Tag Archives: unbeatable squirrel girl

Preview: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #39

Posted on by

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #39

(W) Ryan North (A) Derek Charm (CA) Erica Henderson
Rated T+
In Shops: Dec 12, 2018
SRP: $3.99

• Last issue ended with Squirrel Girl and someone CLAIMING to be Iron Man getting into a fight! Will this issue show you how that fight goes and who wins and why? THE ANSWER: yes!
• But with an Iron Man imposter on the scene, that means the real Tony Stark is missing! It’s up to Squirrel Girl and her friends to find Tony before it’s too late: for him AND the world.
• Unfortunately for Squirrel Girl-as this comic is within the super-hero genre of sequential art, one that relies on high-stakes narrative storytelling filled with twists and turns that result in the world never being the same-what she finds is not what she expects and the world will never be the same!
• All this-plus: let’s say underwater adventure too awaits you in this issue of the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl!

Preview: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #32

Posted on by

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #32

(W) Ryan North (A/CA) Erica Henderson
Rated T
In Shops: May 09, 2018
SRP: $3.99

• Doreen Green (A.K.A. the super hero Squirrel Girl) and her friend Nancy Whitehead (an unrelated civilian) have had a great idea: Let’s get some friends together and play an escape room! Escape rooms are those real-life games where you get locked in a room and have an hour to escape before you die!
• In the game, I mean. It’s not like if you die in the game you die in real life! Hah hah.
• They gather KOI BOI, CHIPMUNK HUNK, BRAIN DRAIN and, as a special guest…their good friend KRAVEN THE HUNTER.
• BUT WHEN THEY ENTER THE ROOM IT TURNS OUT THAT IF YOU DIE IN THE GAME YOU DIE IN REAL LIFE!! TWIST!!
• It’s everything you crave: friendship, adventure and a room full of death traps that you can only find in SQUIRREL GIRL!

Review: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #29

Posted on by

609150._SX1280_QL80_TTD_

Where we last left Squirrel Girl and company, Nancy had been finally rescued thanks to the combined efforts of Squirrel Girl herself, Loki, Tippy Toe and Drax after Squirrel Girl had been conned by space hunks especially one who claimed to be the Silver Surfer himself. However upon confronting the perps, the real Silver Surfer arrives and Squirrel Girl assumed he’s the con artist and it’s up to the others to stop her from making a horrible mistake.

Compared to other Marvel books, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is definitely the most cartoonish of the bunch and that is saying something given superhero books are technically absurd but this is book takes things up to eleven but that’s not a bad thing though.

What the book does well is establishing its sense of humor, it’s kind of like a comic strip except not structured like one, actually I take that back, it’s like a fun webcomic to be more accurate. It is drawn like one, like, it’s just that that’s what it feels like but again, that’s not a slight against it. The book’s writing and art do make it a distinct Marvel book from the rest and reading it, it’s very easy to see why this book has caught on for so many people especially given she’s now going to get a shot being in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the upcoming New Warriors series. While she has gained popularity over the years, the book by Ryan North and Erica Henderson may have been the very book to soar her into popularity full time.

And yes, I am among this book’s fans. There is something endearing about Squirrel Girl in general whether it’d be her optimism or absurd power set where she can take down the most powerful characters in the Marvel universe. And the book really keeps that spirit but also cranks it up to eleven as I mentioned beforehand.

This arc is no exception. She’s taken on Galactus already so she might as well meet the Silver Surfer but if it’s Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, there’s bound to be something absurd to make it all happen. And it’s a hilarious read from here to kingdom come really such as the efforts to stop Squirrel Girl from fighting the Surfer himself to essentially the climax of the issue (this arc isn’t done yet actually).

