Marvel has started the year announcing numerous sell-outs and new printings. The publisher has announced that Secret Wars #8, Amazing Spider-Man #6, Howard the Duck #3, NOVA #3, Rocket Raccoon and Groot #1, Spider-Man 2099 #5, Spidey #2, and Obi-Wan and Anakin #1 have sold out at the distributor level and will all get new printings.
All the comics will return for second printings on January 27.
WARNING: Secret Wars #1-#8 SPOILERS ahead! Join host, Lorraine Cink, as you learn everything you need to know about Secret Wars #1-#8 before the final issue, Secret Wars #9 drops January 13th!
The weekend is almost here and lets face it, we’re all counting down until Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters this coming week. While we await that, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web to keep you busy.
Around the Tubes
CBET – Star Wars condoms keep your saber covered – Can you jump the shark from the merchandising?
Unicorn Booty – This Graphic Novel Is Fighting To Save Free Speech Worldwide – This is really interesting, sounds very cool and we want to check it out.
Nerds of Color – Fear of an Asian Martial Artist: The Thing about Stereotypes & #AAIronFist – A retort to the retort.
Around the Tubes Reviews
The Rainbow Hub – Batman and Robin Eternal #10
The Rainbow Hub – Grayson #15
ICv2 – Monthly Girls Nozaki-Kun Vol. 1 TP
Talking Comics – Secret Wars #8
Comic Vine – Secret Wars #8
Talking Comics – Scarlet Witch #1
It was new comic book day yesterday! What’d everyone get? What got you excited? What didn’t you like? Let us know in the comments!
While you decide on that, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Around the Tubes
CBR – OPINION: I Don’t Want an Asian-American Iron Fist – A very good read.
Kotaku – Maybe LEGO Avengers Can Live Up To LEGO Marvel Super Heroes After All – We’re expecting the same formula and more fun.
Panels – Me, My MedicAlert Bracelet, and Karolina Dean – A very neat read.
Women Write About Comics – That Pryde Thing: Finding Myself In Jewish Superheroes – On the fourth night of Hanukkah we got this.
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – Batman #47
Comic Vine – Batman #47
CBR – Gwenpool Special #1
Popoptiq – Monstress #2
Women Write About Comics – The Oven
Comics Alliance – Scarlet Witch #1
Comic Vine – Scarlet Witch #1
Newsarama – Secret Wars #8
Talking Comics – Snow Blind #1
Comic Vine – The Ultimates #2
Comics fans rejoice! ComiXology’s ringing in the holiday season in a HUGE way with their Fourth Annual 12 Days of Free Comics! This year they have a great slate of awesome FREE fan-favorite comics to give to fans worldwide.
Each day from today until Sunday, December 20th get one new sensational comic from a surprise publisher absolutely free and don’t forget you can also gift that same comic to friends, family, co-workers, or anyone on your holiday gift-giving list!
Each day’s new comic will become free at noon EST and remain so through to 11:59AM EST the following day.
Get your hands on today’s first free comic Marvel’s Secret Wars #1 – only 11 more to go!
Visit comixology.com every day to get each day’s new free comic.
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: Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (DC Comics/IDW Publishing) – If this comic doesn’t excite you in some way, then I don’t really think anything I say here will change that. But this is a comic I’ve been waiting a decade for.
Ninjak #10 (Valiant) – A new story arc sees the technologically advanced ninja cross into the supernatural. I’m looking forward to seeing Ninjak as a fish out of water, so to speak.
We Stand On Guard #6 (Image Comics) – I’m sure there’ll be an epic conclusion here, and with all the rich connotations that have been sown throughout the series I don’t know how comfortable it’ll be to read. Which is exactly why I want to.
Brett
Top Pick: Monstress #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue blew me away with a deeply layered comic that mixed genres, concepts, and packaged it all with beautiful art. The first issue was oversized and I still craved more, it was that good. One of the best debuts of the year, I expect the second issue to be just as good.
Detective Comics #47, Gotham Academy #13, Grayson #15, Red Hood/Arsenal #7 (DC Comics) – All Robin War tie-ins. The lead in comic kicking off the event was solid, and this is event is one that I’m really looking forward to.
