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BOOM! Studios Reveals its “20 For 20” Slate Ahead of its Milestone Anniversary Year

BOOM! Studios

BOOM! Studios has revealed the entire “20 For 20” slate: 20 iconic titles from the publisher’s storied past, celebrating 20 years of adventure, horror, thrills, and fun!

Each of these 20 hand-picked selections will collect the entire series for the very first time in new and exclusive editions, making them the perfect introduction to these modern classics from some of comics’ greatest storytellers, or the ideal way to experience them all over again!

This legendary line-up of books will be kicked off with Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan and artist Ariela Kristantina’s conspiracy thriller, Deep State, in January; followed by Mech Cadets creator Greg Pak and illustrator Giannis Milonogiannis’s historical epic Ronin Island, and the fan-favorite Sam Humphries and Caitlin Rose Boyle beloved BOOM! Box classic Jonesy, in February.

In the following months, readers can look forward to even more acclaimed stories from Stan Lee, Mark Waid, Chad Hardin, James Tynion IV, Rian Sygh, Matt Kindt, Tyler Jenkins, Clive Barker, Mark Alan Miller, Haemi Jang, Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Joe Abraham, Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Sina Grace, Jeremy Haun, Danny Luckert, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Marcus To, Pamela Ribon, Veronica Fish, Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva, Noah Hayes, Steven Grant, Mateus, Santolouco, Sina Grace, Siobhan Kennan, Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kiwi Smith, Kurt Lustgarten, Naomi Franq, BOOM! Studios’ own Matt Gagnon and Bryce Carlson, Brian Stelfreeze, Vanesa Del Rey, and many, many more!

All 20 of the books in the “20 For 20” line will be priced at $19.99, and will be available for pre-order at your local comic book store or bookstore.

JANUARY 2025

Deep State Complete Collection

There are some things the government doesn’t want you to know about. John Harrow’s one of them. Together with his partner, Agent Branch, Harrow operates missions to keep the state’s secrets exactly that—secret. From the real story behind the assassination of JFK to MK ULTRA and advanced military technology, black-book agents Harrow and Branch are determined to make sure the public only knows what it needs to know. Everything else, horrifying or innocuous, is their problem. But when your life is covering up other people’s secrets, how many must you keep from those close to you? Collects the complete series by Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, John Flood) and artist Ariela Kristantina (InSEXts, Wolverines) in a single volume for the first time! Collects Deep State #1-8.

Deep State Complete Collection

FEBRUARY 2025

Ronin Island Complete Collection

Together in strength. When the Great Wind devastated Japan, Korea, and China, survivors found refuge on what they came to known as Ronin Island. Now, too young to have known any other world, Kenichi, son of a samurai, and Hana, daughter of farmers, must work together to stop a mutant plague that’s consuming the mainland and quickly advancing on their home! In this serpentine ride through the 19th century where not all is what it seems, follow Kenichi, Hana, their friends, and their foes from Ronin Island to the mainland and back again as they search for a way to protect all that they know from the forces of the mutated byōnin and shogunate alike. Collecting the complete series from The New York Times best-selling author Greg Pak (Star Wars, Mech Cadet Yu) and artist Giannis Milonogiannis (Future State: Gotham, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe) in a single volume for the first time! Collects Ronin Island #1-12.

Ronin Island Complete Collection

Jonesy Complete Collection

Jonesy will make you fall in love! Seriously, it’s her special secret power—she can make you fall in love with anyone or anything else… except herself! But Jonesy knows what’s cool… and her power definitely is! A laugh-out-loud high school comedy with sick zines, cute ferrets, and donuts to die for! Follow Jonesy through the life of a disaffected teenager in bummer high school and all the trouble that comes with being a human cupid’s arrow! Collecting the complete series by Sam Humphries (Harley Quinn, Dial H for Hero) and Caitlin Rose Boyle (Frankie & the Creepy Cute Critters) in one volume for the first time! Collects Jonesy #1-12.

Jonesy Complete Collection

MARCH 2025

Bone Parish Complete Collection

“The Ash”, which lets you connect to the memories of the dead, is the drug du jour in New Orleans. That’s good news for the Winters family, the only ones who know how to produce it, except that it puts them in the crosshairs of much more dangerous criminal syndicates. Under siege by rivals on all sides and the dark secrets of The Ash itself, can the Winters family survive? And what does survival mean when resurrection is only a hit away? The complete run of Eisner Award-nominated writer Cullen Bunn (Harrow County, The Empty Man) and illustrator Jonas Scarf (Basilisk, Dark X-Men)’s critically-acclaimed series blends horror, crime, and family drama, collected in a single volume for the first time! Collects Bone Parish #1-12.

