So we meet again, new comic book day. Once again we're faced with a staggering list of new comics and, as tempting as it is to buy everything, that just isn't a likely option for most of us out there. And even if you could afford all of them, I sincerely doubt many of you have time to read each and every new issue (and if you do, color us impressed). In the event you're struggling over what to purchase this Wednesday, we're here to help you out. We've scanned the complete list and these are the issues we're really looking forward to and hopefully you're stoked for some of them, too. When you're done checking out our favorites, don't forget to post your own in the comments as well.
And in case you missed it, here's this week's list of new comics.
Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero's picks
BATMAN, INCORPORATED #12
The end is near. This issue and the next will put Batman to the test. Having lost so much, what will he do when it comes to dealing with Leviathan and the Heretic? We know Batman is always supposed to be prepared for everything but Grant Morrison is showing us that he must not have been quite prepared for this one.
There's no telling what we can expect. If you've been following the Batman INC storyline and want to know what Morrison has planned for the Dark Knight, there's no way you can miss this issue. This story has already deeply affected Batman and there's still more to come.
What will Batman do to win or get justice?
GREEN LANTERN #22
Robert Venditti and Billy Tan took over the series and hit the ground running. Hal Jordan has always been the ultimate rebel when it comes to the Green Lantern Corps. While he's obeyed the Guardians orders (for the most part), he always had a habit of doing his own thing. That isn't exactly the case anymore.
With the recent demise of the structure of the Guardians and the GL Corps, the leadership has been bestowed upon Hal. As they recruit a large number of new members to make up for all the recent losses, Oa comes under attack. Hal and the new (inexperienced) recruits have to try to save everything.
If this wasn't enough, we already got a glimpse last issue of how bad things will go along with the looming threat of a new foe. This might be a short tenure for Hal as the leader of the Corps.
Go to MTV Geek for the rest!
BATMAN 66 #1 (digital)
Jeff Parker is ready to go back to the 60s with Batman. In the vein of the classic Adam West/Burt Ward television series, this is a Batman comic unlike any other currently on sale. Some may say we have too much Batman but when you have a series following the look, style and feel of the classic show, it's hard to pass this by.
The digital comic will only be 99 cents on the DC app and comiXology. With Riddler and Catwoman lined up for the first issue, it should definitely be something to check out. A printed collection will debut on July 17.
You can check out an interview with Jeff Parker HERE.
Mat 'Inferiorego' Elfring's picks
PHANTOM STRANGER #10
This book is pretty important folks. Not only is it one of my favorite on-going series at DC, but it's also a lead in to the upcoming Trinity War, which should be incredibly awesome.
Sure, I'm making early assumptions, but this series, which is a great look into the unknown and mysterious side of DC Comics, has been one of the most interesting books on the shelves. We've seen characters like The Spectre, Night Nurse, Sin Eater, and The Creeper born out of this book.
Currently, Phantom Stranger is battling his own inner-demons and dealing with the results of his own actions he made in the past. Also, God is a Scottish Terrier. There... now you want to read this, right?
TRINITY OF SIN: PANDORA #1
Do you sense a trend here? Spoiler alert: I'm pretty excited about the Trinity War.
Writer Ray Fawkes takes on Pandora, one of the members of the Trinity of Sin. You remember Pandora, right? She first appeared in FLASHPOINT #5, and she was hidden away in every #1 issue when the New 52 launched, like a magical Where's Waldo.
Fawkes has been doing an awesome job on CONSTANTINE and working with Jeff Lemire on JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK. The dark books of DC have been great, and this is a book you're going to want to read. It's also going to be a big part of the upcoming Trinity War, so again, if you're interested in that event, then this is a must have.
Gregg 'k4tz' Katzman's picks
FIVE WEAPONS #5
This is it, friends. Jimmie Robinson's awesomely lovable FIVE WEAPONS comes to an end with this issue and I fully expect it to deliver. Robinson's been doing a terrific job with little twists, turns and reveals throughout the first four issues and I wouldn't be surprised if we're hit with more than a handful in this final chapter. I just really, really, realllllllllly hope he leaves room for a second volume because that is absolutely something I would pick up in a heartbeat. This has without question been the surprise hit this year for me.
