Suicide Risk Vol. 6 TP
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Elena Casagrande
With his newly adopted Earth at stake, Requiem must forge an alliance with a powerful entity more dangerous than himself: Aisa. The follower of a great and ancient goddess, Aisa and her sister Diva may hold the key to closing the F.A.U.L.T.Line once and for all—but on which side will Tracey find herself when they do? Collects the final story arc, issues #22-25.
MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #0
Retail Price: $3.99
Writers: Kyle Higgins, Mairghread Scott, Steve Orlando
Artists: Hendry Prasetyo, Daniel Bayliss
Cover Artist: Goñi Montes
What’s to Love: Saban’s Power Rangers is a multi-generational, globally recognized franchise. With its epic Ranger suits, giant Zords and Megazords, and—at its core—a story of super powered teens who defend the world from evil, the Power Rangers series is a pop-culture phenomenon that has continued to resonate with fans for more than 22 years. We, as huge Power Rangers fans ourselves, are excited to produce a modern Power Rangers comic featuring the iconic characters from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series.
What It Is: It’s Morphin Time! Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers make their BOOM! Studios comic debut in this kick-off #0 issue, which sets the stage for the rest of the series. After escaping Rita Repulsa’s mind control, Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger, joins up with the rest of the Power Rangers to combat her never-ending evil plans. Any semblance of a normal life is gone for Tommy now, but with his newfound family there lies hope for a brighter path. Includes the short story from the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comics!
THE LAST CONTRACT #1 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ed Brisson
Artist: Lisandro Estherren
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Lisandro Estherren
Incentive Cover: Vanesa R. Del Rey
What’s to Love: Last year, John Wick reminded everyone why hitmen make for awesome stories. Of course, we’ve known that for years as evidenced by The Killer and Hit. Ed Brisson’s (Batman & Robin Eternal, Sheltered) take on a retired hit man who finds himself as the target is a calculated thriller that kept us guessing until the end, and newcomer Lisandro Estherren’s (Tall Tales from the Badlands) noirish art perfectly sets the mood.
What It Is: A retired hit man, known only as “The Man,” is forced back into the game when a list of his kills is leaked by a mysterious blackmailer. The list makes targets out of anyone associated with one of the The Man’s previous jobs, not to mention The Man himself. As he fights to protect those the list exposes, The Man sets off to uncover the identity of the blackmailer so he can move on with his new life once and for all, but will the truth ruin those chances forever?
ADVENTURE TIME: ICE KING #1 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Emily Partridge
Artist: Natalie Andrewson
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Shelli Paroline & Braden Lamb
Subscription: Corin Howell
Incentive: Wyeth Yates
What’s to Love: The Ice King is probably one of the most tragic and hilarious characters in the Land of Ooo, but we’ve never had the chance to really focus exclusively on him before. Now we’re taking a look at just what makes the Ice King tick with writer Emily Partridge (Adventure Time) and artist Natalie Andrewson (Lumberjanes).
What It Is: The Ice King has always been there, kidnapping princesses, messing with Finn and Jake, and generally being a weirdo. But there’s way more to him than that! He’s a deep, thoughtful person with a heart full of love! Or…maybe he just really wants to marry a princess. Either way, this is one journey the citizens of Ooo aren’t likely to forget!
VENUS #2 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Rick Loverd
Artist: Huang Danlan
Cover Artist: W. Scott Forbes
Synopsis: Pauline and the rest of the survivors from the Mayflower take stock of the base on Venus, but there’s a saboteur in their midst who’s sowing tension in the ranks.
SNOW BLIND #2 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Ollie Masters
Artist: Tyler Jenkins
Cover Artist: Tyler Jenkins
Synopsis: Teddy goes on the hunt around town trying to track down the man who is after his family.
KLAUS #3 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Dan Mora
Cover Artist: Dan Mora
Synopsis: Klaus is caught delivering presents to the town’s children and must fight his way past Lord Magnus’s guards to avoid imprisonment.
LAST SONS OF AMERICA #3 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: Matthew Dow Smith
Cover Artist: Tonci Zonjic
Synopsis: Jackie and Julian are held captive by the crime lord Don Carlo. Bad news…especially if you kidnapped his daughter!
ROWANS RUIN #4 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Mike Perkins
Cover Artist: Mike Perkins
Synopsis: Final issue! Emily is back from America, and she’s ready to defend her secret at any cost.
THE SPIRE #6 (of 8)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Jeff Stokely
Cover Artist: Jeff Stokely
Synopsis: Meera is held by the Zoarim at their camp as part of the Pax proceedings, but she’s not alone…
WILD’S END: THE ENEMY WITHIN #5 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: I.N.J. Culbard
Cover Artist: I.N.J. Culbard
Synopsis: The group is scattered in the woods of Lower Crowchurch as the alien threat comes roaring back to life.
JOHN FLOOD #6 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Jorge Coelho
Cover Artist: Jorge Coelho
Synopsis: Final issue! The cat-and-mouse game between Flood and Tate comes to a dangerous conclusion.
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK #14
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Maxim Simic
Cover Artist: Jason Copland
Synopsis: Snake prepares to defend his property from the government at any cost.
THE WOODS #19
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Michael Dialynas
Cover Artist: Michael Dialynas
Synopsis: Calder isn’t strong enough, and Isaac gets caught messing with dangerous powers.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #20
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Dan McDaid
Cover Artists:
Main: Joe Eisma
Incentive: Aaron Alexovich
Synopsis: Jack has to keep his cover as a great sorcerer worthy of nomination into the Sorcerers’ Alliance while Miao Yin and Wang sort out some personal problems!
REGULAR SHOW #31
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Mad Rupert
Artist: Laura Howell
Cover Artists:
Main: Jeremy de la Garza
Subscription: Will Kirkby
Synopsis: Rigby and Skips are forced to battle in the Crystal Coliseum while Benson and Mordecai struggle to find a way home from the Rainbow Palace in the clouds!
ADVENTURE TIME #48
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Christopher Hastings
Artist: Zachary Sterling
Cover Artists:
Main: Maya Kern
Subscription: Ryan Robinson
Synopsis: Finn and Jake learn the truth about their mysterious old friend and his connection to Joshua’s spell.
PEANUTS #30
Retail Price: $3.99
Writers: Charles M. Schulz, Various
Artists: Charles M. Schulz, Various
Cover Artist: Charles M. Schulz, Various
Synopsis: Snoopy’s sister is in town, and it’s causing all kinds of trouble for Charlie Brown. Plus, a Woodstock adventure!
