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This Week's Essential Comics: 02/03/14

These are the comics you're looking for.

Comic Viners, it's time to prepare for Wednesday's storm of brand new comics. So many issues come out every week, so sometimes it can be pretty tough to decide what you're going to pick up and what you're going to pass on. Well, we've got you back. We've looked over the latest list of new releases and we've each picked a couple or more that we're really anxious to check out. Once you're done seeing what we can't wait to get our hands on, don't forget to chime in with the comics you're really excited about.

*Some previews may be in reverse order

Tony "G-Man" Guerrero's picks

WOLVERINE #1

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Wolverine lost his healing factor last issue and was brutally defeated by Sabretooth. What's he do next? You'll definitely want to check this series out to find out. It's not exactly what you think.

This may be another All-New Marvel NOW! relaunch but we still have Paul Cornell to continue to story he story he started. This is the next chapter for Wolverine and people will be talking about what happens here.

If that wasn't enough, Ryan Stegman's art will explode all over each page. This isn't the Wolverine you're used to.

You can check out G-Man's review HERE.

PUNISHER #1

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Ah, Frank Castle. It feels like it's been too long since we've been able to follow his zany adventures. While we recently had a great series, there's always the fear that the next will simply fall into the old familiar stories we've seen time and time again. Thankfully we have Nathan Edmondson on board.

What makes this different is the Punisher is taking his war to LA this time. We've seen him in New York pretty much his entire career. A change of scenery will spice things up as Frank has to adjust to a new city and we'll find out if LA is ready for him.

FOREVER EVIL #5

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FOREVER EVIL has passed the midway point. We know some changes are on the way. The fate of Nightwing is one thing we'll be looking for as well as the rise of Lex Luthor. Luthor has decided to oppose the Crime Syndicate and with the Justice League out of commission, it's a scary thought that he's one of the few left to save the world.

If you've seen the April solicits for JUSTICE LEAGUE, you have an idea where Lex is headed next. For the next few months, we'll get to see how everything falls into place.

Visit IGN for a look at the final preview page.

Honorable: APOCALYPSE AL #1

Mat "Inferiorego" Elfring's picks

BLACK WIDOW #3

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I wasn't too excited about this series, when it was first announced. I liked Edmondson's writing and Noto's art, but I wasn't too keen on Black Widow as a character. The first issue blew me away, though, and the second one was just as fun. I love what Edmondson is doing with this character and this series, and I cannot wait to see where this goes. Also, Phil Noto does such an amazing job on art work. Every page is amazing. This is one hell of a book.

LOCKE & KEY HARDCOVER VOL. 6

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It's pretty rare to see a collection or trade on the essentials list, but there have been very few times a book comes along that is a must buy. I've been a trade-waiter on Locke & Key, and seeing as this is the final installment of this phenomenal series, this is a must have book. Joe Hill's horror series has been one of my all time favorite reads, and while I didn't read this in single issues, I've got a good feeling it's going to be extremely awesome. It'll be sad to see it go, but one hell of a read.

Gregg "k4tz" Katzman's picks

GREEN ARROW #28

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GREEN ARROW is hands down one of the best books from DC, so you can bet it's worth promoting in this segment each and every time a new issue comes out. Why is it so awesometastic, you ask? Well, it's all thanks to the creative team: Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino. Think you know all about Green Arrow and his history? Well, Jeff Lemire is proving you dead wrong and bringing some big changes to Oliver's history in The New 52. There's some serious mythos building going on in this book and, since Lemire jumped on with #17, it has been nothing short of gripping and explosive.

Then there's Andrea Sorrentino's absolutely surreal artwork. Every signal issue, this dude fills the pages with some staggeringly impressive and completely absorbing artwork. I'm not suggesting you to give GREEN ARROW a shot -- I'm demanding it. This book is too good to miss.

FOREVER EVIL ARKHAM WAR #5

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Alright, ARKHAM WAR may not be the most compelling book around, but it's a fine dose of fun, especially if you're a big Bane fan. The premise is simple: with Batman gone, Arkham's villains have taken over Gotham. Bane, however, won't stand for any of that nonsense, so he and an army from Blackgate have come to take control of the city. The classic villain is sporting his own take on the Dark Knight's costume and now he has William Cobb by his side. Although, the Arkhamites have an army of Talons on theirs. So yeah, it seems safe to assume the war is about to get particularly brutal.