Bone Parish Complete Collection

APRIL 2025

Joyride Complete Collection

Steal a spaceship and leave Earth behind. A simple plan made much more complicated by the fascist World Government Alliance that has put the planet on lockdown underneath an artificial sky. Still, that won’t stop Uma Akkolyte, her best friend Dewydd, and their would-be-captor Catrin from embarking on a joyride unlike any other! Joyride is a gleeful mix of the thrill of exploration, the importance of friendship, and the fight against authoritarianism, with a cast of wild and gripping characters, human and alien alike! From writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and artist Marcus To of the Eisner award-nominated Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy comes the definitive, complete collection of a truly unique and adventurous love letter to science-fiction! Collects Joyride #1-12.

SLAM! Complete Collection

From Fresh Meat Orientation to becoming leaders on-and-off the track, follow Jennifer “Knockout” Chu and Maisie “Can-Can” Huff on their journey to roller derby domination! Messy lives, complicated friendships, and new romance blossom as they learn to take their hits, get back up, break some bones, take on adult responsibilities, and jam on their competing teams in the Eastside Roller Girls league! From bestselling novelist, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, actress, and former Los Angeles Derby Doll Pamela Ribon (My Boyfriend is a Bear, Why Moms Are Weird), illustrator and painter Veronica Fish (Archie, Spider-Woman) and acclaimed artist Marina Julia (Lumberjanes, Adventure Time) comes the definitive collection of the beloved derby dramedy, Slam! Collects Slam! #1-4 and Slam! The Next Jam #1-4.

MAY 2025

Hit Complete Collection

Los Angeles in the 1950s is a place of contrast. It’s home to the bright lights and movie stars of Hollywood’s golden age… and a hotbed of organized crime muscling in on Mickey Cohen’s turf. But LAPD has a plan—Harvey Slater, a detective authorized off-the-books to take care of “untouchable” criminal problems. The criminals aren’t the only untouchable thing Slater’s going after, though. When his captain’s absent daughter returns, Slater quickly finds himself entangled in the trouble she brings with her… and her ties to his other cases! From writer Bryce Carlson (Zombie Tales) and artist Vanesa Del Rey (The Creeping Below), experience the entire dark, violent, and sensual look into corruption on both sides of the law, inspired by the true history of LA and collected into one volume for the first time! Collects Hit: 1955 #1-4 and Hit: 1957 #1-4.

Avant-Guards Complete Collection

Charlie was determined to leave sports behind when she transferred to the Georgia O’Keeffe College for Arts and Subtle Dramatics, but perky and very cute barely-a-basketball-team captain Liv has other ideas! With a ragtag crew, a persistent streak, and the future of the whole league on the line, Charlie and the Avant-Guards must come together to figure out who they are on-and-off the court! Charming and hilarious characters with a lot of heart shoot their shots until the final buzzer in this hit series about love, teamwork, and basketball! Collects the complete series by acclaimed writer Carly Usdin (Heavy Vinyl) and artist Noah Hayes (Wet Hot American Summer) in one volume for the first time! Collects The Avant-Guards #1-8 and The Avant-Guards: Down to the Wire.

JUNE 2025

Black Badge Complete Collection

Willy was the first boy scout to get every merit badge offered… except one. The one you don’t get, the one you become: The Black Badge, a top-secret branch sent off to accomplish missions that adults never could. Kenny, Cliff, Mitz, and Willy may look like scouts who lost their tour group, but they’re actually one of the most elite teams working for the government. But there are many secrets kept from them: the location of a long-presumed dead former member, the roles of the other Rainbow Jamboree participants, and ultimately the murderer of one of their own! Intrigue abounds as the kids have to pick up a world made a mess by adults. Experience the complete series by the Eisner-Award nominated creative team of New York Times bestselling writer Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Mind MGMT), and illustrators Tyler Jenkins and Hilary Jenkins (Peter Panzerfaust, King of Nowhere), in one volume for the first time! Collects Black Badge #1-12.