GIANT DAYS #10
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: John Allison
Artist: Max Sarin
Cover Artist: Lissa Treiman
Synopsis: Esther’s old school friend “Big Lindsay” comes to visit with her baby, but watching the kid and being nice to the insatiable party girl begins to wear on everyone.
MUNCHKIN #13
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Sam Sykes
Artist: Ian McGinty
Cover Artist: Mike Luckas
Synopsis: A munchkin has to visit an expert for help after she’s hit with an unknown curse that’s making her lose everything.
LUMBERJANES #22
Retail Price: $3.99
Writers: Shannon Watters & Kat Leyh
Artist: Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Cover Artists:
Main: Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Incentive: Eva Cabrera
Synopsis: When selkies hold Seafarin’ Karen’s boat hostage, the Lumberjanes will have to rely on the one person they aren’t sure they trust: the Bear Woman.
JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: DRAGONS #2 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Nathan Pride
Artist: Nathan Pride
Cover Artist: Nathan Pride
Synopsis: Nathan Pride tells the tale of “The Worm of Lambton.” A young heir to a kingdom catches a horrid Worm while fishing on the banks of the River Wear and throws it into a well in disgust. When the Worm outgrows the well and begins to torment the nearby villagers, the heir will have to return to stop it.
TOIL AND TROUBLE #5 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writer: Mairghread Scott
Artists: Kelly & Nichole Matthews
Cover Artist: Kyla Vanderklugt
Synopsis: Smertae and Riata battle with Macbeth’s fate hanging in the balance.
AMERICATOWN #6 (of 8)
Retail Price: $3.99
Writers: Bradford Winters & Larry Cohen
Artist: Daniel Irizarri
Cover Artist: Mike Choi
Synopsis: When Arroyo’s partner slips into a coma, his quest becomes personal.
LANTERN CITY #9
Retail Price: $3.99
Writers: Matthew Daley & Mairghread Scott
Artist: Carlos Magno
Cover Artist: Benjamin Carré
Synopsis: New story arc! While Lantern City falls into chaos, Killian introduces Sander to another civilization living far outside the city walls.
CURB STOMP TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Writer: Ryan Ferrier
Artist: Devaki Neogi
Cover Artist: Tula Lotay
Synopsis: What’s to Love: Punk rock isn’t dead…yet. Turf wars, breaking rules, crushing violence, and Black Flag—these are a few of our favorite things, and Curb Stomp straight-up knocks our teeth out (in a good way). It’s an unflinching, visceral look at the lengths one woman will go to protect her friends, her family, and her home—perfect for fans of Rat Queens and the seminal ‘70s cult-favorite film The Warriors.
What It Is: Three gangs. Five girls. No way out. Machete Betty leads a small gang of women under the self-appointed task of protecting their home of Old Beach, one of three boroughs surrounding a rich metropolitan city. When Betty takes the life of a rival gang member in an act of self-defense, she sets off a chain reaction of retaliation, gang warfare, and unlikely allies. It’s up to the The Fever—Machete Betty, Derby Girl, Bloody Mary, Daisy Chain, and Violet Volt—to defend their turf at all costs. Collects the complete four-issue limited series.
SONS OF ANARCHY VOL. 4 TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Writer: Ed Brisson
Artist: Matías Bergara
Cover Artist: Toni Infante
Synopsis: Based on the hit FX series! The Sons of Anarchy are more than a club, more than a gang, more than an organization: they are a brotherhood. But what happens when your favorite Sons are on their own? In these four stand-alone stories, Jax confronts an ex-member of the club who opens old wounds. Juice’s side business, Clear Passages, faces a blackmail plot which is more complex than it first appears. Bobby’s trip to Vegas takes a wild, hungover turn for the worse. And Happy, long before he became a Son, gets his very first tattoo. These are the Sons as you’ve never seen them before: alone. Collects issues #15-18.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA VOL. 2 TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Writers: John Carpenter, Eric Powell
Artist: Brian Churilla
Cover Artist: Eric Powell
Synopsis: Based on the cult-classic John Carpenter film! With the unintended help of Jack Burton, Lo Pan and the Three Storms have returned! On the run, Jack Burton and Wang Chi must traverse America in the Pork-Chop Express to escape the onslaught of the Wing Kong and Lords of Death. With Egg and Miao Yin escaping into the Midnight Road, their only chance at survival is keeping the jade eyes from Lo Pan’s grasp. Collects issues #5-8.
SUICIDE RISK VOL. 6 TP (Advance solicited for February 2016 shipping)
Retail Price: $14.99
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Elena Casagrande
Cover Artist: Stephanie Hans
Synopsis: With his newly adopted Earth at stake, Requiem must forge an alliance with a powerful entity more dangerous than himself: Aisa. The follower of a great and ancient goddess, Aisa and her sister Diva may hold the key to closing the F.A.U.L.T.Line once and for all—but on which side will Tracey find herself when they do? Mike Carey (Lucifer, The Unwritten) and fan-favorite artist Elena Casagrande (Hulk, Hack/Slash) conclude the mysterious superhero world of Suicide Risk with this critically acclaimed sixth and final arc. Collects issues #22-25.
ROBOCOP: DEAD OR ALIVE VOL. 2 TP (Advance solicited for February 2016 shipping)
Retail Price: $19.99
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Carlos Magno
Cover Artist: Goñi Montes
Synopsis: Somewhere there is a crime happening. RoboCop, now a lone officer in the field, faces the calamity of ED-209 attacks plaguing his city. As he works the streets, newly promoted Detective Anne Lewis will work outside her jurisdiction to bring Killian’s corruption to an end. But they are merely pawns in Killian’s game. This is the beginning of the end for Detroit. The action-packed series from Joshua Williamson (Nailbiter, Birthright) and Carlos Magno (Lantern City) continues in the second chapter to the Dead or Alive trilogy. Collects issues #5-8.
ADVENTURE TIME: SUGARY SHORTS VOL. 2 TP
Retail Price: $19.99
Writers: Roger Langridge, Derek Fridolfs, Noelle Stevenson, Jai Nitz, and more
Artists: Frazer Irving, Roger Langridge, Dustin Nguyen, Noelle Stevenson, and more
Cover Artist: Dan Hipp
Synopsis: Collecting stories by amazing creators from around the world, Sugary Shorts Volume Two stars all your favorite characters from Marceline the Vampire Queen to Cinnamon Bun. This collection contains so much sugary goodness it’s almost too sweet to handle. Featuring the work of Dustin Nguyen, Noelle Stevenson, Roger Langridge, Frazer Irving, and more!