The jokes do land for the most part, some wouldn’t land quite as much but the book does have an absurd sense of humor that I can get into, kind of like say for a random example, The Pink Panther Strikes Again where both rely on high concept absurdist humor to maximum but great effect. Ryan North has a knack for writing good characterization especially given the friendship between her and Nancy and how to make a joke work. It’s not just the Squirrel Girl show, he knew to include somebody as a counteract to Squirrel Girl herself and Nancy is effective as something of a straight man to the book’s insanity. There are small details like random comments pertaining to anything underneath the pages like “I don’t want to sound too serious but I will go on a limb and say that, yes, friendship is eventually worth it.” As if North had envisioned Ron Howard saying that.

The art style definitely fits the proceedings. Erica Henderson’s art may not be for everyone but I quite like it. Again, it fits the book’s tone. If it’s going to act like a cartoon, then have it look like a cartoon to boot. It’s yet another Marvel book where it feels like the writer and artist are in sync with each other and it’s very effective in that regard. And I do like that the next issue is apparently going to be the punchline to the this entire arc. The space hunks or spacebros as I call them have been caught yes but their punishment still needs to be decided. So I imagine that will be fun.

If you like this book and the Squirrel Girl character in general or just like very cartoonish stuff, this book is for you. If not, I’m sure there’s something else but this book is very endearing, check it out.

 

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #26

Posted on by

SquirrelGirlCoverUnbeatable Squirrel Girl takes a little break in issue 26 for a special in-universe zine comic written and drawn by various heroes, villains, and denizens of the Marvel Universe. In real life, they are all written by Ryan North with Erica Henderson switching roles with her Jughead collaborator Chip Zdarsky to pen a surprisingly sultry Howard the Duck story. It’s a fun sampler that mostly hit and very little miss from the much vaunted series of three panel Galactus gag strips by Garfield‘s Jim Davis to Anders Nilsen and Soren Iverson’s poignant story of Wolverine befriending a Sentinel and shotgunning a beer with his adamantium claws. The series Unbeatable Squirrel Girl has a lot of fantastic action, jokes, and the occasional superhero parody, but it’s a book where Doreen listens to both her opponents and allies and tries to work things out with eating nuts and kicking butts. S

So, it’s fitting, we get this comic that is written by a wacky range of POVs beginning with Squirrel Girl herself who stutters through the intro about his being a fundraiser zine. We get to listen to Kraven, hear Spider-Man’s retort, and see the world through Tippytoe’s eyes, which is drawn and colored in an adorable manner  Madeline McGrane’s art and colors make this frame story definitely look like a zine you might pick up at the local coffee shop or one of those fancy schmancy zine stores in bigger stories. It’s followed up by Chip Zdarsky going the closest he’ll ever get to his work on Sex Criminals in a mainstream comic with Erica Henderson doubling as a film noir director, but more awkward. They use close-ups and small panels of Howard the Duck and his femme fatale/client like they’re egging Marvel editorial to linger on this scene more while adding a funny caption. Zdarsky doing Big Two interiors is a big treat, and he barely holds back.

Tom Fowler’s Brain Drain story is a nice showcase of the underrated Unbeatable Squirrel Girl supporting character and hews the closest to Henderson’s usual style on the book. His take on Brain Drain is philosophical, adorable, and structured like the computer science programs that the character loves. It’s oddly motivational too and worth a reread thanks to its erudite writing style. Speaking of rereads, Carla Speed McNeil draws a Loki comic that only makes sense forwards and backwards and is a great example of how the comics medium allows for flexibility of meaning using Loki as a litmus test. It’s a wonderful double page spread, and the best Loki story since Journey into Mystery.

After this, Michael Cho draws a Kraven the Hunter comic/Spider-Man diss story, which is a pretty fun riff off “Kraven’s Last Hunt” and features dead presidents. His art has a light hearted old school vibe while having a subversive take on superhero/supervillain relationships kind of like the main Unbeatable Squirrel Girl title, but from the bad guy’s perspective. It’s followed up by a one page retort from Spider-Man with some gorgeous, yet still funny digital painting work from Rahzzah, who teams up later in the book to do Nancy Whitehead’s photo collage comic with the help of North, who channels Dinosaur Comics in the strip. It’s a well-designed remix story that will make the non-artists reading this comic smile and the kind of mash-up that you would find in a real zine.