The Massive: Ninth Wave #1 (Dark Horse) – The original series tackled the concept of survival in a post ecological disaster world. I could debate that ending for along time, but the rest of the series was good. This prequel takes us back before the collapse and features the familiar crew of the Ninth Wave. This is environmental activism in comics.
Tomboy #2 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – The first issue of this series was one of the other best debuts of the year. It completely caught me off guard, and holy crap was it good. I can’t wait to read the second issue, it’s one of the first comics I plan to read this week to see what happens next and where this series goes.
The Walking Dead #149 (Image Comics) – After the ending of the last issue how could this not make it on the list? We’re one away from the big 150, and I expect something huge for that issue, so need to see the build up too.
Elana
Constantine the Hellblazer #7 (DC Comics) – Constantine reunites with Swamp Thing: the herbacious hero in who’s book he first appeared! This is my favorite DC series now. Creative, funny, dark and damaged.
Gotham Academy #13 (DC Comics) – Brand new story arc for my favorite teenage characters in my favorite fictional school. It looks like they’ll be forced to take sides in a currently political debate over teenage vigilanteism going on in Gotham. Can’t wait to hear these kids hash out a serious issue. Enjoy Karl Kerschl’s beautiful art on this book while he’s still there!
Monstress #2 (Image Comics) – Easily the most imaginative new fantasy series in ages. Breathtaking art. Complex fantasy world-building that feels entirely fresh. The series touches on real world evils like war crimes, slavery and eugenics. And there are no bearded white dudes that you can’t tell apart. Actually, I think there’s no white people in this at all! Marjorie Liu was our podcast guest: listen to our interview with her to learn more.
No Mercy #5 (Image Comics) – College bound kids on a “charity” trip to pad their resumes now find their lives in peril. This series is both extremely suspenseful and thus far, extremely realistic in ways that make it even more disturbing. The cast of teens are so damn familiar because you’ve met them all in real life. Yet no reader could have a clue about what’s going to happen next. Check out our podcast with writer Alex Di Campi to hear more.
Snow Blind #1 (BOOM! Studios) – Alaskan teen trying to get to the bottom of his messed-up family’s mysterious past. Quirky art, heavy on the symbolism. Promising start for a new series.
Javier
Limbo #2 (Image Comics) – This is my pick of the week. Yes, yet another supernatural detective story. This one is set in Dedande (Dead End?) City. A sort of Magnum PI based Mexican purgatory I’m guessing, but Dan Watters hasn’t revealed much yet. This urban fantasy has a voodoo queen with a fetish for 80s mixtapes, and Wijngaard’s art is captivating.
Ninjak # 10 (Valiant) – I’m a big fan of Valiant books; they put out quality work. This is a good jumping point for new Ninjak fans. Operation: Deadside, a four issue arc written by Matt Kindt, starts this week. Plus Shadowman makes an appearance.
Saints #3 (Image Comics) – Saintly super-powered teenagers on a road trip. I’ll admit I’m into the religious themed good versus evil themed books (i.e. Tithe is another favorite). Mackey’s snappy dialogue and Lewis’s sacrilegious art has me hooked; but I can see how this is going to be one of those books you either love or hate.
Snow Blind # 1 (BOOM! Studios) – This new four issue series from Boom!Studios, written by Ollie Masters (The Kitchen) and drawn by Tyler Jenkins (Peter Panzerfaust) promises to be a witness protection noir story set in the snow-covered landscape of Alaska. If this is consistent with Ollie’s work on The Kitchen we are in for a cold-blooded treat.
Ultimates #2 (Marvel) – Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Ms. America Chavez, Spectrum, and Blue Marvel are back this week to tackle the Galactacus problem. This issue can make or break the series. Issue #1 I thought was spectacular, and I’m rooting for them to do more of the same this month.
Paul
Top Pick: Scarlet Witch #1 (Marvel) – Wanda has her own title. That is all :)
Secret Wars #8 (Marvel) – This series is trudging along to the finale….I just want to see how it all ends already! But I am looking forward to the Thing laying a king size smack down.
Ultimates #2 (Marvel) – How do you solve a problem like Galactus? Apparently the Ultimates have the answer…but does Galactus even want to hear it? This is going to be interesting.
Around the Tubes
CBR – The Mission: Captain America & “Civil War,” “Creed” and the Ongoing Struggle – As always, a great read.
Democrat & Chronicle – Another conviction in Medina comic collector death – Good.
