There’s been a few graphic novels being released that I’ve been looking forward to this year and this week sees the release of one of them (and honestly a lot of solid graphic novels and trade paperbacks). The Fifth Beatle stands shoulders above the rest of the releases not only for its excellent storytelling, but also the amazing artwork.
The Fifth Beatle tells the story of Brian Epstein, the manager of the Beatles who got them their record contract and really helped build the band. The graphic novel covers his life and early death, especially focusing on his being an outcast as Jewish and Gay during this time period.
This is an amazing piece of history in an entertaining graphic novel form and absolutely a must buy for both fans of comics and music.
Find out below for the rest of our picks for this week!
Andrew:
Top Pick: The Wake #5 (Vertigo) – Brilliant mini series that reminds me why Snyder was tapped to helm Batman. Against all odds, artist Sean Murphy makes fabled sea creatures terrifying.
Afterlife with Archie #2 (Archie Comics) – Eerie, adult, and unquivocally fantastic. I’m not sure how long this run is slated for, but after seeing the sales, I would hope Archie Comics digs in for the long haul.
Pathfinder Special #1 (Dynamite) – I don’t know if it’s because of their Goblin series or the fact that I really want to try Paizo’s Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, but there’s something appealing about this special.
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force War #1 (Dark Horse) – It won’t come close to Brian Wood’s current series, but it’s tough to pass up a Star Wars first issue.
Brett:
Top Pick: The Wake #5 (Vertigo) – Scott Snyder’s amazing series is backed up by Sean Murphy’s awesome art. That ending of the last issue has me on the edge of my seat to see what happens next.
A1 Annual 2013 (Titan Comics) – One of the best anthologies on the market gets super-sized with more awesomeness. Pick this up and find out what you’ve been missing.
Afterlife with Archie #2 (Archie Comics) – The first issue was amazing and the second is just as good. If you love horror or zombies, pick this one up.
Buzzkill #3 (Dark Horse) – The series about a hero who gets his powers from drugs and alcohol has been unique and entertaining.
Imagine Agents #2 (BOOM! Studios) – The first issue of the series blew me away. An awesome debut and I can’t wait for the second issue.
Top Graphic Novel/Tradepaperback: The Fifth Beatle (Dark Horse) – see above why this should be on everyone’s buy list.
Cute Girl Network (First Second) – A fantastic graphic novel about relationships, a nice change from the usual comic series.
Takio Vol. 2 (Icon) – I’ve loved this Brian Michael Bendis series about two kids with super powers.
Scott:
Top Pick: Batwoman #25 (DC Comics) – Yay, new creative team! Or is it: Ugh, new creative team… I guess we’ll find out.
Afterlife with Archie #2 (Archie Comics) – I’m surprised to be saying this, but I love an Archie Comic. The debut was scary and fun and beautiful, and I have no reason to believe the second issue will be any different.
Sex Criminals #3 (Image) – Each issue so far has delved into the respective back stories of the two main characters. I hope this issue sees Susie and Jon working together.
Sheltered #5 (Image) – In this issue outsiders come to camp, and I can’t wait to see how Lucas reacts.
The Wake #5 (Vertigo/DC) – After a month off I’m ready to dive (get it?) back into this underwater horror story.
Zero #3 (Image) – I absolutely love the fact that this issue switches artists every month. It’s like a series debut every time, and that keeps it fresh and exciting.
Sean:
Top Pick: Harley Quinn #0 (DC Comics) – Amanda Conner is a fantastic artist, but this debut-before-the-debut issue will feature a self-conscious Harley Quinn choosing her artist from among an award-winning list. Harley Quinn is a much-beloved and now-classic character, so it’ll be great to see what the new era of DC comics will do with her in her own series.
Daredevil #33 (Marvel) – duh, guys, it’s freaking Daredevil by Waid and Samnee, so pick it up before they leave us. Because the end is near.
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force War #1 (Dark Horse) – This continues the Dawn of the Jedi group of titles in which Dark Horse has built a canon for the early history of the Jedi during the era of the Rakata’s Infinite Empire, and war is about to break out. This is Star Wars history in the literal making.
Superior Spider-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) Spidey comics like to mock themselves, and there’s no better measure of that than an annual marked as “this one counts.” Aside from the quipping, I’m glad to see a Superior Spidey annual, and how could any Superior reader pass this up?
Uncanny X-Men #14 (Marvel) “Battle of the Atom” was a pretty good event, all things told. But what’s most intriguing is the remixing of teams and changing of allegiances, perhaps most interestingly for the Uncanny. Also, I’m trying to avoid drawing attention to anything by Brian Wood for now, even if I’ll still be reading Conan and X-Men this week.
