New comic book day is almost here and we here at Comic Vine want to make sure you're prepared for the big day. As you more than likely know by now, deciding which new issues are worthy of your time and money can be pretty difficult . Because of that, we've scanned the latest list of new releases and we've each selected a couple or so that caught our attention. We'll be sure to tell you why we're stoked for 'em and hopefully that'll make your decisions a little easier this Wednesday. After you've seen what we're excited to pick up, be sure to chime in with your own list of "essential" comics. Seriously, we want to hear from you -- yeah, you -- so be sure to join the conversation below!
*Some previews may be in reverse order*
Tony "G-Man" Guerrero's picks
MOON KNIGHT #3
How much do I love the new MOON KNIGHT series? It almost feels like a dream. Moon Knight’s always had a lot of potential and tends to work best in his own little corner of the Marvel Universe. With just two issues into this new series, we’re getting a taste of what the character can and should be like. Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey are on fire and Moon Knight is getting the care and attention he deserves.
In a rare move, the first two issues, so far, have been self-contained stories. I believe that’s the case for the next few issues as well. We’re used to nice and tidy story arcs, suitable for trade paperback reprintings but having a series of self contained stories allows readers to just jump right in and enjoy the story.
Ellis had a great handle on the character and you can see him peeling away at the different layers. Shalvey’s art is top notch and Jordie Bellaire’s colors makes it shine on each page.
You also have to love the solicit text, “In this issue: Moon Knight punches ghosts.”
ORIGINAL SIN #1
Readers these days are always skeptical about big comic book events. What should be made clear is this isn’t your typical event. The tie-in books relating to Original Sin are not necessarily part of the main story. It’s just a way for some deep dark secrets to be revealed.
In this main series, we basically have a big murder mystery with major consequences resulting. The Watcher’s task is to watch over everything and now that he’s being taken off the board, what will this mean for the rest of the Marvel Universe? More importantly, who did it and who has possession of his eyes and the secrets they hold? The Watcher has played a role in many great stories for so long. It’s a shame to see him gone but this story will have us on the edge of our seats.
Having Jason Aaron and Mike Deodato on board seems like an extra treat.
IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON #2
Iron Fist is back and things aren’t looking too good for him or K’un Lun. The new series, written and drawn by Kaare Andrews, got off to a pretty dark beginning. We’re used to seeing a pretty upbeat Danny Rand but there’s some dark times headed his way.
With a trip back to K’un Lun, there’s no telling where the series is going to go. There’s treachery afoot and with an army about to attack, the question is whether or not Iron Fist will get there in time. And if he does, will he make a difference against the attack.
Marvel is delivering a series of new titles focusing on individual characters. It’s a great time for comic fans, even it’s a little hard on our wallets.
CYCLOPS #1
Cyclops is getting his own series? It’s about time. Cyclops is one of the most important characters in the X-Men universe and it’s hard to believe he’s never had his own series before. He’s always been more of a team player so it will be interesting to see how he does on his own.
Of course he won’t exactly be alone. And it’s not quite the Cyclops we know. It’s more the Cyclops we knew, sort of.
This series, written by Greg Rucka, will focus on the younger Cyclops that was brought to the present. Now that he knows his dad is alive, it’s time for some crazy space-pirating adventures. Rather than focus on the mutant plight on Earth, this series looks to venture into the cosmic corners of the Marvel Universe.
The idea of a younger Cyclops hanging out with his dad in space is quite a departure for the character. This could help him loosen up a little while learning a new set of skills. It’s hard to imagine that of all the members of the original X-Men, he’d be the one to leave the others for these adventures. But we are talking about spending time with a father he thought was dead. This also has the opportunity to give us a different type of Cyclops story.
Honorable Mention: THE NEW 52: FUTURES END #1, DETECTIVE COMICS #31
Mat "Inferiorego" Elfring's picks
CLONE #16
It's been away for more than a month, and I've missed it so much. The last issue left the clones making the decision to go to Clone Island, but non-clones were not allowed. This lead to some interesting predicaments because that means Amelia would not allowed to come with them.
This issue boasts that there will be new information about the cloning program, which includes the whole slew of female clones as well. This has been a stand out series and one of the best books coming out of Image comics. If you haven't read it, pick up the first three volumes.
MAGNETO #3
Cullen Bunn's MAGNETO series is one part detective and one part insanity. It goes almost too far with every issue. This is the first time, in quite some time, we've seen Magneto not in the role as a villain or ally. He's a methodical man, hell-bent on doing what he thinks is right, but he's going about it like a cop would, with horrible, violent results.
Since Marvel put out these new series, this is one of the top books. The art and writing work so well together and the series feels so different from everything else at Marvel in the best way possible.
MILES MORALES: THE ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #1
Time for a new ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN series, again. This is the third book in a line of so-so new Ultimate books, so hopefully, this breaks the cycle of mediocrity. Brian Michael Bendis is continuing to write this book, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Apparently, according to solicits, the last page will have "Ultimate Spider-Man fans screaming." Who knows what that means, but fans will sure be in for a great ride. If you've wanted to read ULT SM, since Miles took over, this should be the perfect jumping on point for you.