BEE AND PUPPYCAT VOL. 2 TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Writers: Zachary Sterling, Meredith McClaren, Joy Ang, T. Zysk, and more
Artists: Zachary Sterling, Meredith McClaren, Joy Ang, T. Zysk, and more
Cover Artist: Natasha Allegri
Synopsis: Being a magical temp worker isn’t as easy as it looks!. From the mind of creator Natasha Allegri (Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake), this imaginative world takes a life of its own as Bee and PuppyCat learn how to work together with whatever the day throws at them. Enjoy all-new adventures from visiting a local carnival to Bee’s first sick day in a collection of shorts by the amazing talent of Zachary Sterling (Adventure Time), Meredith McClaren (Hinges), Joy Ang (Adventure Time), and many more! Collects issues #5-8.
THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL VOL. 2 TP (Advance solicited for February 2016 shipping)
Retail Price: $14.99
Writers: Frank Gibson, Tyson Hesse
Artist: Tyson Hesse
Cover Artist: Irene Flores
Synopsis: There’s no such thing as a dull day in Elmore! Gumball, Darwin, and Anais stir up trouble wherever they go, but they can always count on each other for help. Based on the hit Cartoon Network show that The Onion’s A.V. Club calls “a revelation,” The Amazing World of Gumball will delight readers of all ages. Collects issues #5-8.
GUNNERKRIGG COURT VOL. 3 TP
Retail Price: $16.99
Writer: Tom Siddell
Artist: Tom Siddell
Cover Artist: Tom Siddell
Synopsis: In the third volume of this critically acclaimed webcomic series, Annie and Kat continue to uncover terrible secrets about their school, Gunnerkrigg Court, while relationships grow and the boundaries of reality are blurred. In the meantime, Coyote begins to show that things in the forest are not quite what they seem. Annie’s second year at the Court comes to a dramatic end! First time printed in softcover.
MEZOLITH VOL. 1 HC (Advance solicited for February 2016 shipping)
Retail Price: $24.99
Writer: Ben Haggarty
Artist: Adam Brockbank
Cover Artist: Adam Brockbank
Synopsis:
What’s to Love: Mezolith is an award-winning British graphic novel that we are excited to publish for the first time in the U.S. because it’s a captivating, coming-of-age story with lush, gorgeous art! Writer Ben Haggarty is a renowned performance storyteller, having been appointed Honorary Professor of Storytelling at the Arts University of Berlin, and illustrator Adam Brockbank is a storyboard and concept artist who has worked on the Captain America, Spider-Man, and Harry Potter films. The pair has collaborated to produce one of the best-looking books you’ll see all year.
What It Is: 10,000 years ago, the Kansa tribe live on the eastern shores of Stone Age Britain, where danger is never far away. Each season brings new adventures, each hunt has its risks, and each grim encounter with the neighboring tribe is fraught with threat. Poika, a boy on the verge of manhood, must trust the wisdom of his elders and endure life’s rites of passage as he finds his place in the tribe.
LUMBERJANES VOL. 3 TP (Advance solicited for February 2016 shipping)
Retail Price: $14.99
Writers: Noelle Stevenson & Shannon Watters, Faith Erin Hicks
Artists: Carolyn Nowak, Various
Cover Artist: Noelle Stevenson
Synopsis: It’s a free day at Lumberjanes camp, and the Roanoke cabin is…bored out of their skulls. With nothing to fight the girls set themselves to earning all the badges they can that don’t involve monsters or the supernatural, which is surprisingly hard! When Mal and Molly sneak off in search of real adventure, they accidentally stumble into something more than they ever bargained for. Collects the Halloween special issue #9 written by Faith Erin Hicks and #10-12.
Suicide Risk Vol. 5 TP
Author: Mike Carey
Artists: Elena Casasgrande, Haemi Jang
The Men of Gold, the alternate earth police corps that sentenced Requiem to a life sentence in the F.A.U.L.T.Line for his crimes against humanity, have decided enough is enough. If Requiem refuses to submit to their authority and accept his punishment as his due, they’ll do anything to ensure that justice is served. Even if they have to destroy Earth to serve it… Mike Carey (Lucifer, The Unwritten) and Elena Casagrande (Hulk, Hack/Slash) continue the mysterious superhero world of Suicide Risk in this fifth arc, which also includes the celebrated standalone story illustrated by spotlight artist Haemi Jang (Clive Barker’s New Testament). Collects issues #17-20.
Suicide Risk #25
Author: Mike Carey
Artist: Elena Casagrande
Final issue! Leo must decide between his old life and his new life as the fate of the universe hangs in the balance. Does he save his real family, or the ones they forced him to love? Does it make a difference?
Suicide Risk is most likely the best superhero saga that most mainstream comic readers would never have heard of. Part of the problem with that is that it comes from an independent, but likely also that the name of the series is a bit misleading. Regardless much has been done over the past 24 issues of this series that has captured what makes the superhero genre so much fun, while also helping to deconstruct some of the commonly used plots and situations. The series has taken the concept of the company wide crossover, applied it to a single series while maintaining the same kind of tension that Crisis on Infinite Earths managed while also focusing on a decent amount of character development.
For those that have been following and come into the final issue looking for some more great fireworks will probably be a little disappointed. While there are some action based sequences here the action focuses a lot more on the role of Leo/Requiem with his two wives, two daughter and one son. Those looking for a climactic battle involving the holdovers from the other Earth will have to settle with the previous issue as well as some allusions here. Instead this issue focuses on what made the series so good to start with, the rich characters. This issue even feels almost completely out of context, and even after the first read through felt a little bit lacking, but it should be remembered that this is not the purpose of what this issue is attempting to accomplish. With the conflict on the other Earth already resolved, there is still one conflict left to resolve and that happens here.
While this issue might not fit the form of what readers of comics expect from superheroes, it absolutely fits in terms of what this series has always managed to accomplish. The story as always is engaging, and the characters are approachable. At the same time though the series has never attempted to simply copy other superhero comics but has always tried something a little bit different and generally has more than succeeded. In this case the final issue encapsulates what has worked so well about this series, and stands with the other other standout issues that have come before to wrap up this massive plot line as well as any has ever done at the big two.
