best writers out there, constantly delivering with stories that pay off multiple times during their runs. His latest series has a time traveling twist seeing a group get stranded in the distant past…. 2015!
D4VE #2 (IDW Publishing) – Take the movie Falling Down and mix it with The Office or Office Space, and you get this series which sees a former war hero deal with his dull desk job life.
Jem and the Holograms #1 (IDW Publishing) – Jem goes from cartoon to comics in this brand new series just in time for its 30th anniversary. The first issue is beyond fantastic, giving a story that’ll appeal to old fans and new readers. Expect Jem to be a big thing again.
Skullkickers #31 (Image Comics) – Jim Zub’s off the rails fantasy series is always entertaining. Its been a bit since the last issue, but this one starts a whole new arc that’s a good starting point for readers. Even if you’ve never picked up an issue before, you’ll be entertained.
We Can Never Go Home #1 (Black Mask Studios) – The series sees two rather odd high school students team up after they find out about each others powers. There’s clearly more to the story, and I have my suspicions, but the first issue is gripping, and very entertaining.
Edward
Top Pick: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #1 (Marvel/Disney) – Disney tries to adapt its rides to other media, and it worked really well with Pirates of the Caribbean. It will be interesting to see if this works.
Grimm Fairy Tales Presents the Little Mermaid #2 (Zenescope) – The first issue was a combination of mermaids and science fiction, which is a pretty interesting mix.
Jem and the Holograms #1 (IDW Publishing) – This relaunch issue looks like a lot of fun, where 1980s big hair meets modern young woman.
Morning Glories #44 (Image Comics) – The mini story arc within the larger story arc within the larger story is getting closer to resolution as Casey gets closer to winning her seat as class president.
Suicide Risk #23 (BOOM! Studios) – Every issue of this series seems as though it finds a new way to surprise, and almost every one of them seems to be better than the last.
Elana
Top Pick: Jem and the Holograms #1 (IDW Publishing) – We had writer Kelly Thompson on the podcast last night and we couldn’t stop gushing. This is a fun and compelling first issue. The new origin story is emotionally resonant and is an approachable and relevant comic to share with older kids. Also, I noticed that when I posted about it on Facebook I had friends coming out of the woodwork to talk about how much they loved the show back in the day. This is a great comic to share with your friends who grew up with the show and maybe don’t read comics on their own. The art by Sophie Campbell, (who just came out as trans!) is lovely, fun and inclusive. Every comic should aspire to the body diversity reflected in this book. And the colors make it a good inclusion in any Easter baskets you might be making.
All-New X-Factor TP Vol. 3 AXIS (Marvel) – I really enjoyed the series and was sorry to see it cancelled. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out and buy the trade. I actually think this book will be even better in trade. The stylish art is first rate with an angular style that reminds me of fashion illustration. It’s refreshingly female-gaze-y. Peter David’s characterizations are perfect and charming as ever. He writes Quicksilver better then any other writer EVER. He has the best feel for all of the characters. So if you are a fan of anyone on the team (Gambit, Polaris, Danger, Warlock, Doug Ramsey) you absolutely need this book.
Elektra #11 (Marvel) – I’m one of this book’s biggest proponents. It didn’t seem to find its audience. But if you like scary comics that still feel like a superhero book then you need to read this. The painted art is striking new ground and looks very adult. If you enjoy the character Elektra at all then you need to be reading this before it gets canceled. Kind of feels like the classic Daredevil “Fall from Grace” TP.
Gotham Academy #6 (DC Comics) – Speaking of cliffhangers, I am more intrigued by this series than ever. It is easy to fall in love with the emotionally real yet adorable teen characters and the charming and unique art. It’s still Hogwarts in Gotham and approachable as heck.
The Wicked + The Divine #9 (Image Comics) – This may be my favorite current comic series. The mystery our heroine is trying to solve continues but last issue ended on an intriguing personal cliffhanger for her. Our protagonist, Laura is about to have one of her personal desires fulfilled. But how is it really going to work out for her!? <commence excited bouncing, squealing, and clapping of hands>