Gregg "k4tz" Katzman's picks
GREEN ARROW #31
It's The Outsiders War finale, so how can any GREEN ARROW fan not pick this one up? Sure, that means it's a terrible jumping on spot for new readers (personally, I recommend starting at #17 -- the spot where Lemire/Sorrentino took over -- and playing a big game of catch up), but for everyone else, this is certain to be a can't miss issue.
Not only will writer Jeff Lemire reveal how this war between clans comes to a close, but it's also guaranteed to tease the upcoming story with Richard Dragon, too. Lemire's done a thoroughly terrific job building the hype for that one. Plus, we need to see the aftermath of the last chapter's cliffhanger. Oliver's family situation is sure to get a little more complicated after that development, right? Throw in the fact this is yet another issue with visuals by the immensely talented art team of Andrea Sorrentino and colorist Marcelo Maiolo, and you know this is at least going to be a real spectacle for your eyes.
Ready for some really cheesy praise? Of course you are. Issue after issue, GREEN ARROW lands a bullseye. BOOM!
Visit Man Cave Daily for more pages. Also, spoilers!
DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE #3
Cullen Bunn's latest work with the Merc with a Mouth and the maniacal symboite may not have a story or humor that's up to par with NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL (although to be fair, I thought that mini was topnotch), but you know what? It delivers exactly what you'd expect from a series called "DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE." There's plenty of fighting between the two and there's more than enough madness to go around. Instead of teasing readers with a slow buildup of tension and making us anticipate the big showdown, Bunn decides to go full speed ahead and give us exactly what we want: a whole lot of these two brawling.
Bunn's obviously having a lot of fun with this one seeing as the last cliffhanger was flat-out teasing "round two!" between these fan favorites. And yes, that's something I'll most definitely pay to see. It's simple: if you want a compelling plot or character development, spend your cash elsewhere. If you want to switch off your brain and enjoy a dose of craziness, then throw your money at this book and enjoy the wild ride.
Honorable Mention: PUNISHER #5
Jen "MissJ" Aprahamian's picks
NAILBITER #1
This week is just really amazing for creepy books, and I can't wait for NAILBITER to give me nightmares. Josh Williamson crafts a chilling serial killer story packed with mystery, and this one's been on my must-read list since Image Expo. It might even get me to stop biting my nails.
THE WOODS #1
Character-driven drama in a creepy alien setting? Sign me up. James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas debut their first creator-owned ongoing series this week, melding young adult angst with the horror of being transported to an unfamiliar world. Essential for its weird (in a good way) high concept and the great character moments we know Tynion and Dialynas will deliver.
Honorable Mention: BATMAN ETERNAL #5
Corey "Undeadpool" Schroeder's picks
SHE-HULK #4
Last issue touched off the first fully recurring storyline of She-Hulk and touched it off with some very interesting political wheeling and dealing. Kristoff Vernard, the son of Doom who thought he WAS Doom for a bit, but was NEVER a clone (who would even THINK that?? Psh...) wishes to expatriate to America, Jenn Walters takes on the case as well as a swarm of Doombots. Charles Soule and Javier Pulido return to introduce Matt Murdock into the legal-tastic storyline focusing on international citizenship law! Wait! Come back! It's tons more entertaining than it sounds!
ALL-NEW X-FACTOR #7
Serval Industries (NOTHING SINISTER HERE!) brings us another fantastic issue of a now fully-rostered X-Factor. Peter David has assembled quite the team of B-listers and former X-Factor members together and this will be their first mission as a full-fledged team, and it sounds like it's going to dive into mutant racial politics in a fairly interesting way. Carmine Di Giandomenico hasn't even run through 1/4 of the facial expressions he's capable of, so we're going to know exactly what's going through everyone's head even without the use of text blocks, and the action will be fluid and kinetic. Whatever they're selling, I'm officially buying.
JUSTICE LEAGUE 3000 #6
The team is off the leash and doing things their own way! With the newest member introduced, I'm hoping for a battle of matter reconstitution experts as Green Lantern must be rescued. Flash's return will likely spark some very interesting and necessary questions that have the potential to throw the team into total chaos and disarray, which is exactly where Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis do their best work. Howard Porter always puts vivid, potent imagery to their bizarre words, and more world building is exactly what this book needs.
Go to Uproxx for more.
BLACK WIDOW #6
Despite having to consult the Comic Vine wiki on who the Big Reveal of last issue was, this book has an incredible consistency to it that makes me quite alright with the occasional esoteric character twist. Nate Edmondson is doing for Black Widow what Matt Fraction did for Hawkeye, even if the two books are as different as they could be. Seeing Black Widow do her Russian espionage thing on her off-time has, so far, been some incredibly compelling work and Phil Noto has brought it to life absolutely stunningly. The panels look like half-remembered incidents in a heavily redacted file, and it sets the perfect tone for the story, particularly as we're now deep into the ongoing storyline.
Honorable Mention: GREEN LANTERN #31
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