Story: Mike Carey Art: Elena Casagrande
Story: 9.3 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy
BOOM! Studios 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.
Brett
Top Pick: Midnighter #1 (DC Comics) – Steve Orlando takes on the brutal character, who also happens to be gay. Orlando is a talented writer and to see him take on such an important series is fantastic. Can’t wait to read this one.
Broken World #1 (BOOM! Studios) – With a meteor days away from causing an extinction-level event on Earth, time is running out for Elena Marlowe. While most of the planet’s population and her family were approved by the government to escape on one of the giant spaceships headed to another planet, her application was denied due to her mysterious past. With the meteor fast approaching, Elena tries desperately to find a way to fake her way onto the last ship or else be left behind to die with the rest of Earth’s rejected denizens.
The Bunker #11 (Oni Press) – Three months later. Grady begins his political campaign while Billy sits in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. But once again, everyone is at the mercy of their future selves. An amazing series.
Jupiter’s Circle #3 (Image Comics) – Mark Millar’s prequel series has been fantastic the first two issues. This third continues to look at how power corrupts.
Secret Wars #3 (Marvel) – The series really kicked off with the second issue. While I’m still a bit cautious about this major event as a whole, so far the main series, as well as the tie-ins, have all been very good. Marvel’s events have had a habit recently of starting strong than tanking, here’s hoping we don’t see a repeat.
Edward
Top Pick: Suicide Risk #25 (BOOM! Studios) – This is it! The finale to this gripping series. We finally get to find out the final fates of all involved and whether the heroes can save two worlds.
Bat-Mite #1 (DC Comics) – DC has been taking more risks than usual in the past year, and this series continues that streak running. It will be interesting to see what they can make of this series.
Justice League #41 (DC Comics) – After a lead-in like the last issue, it is evident that the creative team means big things for this series.
Morning Glories #46 (Image Comics) – The series should be heading towards another big moment some time in the next few issues. Will this issue be the linchpin?
Wonderland #36 (Zenescope) – Zenescope’s best series returns for its monthly dose of Wonderland infused madness and mayhem.
Elana
Top Pick (tie): The Wicked + The Divine #11 (Image Comics) – Stunning art, emotionally compelling characters a big fat mystery and a whole lot to say about being young and about pop culture and fandom.
The comic has been picked up by DeConnick and Fraction’s new TV production company so you better start reading this book before it hits the small screen so you can brag about liking it before it was mainstream.
Top Pick (tie): The Humans #5 (Image Comics) – Bikersploitation meets apesploitation meets 70sploitation. This new issue puts us on the road to trucksploitation too (yes that’s a genre! Haven’t you seen Convoy? I haven’t but whatever).
This underground comic styled book is one of the best comics of the year. Neely’s art is evocative, expressive and funny but it is also technically outstanding. He’s a remarkable draftsman and inker. Reading this book will remind you why hand lettering and coloring makes such a big difference.
Oh and there’s sex and drugs and violence and monkeys and a soundtrack to download.
Airboy #1 (Image Comics) – Robinson is a strong writer who’s known for excavating emotional resonance and intellectual stories out of overlooked gold and silver age heroes.
And that’s the joke here.
The preview makes it clear this comic has a different project in mind. He’s created a meta comic about the making of an air boy comic (air boy being a square golden age hero) and the drugs one takes to do so– starring non other then James Robinson & Greg Hinkle (this book’s creative team). There are Hunter S Thompson references.
Sure! Why not!
Spiderwoman #8 (Marvel) – Hopeless’s run has always been a fun read but as of last issue it’s turning out to be a comic that has something to say. Last issue included a big reveal that makes us question a lot of our assumptions about criminals and about women. I want to see where this goes and I’ve never been as intrigued with this book as I am right now.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #6 (Marvel) – I love that front headline of this comic always states that she has all the powers of a squirrel and all the powers of a girl. Because both girls and squirrels have more power then anyone gives them credit for and this book wants you to remember that. Also it’s hilarious fun and totally beginner friendly.
“Big Daddy Cool” Johnny Dellarocca
Top Pick: Bat-Mite #1 (DC Comics) – It’s freaking Bat-Mite! What else do you need?
Airboy #1 (Image Comics) – Another great pulp hero by another established “classic” creative team (see a pattern here?). I am particularly interested in the concept behind this series, and the previews suggest that this is a “breaking the 4th wall” type of series that will have healthy does of action, adventure and comedy. Well, see but it is definitely worth a look!
Justice Inc.: Avenger #1 (Dynamite) – I’m going to be honest and upfront. I have never been a fan of The Avenger. I was hoping the Justice Inc. series from Dynamite would change that, but it didn’t. That series for me wandered and was too disjointed. Plus The Avenger was written like a spoiled whiner. Saying that, I wasn’t a Daredevil fan either. Until Mark Waid took over the book. Now mark Waid is writing The Avenger. I’m a little excited.
The Phantom #3 (Hermes Press) – There are two Phantom books out this week. While I love the concept of Dynamite’s King series, it hasn’t quite hit the right notes (unlike Flash Gordon). However, Peter David’s series from Hermes Press not only hits the right notes, it is an orchestral work of a master!
Princess Leia #4 (Marvel) – Another Mark Waid title, and in my opinion the best of the Star Wars line, and my top pick of the month. It’s a shame the series is only 5 issues. Waid and Dodson have created magic with this one!
THE SPIRE #1 (of 8)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Jeff Stokely
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Jeff Stokely
Jackpot Variant Cover: Aaron Conley
BOOM! 10 Years Incentive Cover: Rob Guillory
Incentive Cover: David Lafuente What’s To Love: Simon Spurrier (X-Men: Legacy, Crossed: Wish You Were Here) and
Jeff Stokely (Gotham Academy, Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches) are the formidable duo who blew us away with their sci-fi/western fusion Six-Gun Gorilla. It’s only natural we would want to see what else they had up their sleeves. Now they’ve teamed up again to create a murder-mystery set in an apocalyptic fantasy future, that fans of East of West and Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal will adore. What It Is: Oversized first issue! The Spire is a mountain of metal and stone that rises from the toxic nowherelands; a city of twisting tunnels, grinding elevators, ancient machinery, and over one million human and non-human residents. Shå, the only citizen of her species, is Commander of the Watch: responsible for keeping order despite the racist views of those around her. When a string of grisly murders occurs on the eve of the new Baroness’s coronation, Shå is tasked with bringing the killer to justice… and picking-apart the wider mysteries tangled around the crime. But the city’s new ruler seems sets to usher-in a more xenophobic age, and Shå swiftly finds she has far more than one enemy at her back…
HIT: PEN & INK #2
Retail Price: $14.99
Author: Bryce Carlson
Artist: Vanesa R. Del Rey
Cover Artist: Vanesa R. Del Rey
This next installment of the Pen & Ink series collects Hit: 1955 issues #3-4 in an oversized, 11” x 17” format that features Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award-nominated Vanesa R. Del Rey’s inks alongside new commentary and creative insights from R. Del Rey and writer Bryce Carlson.