NilsonWolverine

But the heavy hitter of the bunch is Anders Nilsen and Soren Iverson’s Wolverine story that is fitting for an artist who had done a comic called Poetry is Useless. Anders Nilsen has a minimalist Euro style perfect for a comic about Wolverine getting talked out of killing a Sentinel, who challenges him to look past his shiny mutant killing exterior and team up with him to beat up some kaiju. (Sadly, this part of the story is off panel.) Wolverine gets a big epiphany moment when he realizes that he’s “hating and fearing” the Sentinel just like the X-Men have been treated for most of their career. This story is proof that more Fantagraphics and Drawn and Quarterly guys should draw superhero comics.

Following this weighty, yet fun story is a couple of candy confections. Unbeatable Squirrel Girl colorist Rico Renzi draws an adorable and faux edgy Batman parody starring the one and only Tippytoe. It pokes fun at Batman’s angsty backstory as well as the fact that Tippytoe always plays second banana. Renzi’s art style is similar to the cartoon The Amazing World of Gumball with lush digital backgrounds and colors. Finally, Jim Davis, whose work I was familiar with eons before I ever opened a Marvel comic, transposes the classic Garfield and Jon relationship to Galactus and the Silver Surfer. It’s the same dad-ish, three panel punchline jokes, but told in a more cosmic key, and Davis has a lot of fun showing Galactus doing his planet devouring, face stuffing thing. His literal eye popping Silver Surfer has a similar manic energy to Robin Williams’ Genie in Disney’s Aladdin.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #26 is a real treat as independent cartoonists, the creator of Garfield, and even the book’s colorist get to take a stab at some of the more familiar faces in the Marvel Universe while also giving Squirrel Girl’s supporting cast a moment in the sun. It’s sometimes poignant and always funny.

Story: Ryan North, Erica Henderson Art: Madeline McGrane, Chip Zdarsky, Tom Fowler, Carla Speed McNeil, Michael Cho, Anders Nilsen, Rico Renzi, Jim Davis Colors: Madeline McGrane, Chip Zdarsky, Rico Renzi, Rahzzah,Soren Iverson
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.0 Overall:9.2 Recommendation: Read

Review: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #13

Posted on by

detailIn Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #13, Doreen Green, her mom, best friend Nancy, and an army of squirrels fight back against the living Gulliver’s Travel riff, Enigmo as he multiplies at an exponential rate and takes over both the United States and Canada. Writer Ryan North, artist Erica Henderson, and colorist Rico Renzi embrace the silliness of this premise and the seeming tranquility of the Ontario wilderness as Squirrel Girl with some assistance from the nihilistic robot Brain Drain and a very tired and pissed off Ant-Man of the Scott Lang variety use their minds, superpowers, and random pointless knowledge about various animals to defeat this crazy threat.

Add Scott Lang to the pantheon of popular characters that Erica Henderson has executed an epic riff on. She doesn’t draw him in Paul Rudd heartthrob mode, but in full anger mode with side of dad jokes about his “Ant Van” in his utility belt. He is constantly making fun of Canada, which kind of gets exasperating after a while, but luckily North balances his world-weariness with the high-level enthusiasm of Squirrel Girl and Nancy plus Brain Drain’s non-sequitur routine. (Basically, everything that comes out of this character’s mouth is super hilarious.) The plot of Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #13 is very much a middle chapter as Squirrel Girl and her team regroups to take out Enigmo. But this regroup includes a size changing van, canoes, and way too much information about ant colonies so the comic is still pretty entertaining.