CBR – Marvel’s “Secret Wars” #9 Delayed Until January, 2016 – Pay up folks.
Comic Vine – WB Montreal is Expanding Their DC Universe Games – Nice!
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – Black Magick #2
CBR – Chew #52
CBR – City of Clowns
CBR – Saga #31
Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.
Alex
All-New Wolverine #1* – Was a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn’t that interested in X23 as a character before, so this comic was never that high on my radar (unlike the Old Man Logan series that’s due to hit in a couple months). Elana convinced me to pick this up, and I’m glad she did. This first issue is one of the best of the All New All Different offerings from Marvel that I’ve read in the last month or two, and it’s a damn good Wolverine story, too that has just the right combination of action and inner conflict. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy.
Batman #46* – If you’ve been reading this series, there’s no reason for you not to pick this up. Not my favourite issue by this creative team, but still better than most other Batman books out there. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read
Heroes: Vengence #2 – I really wanted to like this series as much as I did the Heroes Reborn TV show. Not quite there yet, but it’s getting closer. It may be worth waiting for the trade, but there’s some interesting back ground here for fans of the show. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Brett
Abe Sapien #28 – Abe is still figuring out his role in the world as he continues his cross country trip. The series has been interesting in that its provided a way for us to see more of the country and the hellish landscape. Each series arc is much stronger than the individual issues, and this one begins a new one that could be interesting. Overall Rating: 7.25 Recommendation: Read
All-New Wolverine #1 *- A ho-hum start that glosses over X-23’s abusive and killer past. She should not be this chill. Plus the ending reminded me WAY too much of Orphan Black. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read
Birthright #11 – Sword and sorcery fun in the “real” world. Joshua Williamson has been putting together an entertaining series backed up with solid art. Plus a solid twist in this issue where we learn more about the Nevermind. Overall Rating: 8.23 Recommendation: Read
Letter 44 #21 – Ryan Kelly steps in on art in this special issue that looks at how the Clarke astronauts were recruited. It’s an amazing comic that intelligently adds so much depth to each character. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare #3 – Oh what a messed up comic (and series in general). This is the Joker with no limits, and the body count and sadism is proof. Overall Rating: 7.8 Recommendation: Read
Rebels #8 – Two standalone stories in this issue. One focuses on a woman who runs a print shop in occupied Boston and the other is about a freed slave who fights on the British side. While touching upon history, the comic isn’t actual history. But, each issue makes me want to find out more. And the art is solid as usual. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read
Southern Bastards #12 – Continues to be one of the best comics on the market. Jason Latour writes this one which… well it’s best to just read it. However, it’s amazing how much he made me actually feel sorry for someone who almost beats to death a kid. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
The Walking Dead #148** – The series continues to build, and looks like it’ll explode soon. That ending is amazing. Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Zodiac Starforce #3 – The series is fun, but feels a bit like 80s cartoons in that it’s not too deep. I think this issue is where I see that the most. It’s still fun, but some of the dialogue is a little stilted, much like 80s cartoons. A fun series and read. Overall Rating: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Elana
All-New Wolverine #1* is the best Wolverine comic in a generation. It’s version of Laura is one of the most richly written female heroes around. But it also serves as a Wolverine comic in the classic sense. She IS Wolverine. She is wrestling with a lot of the same issues Logan always has yet she is handling them from the perspective of a young woman. I truly appreciate her wearing the classic Wolverine costume and realistic street clothes which suit her personality rather then being out of character cheesecake as is often the case. I think its a must for both fans of Wolverine and fans of complex female leads. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy!
Zodiac Starforce # 2 & 3 – Charming and inventive all ages comic with a kick-ass diverse and distinctive cast. Your sure to have a favorite to identify with (and that almost never happens to me). Feels a bit like a technicolor Buffy for kids. The stakes feel pretty high. And of course we’re cheering for Lily and Savannah’s adorable romance. Overall an 8 especially for kids.