ADVENTURE TIME WITH FIONNA & CAKE: CARD WARS #1 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: Jen Wang
Artist: Britt Wilson
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Jen Wang
Subscription Cover: Wyeth Yates
BOOM! 10 Years Variant Cover: Jeffrey Brown
Incentive Cover: John Kovalic
What’s To Love: We had such a blast with the Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake miniseries created by Natasha Allegri (Bee & PuppyCat) that we couldn’t wait to rejoin our favorite heroes in an all-new story from Jen Wang (In Real Life) and Britt Wilson (Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake) that features the actual card game, Card Wars!
What It Is: Cake is a Card Wars champ who can’t be beat, and Fionna…is really tired of getting beaten! They set off in search of a challenger who can really test Cake’s mettle. When they stumble across some gamer slugs, they think they’ve hit the jackpot, but these guys have never heard of Cake and refuse to even play with her!
POWER UP #1 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Kate Leth
Artist: Matt Cummings
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Matt Cummings
BOOM! 10 Years Incentive Cover: Lucy Knisley
Incentive Cover: Babs Tarr
What’s To Love: New York Times bestselling author Kate Leth (Bravest Warriors, Adventure Time: Seeing Red) and artist Matt Cummings (Adventure Time) create a new, original series that takes the magical girl story where it’s never, ever been before. Combining a deep love of Sailor Moon with the tongue-in-cheek humor of Scott Pilgrim, Power Up is the story of the most unlikely people (and goldfish) taking on the roles of Magical Girl, whether they want it or not.
What It Is: It has been foretold that four noble warriors of incredible strength would be gifted with cosmic abilities at a moment of planetary alignment…which, yeah, something definitely went wrong here. Amie is a disaffected twentysomething with a lot of attitude, Kevin is a washed-up athlete way past his prime, Sandy’s a mother of two teenagers, and Silas…is a goldfish. Just a normal goldfish. Are we sure we read that prophecy right?
HACKTIVIST VOL. 2 #1 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Created by: Alyssa Milano
Author: Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Artist: Marcus To
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Marcus To
BOOM! 10 Years Incentive Cover: Sonny Liew
Incentive Cover: Marcus To
What’s To Love: The team behind the critically acclaimed miniseries Hacktivist is back as actress/activist Alyssa Milano teams up with writers Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and artist Marcus To (New Warriors, Red Robin) once again for this next installment of high-stakes danger in the hacker community.
What It Is: It’s been six months since Tunis. Nate Graft’s life was turned upside-down after his best friend Ed Hiccox died, but he’s since pulled things together and is now in charge of VIGIL, the front line of America’s ongoing cyber operations. Just when things are starting to gain some semblance of control, YourLife, the government, and Nate come under attack by a new breed of hacker…who call themselves .sve_urs3lf. Using Nate and Ed’s former handle, they want to know the truth of what happened in Tunis, and they’re calling for blood. Nate’s blood.
BROKEN WORLD #2 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Frank J. Barbiere
Artist: Christopher Peterson
Cover Artist: Christopher Peterson
With the world falling apart around her, Elena finds one of the government-issued suicide kits and is torn between ending her life and fighting for one last chance to reconnect with her family.
THE FICTION #2 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Curt Pires
Artist: David Rubín
Cover Artist: David Rubín
Max and Kassie delve into the Fiction for the first time in years to search for Tyler, only to find that the place that was once filled with the magic of childhood has become warped, corrupted, and filled with dangers they might not be able to survive.
ARCADIA #3
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Alex Paknadel
Artist: Eric Scott Pfeiffer
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Matt Taylor
Incentive Cover: Eric Scott Pfeiffer
Lee Garner returns from China only to be arrested alongside Sam, and it becomes apparent that Arcadian officials are using strong-arm tactics to try and force Lee Garner to contact Lee Pepper. Meanwhile, in the Homesteader camp, Coral is warned not to get too close to Jaime by one of Jaime’s own.
OH, KILLSTRIKE #3 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Max Bemis
Artist: Logan Faerber
Cover Artist: Logan Faerber
Having kidnapped the artist who worked with Jared’s father back in the ’80s, Jared and Killstrike have to infiltrate a comic convention to keep up appearances, and Killstrike receives tons of accolades for what appears to be the best cosplay of all time.
UFOLOGY #4 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: James Tynion IV & Noah J. Yuenkel
Artist: Matthew Fox
Cover Artist: Matthew Fox
As Malcolm recalls a fond memory of his long-gone mother, he and Becky bond and finally team up to investigate the alien technology he found the night before. But someone is wise to their activities and looks to remove them from the equation.
BILL & TED’S MOST TRIUMPHANT RETURN #5 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Brian Lynch
Artist: Jerry Gaylord
Cover Artists:
Main: Felipe Smith
Incentive: Khary Randolph
Bill & Ted are trapped in the 27th century, where no one has heard of Rufus or the Wyld Stallyns! De Nomolos rules as the Supreme Most Important Person in the Universe with Station under his control! Featuring a back-up story by Christopher Hastings (Adventure Time) and Matt Cummings (Power Up) about Death’s misadventure through hell.
CLUSTER #5
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Ed Brisson
Artist: Damian Couceiro
Cover Artists:
Main: Damian Couceiro
Incentive: Brandon Graham
New story arc! Last issue’s cliffhanger has lasting repercussions. While Tranent’s warden has to deal with politicians from Earth demanding to know the whereabouts of Samara, the surviving prisoners and rebels decide to stop running and try to take him and all of Tranent out!
BURNING FIELDS #6 (of 8)
Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: Michael Moreci & Tim Daniel
Artist: Colin Lorimer
Cover Artist: Colin Lorimer
In the wake of the assault on Carapace’s headquarters, Dana and Aban arrive to investigate what happened to their allies, while Renfro, the killer who is the focus of the manhunt, stalks their every move.