Rico Renzi should be commended for his deep blue and black backgrounds for the Ontario scenes, which make it seem like Squirrel Girl and her company are really in the middle of nowhere and not in New York City lite or a Vancouver backlot. This kind of detail in locations is one of the strengths of the comics medium, and it pays off in a big way as the team dodges traffic on the expressway between Ontario and the United States, which turns into a fight scene against cops that all look like Enigmo. The fight choreography is super jumbled, but North and Henderson hit on a genius idea in the final pages that turns the arc from superhero versus multiplying supervillains fight to a heist movie complete with cool (imaginary) costumes. This totally makes sense because both Brain Drain and Scott Lang are former criminals. Plus Ant-Man’s movie was more of a heist flick with a third act that parodied Marvel superhero films so this turn in the plot is totally logical.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #13 tells the same joke about Canadians over and over and the fight against Enigmo is underwhelming, but for the most part Ryan North, Erica Henderson, and Rico Renzi turn in another wacky installment of Unbeatable Squirrel Girl complete with Doreen revealing that she treats the squirrels she controls as friends unlike Scott Lang and his ants, Maureen Green playing the overly proud parent, and the set up for next month’s heist issue. Plus there is the Marvel Comics debut of the talented Spider-Man fanzine artist Hannah Blumenreich on the reliably hilarious Deadpool trading cards that Brain Drain uses to pick a hero to help them against Enigmo

Story: Ryan North Art: Erica Henderson Colors: Rico Renzi
Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.7 Verdict: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on by

Avengers_Standoff_Welcome_to_Pleasant_Hill_1_CoverWednesdays 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: Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #4 (Valiant) – I’ve been enjoying this series so far, and while it hasn’t captured me like some other Valiant books (or Old Man Logan), it’s still a damn fine series that’s got a very interesting take on immortality,and the Earth’s Fist an Steel.

Wraithborn #1 (Benitez Productions) – I know nothing about this series, but the cover looks awesome. I’m picking it up for that reason alone.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Extraordinary X-Men #7 (Marvel) – This book has been delivering with every issue; lots of action, a kick ass team line up and Humberto Ramos’ art is just icing on the cake.  Plus I’m looking forward to finding out what made Nightcrawler’s trolley jump the tracks.

Avengers Standoff Welcome to Pleasant Hill #1 (Marvel) – I am very curious about this title; a quiet, run of the mill town where everyone knows everyone, but there’s something hiding beneath the façade.  And is that a cosmic cube on the cover?  The upcoming ‘Standoff’ event starts here.

Uncanny Inhumans #5 (Marvel) – A new story arc “The Quiet Room” starts in this issue, and that alone has me curious when it involves a character whose slightest whisper can shatter a mountain.  Brandon Peterson is taking on the art duties for this book, and I am looking forward to seeing his take on the characters.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Power Man and Iron Fist #1 (Marvel) – Written by David Walker with art by Sanford Greene, this classic team-u is back! This is a comic I’ve been excited for, and waiting for, since it was announced and I can’t wait to see how these two creators handle them.

Race For the Moon (Canton Street Press) – This is a reprint that features sci-fi stories with artwork by Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, Al Williamson, and Bob Powell. I honestly didn’t know about it until I looked a this week’s releases, but it sounds awesome.

Revenger Vol. 1 (Bergen Street Press) – Collecting Charles Forsman’s self-published series. If you haven’t read it in individual issues, now’s your chance to pick it up and see what you’ve been missing. When all hope is lost, and those who meant the most have been ripped away, there is only revenge.

Snowfall #1 (Image Comics) – Joe Harris and Martin Morazzo’s new sci-fi ongoing series kicks off with an oversized debut. It’s 2045, the climate is messed up, a new corporate government is in charge and one man wages a weather war against the system. Sounds awesome.

Wraithborn #1 (Benitez Productions) – A new series from artist Joe Benitez and writer Marcia Chen. I love Benitez’s Lady Mechanika, so really want to check this one out.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Avengers Standoff: Welcome to Pleasant Hill #1 (Marvel) – So of the big two Marvel has been the one handling it better with their event books. Secret Wars was stellar. I know Civil War 2 is a coming but I hope we are not in for another retread. Honestly I’m just giving this one the benefit of the doubt. That and Mark Bagley.

Amazing Spider-Man #8 (Marvel) – This comic has just been fun since go. I like the whole Zodiac storyline and really been enjoying how Slott writes Peter, him and the Parker Industry staff are the highlights of the book. Nothing grand or spectacular but a very reliable book every month. It’s nice.