Oh, and for the crowd who has no idea what FIVE WEAPONS is: you know how the X-Men's school is for mutants? Well, this is for children of hitmen/assassins who want to follow in their parents' footsteps. Despite it seeming like a violent concept, the series has been packed with a lighthearted atmosphere and is all about the key character's wit -- not the weapons. If that interests you (and it should), I highly recommend playing catch up before checking out this issue.
GREEN ARROW #22
"Why doesn't DC have more amazing books that don't involve Batman or Superman?" Well, are you reading GREEN ARROW? Because you should be. Seriously, this book has been massively entertaining since Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino took over back on issue #17.
This chapter will see the introduction of a brand new take on Count Vertigo and I'm thrilled to see how Lemire will continue to expand this all-new mythos for Ollie. He established a lot in issue #21 and now it's time to see where all of that potential takes us. Plus, Sorrentino's art is always stellar and this is a consistently superb looking book now that he's on it.
Check out IGN for the rest of the preview.
VENOM #37
There was an understandable amount of concern when Rick Remender left VENOM. The man did a terrific job fleshing out Flash Thompson's life with the symbiote, but writer Cullen Bunn continues to prove he's up to the task as well and my favorite symbiote remains in good hands. The past few story arcs have been really enjoyable and now we're diving into a pretty cool storyline. Not only does Andi clearly know Flash's secret, but Flash has stepped on Lord Ogre's toes and the dude is declaring war against him.
Based on the preview, it looks like we're going to get a heavy dose of great and hugely amusing action. I gotta say, this and SCARLET SPIDER are the two hugely underrated Marvel books which deserve your love and affection.
Jen 'MissJ' Aprahamian's picks
SATELLITE SAM #1
It's a noir double-feature in my Essentials picks this week.
Matt Fraction and Howard Chaykin take things sexy (and criminal) with the debut of SATELLITE SAM, a mysterious story set against the backdrop of 50s serial television. I'm expecting an ugly (in a good way) story and gorgeous ladies.
Bonus: the creative team has been keeping a (sometimes NSFW) production blog (http://satellitesam.tumblr.com/)
CBR has more preview pages.
OWL #1
Dynamite has been rocking pulp relaunches lately (See also: BLACK BAT), and with JT Krul on board for OWL, I'm jazzed about this one. Hero work just isn't what it used to be, and The Owl -- a remnant of a more golden age -- is in for a tough time.
The world of today (as imagined by Krul and Michael) is dark and hopeless; I can't wait to see how this hero gets past his culture shock and fights the good fight.
Visit CBR for more preview pages.
Corey 'Undeadpool' Schroeder's picks
TEN GRAND #3
What a strange and wonderful book this has been so far. A modern noir with far more than a supernatural twist, more of a supernatural stab-and-twist. JMS has, in only two issues, crafted an incredible mystery with a very, very strange and intense bend, as well as a story of amazing emotional resonance and tragedy.
Ben Templesmith's art is stunning and actually very lucid compared to his previous works, many of which bordered on the abstract, so it's very cool seeing him go in such a different direction.
Every month, I absolutely can't wait to see what happens next in this story.
EARTH 2 #14
As we count down James Robinson's run on Earth 2 is fast approaching its end, so every issue must be cherished. We've so far seen some new characters, and plenty of amazing variations on old ones (looking at YOU, Sandman Squad and Hawkgirl!), so I can't wait to see what's in store for the final few.
Additionally, the last storyline wrapped up rather neatly, so I'm intrigued to see where this one goes, and more importantly: where it ends.
What I'm looking forward to as much is the return of Nicola Scott's pencils. As well as the others have done, Scott's art really typifies the series and, I feel, best represents it.
And if you want to follow us on Twitter: Tony, Mat, Gregg, Jen, Corey.
78 Comments