GEORGE PÉREZ’S SIRENS #6 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: George Pérez
Artist: George Pérez
Cover Artists:
Main: George Pérez
10-Copy Incentive: George Pérez
25-Copy Incentive: George Pérez Pencils Connecting
50-Copy Incentive: George Pérez Pencils Connecting
Final issue! The Sirens reunite through time and space in a last stand to prevent Earth from being destroyed by the forces who made them hide throughout time.
DEEP STATE #8
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Justin Jordan
Artist: Ariela Kristantina
Cover Artist: Matt Taylor
Trapped deep underground where the government has been keeping a secret since the Cold War era, Branch and Harrow will have no choice but to confront the reason that unknowingly brought them together: neither of them are who they say they are.
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK #8
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Diego Barreto
Cover Artists:
Main: Mike Henderson
Intermix: Robert Sammelin
Incentive: Trevor Hairsine
Snake’s adventure in Siberia comes to a dramatic conclusion as he takes on the strange masked figure from his past.
HEXED #12
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Dan Mora
Cover Artist: Dan Mora
Final issue! Raina, Bob, and the now-human Harlot race to escape The Aether as Lucifer makes the ultimate choice: stop Cymbaline, or learn the answer to the one secret she’s forbidden from knowing.
THE WOODS #14
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: James Tynion IV
Artist: Michael Dialynas
Cover Artist: Michael Dialynas
Karen goes deeper into the uncharted part of the woods, where even Nigel has never fully explored. He doesn’t know what kind of wildlife she might encounter there, but it becomes clear there are more dangerous things than creatures waiting for her in the wilderness.
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #14
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Fred Van Lente
Artist: Joe Eisma
Cover Artists:
Main: Jay Shaw
Incentive: Jorge Coehlo
Something weird is going on—Jack is finding his world and his friends have really changed! In Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong) and Joe Eisma’s (Morning Glories) love letter to the ‘80s, Jack’s on a mission that will have him face some of the strangest villains yet.
SONS OF ANARCHY #23
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Ryan Ferrier
Artist: Matías Bergara
Cover Artist: Toni Infante
In this new story arc, set between Seasons 1 and 2 of the television show, Opie, reeling from the death of his wife, goes back to his old job at the lumberyard, but discovers some shady business there as well, while Jax and Clay fight against external and internal heat to get their new deal with the IRA lined up.
CLARENCE #2 (of 4)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Liz Prince
Artist: Evan Palmer
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: JJ Harrison
Subscription Cover: Scott Maynard
Incentive Cover: Tessa Stone
After Clarence, Jeff, and Sumo learn about earthworms in class, they dig up Clarence’s backyard to find some. But Jeff freaks out, afraid of being buried alive in one of the freshly dug holes!
BEE AND PUPPYCAT #14
Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: Patrick Seery
Artists: Carolyn Nowak
Cover Artists:
Main: Anna Pan
Subscription: Aatmaja Pandya
When Bee plant-sits one of Deckard’s plants and forgets about it, causing it to die, she and PuppyCat take a temp job to get enough money to buy him a new one.
REGULAR SHOW #25
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Kevin Church
Artist: Allison Strejlau
Cover Artists:
Main: Pamela Lovas
Subscription: Andrew Greenstone
Anniversary Issue! In this stand-alone story, Benson gives all Park employees fitness devices to encourage them all to be healthier, but Rigby refuses to work out. Then his device starts possessing him and now Rigby can’t stop working out!
BRAVEST WARRIORS #34
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Kate Leth
Artist: Ian McGinty
Cover Artists:
Main: Ian McGinty
Subscription: Jina Noh
Kate Leth and Ian McGinty bring three years of Bravest Warriors comics to a close with their most epic story arc yet!
ADVENTURE TIME #42
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Christopher Hastings
Artist: Zachary Sterling
Cover Artists:
Main: Vivian Ng
Subscription: Mychal Amann
Finn and Jake are on the run, trying to figure out who on the inside framed them for the destruction of Peppermint Butler’s secret security team.
GIANT DAYS #5 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: John Allison
Artist: Lissa Treiman
Cover Artist: Lissa Treiman
During a pre-Christmas ball, Daisy kisses a boy she shouldn’t have, while Susan may have done more than that with McGraw. Esther dreads going home for holiday break for fear of running into her ex.
HELP US! GREAT WARRIOR #6 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Madeleine Flores
Artist: Madeleine Flores
Cover Artist: Lauren Jordan
Great Warrior’s good standing among her peers is on shaky ground after a devastating secret about her—and the villagers she protects—gets out!
MUNCHKIN #7
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Tom Siddell
Artist: Ian McGinty
Cover Artist: Rian Sygh
Spyke and Flower are up to more shenanigans in a dungeon adventure! An exclusive Munchkin game card is included in every first printing copy.
LUMBERJANES #16
Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: Noelle Stevenson & Shannon Watters
Artist: Brooke Allen
Cover Artists:
Main: Brooke Allen
Incentive: Kat Philbin
Which side does Jen choose, Abigail or Rosie?! While Abigail tries to lure a monster out so she can kill it (which is all kinds of crazy), Jen goes to the bearwoman for help.
FREAKS’ SQUEELE #2 (of 6)
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Florent Maudoux
Artist: Florent Maudoux
Cover Artist: Florent Maudoux
School might be in session for superheroes, but Chance, Wolfsbane, and Xiong Mao can’t get any respect and mysterious things are happening. Is there someone strange lurking in the halls of the academy? And why is Wolfsbane wearing bondage gear?
LANTERN CITY #3
Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: Matthew Daley & Mairghread Scott
Artist: Carlos Magno
Cover Artist: Benjamin Carré
As Sander becomes increasingly worried he is going to be found out as an undercover agent, he’s assigned to lead a mission into the infamous and dangerous prison known as the Spiral, where a deadly riot has broken out.
CRIMSON VOL. 1 HC
Retail Price: $34.99
Author: Brian Augustyn
Artist: Humberto Ramos
Cover Artist: Humberto Ramos
What’s to Love: Debuting in 1998, Crimson, from creators Humberto Ramos and Brian Augustyn, was an instant hit that resonated with fans of horror, dark fantasy, and of Ramos’ distinct art style. Now, almost 15 years after its last issue was released, BOOM! will collect all 24 issues of Crimson into two hardcover volumes that will excite Ramos’ longtime fans and attract those who are curious about his earlier creator-owned work.