Poison Ivy: Circle of Life and Death #2 (DC Comics) – She’s sultry, she’s sexy and she’s wanted for murder. It is high time Ms. Ivy has gotten her own monthly. I’m not the biggest supporter of this title but I will in the hopes she gets her own monthly. Scott Snyder please… fingers crossed.

 

Madison

Top Pick: Bitch Planet #7 (Image Comics) – Bitch Planet finally seems to be back on a regular publishing schedule, which is exciting because the story is really getting good. A must-read for feminists, not only for the story, but also for the backmatter, which contains feminist essays.

Sex Criminals #14 (Image Comics) – Sex Criminals is a hilarious comic about time-stopping orgasms (literally time-stopping). I’m not sure if my favorite thing about it is that Fraction and Zdarsky manage a humorous but at times sensitive and relatable story, or trying to describe to people why they should read it.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #5 (Marvel) – Doreen is still stuck in the sixties, but this issue features an old lady Squirrel Girl to give her a hand. Surely, more hilarity and butt-kicking will ensue.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on by

BlackMagick01_CoverAWednesdays 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: Book Of Death #4 (Valiant Entertainment) – This has been one of the most entertaining series I’ve read over the past few months, and this issue is somewhat bitter sweet; I don’t want it to end, but I really want to see how it ends… if you haven’t read this series, then grab the trade.

The Black Hood #6 (Dark Circle Comics) – A drug addicted cop and a brutal vigilante. The Black Hood is both of those, struggling to take the fight beyond the law as he battles his own demons. Duane Swierczynski has been praised for his portrayal of addiction with this series, and I can’t wait to find out why.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (Marvel) – One of the most intriguing All-New, All-Different Marvel releases, what’s drawing me is a group of of characters that make me smile (Hit-Monkey!) being written by Frank Barbiere with art by Brent Schoonover. Comics are supposed to be fun, and that’s exactly what this one seems like it’ll be to me.

Black Magick #1 (Image Comics) – Greg Rucka writing, Nicola Scott on art. Ruck doing a gothic-noir series with a female lead? Yeah, this is a no-brainer for me.

The Black Hood #6 (Dark Circle Comics) – This darker line of superhero comics from Archie have been knocking it out of the park. A dark noirish hero, this comic begins a new story arc. Every issue has been entertaining mixing a modern sensibility with its pulp roots.

Cyborg #4 (DC Comics) – One of DC’s best recent releases, each issue mixes superhero antics, but also has given me thought about the character of Cyborg himself and how reflects upon me and my life. Entertainment as a reflection of ourselves, a definite read.

Prez #5 (DC Comics) – I love my politics, and of course this is on my list. The satire series hits WAY too close to home, and the 2016 Presidential election doesn’t feel that far off from this political send-up set in the future.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Black Magick #1 (Image Comics) – The first ever “witch noir”! A new series from Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott. Both excel at writing and drawing (respectively), fascinating, believable female characters. This dream team is can’t miss and the genre sounds like fun.

Angela Queen of Hel #1 (Marvel) – Look at these beautiful queens! Look at the adorable queer women in flawlessly painted art by Stephanie Hans! The best new couple in Marvel is back in black. In hell.

Batgirl #45 (DC Comics) – Big Queer Wedding Issue! This is a comics first: an Asian-American bisexual trans woman marrying her redheaded activist fiancée. And Dick Grayson will show up. Get ready to throw rice and munch on popcorn at the same time.

Captain America: Sam Wilson #2 (Marvel) – Captain America has always been a progressive hero (listen to our podcast for more on that) and this new series has African-American war vet superhero Sam Wilson in the drivers seat making his own political statements. Good.

Cyborg #4 (DC Comics) – The surprise hit comic full of socially aware sci-fi. Can Vic make peace with the people who KILLED him? Why does society always expect black men to make piece with their oppressors? Also, the highly silver-age and adorable Metal Men showed up last issue.

Island #4 (Image Comics) – Out there art. Multiple Warheads. A new story about a city kid with wings that kinda made me cry.