Heavy Vinyl Complete Collection

Chris has the perfect job at Vinyl Destination. Her boss and fellow employees are all super rad. They all love music, love fighting the patriarchy, and love kicking her out when they close for some reason?! When their favorite singer, Rosie Riot, mysteriously disappears, Chris is let into a secret that’ll change her world: her coworkers are a teen girl vigilante squad! With the coolest job and friends in the world, Chris spends her day selling records and making music, and her nights solving mysteries and fighting for justice! From investigating vanishing musicians like the lead singer of Stegosour to taking on the shadowy corporate masters behind a suspicious battle of the bands, and with plenty of laughs, bonding moments, and jam sessions in between, the vinyl’s never been heavier! Collects the complete series by acclaimed writer Carly Usdin (The Avant-Guards) and artists Nina Vakueva and Irene Flores in one volume for the first time! Collects Heavy Vinyl #1-8 (originally published as Hi-Fi Fight Club #1-3 and Heavy Vinyl #4-8).

JULY 2025

Zombie Tales Complete Collection

The ultimate zombie anthology has risen from the grave… and it’s still hungry! From deeply disturbing tales of terror to gut-busting laughs, this collection has something for every type of zombie fan. Featuring work from the likes of industry legends Mark Waid, Keith Giffen, Steve Niles, Joe R. Lansdale, Karl Kesel, Andy Kuhn, Tom Peyer, Ming Doyle, William Messner-Loebs, Tom Fowler, Ron Lim, J.K. Woodward, and Eisner-Award winning artist Fábio Moon among a host of other horror heavies, this new collection re-assembles the complete series in a single volume for the first time! Collects Zombie Tales, Zombie Tales: Oblivious, Zombie Tales: The Dead, and Zombie Tales: The Series #1-12

AUGUST 2025

Day Men Complete Collection

The powerful vampire covens known as the “50 Families” control the world at night. In the light of the sun however, they rely on human enforcers called Day Men to maintain their grip. David Reid is their latest fixer, but when he becomes caught in the crossfire of a war between Shakespearean rival houses… he must find a way to not only survive, but uncover who has been pulling the real strings of power all along! The complete series by writers Matt Gagnon (Freelancers) and Michael Alan Nelson (Supergirl, Hexed), and Glyph Award-winning industry legend artist Brian Stelfreeze (Black Panther) is now available in a single volume for the very first time! Experience this bold reinvention of the classic vampire mythos in a story that blends the best of horror and crime. Collects Day Men #1-8.

SEPTEMBER 2025

Clive Barker’s Next Testament Complete Collection

God has returned, God help us all. The entire Harvey Award-nominated saga from visionary horror author Clive Barker is collected here for the very first time. Julian Demond, captain of industry, has left behind everything to begin a walkabout — he believes he’s on a mission from God. While in the wasteland, he comes across a figure unlike any other, who calls himself Wick…and claims to be God.  Their journey will span the globe, as neither man merely wants to make a mark on a world, but a scar…  Clive Barker, along with internationally acclaimed artist Haemi Jang (Hellraiser: The Road Below) come together to create a legendary work in the canon of one of the great writers of our era. Collects Clive Barker’s Next Testament #1-12.

The Backstagers Complete Collection

There’s magic in the theatre—when the crowd hushes, the lights go up, the curtain opens—but for Jordy and the Backstagers, the real magic’s behind-the-scenes…literally! Monsters, spirits, and an entire magical world are waiting just off-stage and the Backstagers are the only ones who know!  Join the stage crew on fantastic adventures as they deal with troublesome tool mice, fierce phantoms, and finding love and friendship despite feeling like outcasts at their all-boys school!  From GLADD, Prism, and Eisner award-winning writer James Tynion IV (WYND, Batman) and artist Rian Sygh (Adventure Time, Munchkin), plus shorts by James Tynion IV and Sam Johns with artists Brittney Williams (Goldie Vance), Caitlin Rose Boyle (Jonesy), Katy Farina (the Baby-Sitters Little Sister series), and more! Collects The Backstagers #1-8, The Backstagers: 2018 Valentine’s Intermission, The Backstagers: Halloween Intermission, and the The Backstagers story from The BOOM! Box 2016 Mix Tape.

OCTOBER 2025

The Red Mother Complete Collection

The last thing Daisy saw was her boyfriend disappearing into the darkness. The first thing Daisy saw with her new prosthetic eye was red. And she’s seeing more and more… It starts with lost love and as Daisy’s new eye shows her more of the red-hued world—people and things that aren’t otherwise there—she gets dragged into a mystery far bigger than she ever imagined. What can she do in the face of the Red Mother? A haunting series from Jeremy Haun (Haunthology, The Beauty) and Danny Luckert (Regression, Shock Shop) about the unseen horrors that surround us! Collects The Red Mother #1-12.