Mr. H
Batman and Robin Eternal #6* – Ok now we are talking! Best issue since the first. Maybe it’s the addition of Tony Daniel’s art being back but this issue stood out. The parallel between Bruce’s fear over Mother engineering orphans into what she wants and what he could be doing with young Dick Grayson’s future was powerful. Finally we have a potential Bat villain with long reaching scope. I also enjoyed our current Bruce Wayne at peace. To me this was one of the single best Bat books I’ve read this year. Score: 9 Recomendation: Buy
Secret Wars #7* – So finally things are starting to unravel for God Doom. This issue had a lot of action, it just didn’t grab me that much. Great visuals by Essad Ribic. What a talent he is. Reed Richards’ contingency plan was intriguing but I want more. However seeing T’Challa with an Infinity Gauntlet was way cool. Looking forward to The Thing cutting lose next issue. Score: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Paul
Squadron Sinister #4* – Nighthawk finally makes his move to take over Utopolis and to do that, he needs to take out Hyperion. The action was so so and Nighthawk wins…just in time for the Thors to arrive and arrest him for his actions against Battleworld. He is tried by God Doom, and Warrior Woman is responsible for the final nail in his coffin. Nighthawk is sentenced to life beyond the shield. A group of Starbrands attempt to liberate Utopolis, but the citizens rebel, saying they had it better under the rule of Hyperion. Yawn..nothing exciting and a less then stellar conclusion. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read, but only if you’ve followed the series.
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.
Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).
It was new comic book day yesterday! What got everyone excited? What did you read that was great? While you mull that over, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to keep you entertained.
Around the Tubes
CBC – Manitoba graphic novel to raise profile of missing, murdered indigenous women – Amazing someone is doing, sad as to why they need to.
A.V. Club – Fox is adapting Scholastic’s charming graphic novel Amulet as a feature film – We’ve crossed the point where it’s easier to count what’s not being adapted.
Tech Times – Rob Liefeld Is Back At Marvel With A New Deadpool Comic – Totally shocked. Not like there’s a movie coming out or anything…
The Hollywood Reporter – ‘Snowpiercer’ Being Adapted for TV With Josh Friedman – If you haven’t seen the film, do so now. Do it!
The Denver Post – Mile High Comics plans HQ sale, thanks legal pot for real estate value – Huh, huh, huh, high.
Panels – Navigating Neil Gaiman’s THE SANDMAN: What to Read and When – For folks who don’t know where to start.
Women Write About Comics – Women Are (Slightly) More Likely to Own a Game Console Than Men, But That Misses the Point – Good points worth repeating.
Panels – 5 Reasons You Should Be Reading Cursed Pirate Girl – Yup, you should absolutely check out this series.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Comic Vine – All-New Wolverine #1
Newsarama – Batman #46
Comic Vine – Descender #7
Comics Alliance – Mystery Girl #1
Newsarama – Secret Wars #7
Comic Vine – The Ultimates #1
The Rainbow Hub – Zodiac Starforce #3
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: Southern Bastards #12 (Image Comics) – There’s lots of solid comics out this week, but it’s a no-brainer to suggest the top comic on the market right now. This Southern noir comic delivers with each and every issue focused on a small town filled with racists, drugs, and football. There’s not much I can say yet about this issue other than it’s a special one written and drawn by Jason Latour.
Carnage #1 (Marvel) – Out of all of the comics announced by Marvel for their reboot, this one was low on my list. After the Point One comic released a month back, it immediately shot up the list. I’m intrigued by the premise which seems to follow Carnage on a killing spree and the man tasked to bring him in. It has a more Silence of the Lambs vibe than superhero.
Descender #7 (Image Comics) -Jeff Lemire is one of the best comic writers out there, and this new issue also starts a new arc. The comic is just an amazing character story that has vibes of the movie A.I., but done right.
Illuminati #1 (Marvel) -The Red Hood gets a band together to take on the good guys. I’ve liked some of the recent comics that have focused on Marvel’s villains and writer Joshua Williamson has shown he can do awesome action and twisted with Nailbiter and Birthright.
Letter 44 #21 (Oni Press) – This one shot illustrated by Ryan Kelly takes us back to the recruitment drive for the Clarke astronauts. The series mixes sci-fi and politics, and is awesome.
Elana
All-New Wolverine #1 (Marvel) – I haven’t read a straight up Wolverine comic in a lifetime. But promise me an all new Wolverine – – his teenage clone Laura Kinney, formerly X-23 and I’m ready for some snikt.