Even if the script doesn't hold up or if the plot takes a silly turn, at least we can rely on Scot Eaton to make it all look pretty solid and there's no denying this is likely to be yet another action packed issue, too. If you're looking for popcorn entertainment and happen to love Batman's fiends, then this series is worth at least checking out.

Visit Uproxx for the last preview page.

Jen "MissJ" Aprahamian's picks

MS. MARVEL #1

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Kamala Khan is blasting onto the superhero scene as the all-new Ms. Marvel, and I can't wait to meet her. There have been countless news articles surrounding this teen hero's debut since the series was announced last fall, and when MS. MARVEL finally hits stands this Wednesday, we'll get a chance to see how a Jersey teenager balances high school, a conservative Muslim home life, and a brand new set of abilities. G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona helm the new series, and it launches with several excellent variant covers (any one of which would be an essential pull this week!).

TRILLIUM #6

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We've crossed the halfway mark with this ten-issue series, and TRILLIUM shows no sign of slowing down. Every turn of the screw presents a new layer of connectivity -- or a new challenge that threatens the bond between our heroes -- and I couldn't be rooting harder for Nika and William to rendezvous in the same time and space for longer than a few moments. Invested? You bet. Play catch-up with Issues #1-5 if you haven't yet; they're quick reads with unique visual storytelling that you'll find yourself looking at again and again.

Comicosity has one more preview page.

Honorable: LAZARUS #6

Corey "Undeadpool" Schroeder's picks

BATMAN: JOKER'S DAUGHTER #1

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The first issue to feature Joker's Daughter was...not well received, to say the least. The character is an interesting one with a good hook, but she was seemingly mishandled and the art wasn't great at serving the story nor the pace, but now we have a completely new creative team and from what I've read of Marguerite Bennett so far, she knows a thing or two about writing disturbingly unstable characters. I'm not as familiar with the artist, but that gives me just as much reason to hope as it would to dread, so I'm going to focus on being optimistic about this outing and hope that things work out better.

NEW AVENGERS #14

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Black Swan has been one massive enigma from her introduction all the way up until now, but apparently Jonathan Hickman is FINALLY ready to reveal her strange nature/origin. A lot of my fascination with this character is based on her mystique (no, not that one), but I'm willing to bet that Hickman will do JUUUUST fine in keeping her and this story interesting even without the mystery to prop it up. Simone Bianchi's art will also, if last issue was any indicator, be up the challenge at presenting the mad, sci-fi infused visuals in a gorgeous and clear way.

GREEN LANTERN RED LANTERNS #28

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It's a bizarre double-issue from two of my favorite titles with a pair of AMAZING creative teams taking on a character in DESPERATE need of some reimagining. Supergirl really hasn't been the same since her excellent run against Cyborg Superman, but I'm hoping the twin minds of Charles Soule and Robert Venditti (both of whom have done some great work with underappreciated characters/titles) will give us a new look at the character, and maybe even a reason to care about her again. Billy Tan and Alessandro Vitti's visuals are always spot-on, and I can't imagine why that wouldn't continue triumphantly onward. Plus? Apparently the issue is STILL just $3, which seems like an AMAZING deal.

Go to CBR to see the rest of the preview.

Follow us on Twitter: CV, Tony, Mat, Gregg, Jen, Corey.

75 Comments

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AllStarSuperman

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Edited By AllStarSuperman  Online

Punisher 1

Earth 2 20

Turok 1

The Star Wars 5

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deactivated-5fbfd5d291164

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Forever Evil and Black Widow.

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CaptainHoopla

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Edited By CaptainHoopla

How could nobody pick Superior Foes of Spider-Man? That's just shameful.

Lazarus, Superior Foes, Black Widow, and probably Punisher for me.

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inferiorego

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Edited By inferiorego  Staff

@captainhoopla said:

How could nobody pick Superior Foes of Spider-Man? That's just shameful.

Lazarus, Superior Foes, Black Widow, and probably Punisher for me.