Hero Squared Complete Collection

In the breadth of the multiverse, you could be anything! Even Captain Valor, the legendary superhero, could be a simple slacker named Milo in our world! And is he ever?! When Valor finds himself shunted a universe over and living with his pathetic parallel, it’s a team-up for the ages! Together, can they save the world from Valor’s arch-enemy, Calignous, who just so happens to be the variant version of Milo’s girlfriend, Stephie? Maybe! A superheroic farce from the Bwa-ha-ha boys, two of the greatest writers of all cape comics, Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis with artists Joe Abraham, Nathan Watson, and more! The ultimate collection of powered hijinks, multiversal metaness, and complicated love triangles! Collects the Hero Squared X-Tra Sized Special one-shot, Hero Squared (2005) #1-3, Hero Squared (2006) #1-6, Hero Squared: Love and Death #1-3, and the Planetary Brigade spinoff series, Planetary Brigade #1-2 and Planetary Brigade: Origins #1-3.

NOVEMBER 2025

2 Guns Complete Collection

It shouldn’t be complicated, it’s just robbing a bank. Unfortunately for Trench and Steadman, neither knows that the other is working undercover. Even more unfortunately, the $50 million that they’re stealing doesn’t actually belong to the mob and has set them in the sights of an even greater threat!  The ultimate team-up between two loose cannons for the DEA and Naval Intelligence that has them blasting their way through the Southwest looking to clear their names! But when they can’t trust anyone else, can they trust each other? And what happens when it’s not just the mobs and the Feds after them, but the Russians and a mysterious Third Gun after them too? The twisty, turny, buddy-cop-gone-wrong crime romp by Steven Grant (The Punisher) and artists Mateus Santolouco (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Emilio Laiso (Star Wars: Doctor Aphra) in a complete collection for the first time! Collects 2 Guns #1-5 and 3 Guns #1-6.

Ghosted in L.A. Complete Collection

Daphne Walters’ Los Angeles story seems pretty common—she followed her high school boyfriend to college only to be immediately and unceremoniously dumped a thousand miles away from home. Her roommate doesn’t want her around either, but fortunately one heart-broken night brings her to Rycroft Manor, an apartment complex with more roommates and drama than she had ever bargained for—and they’re all ghosts! While helping out the long-lingering and new residents of Rycroft, Daphne has to deal with everything from angry spirits, the mystery ghost behind the basement door, and her college roommate Michelle trying to exorcise her new friends out of their own home! All while dealing with a complicated love life, a more complicated best friend-ship, and learning her place in LA! GLADD Award-nominated Sina Grace (Iceman, Superman: The Harvests of Youth) and illustrator Siobhan Keenan (Jem and the Holograms, KFC Presents I Love You Colonel Sanders) present a thrilling and fun tale about friendship, romance, and living your best (after) life that you won’t want to leave on read. Collects Ghosted in LA #1-12.

DECEMBER 2025

The Traveler Complete Collection

From the minds of comic book legend Stan Lee and Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, Daredevil), Tom Peyer (The Wrong Earth), and artist Chad Hardin (Harley Quinn) comes the greatest hero of all-time! When quantum scientist Ronald Lessik’s experiment went wrong, he was transformed into the time-manipulating superhero, the Traveler! Now, he seeks to find his true love, herself lost in time and space, and defend the world from threats like the Split-Second Men, temporal ghosts, the time-lost planet Anachronopolis, and even comes face-to-face with fellow hero Soldier Zero! A gripping sci-fi superhero adventure by industry legends and from the mind of one of the most prolific creators in all comic history, Stan Lee! Collects The Traveler #1-12.

Misfit City Complete Collection

Everybody’s seen The Gloomies, it’s a real cult-classic from the ‘80s! Unfortunately for the residents of Cannon Cove, covered in fog 287 days of the year, things aren’t quite as exciting as the movie…or are they? When friends Wilder, Macy, Karma, Dot, and Ed end up with the map of the recently-departed Captain Denby, that may lead to real treasure from real pirate Black Mary, they’re thrust into an adventure worthy of an irresistible pop theme! But they’re not the only ones who want the treasure. Can they solve the mysteries of their formerly-dreary town and grab the booty before the baddies? The adventure worth its weight in pirate gold by award-winning screenwriter Kiwi Smith (Legally Blonde, Trinkets), Kurt Lustgarten, and illustrator Naomi Franquiz (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) in a complete collection for the first time! Collects Misfit City #1-8.

Preview: SLAM! Vol. 1 SC

SLAM! Vol. 1 SC

Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: Pamela Ribon
Artist: Veronica Fish
Cover Artist: Veronica Fish
Price: $14.99

Bestselling novelist, screenwriter, and retired Los Angeles Derby Doll Pamela Ribon (Going in Circles, Why Girls Are Weird) joins artist Veronica Fish (The Wendy Project, Spider-Woman) for a tale of friendship, heartbreak, and truly epic jams.

