Welcome back to 10 Comics to Buy This Week. As you're probably well aware, there are a metric crap-ton of comic books hitting shelves every single week. And for the common consumer, it's financially impossible to pick up everything. That's where this column steps in like your superhero savior, drawing your attention to 10 books worth your hard-earned dollars during any given week.
We not only going to spotlight tights and capes books, but also some indie titles off the beaten path, which, if all goes well, will broaden your reading horizons.
American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #3
It’s another week to give love to Scott Snyder and Dustin Nguyen’s AMERICAN VAMPIRE: LORD OF NIGHTMARES, which is quickly becoming one of the best story arcs of AMERICAN VAMPIRE yet. Dracula has been freed and is spreading his influence to all vampires across the globe, including the young vampire child of Cashel McCogan, who is now in the custody of Felicia Book. This can’t end well for Felicia and Agent Hobbes.
Archer & Armstrong #1
The relaunch of the Valiant universe continues with Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry’s ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1.
For nearly his entire life, Obadiah Archer has been on a mission to defeat the ultimate evil. But what happens when that supposed ultimate evil is a man named Armstrong, a man who can’t die even if he wanted to? Better yet, what happens when Archer is forced to team up with said ultimate evil to root out a centuries-old conspiracy that will shack the Valiant universe to its very core? Hijinks and hangovers ensue, no doubt.
Batman #12
The threat of the Court of Owls has been laid to rest (for now at least). So for issue #12, Scott Snyder, with the help of artist Becky Cloonan and Andy Clarke, puts the spotlight on Harper Row for a special standalone issue. If you remember, Harper was the spunky teenager who helped resuscitate Batman back in issue #7 during the Court of Owls storyline (she also appeared briefly in issue #1). Now, you’ll learn her backstory and how she got the motivation to help Batman protect those in need.
Creep #0
It’s a new series by John Arcudi. If you’re not familiar with Arcudi’s work, go pick up his book A GOD SOMEWHERE with artwork by Peter Snejbjerg. The book is amazing.
But I’m not here to talk about A GOD SOMEWHERE, I’m here to pitch CREEP, Arcudi’s new series with artist Jonathan Case. CREEP follows the investigation of a young boy's death by a detective who suffers from an acromegaly-a physical deformity that results in brutish facial features at mid-life. So the question becomes: will this freakish-looking detective be able to solve the case, or will his looks get in the way of justice?
Demon Knights #12
DEMON KNIGHTS gets its just due here in 10 Comics (finally!). We pick up in issue #12 with the Demon Knights helpless and in the clutches of Morgaine Le Fey. To make matters worse, She already has everything she needs to become the planet’s most powerful magician. What chance do the Demon Knights have against that?
Fairest #6
This issue represents the concluding chapter of “Wide Awake,” by Bill Willingham and Phil Jimenez. Jonah Panghammer had a marvelous idea, which would allow almost everyone to walk away with a happy ending. However, Hadeon the Destroyer had to show up and ruin all the fun. What a jerk!
Fantastic Four #609
We’re getting closer and closer to the end of Jonathan Hickman’s tenure on the Fantastic Four titles. With FANTASTIC FOUR #609, Hickman sets his sights on the Defenders of the future, who are setting off on the adventure of a lifetime, but only the Fantastic Four can get them there. Artist Ryan Stegman joins Hickman for this issue.
Gambit #1
James Asmus and artist Clay Mann kick off a new ongoing series focusing on Marvel’s premiere card tossing, ragin’ Cajun. Gambit sets off on the biggest score of his life, but sometimes, southern charm and good looks only get you so far.
Punk Rock Jesus #2
The premise might rub some the wrong way, but the truth of the matter is PUNK ROCK JESUS #1 rocked. The setup was solid, the characters layered and interesting, and the artwork by Sean Murphy was beautiful and a nice testament to the power of black and white when done right.
Now, Sean’s back with issue #2, which focuses on a baby Jesus performing his first “miracle.” Plus, Gwen finds out exactly what it’s like to raise the world’s messiah with the rest of the world watching on their television.
Spider-Men #4
This issue should finally be the one where we dive into the heart of the matter, so to speak. We’ve been patiently waiting for Peter Parker of the 616 Universe to run into Aunt May and Gwen Stacy of the Ultimate Universe to see the water works happen. That moment finally happened at the very end of issue #3, and now it’s time to dive into the subject matter full force with issue #4. We’ll be reading this one with a box of tissues close by.
Erik Norris is a freelance writer for sites such as ComicVine, IGN and CraveOnline.com. You can stalk him on Twitter @Regular_Erik.
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