Central to my interest is her character design. Her street clothes are realistic street clothes for a young woman and she’s wearing her father’s old costume– not a bathing suitificaition of it. This design respects her as an individual and doesn’t turn her into cheesecake. The usual cheesecake treatment would have had nothing to do with her personality and therefore would have been sexist.
Catwoman #46 (DC Comics) – This issue concludes one of the most interesting story arcs in DC comics in ages and marks the departure of the awesome creative team: (W) Genevieve Valentine — who we’ve interviewed (A) David Messina (CA) Kevin Wada.
Selina is Catwoman once more and Eiko Hasigawa, her “it’s complicated” and temporary Catwoman, is now taking over as a crime boss after her father’s assassination at the hands of Black Mask. The emotional stakes are high and the status quo is changing.
Constantine the Hellblazer #6 (DC Comics) – Easily one of the finest comics out by the big two publishers. I came into reading the series primarily familiar with the character from his appearances in Swamp Thing, the TV show and general cultural awareness. The comic is definitely welcoming to fans both new and old. There is a blend of dark humor, self destructive lust and relatable melancholy that’s required in a Constantine comic. Yet, the stories and art feel all new.
The Wicked + The Divine #16 (Image Comics) – Fans of the series joke about how we are tortured by favorite characters getting offed all the time. This makes sense since while the comic appears to be about popular culture it is also about mortality and youth. It has held a relentless pace of complex mystety and character and gorgeous, innovative art– guest artists included. Gillen is also one of the only men who consistently writes women characters so well that I can’t tell.
Wolf Vol. 1 TP (Image Comics) – One of the most interesting urban fantasy stories I’ve seen. Ales Kot is a promising innovator in storytelling. The LA the characters inhabit feels real to me.
Kenny
Top Pick: Catwoman #46 (DC Comics) – In the last few months, Catwoman has become possibly favorite offerings from DC. The crime drama is hitting all the right keys and is setting up for a great crescendo for the story arc conclusion.
Carnage #1 (Marvel) – This is my hopeful pick of the week. I still hold a soft spot in my heart for Carnage from the 90s. Even if, he hasn’t done anything to thrill me since then. But, for some reason, I still get excited whenever the evil symbiote comes around.
Rebels #8 (Dark Horse Comics) – Few comics embrace American mythos as well or as entertainingly as Rebels. Each issue is full of great stand alone stories making all of them a great jumping on point for history lovers.
Tyson Hesse’s Diesel #3 (BOOM! Studios) – Diesel has been an endlessly fun ride. With the mini-series picking up momentum, there is no better time to catch up on the story so far. This comic is just good and needs your attention.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Batman #46 (DC Comics) – Capullo, Snyder. Y’all know the drill. Buy this book or the GCPD will boot your door in.
Secret Wars #7 (Marvel Comics) – More than 3/4 through and we still live under Doom. I can’t wait to see the Thing cut loose too! It’s Cosmic clobberin’ time!!!
Superman: American Alien #1 (DC Comics) – I’m very intrigued with this one for sure. Not quite sure if I want young Clark Kent to be a lawbreakers bad ass but I’m willing to take the hayride and see where it goes.
The Walking Dead #148 (Image Comics) – After last month’s talk fest, I’m looking forward to getting back to the blood and guts that makes this title so great. Kind of hoping Carl gets it too.
Paul
Top Pick: All-New, All-Different Avengers #1 (Marvel) – Thor, Captain America and Iron Man…new mantles, new heroes, new Avengers. I will admit, I am hesitant after reading Uncanny Avengers and The New Avengers (my reviews will explain why); this All New Marvel has left me with luke warm feelings. But I’m digging the line up of this team and I am just hoping this is an Avengers title I can finally get on board with.
Top Pick: Thors #4 (Marvel) – The concluding issue of what, to me, has been THE best book of Secret Wars. I’m sorry to see this one go, and I hope it ends on the thunder clap this series deserves.
All-New Wolverine #1 (Marvel) – I almost didn’t add this to my list, but I have to admit I am curious to see X-23 picking up the mantle of Wolverine. I really hope we get a story exploring Laura in her new role and not just a hack and slash story with a female Wolverine.
Ultimates #1 (Marvel) – This is a very interesting roster of heroes brought together to stop cosmic level threats. Black Panther, Captain Marvel and Ms. America are enough to get me excited….but if this cover is any hint that Galactus is part of the team? I am ALL in!
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