In roller derby you take your hits, get back up, and learn how to be a better jammer, a better blocker, and a better friend—if the competition doesn’t tear you apart!

Collects the first limited series.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

rough-riders-on-the-storm-1Wednesdays 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 III: Stalinverse #3 (Valiant) – The series, and all the tie-ins, have been excellent so far, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where Matt Kindt takes us from here on out.

Harbinger: Renegade #4 (Valiant) – It’s funny, but after getting into the Harbinger series more and more over the past few months reading the back issues whilst simultaneously following this series, I’ve found that my love and appreciation has grown exponentially – so much so that I’m salivating over getting this in my hands.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Hulk #3 (Marvel) – I didn’t know what to expect from this new (She) Hulk title, and only checked out the first issue to see what was up with Jen after the events of Civil War II.  And  I am so glad I did.  Only on its 3rd issue and I am loving the direction of this book.  It’s tackling Jen and some serious problems she facing after her injuries and doing so in such a great way, both in the writing and the art.  If you aren’t reading this book yet, jump in now while it’s still early, you will not be disappointed.

Extraordinary X-Men #19 (Marvel) – The tie-in issues to Inhumans vs. X-Men have been great, really tying in smaller stories to the larger conflict.  A few issues have been slower, doing some character building rather then focusing on action, but even that has added to the situation as a whole.  Really looking forward to this one.

Inhumans vs. X-Men #5 (Marvel) – The battle is raging on as we reach the second to last issue of this event that has delivered in every issue.  Buckle up kiddies, because I’m sure this is going to end with a bang!

Uncanny Avengers #20 (Marvel) – This title has been hit or miss with me, but with the latest issues finally bringing the team up against the Red Skull, things have gotten interesting.  The last issue saw the team trapped in their own minds by the Red Skull and his stolen telepathic powers, and this issue is promising to show us more of their torture.  I’m looking forward to see how they get out of this one, and if they will liberate Xavier’s mind from the Red Skull.

 

Shay

Top Pick: Suicide Squad #12 (DC Comics) – Suicide Squad goes up against some of the DC Universes deadliest inmates.

Justice League of America #1 (DC Comics) – Two words, Lord Havoc! There are extremists on the loose and the newly formed Justice League is coming to save us all!

Elektra #1 (Marvel) – Ninja Assassin tries to find her escape in Las Vegas. What happens in Vegas gets buried in Vegas.

Inhumans vs. X-Men #5 (Marvel) – Medusa sets out to release Black Bolt as the X-Men tries to rid the world of the rest of the deadly cloud.

SLAM! #4 (BOOM! Studios) – It’s a roller derby world and these are roller derby girls. As a derby girl myself, I can attest to its realness.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Rough Riders on the Storm #1 (Aftershock Comics) – It’s been three years since the first volume and the death of President McKinley has Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt convinced there’s a bigger conspiracy and he must get the band back together.

Heathen #1 (Vault Comics) – Originally released digitally, this Viking series by Natasha Alterici is awesome.

Highlander: American Dream #1 (IDW Publishing) – It’s Highlander, do you need any more reason to look forward to this? There can be only one!

Old Guard #1 (Image Comics) – Greg Rucka’s new series with art by Leandro Fernandez about old soldiers who never die. If the name Rucka is on it, it’s a must get.

The Time Museum (First Second) – A new graphic novel series focused on an internship at the Time Museum that leads to time traveling adventures. This is a great addition to the world of graphic novels aimed at a younger audience with lots of fun action and solid art.

Preview: SLAM! #4

SLAM! #4

Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: Pamela Ribon
Artist: Veronica Fish
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Veronica Fish
Incentive Cover: Audrey Mok
Price: $3.99

CanCan and Knockout are living separate lives after their friendship fizzles…until Knockout volunteers to ref a bout with CanCan’s team and appears to be calling extra penalties on her old friend.

slam_004_a_main

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

div3-aric_001_cover-b_bernardWednesdays 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.

Joe

Top Pick: Kill or Be Killed #5 (Image) – Ed Brubaker, Elizabeth Breitweiser, and Sean Phillips are back and I cannot be more excited. They have done a tremendous job on this book and have proven once again, they hold the crown for pulp crime comics. This comic has me nervous and excited each time a new issue comes out!

U.S.Avengers #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was such a blast, and Al Ewing is on a roll lately, and one of the best things Marvel has going for it. We will see more of the Gold $kull by the looks of it, and probably go a bit deeper on this whacky team. More Red Hulk, he’s great.