What It Is: Crimson, the beloved series by Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man) and Brian Augustyn (Batman: Gotham By Gaslight), returns! For the first time ever in the prestigious hardcover format, experience Alex Elder’s ascension from vampire victim to “The Chosen One,” destined to bring about the end of all vampires! Collects the first 12 issues of the series.
HEXED: THE HARLOT & THE THIEF VOL. 1 TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Author: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Dan Mora
Cover Artist: Emma Rios
What’s to Love: Day Men. 28 Days Later. Dingo. Besides being one of our favorite writers, Michael Alan Nelson is one of the industry’s preeminent voices in horror, and we couldn’t be happier bringing back his fan-favorite creation Hexed for another dive into the depths of the Aether! Plus, Hexed was Pretty Deadly and Amazing Spider-Man superstar Emma Rios’ introduction to the American comics scene back in 2008, and new series artist Dan Mora is poised to continue the trend with his lyrical, horrific, and wholly unique take on Lucifer.
What It Is: Luci Jennifer Inacio Das Neves (most people just call her “Lucifer”) is a supernatural thief-for-hire, stealing wondrous objects from the dark denizens of the netherworld for her mentor/mother figure, Val Brisendine. But when Lucifer accidentally unleashes a terrible evil from one of the paintings hanging in Val’s art gallery, will any of the tricks up her sleeve be enough to stop it? Collects issues #1-4.
THE EMPTY MAN TP
Retail Price: $19.99
Author: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Vanesa R. Del Rey
Cover Artist: Vanesa R. Del Rey
What’s to Love: There’s nothing scarier than horror that hits home—a tale of terror only one or two steps removed from our reality. The Empty Man is a dystopic version of the world we know, where a terrifying disease has taken on almost deific connotations. Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Magneto) and Vanesa R. Del Rey (Hit) are two of the most exciting talents in the industry, and perfectly in sync on this haunting new crime procedural.
What It Is: It’s been one year since the first reported case of the Empty Man disease, and no drug has been able to slow its progress. The cause is unknown, and the symptoms include fits of rage, hideous hallucinations, suicidal dementia, followed by death, or a near lifeless, “empty” state of catatonia. As murder cults rise nationwide, the FBI and CDC enter a joint investigation of the Empty Man, hoping to piece together clues to stop the cult and uncover a cure. Collects the complete miniseries, issues #1-6.
SUICIDE RISK VOL. 5 TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Author: Mike Carey
Artists: Elena Casasgrande, Haemi Jang
Cover Artist: Stephanie Hans
The Men of Gold, the alternate earth police corps that sentenced Requiem to a life sentence in the F.A.U.L.T.Line for his crimes against humanity, have decided enough is enough. If Requiem refuses to submit to their authority and accept his punishment as his due, they’ll do anything to ensure that justice is served. Even if they have to destroy Earth to serve it… Mike Carey (Lucifer, The Unwritten) and Elena Casagrande (Hulk, Hack/Slash) continue the mysterious superhero world of Suicide Risk in this fifth arc, which also includes the celebrated standalone story illustrated by spotlight artist Haemi Jang (Clive Barker’s New Testament). Collects issues #17-20.
STEVEN UNIVERSE VOL. 1 TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Author: Jeremy Sorese
Artist: Coleman Engle
Cover Artist: Bridget Underwood
What’s to Love: The Steven Universe animated series captured our hearts almost immediately. We’ve been fans of Rebecca Sugar’s from her work on Adventure Time for years and as the first lady to run her own show at Cartoon Network, we couldn’t wait to collaborate with her. Fans of Adventure Time and Sailor Moon are gonna dig this series!
What It Is: Steven Universe is just your normal everyday Beach City citizen—who is anything but normal! Join Steven as he learns how to save the day with the help of Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, discovering what it means to be a great friend and an even better neighbor. Written by Jeremy Sorese (Adventure Time) and illustrated by Coleman Engle (Regular Show), Steven Universe explores the magical world of the hit Cartoon Network show with all-new adventures sure to make your gem shine.
ADVENTURE TIME: EYE CANDY VOL. 2 MATHEMATICAL EDITION HC
Retail Price: $24.99
Author: N/A
Artists: Various
Cover Artist: Design by Kelsey Dieterich
Feast your eyes on this limited edition hardcover that collects all of the covers by a host of talented artists from Adventure Time #16-30, Adventure Time Annual #1, Adventure Time 2013 Summer Special #1, Adventure Time 2013 Spoooktacular #1, Adventure Time 2014 Winter Special #1, and Adventure Time 2014 Annual #1.
BRAVEST WARRIORS VOL. 5 TP
Retail Price: $14.99
Authors: Jason Johnson & Breehn Burns
Artist: Mike Holmes
Cover Artist: Tyson Hesse
The Bravest Warriors have crashed! Shot down by a mysterious enemy, the gang is stranded on an uncharted planet with no way off or help in sight. While the rest of the team tries to find a way to survive (and pass the time), Chris struggles to accept his Emotion Lord abilities and begins to doubt whether or not he should even be a Bravest Warrior. Written by the showrunners of Bravest Warriors, Jason Johnson & Breehn Burns, and illustrated by Mike Holmes (True Story), this volume takes place during season 2 of the hit animated series. Collects issues #17-#20.
LONG WALK TO VALHALLA OGN HC
Retail Price: $24.99
Author: Adam Smith
Artist: Matthew Fox
Cover Artist: Matthew Fox
What’s to Love: At Archaia, we are constantly on the lookout for that next special story that moves us, so when Long Walk to Valhalla crossed our path, we knew we had something special. This stunning
debut graphic novel from writer Adam Smith and artist Matthew Fox (UFOlogy) weaves a lyrical Southern fable exploring loss, family, and what it means to truly come home. Great for fans of Blankets, Fun Home, and I Kill Giants.
What It Is: There are many things that Rory would like to forget about his childhood growing up in rural Arkansas. Sometimes, he’d even like to forget about Joe, his mentally challenged older brother, both his closest friend and biggest problem. But when a young girl named Sylvia shows up, claiming to be a Valkyrie sent by the Norse god Odin to deliver Rory to Valhalla, he will have to face the past he’s tried to lock away.