I'm picking up SFSM, DUH! I just didn't feel like writing about it. I sound like a broken record.

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MatKrenz

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OH SWEET LOCKE AND KEY HARDCOVER. And it came out so fast, cannot wait to buy it.

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SOG7dc

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Edited By SOG7dc

lex luthor can dodge a strike from batman now???

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lifeboy

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Jokers Daughter for me! :)

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micah007123

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Edited By micah007123

Forever Evil, Arkham War, New Avengers, Green Lantern and Stormwatch

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BR_Havoc

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Ms. Marvel is the book I'm really looking forward to. Just reading a 5 page preview made me excited seems like it will be well written corky series.

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CaptainHoopla

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@inferiorego: Very good, I forgive you. Can't complain with what you did pick anyway.

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Jenkale

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so are the outsiders going to be in green arrow?

its all about marvel this week for me. ms. marvel, loki, new avengers, etc. dont know what indie books are coming out but anything from the grimm fairy tales line is always good

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Jonny_Anonymous

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@perfect_10: the Outsiders have been a thing in Green Arrow for a while now

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MadeinBangladesh

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Edited By MadeinBangladesh

This is going to be a great week!

PUNISHER IS MY TOP PRIORITY!

Forever Evil

Green Arrow

Ms. Marvel (Also excited for this one)

Black Widow

Earth 2

Lazarus

Swamp Thing

Trillium

Minimum Wage

Superior Foes of Spidey

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Ando123

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Green Lantern / Reds, , Punisher, Miss Marvel , Forever Evil, Black Widow

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CitizenJP

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Edited By CitizenJP

Hey! Anyone reading Trillium? Been thinking about finally getting on to that. Looks really cool. I just don't really know anything about it, plus I don't get to check the site as often as I want to so I'm not sure what the general consensus is on it.

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GraniteSoldier

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I agree Arkham War hasn't been as compelling as I'd hoped, but I'm going to see it through.

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deactivated-5c901e667a76c

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First Wednesday or the month - Happy Green Arrow Day!

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darkwingdan

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Not to be that one jerk... but I'm pretty sure Trillium is only 8 issues, not 10.

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batmannflash

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Forever Evil, Green Arrow, Black Widow, New Avengers. Maybe Wolverine. And Punisher if the ratings are good.

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batmannflash

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Edited By batmannflash

@sog7dc said:

lex luthor can dodge a strike from batman now???

He didn't. Batman wasn't even aiming at him. He was throwing smoke bombs.

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Jenkale

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@jonny_anonymous: dont read the book just noticed the cover said outsiders war. who is in it? halo and looker?

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FuryofPhoenix

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Earth 2 #20 and Forever Evil #5.

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monsterduc

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PUNISHER #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BOOM! Studios

Revelations

Suicide Risk

Dynamite

Codename: Action #5

Image

Lazarus #6

Secret #5

Marvel

Black Widow #3

X-Men #10.1

Vertigo

Trillium #6

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SOG7dc

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Edited By SOG7dc
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XescapetheliesX

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Action Comics 28

Jokers Daughter 1

Detective Comics 28

Earth 2 20

Forever Evil 5

Arkham War 5

Green Arrow 28

Green Lantern 28

Swamp Thing 28

Phantom Stranger 16

Lazarus 6

Secret 5

Black Widow 3 (issue 3 already? Marvel loves to flood the market with new series...)

New Avengers 14

Punisher 1

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Archfiend20xx

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Edited By Archfiend20xx

I split my list into 2 categories. The "definitely getting" list, and the "maybe getting" list. Unless it's a really small week I generally only pick a couple books from the "maybe getting" list (which will be the case here since this week is ridiculous). I keep the "maybe getting list for reference down the road, just in case I want to revisit stuff I might have missed...