The Clone Conspiracy #4 (Marvel) – I am a massive Spider-Man fan, I won’t apologize for that, so therefore I am excited for this issue, and actually enjoy the event. Now obviously if you’re not enjoying what they are doing, don’t listen to me here, but I want to see how this wraps up, and we are almost there. We also get a double Spidey dose with Amazing Spider-Man this week!

Superman #15 (DC Comics) – You get a Superman! And you get a Superman! I’ve loved this run by Tomasi and Gleason and the last issue was so much fun and just crazy. This is one of DC’s most consistent comics and I want to see where they are going after the last wild issue. Also, Red Son Superman, Captain Carrot, and more!

Trinity #5 (DC Comics) – Francis Manapul should be reason enough for anyone to read and drool at this comic. His art is just completely on another level to me, and this book rivals The Mighty Thor for the “prettiest” comic. Also, I actually am enjoying the story of our legendary trinity quite a bit.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Divinity III Stalinverse: Aric Son Of The Revolution #1 (Valiant) – There’s a sense of something awesome about Valiant’s Divinity III, and while the first tie-in was good, it’s this one that has me most excited. Getting a chance to read some more about Aric of Dacia in this setting has me chomping at the bit to get my hands on the comic.

Harbinger Renegade #3 (Valiant) – What can I say? I’m a fan of Harbinger, and with Peter returning to Earth I’m looking forward to seeing how Rafer Roberts reunites the Renegades.

Deadpool the Duck #2 (Marvel) – When the first issue didn’t make me want to claw my eyes out, I kinda got curious to read the next issue. I mean… now that Deadpool The Duck is finally in the comic, I want to see what we get.

 

Brett

Motor Girl #3 (Abstract Studios) – Sam has problems. UFO’s are keeping her up every night, dropping in for parts and coffee, and a suspicious Area 51 fanatic is determined to catch it all on video. To make matters worse, the bank wants to repossess the junkyard and build a casino. But Sam is determined to stop them, especially when she learns the junkyard is sacred ground. This new series by Terry Moore is fun, funny, cute, and the first two issues are some of my recent favorites from anyone.

Curse Words #1 (Image) – A wizard comes to Earth to… conquer it? It’s a bit nebulous in this first issue that introduces is to Wizord, a hipster-ish wizard bringing realy magic to Earth. The first issue is entertaining and launches a stylish new series.

The Mighty Captain Marvel #1 (Marvel) – I think Carol Danvers really came off poorly in Civil War II, but I’m still interested in seeing where Marvel takes her and this series.

Monsters Unleashed #1 (Marvel) – Marvel heroes versus kaiju. Nuff said.

Revolutionaries #1 (IDW Publishing) – IDW and Hasbro’s “Revolution” is over and this series looks to bring together some of the characters from the now shared universe into a team book.

 

Shay

Harley Quinn #12 (DC Comics) – Joker + Harley = War of the Roses style mayhem.

Raven #5 (DC Comics) – Raven calls for familial back up to save San Francisco from the orb.

Gamora #2 (Marvel) – Gamora is on a collision course with revenge and things might not be what they seem or go as she planned.

SLAM! #3 (BOOM! Studios) – derby drama and love in comic book form, what more could you want?

 

Preview: SLAM! #3

SLAM! #3

Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: Pamela Ribon
Artist: Veronica Fish
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Veronica Fish
Incentive Cover: Jen Bartel
Price: $3.99

CanCan picks up a snarky attitude from her mentor, which rubs Knockout the wrong way. Everything comes to a head on the track, which eventually leads them to realize that the only thing holding them back from their potential…could be each other.

slam_003_a_main

Preview: SLAM! #2

SLAM! #2

Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: Pamela Ribon
Artist: Veronica Fish
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Veronica Fish
Incentive Cover: Natacha Bustos
Price: $3.99

Now that best friends Knockout and CanCan are on separate derby teams, their paths go in different directions, with the pressure putting a strain on their relationship both on and off the track.

slam_002_a_main

Around the Tubes

ether-1-1It’s a new comic book day tomorrow! We’ll have our picks in a few hours, but until then, what are you all looking forward to? Sound off in the comments below!

While you decide on that, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

Kotaku – Former Conan Rep Calls Out Hit Board Game’s Depiction Of Women – Very interesting. A game we looked at while at conventions, but not very closely.

