Narrowing down your pull list is a real pain, isn't it? We here at Comic Vine understand the weekly struggle you face and we want to help. Every week we'll check out the new releases and each staffer will pick two comics we're really, really stoked for. Hopefully something here will catch your eye and you'll end up loving the series, too. Or, maybe you already dig it and we're on the same page. When all is said and done, be sure to sound off with your own "essential comics" below!
Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero's picks
GREEN LANTERN #21
No pressure here.
It is now time to prepare for a new direction in all the Green Lantern titles. After the massive GREEN LANTERN #20, this issue marks Robert Venditti's first.
Wrath of the First Lantern caused a lot of shake ups in the GL Universe. With the decisions the Guardians made and their fate, the big question is who can lead the Green Lantern Corps now? Why not Hal Jordan. This will clearly not be the best job you could ask for. The universe won't forget the recent events and the havoc the Guardians caused. Hal's going to have his hands full.
Besides Venditti, this issue also marks Billy Tan's debut as the new series artist. If you've been looking for a jumping on point in GREEN LANTERN, this could be the one you've been looking for.
DAREDEVIL: END OF DAYS #8
"Mapone."
For the past seven issues, we've been wondering the meaning of the word and why Daredevil uttered it moments before he died. We've been seeing a lot of the 'future' Marvel Universe as Ben Urich has been on a mission to unlock all the secrets and clues Daredevil left behind. It hasn't been easy and his life has come close ending as well.
If you've ever enjoyed a Daredevil comic, you should have been all over this series. Brian Michael Bendis and David Mack have been giving us a dark and compelling series that hooks you from the beginning.
The art has been beautifully handled by Klaus Janson, Bill Sienkiewicz and David Mack. This was one of those series I knew I would have to re-purchase in hardcover (which comes out in July).
There's been plenty of crazy and shocking moments and there's no telling how it will all end. It's definitely not an issue to be missed.
Mat 'Inferiorego' Elfring's picks
ARCHER AND ARMSTRONG #10
A new arc starts with this issue! This is going to be a fantastic jumping-on point for new readers! The battle with The Sect continues and Archer and Armstrong are going to end up at Area 51. If you've been looking for something a bit different and something a bit funny, then this is a book you'll want to get. Fred Van Lente provides a great story every month and some witty dialogue. This is a book you'll fall in love with, and if you don't, then you're reading it wrong.
TEN GRAND #2
The first issue of this series was spectacular. Essentially, if HELLBLAZER met up with the FBI, it would be this book. What really got me on board with this series wasn't just the fact it's an Image book, which I've found myself gravitating more towards the past couple of years, but it's because Ben Templesmith (30 DAYS OF NIGHT) was on the art. It didn't disappoint. It's creepy, which is the way I like it. This is a series you're going to want to jump on as soon as possible.
Check out CBR for the rest of the preview.
Sara 'Babs' Lima's picks
ABE SAPIEN #3: DARK AND TERRIBLE
The final of a this three part series, ABE SAPIEN #3: DARK AND TERRIBLE will likely continue to explore the identity of Abe and where he came from as well as the relationship he has with this town that has essentially been "cut off from the world by rampaging monsters." I am a huge fan of the Hellboy universe and I really have been digging this short series, so I am definitely looking forward to seeing what else Mike Mignola has in store for our hero. The last two issues were a fantastic introduction to Abe's character for those unfamiliar with him, and I bet this issue will continue be written in that same vein.
CBR has the final preview pages.
AVENGERS #13
Hickman's current AVENGERS series has been one heck of a ride so far: you never know what you're going to get when you pick up an issue of this comic. This month's AVENGERS #13 features the art of Mike Deodato and it is, as usual, really lovely to look at. Pair these sweet aesthetics with the story by Hickman and Nick Spencer that just keeps getting more interesting, and chances are you are going to have another solid issue of this series. It's the Avengers versus the High Evolutionary: but will these heroes be equipped to fight Gods? It will definitely be interesting to see how Hickman and Spencer utilize these characters to combat the creator of an entire universe.
Gregg Katzman's picks
GREEN ARROW #21
Writer Jeff Lemire and artist Andrea Sorrentino have taken a book many of us have given up on and not only managed to redeem it, but they've turned it into one of DC's must read titles, too. It's no secret they're trying to lure in some of the TV crowd by shifting focus to the island once again, but who cares when the end result is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and terrific story arc?
While the story has played out in a fairly safe manner so far, it has been nothing short of topnotch the entire ride. Sure, we know how some of the events will play out from time to time, but that has never stopped the moments from feeling gripping and even cheer-worthy. Throw in Sorrentino's absurdly stellar art and you've got a phenomenal Green Arrow tale. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Komodo and his deadly daughter, but right now Ollie's heading back to the island and it seems safe to say the team is going to bring some key changes to post-Flashpoint Oliver's history. I know many of you said, "goodbye!" to this book long ago, but I assure you it's back on track and all kinds of awesome.
Visit Nerdist for the remainder of the preview.
KICK-ASS 3 #1
Writer Mark Millar did one helluva job with the recent HIT-GIRL series. Truth be told, my interest had mostly faded in the franchise but the latest limited-series revitalized my passion and then some. Teaming up with John Romita Jr. yet again, it's now time to see if he can win me over once again and produce the same level of greatness. With another feature film coming out this year, you can bet there's a lot of weight resting on the third volume's shoulders. I'm sure this is something Millar is more than aware of and because of that I'm sincerely hoping he makes this a must read experience.
Once again, CBR has the rest of the preview.
Jen 'MissJ' Aprahamian's picks
BLACK BAT #2
Last month, we met the 2013 version of Dynamite's Black Bat, a revival of the pulp hero from the 30s. He's raw, he's still getting his bearings, and he operates in a total moral grey area. With introductions out of the way in Issue #1, I'm excited to see where Brian Buccellato and Ronan Cliquet take Tony Quinn's story. Pulp is hot right now, and done right, it's a must-pull.
EAST OF WEST #3
At the risk of typecasting myself as "the girl who will read literally everything Image is publishing right now," I'm going to throw down a heavy endorsement for EAST OF WEST. It's inventive, it's smart, and it's paced to move -- Hickman and Dragotta have established a complex, gigantic world, and wasted no time introducing us to their Biblically-infused alt-history dystopia. Grab the first two issues if you're not already hooked, and jump onto this crazy ride with the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Go to CBR for the other preview page.
63 Comments