 

Kenny

Top Pick: Colder: Toss the Bones #2 (Dark Horse Comics) – I don’t like scary things but, this comic is so good I keep coming back to it. The psychological horror of Nimble Jack keeps has me peeking through my blanket to see what he’s going to do next. If you like horror, this is one of the better comics out today.

Justice League: Darkseid War Batman #1 (DC Comics) – I’m not normally a fan of spin-offs for large crossover events like the Darkseid War. But, I’ve enjoyed the main series a lot and Batman as the god of knowledge is a concept I am really excited to see fully play out.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 (Marvel) – There is no real logic behind why I am excited for the new Squirrel Girl comic. It could be it’s very self aware cover claiming this is only it’s second #1 so far this year (well played Marvel), or it could be that I am excited to take a flyer on a quirky and fun looking new story. Sometimes, the latter is all you need.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Justice League: Darkseid War Batman #1 (DC Comics) – The true itteration of the almighty Bat-God is here. I couldn’t be more pumped for this. An all knowing and stubborn Batman on Metron’s chair. I think I just squeaked. Hopefully we get good use of the ultimate knowledge and maybe even the Joker’s real name. Just coolness x2.

Batman and Robin Eternal #4 (DC Comics) – Hoping this is the week we get an answer to that cliffhanger bomb from issue #1. At the very least I want to see bearded Bruce Wayne kick some ass. I know it’s going to be a slow burn for this epic but I want some good stuff on the plate now.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #51 (IDW Publishing) – New era. New Direction. What awaits our half-shelled heroes going forward? Well I can’t wait to find out. Gonna read this one with a hot pie!

 

 

Everyone is Going NUTS For The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl!

Posted on by

The Marvel Universe’s most unstoppable heroine has everyone going nuts! She’s taking the world by storm, garnering attention from all corners of mainstream media and now is your chance to catch up on her critically acclaimed adventures!

Now is the time to bring home the series everyone is talking about.

Thanos, Doctor Doom, Galactus — Squirrel Girl has beaten them all. And now she’s taking on her toughest challenge yet – college! From the creative team of Ryan North, Erica Henderson and Rico Renzi – be there for the beginning of the nuttiest and most upbeat superhero of them all! Catch up on her adventures as she eats nuts and kicks butts across the Marvel Universe in The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 1 Squirrel Power, available now! And don’t miss The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 2: Squirrel You Know It’s True coming in December!

Plus, Doreen Green’s monthly adventures continue this October with the all-new Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 – a perfect jumping on point!

Unbeatable_Squirrel_Girl_1_Cover Unbeatable_Squirrel_Girl_Vol_1_Squirrel_Power Unbeatable_Squirrel_Girl_Vol_2_Squirrel_You_Know_Its_True

 

 

 

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on by

Realist_coverWednesdays 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.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on by

RedOne01_CoverWednesdays 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

Invisible Republic #1 (Image Comics) – This new series is not what I expected at all. It follows a journalist who’s researching how an empire rose and fell. The story perspective is what really stood out to me, and out of everything I’ve read so far this week, this one beyond exceeded my expectation.

Chrononauts #1 (Image Comics) – Mark Millar and Sean Gordon Murphy do the time travel thing in this latest Millarworld release. The first issue is entertaining, but how it’ll differ from Black Science (an Image comic with a similar premise) will be key.

Frankenstein Underground #1 (Dark Horse) – The latest entry into the Mignolaverse is a fantastic read and welcome addition to one of the strongest comic universes out there.

Giant Robot Warrior Maintenance Crew (Cosmic Times) – When we get stories about giant robots and the folks who control them, it’s always an individual, or a couple of people that get all the glory. Did you know there’s a whole team within the robot that keeps it running? This hilarious series focuses on the individuals who don’t get enough credit.

Transformers #39 (IDW Publishing) – The Combiner Wars have begun, and holy crap is this first issue amazing.