New Brunswick Today – Highland Park Hosts Live Readings of Comic Books by Local Creators – This is pretty cool.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Talking Comics – Ether #1

Talking Comics – Slam #1

Talking Comics – Yakuza: Demon Killers #1

Review: Slam #1

slam_001_main_pressModern roller derby is a growing phenomenon. In consideration for the 2020 Summer Olympics and the focus of the 2013 film Whip It, it’s not hard to find multiple leagues skating in major cities these days. In fact, one of my roommates has competed as “Halting Problem” in men’s leagues in both Atlanta and Austin.

Which is why it’s surprising that there hasn’t been a comic series with a focus on derby until now. Sure, Harley Quinn has Harley skating derby in Coney Island sometimes and A-Force introduced Dazzler playing derby down in Florida, but there’s been no stories revolving around derby in the sense of Whip It. Lucky for all of us though, Pamela Ribon, Veronica Fish and Brittany Peer have brought us Slam! through BOOM! Studios’ BOOM! Box imprint.

Slam! #1 follows Jennifer Chu and Maisie Huff as they finish up their training for the East Side Roller Girls and get drafted to teams. The issue zips back and forth chronologically, showing how the two were drafted to the league and their individual lives before and after they were drafted to derby. Specifically, how derby has helped their lives. For Jennifer, it’s given her more connections outside of her originally lonely life getting her masters. For Maisie, it’s a sense of life and purpose after being dumped by her fiance, believing her to be “debateable.” Which, of course, doesn’t help when Maisie is put on a probational draft to a different team than Jennifer.

After one issue, I already love Jennifer and Maisie. Their loving and supportive friendship is one that is often hard to find in comics and to see it flourish over the first issue is such a joy, especially when Jen reaches her hand out to Maisie while she’s having pre-first bout anxiety. Friendship between women, especially in terms of competitive sports, is such an important thing to portray and one that should be portrayed more often.

Another breath of fresh air in the first issue is Fish’s art. The variation on athletic bodies is something that can easily be observed in derby and seeing it portrayed in comics form is pretty amazing. She also gets down to the nitty gritty, with bruised muscled backs, wedgies from derby shorts, and shaking nerves. Peer’s colors especially give life to this bright new world of violence and camaraderie in a way that I can’t imagine another colorist doing.

While roller derby is its own world, Slam! #1 gives a glimpse into how that world can have positive effects on the people in it. Following the journey of Maisie and Jen as they first start out and heading into their new lives on teams is absolutely joyful and should absolutely set precedent for how women’s sports comics handle competition and friendships. Of course, now that Jen and Maisie are no longer on the same team, how will they handle flying on their own?

Story by: Pamela Ribon Art by: Veronica Fish and Brittany Peer
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Read

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

EtherWednesdays 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: Britannia #3 (Valiant) – The story of the first detective, a man armed with the magical powers of deductive reasoning and primitive CSI-type knowledge is facing what could be a threat from the netherworld. This is brilliant stuff, and Valiant’s prestige format publication make this comic well worth your money for a physical copy, but it’s the story and artwork that have been so utterly amazing. There’s only four issues in the miniseries, so treat yourself and read all three this week if you haven’t taken the plunge.

Amazing Spider-Man #21 (Marvel) – The only reason I’m excited for this is because Scarlet Spider is on the cover, and I can never have enough Kaine.

Black Hammer #5 (Dark Horse) – I find that Jeff Lemire can be either really good or borderline unreadable. Here, he’s utterly fantastic, and his tale of superheroes trapped in a small town and being forced to live as normal people is fascinating as he explores the former heroes lives, and how they’re reacting to their new status quo. For some, it’s akin to paradise, and others it’s a living hell. Well worth a read if you want something different from your superhero comics.

Kill Or Be Killed #4 (Image Comics) – A vigilante tale that’s part Punisher, part Ghost Rider, and every bit as awesome as you’d expect from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.

Old Man Logan #13 (Marvel) – Perhaps because of the trailer released this month (which I’ve seen more than I’ll admit too), but I can’t wait to get my grubby mitts on this comic. One of the few remaining Marvel books on my pull list, this is another example of Jeff Lemire at the top of his game.

 

Joe

Top Pick: Ether #1 (Dark Horse) – It’s like the amazing art work on the cover by David Rubin has been taunting me ever since I first saw it. I have been waiting for this book for what seems like forever. Matt Kindt is writing this quirky series about a scientist detective who can go between Earth and another magical world, Ether. If you love fun, quirky stories with beautiful unique art, then this is the book for you. The cast of characters are over the top, and the plot seems to be as well. This is easily my top pick this week.