"Definitely Getting":

  • Aphrodite IX #8
  • Black Widow #3
  • Captain America #16 (To try out the series)
  • Detective Comics #28
  • Five Ghosts #9
  • Forever Evil #5
  • Green Arrow #28
  • Lazarus #6
  • Loki: Agent of Asgard #1
  • Mark Waid's Green Hornet #9
  • Ms. Marvel #1
  • Punisher #1
  • Suicide Risk #10
  • Swamp Thing #28
  • Trillium #6
  • Wolverine #1

"Maybe Getting" (This week I will only be getting like 2 of these AT MOST since I don't like to go over 15 books ever, and I'm already there anyway):

  • Action Comics #28
  • All New Invaders #2
  • Apocalypse Al #1
  • Bad Blood #2
  • Forever Evil: Arkham War #5
  • Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28 (To try out both series)
  • Grimm Fairy Tales: Ascension #1
  • Minimum Wage #2
  • Revelations #2 (Reprint by BOOM but it might be smarter to just buy the back issues online)
  • Sidekick #5
  • Twilight Zone #2 (Yeah, probably not)
  • X-Men #10
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spinningbirdcake

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@citizenjp: You should absolutely read Trillium. It's one of my favorite titles of last year. If you can try and track down the single issues. Lemire does some weird/interesting things with the layouts and how to read the books that I don't think will translate that well to a trade format or digital.

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mak13131313

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Edited By mak13131313

This is my pull list for the week. So I'm excited for all of them.

1. Batman Jokers Daughter #1

2. Batwing #28 for Gothtopia

3. Detective Comics #28

4. Earth 2 #20

5. Forever Evil #5

6. Forever Evil #5

7. Green Arrow #28

8. Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28

9. The Star Wars #5

10. All New Invaders #2

11. Captain America #16

12. Suicide Risk #10

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Smurfboy

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Edited By Smurfboy

Joker's daughter? I must be in minor group but I think it's a little dumb. :( I'll have to read the issue to see what it's about. As of right now, Wolverine, all the way!

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Jenkale

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@jonny_anonymous: thanks for the info. cant believe they brought back richard dragon. just WOW. if they bring in shiva i might pick it up

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TheUnN4med

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Finally, Trillium!!
-Aphrodite IX
-Drumhellar
-Lazarus

Thta's all for me this week.

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HolySerpent

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Am I the only one who starting to feel sorry for the cowardly Hal Jordan :(

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JeanRalphio

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@smurfboy said:

Joker's daughter? I must be in minor group but I think it's a little dumb. :( I'll have to read the issue to see what it's about. As of right now, Wolverine, all the way!

Be ready to dish out 5 bucks man.

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TheFirstLantern

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Green Arrow

New Avengers

Green Lantern

Earth 2

Forever Evil

May or may not get Arkham War maybe. Idk not sure. I am hoping to get some back issues on invincible since i have all the trades.

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The_Titan_Lord

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Nice list.

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Grey56

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Oh look, Marvel has some new number 1's. That hasn't been done in a fiscal year.

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Maddpanda531

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Edited By Maddpanda531

I'm so ready to spend an obscene amount of money

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kriminal

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dont know about punisher. love the character but not sure if i can afford to commit to the series

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jstndmnd

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Loki

Earth 2

Invaders

X-factor (didn't pick it up last week)

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  • Wolverine 1
  • Punisher 1
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ZbvmX

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Edited By ZbvmX

I got about 15 in my incoming stack, and I'm most excited about Ms. Marvel #1.

(+1 to all the viners who mentioned FOES! Superior Spider-Man might be ending, but this series will be FOE-evah in our hearts.)

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SandMan_

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No Action Comics? I'm disappointed.

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viin

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Edited By viin

Green Arrow 28...best book out there. After the end reveal of last issue I have no idea where this book can go which is a good thing. Im also ready to see how Onyx is handled.

Punisher 1 looks pretty good too and I usually dont read any Marvel books. I like the change of him going to the west coast. For some reason I get a GTA vibe with the idea.

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longbowhunter

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I read Locke & Key in softcover so its still going to be a bit of a wait for me. Still good week for comics.

Black Widow #3

Green Arrow #28

Lazarus #6

Punisher #1

Swamp Thing #28

Trillium #6

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micah007123

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Edited By micah007123
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KnightofSteel

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Edited By KnightofSteel

I so wish all books were still 2.99, it would be so much easier on the wallet these days. Anyways, what I'm getting for sure...

Batwing #28

Detective #28

Earth 2 #20

Forever Evil #5

Forever Evil Arkham War #5

Green Arrow #28

Punisher #1

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