Edward

Top Pick: Red One #1 (Image Comics) – This new series seems to have a lot of potential, combining a talented creative team with an interesting concept.  It seems like Evil Knievel mixed with Black Widow, all of which leads to a double cross.

Batgirl #40 (DC Comics) – The new direction of Batgirl has almost become meta- and aware of itself, but maybe rightfully so after its success.  It will be interesting to see where the creative team can take the character after their success so far.

Princess Leia #2 (Marvel) –  Some were expecting more out of this series after the success of the other new Star Wars series, but one of the Star Wars universe’s more complex but also overlooked characters deserves another look to see what happened before Hoth.

Satellite Sam #12 (Image Comics) – This series never fails to disappoint, with its intricate story and deep characters.  Revelations upon revelations show that the golden age of Hollywood was not what we thought it to be.

Silk #2 (Marvel) – Spider-Gwen gets all the fanfare, but is Silk what it should have really been?  The series is a step above its spider-rival and worth a second look.

Elana

Top Pick: Storm #9 (Marvel) – This Important X-Men Book is entering a new arc and I’m eager to see what it is. This book asks important questions about who we are in the world and how those of us with and without superpowers can empower oppressed people worldwide. It’s a topic I’d like more comics to consider since the premise of superheroes really begs that question.

Black Widow #16 (Marvel) – I have a feeling this issue is going to involve a lot of asskicking, espionage and top notch art. Because it always does. Noto puts the rest to shame. His painterly panels are very approachable for new readers who may be put off by cartoonish-ness elsewhere. The story reads like an action/suspense film right now.

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #3 (Marvel) – It’s really funny. And even if I wasn’t hooked I’d still have to buy it for my husband. I love the narrative device of Doreen owning a set of Deadpool Trading cards that give background on any enemy she faces. North’s secret text below the panels joke is carried over from Adventure Time but this book has a strong sense of character all its own. I love Squirrel Girl’s attitude and I bet it would be great for kids.

Lazarus Vol. 3 Conclave TP (Image Comics) This book rocks in trades. It is the smartest dystopian sci-fi around. A comic that is doing our medium proud and a heroine who looks like she can actually kick your ass.

Loki Agent of Asgard #12 (Marvel) – On our podcast we talked about Al Ewing’s writing here and how the book’s tone and Loki’s voice reminds us of his writing on Doctor Who: the 11th Doctor. You should give this comic to our friends who love Matt Smith’s Doctor Who or Hiddleston as Loki. It really is a good gateway drug! I mean comic, sorry, gateway comic (though start from issue 1).

Johnny Dellarocca (Comixstravaganza Live)

Top Pick: Silk #2 (Marvel) – we really enjoyed issue one and the pace and tone of the premiere did a great job of establishing the connection to Peter Parker, but at the same time setting it apart completely.

Avengers – Busiek and Perez Omnibus (Marvel) – FINALLY! The smaller collections have been difficult to find, so this omnibus is a welcome addition to your hardcover library. If you are a fan of “old school” super team adventures than you know Busiek and Perez’s run was legendary. They successfully resurrected this franchise from the brutal death brought in by Leifeld (and Lee’s) “Heroes Reborn” debacle. Also this is in the days when a story arc was 2-3 issues instead of the epic 12 – 24+ issue arcs of Bendis and Hickman. Busiek’s Avengers actually DID something instead of wandering around reacting.

This is the pick of the year

Frankenstein Underground #1 (Dark Horse) – It’s Mignola. It’s Frankenstein on the lamb. Do need anything else?

Princess Leia #2 (Marvel) – I’m really hoping that this continues to be strong. Vader #2 suffered a little bit, but the creative team on this is really strong! What’s great about these canon series is that we potentially see greater depth in the characters and that should enhance our appreciation of the films. So far Marvel has done s great job!

Rocketeer Complete Dave Stevens TPB (IDW Publishing) – IDW is doing a great job of breathing new, authentic life into this character and this month they are reprinting the complete Dave Steven’s series in one collection in paperback. The hardcover collection from Dark Horse us hard to find, so a TPB is welcome!

.

« Older Entries