Old Man Logan #13 (Marvel) – The Last Ronin storyline has been brutal, and beautiful. Sorrentino is a very underrated artist and has been killing it on this series. Lemire is no slouch here either, and I love the way he captures Logan. While people are saying they miss the Wolverine they know and love, they should be reading this. It’s Wolverine as a retired Samurai basically. He’s trying to live his life in peace, but keeps getting pulled into the darkness of the world.

Kill or Be Killed #4 (Image) – Things were really ramping up in the last issue, and with the confidence of our main character up, it is safe to say that things are going to get worse before they get better. Brubaker is no stranger to pulp crime, but there’s something more here. This is throwing the question back at the reader, what is the right or wrong thing to do? If you had to kill someone to stay alive, who would it be? And that is a very dangerous question, holding even more dangerous answers.

Reborn #2 (Image Comics) – After an awesome first issue by Millar and Capullo, I cannot wait to see more of this fantasy world that they teased in the first book. Millar and Capullo together should be enough to get people to at least check this series out. They are two heavyweights in their craft, and they really seem to have something special here. The concept is awesome, the artwork is fantastic, and there is so much mystery that I cannot wait to uncover!

Black Hammer #5 (Dark Horse) – A Colonel Weird issue! I love the character driven issues of this series. We get to see a peak at our weird groups past, and really spend time to learn who each of them are now, and who they were in much happier times. So far, Colonel Weird has been floating (literally) in and out of the first four books, but this issue dives deep into exactly why he is the way he is, and gives us a peek at the Para-Zone he often references and visits. Lemire appears on my list for the second time, and it’s no coincidence, he is doing a fantastic job on this book as well!

 

Brett

Top Pick: SLAM! #1 (BOOM! Studios) – It’s the world of Roller Derby from Pamela Ribon and Veronica Fish. Two friends get drafted by two teams and have to navigate the world of Roller Derby and its impact on their friendship. The concept sounds great and the art I’ve seen so far is fantastic. This is one that sounds like a fresh concept and an interesting world to explore.

Infamous Iron Man #2 (Marvel) – The first issue which had Doom taking over the role of Iron Man was fascinating and this one too continues his exploration of becoming a hero. I have no doubt it won’t last long, but so far it’s been intriguing.

Thanos #1 (Marvel) – Jeff Lemire is an amazing writer and I had no idea what to expect when I read this first issue. It’s really solid and returns Thanos to being the badass that he is. I have no idea where it goes from here but it feels like it’ll be an epic.

Ether #1 (Dark Horse) – Matt Kindt, nuff said. 99% of what he does is amazing and this is no exception.

Lady Killer 2 #3 (Dark Horse) – We got a bit of a break between the last issue and this one, but I’m no less excited for it. 50s housewife who’s also a contract killer. It’s as dark and twisted as it sounds and it’s awesome.

 

Anthony

Top Pick: Ether #1 (Dark Horse) – Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT, Dept. H) and David Rubin (criminally under-appreciated The Fiction, The Rise of Aurora West) look to bring an intriguing tale of a man of science into a world of fantasy and magic. At this point, anything Matt Kindt has his name attached to should swivel more than a few heads. Plus, having David Rubin provide his flowing art style as well to the series is just about as great a collaboration you could ask for.

Black Hammer #5 (Dark Horse) Black Hammer may be the best superhero title on the stands. Each and every issue has dived into the backstory of a single character while also focusing on the present time and the various heroes’ dilemmas on being forced to be distanced from the very world they protected. This issue looks to focus on Colonel Weird.

Kill or Be Killed #4 (Image Comics) – This series has been unlike anything Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser have done thus far and has been getting increasingly more and more intriguing as it continues forward. This issue marks the end of the first arc. Dylan is a very conflicted character that questions a lot about the world around him, observations that correlate to the anxieties of the real world outside the pages of the comic. These inklings of Dylan’s thoughts alongside the justifiable murders he must commit are what makes him such an interesting character. Kill or Be Killed is also the most playful form wise for this creative team, making each issue a treat for the eyes that really reinforces the unexpected journey that Dylan has been going on.

Sunny Vol. 6 (Viz Media) – Taiyo Matsumoto’s wonderful manga about a group of orphaned children living under the same roof comes to a conclusion in this final volume. Matsumoto has juggled with so many different voices throughout this series, allowing for each and every one of them to have a voice that matters. He displays images that provoke a sense of loneliness through the multiple characters, frustrated with their present sense of abandonment but also captures a sense of wonder and curiosity about the future ahead that is fantasized within the comfort of an abandoned car next to the children’s housing. Sunny strikes many chords and is deserving of more attention than it has already received.

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