THE ART OF MOUSE GUARD: 2005-2015 HC
Retail Price: $59.99
Author: David Petersen
Artists: David Petersen, Mike Mignola, Stan Sakai, Geof Darrow, Various
Cover Artist: David Petersen
What’s to Love: Since its debut in 2005, David Petersen’s Mouse Guard has been a New York Times bestseller, won Eisner and Harvey awards, and has become an influential staple of the comics industry, earning thousands of fans. In honor of the 10-year anniversary of the series’ debut issue, The Art of Mouse Guard: 2005-2015 is a celebration of the beautiful world, memorable characters, and intensive artistic process of David Petersen’s beloved series.
What It Is: Celebrate the first 10 years of a comics classic from the very first sketch. For the first time since the series debut, David Petersen’s process for creating the world of Mouse Guard and bringing it to life in stunning illustration is documented in exquisite detail. With never-before-seen sketches; 100 pages of full-color, oversized artwork; and commentary from colleagues, collaborators, and Petersen himself, readers and fans get an unprecedented look behind-the-pages at how their favorite characters and adventures were born.
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: The Realist (Archaia/BOOM! Studios) – Israeli cartoonist Asaf Hanuka’s weekly strips commenting on everything from marriage to technology to social activism through intimate moments of triumph and failure.
Divinity #3 (Valiant Entertainment) – Valiant I think has the best superhero universe right now in comics. It helps that they’re willing to try new things as far as the characters, tone, and direction series go. This one is one of their more audacious comics to date, and it has been a wonderful read so far.
Drones #1 (IDW Publishing) – Two former predator drone operators face insurgency and insanity on the Las Vegas Strip in the surreal surroundings of the world’s first terrorism-themed hotel!
Kaptara #1 (Image Comics) – A space expedition goes horribly wrong because if it didn’t there would be no story! Reluctant explorer Keith Kanga and his crew crash land on KAPTARA, a world filled with danger and weird danger and dangerous weirdos! And if he can’t survive, then Earth, the place where YOU live, is doomed! From Chip Zdarsky, do you need another reason to check it out?
Transformers: Windblade Combiner Wars #2 (IDW Publishing) – IDW has been knocking it out of the park when it comes to their latest Transformers events which brings worlds together, as well as Transformers.
Edward
Top Pick: Suicide Risk #24 (BOOM! Studios) – This series should be at the top of every comic fan’s list. Its version of the superhero genre is astounding.
Little Mermaid #3 (Zenescope) – Zenescope’s under the radar series has veered a bit towards the expected, but it is still a fresh take on the fairy tale.
Manifest Destiny #14 (Image Comics) -The strange adventures through middle America continue, but will Sacajawea reveal something soon?
Postal #3 (Image Comics) – The series has managed to be extremely gripping in its first couple of issues. Secrets abound in the town of criminals.
Satellite Sam #13 (Image Comics) – The medium’s standout crime noir title returns with possibly some answers to the questions on the way.
Elana Levin
Top Pick: Convergence: New Teen Titans #1 (DC Comics) – The original Wolfman/Perez run of New Teen Titans was glorious soapy teenage hero wonder. And now we get more of it and with Nicola Scott on pencils– a fantastic artists whose work I first fell for when she drew Secret Six. She draws attractive people but with real characterization and “acting” shining through in a way very few artists do. I don’t care about Tangent universe, which provides the characters they are fighting. But this old school Titans line-up and combination of classic and new talent have me sold.
I’d hazard to guess that fans of Claremont’s X-Men & the various Young Avengers series would enjoy the young characters’ soapy exploits if these books are anything like the original.
Velvet #10 (Image Comics) – Stylish as ever and unique. Complex, sexy and mature female characters are still rare in comics, and anywhere. Velvet is always a pleasure. A film version of her would make Brubecker a wealthy man and would be doing the world a favor. We need Velvet!
Lazarus #16 (Image Comics) – Lazarus is the scifi dystopia our world needs. Smart work that goes where no others dare. I should’ve proposed a session on this series for Left Forum or maybe get Jacobin Magazine to do an in depth review. I’d have ranked this higher but the story works better in tradepaperback.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #4 (Marvel) – Adorable, zany and feminist as hell. I love the way Erika Henderson draws Galactus.
Nevada
Top Pick: Harvey Kurtzman: The Man Who Created MAD & Revolutionized Humor in America (Fantagraphics) – I’m a fan of MAD and can’t wait to read this fascinating account of Mr. Kurtzman’s life and work, from the founding of MAD and then his early departure, to an investigation with the FBI during the McCarthy Era and beyond. Packed with interviews by friends and family, this promises to be a revealing look at a great American humorist.
MAD Magazine #533 (Mad Magazine) – Speaking of MAD, I’ll have to catch this issue featuring Weird Al Yankovic along with Alfred E. Neuman on the cover. Whether you remember Weird Al’s work from the ‘80’s or you’re just now discovering his genius, this pairing on the April cover is truly inspired!
Miami Vice Remix #2 (IDW Publishing) – Oh, speaking of the ‘80’s, if you weren’t around to experience the fashion/ cultural/ musical phenomenon that was the original TV show, Miami Vice, here’s a Remix! This looks great—and quite bad-ass! Read this comic-book update and check out the original show that’s been playing on Esquire and Cozi networks and pretty soon you’ll be rolling up the sleeves of your pastel blazer and sporting a five o’clock shadow (guys), or slipping into a leather mini-skirt and double-processing your hair (chicks).
The Cartoon Introduction to Philosophy (Hill & Wang) – A canoe trip with Heraclitus through the great debates of Western thought? Sounds like the cruise of a lifetime and a fun way to try and wrap your head around the mysteries of life and the universe, or vice versa.
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #4 (Marvel) – I’m new to Squirrel Girl comics but this looks like a winner! I always knew squirrels were clever, agile, resourceful, and brave; add to that true Girl-Power and Squirrel Girl has to be an unbeatable addition to the super hero pantheon.
Suicide Risk #24
Author: Mike Carey
Artist: Elena Casagrande
The penultimate issue! With the truth about F.A.U.L.T.Line revealed, Requiem, Terza, and Aisa must team up to protect Earth…but which Earth? And will the newly awakened heroes follow Requiem?
Suicide Risk #23
Author: Mike Carey
Artist: Elena Casagrande
With two Earths pitted in direct conflict, Requiem and his daughter Terza must find a way to bury their bloodlust long enough to save the people they’ve come to care for the most: their family.
