So we meet again, new comic book day. You present me with many options -- too many, in fact. Just like many of you out there, my eyes are far larger than my checking account. We can't afford every title out there, so we need to spend our budget wisely. If you're looking for something new or if you're not sure what's worthy of checking out this week, here are the issues the Comic Vine staff are excited to pick up. Will you be purchasing any of these up or does your list of essential comics look quite different? Speak your mind below.
Gregg Katzman's picks
TMNT #22
My love for IDW's reboot of the classic franchise is certainly no secret. I've bombarded you guys with my praise issue after issue, and I'm thrilled to say I'm loving every new issue just as much as the very first one. They've managed to completely revitalize the Turtles experience, keeping it both familiar and fresh and, of course, a blast. All of the key players are around and plenty of respect is given to each, but slight changes are made here and there which brilliantly expand the world and give it so much new life.
Issue #22 is going to bring about one of those chances as the hugely anticipated 'City Fall' finally kicks off. TMNT: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE FOOT CLAN expanded on Shredder's all-new origin and now he's making his big move: he's taking over New York. And directly by his side? No, it's not Karai -- it's Leonardo. How and why Leo's by his side has yet to be revealed, but designs of "Dark Leo" have been released and it's seriously awesome. This looks like it'll be TMNT's first huge tale, so if you've been meaning to check this book out, this is the PERFECT jumping on point! My expectations are through the roof and I'm confident that Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman and Mateus Santolouco will deliver. With a phenomenal show over on Nick as well, it's truly a great time to be a Turtles fan.
Check out CBR for the final preview page.
FIVE WEAPONS #4
In a medium overflowing with broody books and super powered individuals in tights, FIVE WEAPONS is a charming escape from the norm. Written and illustrated by Jimmie Robinson, the book revolves around a new student in a school for assassins' children. There's five clubs, each specializing in a different kind of weapon, however, our main character opts to only use one weapon: his mind. Relying on wit alone, this has naturally made him quite a few enemies as he embarrasses club Presidents under their own rules and has made a unique set of friends along the way. The concept may sound graphic, but it's rated "teen" and there's no gore to be found here.
Issue #3 left off pretty much where it always does: Tyler in a situation where he apparent can't win, but he clearly has everything under control. How he'll get out of this latest scenario is beyond me, but I'm stoked to see it play out. Additionally, Robinson said this issue will switch gears a little bit, so I'm especially curious to see how the book's formula may take a bit of a change. Lighthearted, fun and basically lovable, FIVE WEAPONS is a limited-series that should definitely be on your radar if you're looking for something new.
No preview is available.
Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero's picks
THE WAKE #1
These days we tend to see a lot of the same sort of comics. THE WAKE is shaping up to fall into the "something else" category. There shouldn't be any need of convincing with this title. Being from Vertigo, you have an idea of the type of book we could get. Of course there's no denying the fact that because it's from Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy, it's practically a guaranteed awesome series.
Aside from BATMAN, Snyder has been blowing us away with AMERICAN VAMPIRE (also from Vertigo) as well as titles such as SEVERED, both which illustrate Snyder's ability to tell different sorts of stories.
Sean Murphy's art speaks for itself. Murphy is just coming off the successful PUNK ROCK JESUS that left readers wondering what he'd be doing next. With his recent team up with Snyder on AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST, they've already shown how well they work together. Since this is the first issue of a new miniseries, it's the perfect place to jump on.
MIND THE GAP #10
Jim McCann's series has been filled with mystery and suspense. We've been wondering who is responsible for all the attack against Elle, the main character. As the events have unfolded, we've discovered more and more layers to the story. With so many characters involved, there was no telling who is innocent or guilty.
This issue is going to change some of that. The mysterious "Hoodie" character's identity has been unknown and now we're about to discover who it is. This could change the direction of the story. Most likely it will add another set of new questions.
With each issue, this series shows the importance of a strong story to hook you in and guide you along. Of course you cannot deny the fact that Rodin Esquejo's art has been phenomenal. This is a series that will always leave you guessing and wanting more.'
No preview is available.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #4
The Justice League of America may have been formed to take on the Justice League but from the beginning they've been headed towards a different and deadlier confrontation. We first caught a glimpse of the Secret Society of Super-Villains back n JUSTICE LEAGUE #6. Geoff Johns has been slowly revealing more about then as they seem to be gearing up for a big showdown against the world behind the scenes.
With Green Arrow barely escaping with his life when he went undercover, the attack against what appeared to be Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman (at first) and the decision to try to get another mole into the Society, this League is playing an extremely dangerous game.
With Brett Booth filling in on the art side, we're in for an interesting ride
We've also been seeing some interesting backups featuring Martian Manhunter. Looks like he'll also be trying to infiltrate the society. This isn't the Martian Manhunter we've known before. This is a character you don't want to mess with and with each appearance, he's shaping up to be a bigger threat to everyone.
MTV Geek has an exclusive preview.
EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1
Earth 2 has been a world of 'anything goes.' In the very first issue, we saw the deaths of the DC Trinity. James Robinson has been building up a new cast of characters, taken from past versions of characters we've known for years. With a fresh take on a comic universe, Robinson has been able to seemingly do what he wants. That included introducing a new Batman.
With the first annual hitting the shovels, the promise of a new Batman has us all wondering what Robinson has up his sleeve. Previous statements from the writer have told us that this won't be a gimmick. This is a character that will appear again.
You'll want to be on hand for this 'first appearance' of a new Batman. Because of the nature of the Earth 2 world, we don't know if it is a completely new character or an existing DC character that's decided to take on the mantle. That's one thing that makes comics fun and exciting, having a great mystery you get to watch unfold.
Mat 'Inferiorego' Elfring's picks
CLONE #7
Month after month, this is one of my Top of the Pile picks because it's an incredibly grounded and awesome series with a sci-fi twist that isn't so far off from our reality. The best part about this series is that this world has opened up and it truly feels like it's going to be a great on-going series with many twists and turns.
And although many of the characters in the book look almost identical, writer David Schulner does a great job at developing them through story and dialogue. Plus, Juan Jose Ryp does some wickedly detailed art in this series. This is one of my favorite on-going series.
No preview is available.
X-MEN #1
Writer Brian Wood is one of my favorite writers, especially when it comes to team books. His work on ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN is nothing short of pure brilliance. Whether you like this team line up or not, and you should because it's awesome, this is sure to be a great read. The Marvel Now books have really been shaking things up, and I'm very intrigued to see where this series will take us. If that's not enough to get you to pick up this book, then mohawk Storm and Jubilee are both here. That should be enough. You're welcome.
Jen 'MissJ' Aprahamian's picks
MORNING GLORIES #27
I can't wait to find out which new mysteries Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma have in store for us in this month's MORNING GLORIES. Things have been getting tenser, with time travel, doppelgängers, and murderous plots, and I keep waiting for the next issue to find out how it all fits together (and how much more intense things will get!).
No preview is available.
ADVENTURE TIME ANNUAL #1
ADVENTURE TIME has been charming me for a while now, and I think I may enjoy the comics more than the original series. They're hilarious, they're filled with subtext (literally, in some cases -- I adore hunting for tiny print in the gutters), and a wide range of creators has been featured in backups, tie-ins, and special issues. I'm looking forward to the anthology-style annual; I expect to find an abundance of whimsy, in an even bigger dose than usual.
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