Sure, being a comic book fan is an expensive hobby, but how awesome is it that we can look forward to new issues each and every week? The answer: it's very awesome. Just like every other week, dozens upon dozens of new comics will go on sale this Wednesday. Narrowing down the choices can often be a really tough decision, so we want to help you out. The Comic Vine staff has looked over the latest list of new releases and each of us will tell you which issues we're excited to read and why. Once you're finished seeing what we recommend, don't forget to chime in with your own list! Now, let's take a look at what the Comic Vine staff suggests for the upcoming edition of new comic book day.
Tony "G-Man" Guerrero's picks
BATMAN #38
I feel like I’m still in a little bit of denial over some of the things that happened last issue. This Joker story is shaping up to be something else. Obviously Joker has always been a formidable foe for Batman and despite his kidnapping and manipulating the family in Death of the Family, you just get a sense that he could do so much worse now. With what Joker knows and how he’s simply behaving and talking, it’s almost scarier than any past appearances we’ve seen.
Snyder has mentioned he’s writing Joker as if it’s his last time with the character. That means pretty much anything goes. Sure, something may come up later but we’re already seeing Joker’s game amped up. Greg Capullo is not holding back either. I’m almost a little afraid to read this issue. Almost.
Nerdist has an extra preview page.
SECRET AVENGERS #12
Have I mentioned how this is my favorite AVENGERS title? I know I pretty much say that every month and it’s the truth. It’s rare to have an Avengers title so self-contained. We’ve been watching the events unfold with Maria Hill’s missions for her team combined with the fact that M.O.D.O.K. has been up to some crazy things. Oh yeah, M.O.D.O.K.’s in this. That’s almost reason alone to check it out.
With Hawkeye’s recent team-up with Deadpool in this title and Phil Coulson trying to deal with what’s been going on, there’s been a lot to see. Based on the cover, it appears that we’ll finally get to find out what happened to Black Widow and Lady Bullseye after they got sucked through that weird black hole thing on the train. If only Ales Kot and Michael Walsh could work on this title forever.
UNCANNY AVENGERS #1
It’s a new Avengers line up. A new team isn’t really anything new. We’ve seen the Avengers go through countless changes. What’s interesting here is to see how everyone reacts after all the craziness of Axis. Will they acknowledge they were acting like big jerks? How are things going to be with Sabretooth now a hero? And most importantly, what’s the deal with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver’s real parentage?
It sounds as if there might not be too much time to deal with all of these issues as there’s some other stuff going down as well. We should definitely be getting some answers in this series.
GOTHAM ACADEMY #4
This is one of DC’s newer series where you can see they’re trying to do something different. While there may be a slight connection to Batman’s corner of the DC Universe, it’s refreshing to see a new cast of characters in a different setting. There’s a different vibe going on that really makes this book stand apart from the others on the shelves.
We’ve had some mysteries going on within this title and now members of the cast are diving into one of them. A search for the “ghost of Gotham Academy”? Sounds good to me. We’ve also seen a slight connection to ARKHAM MANOR so we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled to see if anything else turns up. Great story telling with great art makes this something to look forward to each month.
Visit A.V. Club if you want to see another preview page.
Honorable Mention: DEATHSTROKE #4
Mat "Inferiorego" Elfring's picks
AQUAMAN #38
I've really been enjoying this recently AQUAMAN story line. It's cool to see how Jeff Parker is expanding on the world of Aquaman by connecting the surface world to ancient Atlantis. The last issue had quite a great battle with Gorilla Grodd and I'm pretty pumped to see where this goes. In the back of the DC issues over the past couple of weeks, we got to see what Aquaman's mother is going to look like in this comic as well, which has me even more pumped. Guys, I feel like a couple of over-inflated Reebok shoes right now.
PUNKS THE COMIC #4
How do you describe PUNKS? Well, it's a monumental and overly triumphant series following the travels of some well adjusted men as they discover themselves through sharing a pair of pants as they individually go on trips across the world. It's a coming of age story. Listen, this book is insanity, but not like the type of insanity that will murder you. It's more like the type of insanity that cuddle you at night and never let go... ever. Also, Kody Chamberlain does some sweet art! Seriously though, this book is rad.
X-O MANOWAR #32
"Hey Mat... I still don't read X-O MANOWAR." WHAT? Color me shocked and/or appalled! The last issue left us at a pretty wicked place where Zahn has Aric taken out of commission by blowing off a tiny bomb in his ear drum. It's going to be really cool to see how Aric gets out of this and on top of that, The series has been fantastic and it's amazing to see how Robert Venditti keeps pushing this book forward with these new story lines that are a ton of fun to read. This is a series you should be checking out and easily the best on-going Valiant has to offer.
BITCH PLANET #2
The first issue of BITCH PLANET was pretty fantastic. It really nailed the exploitation film genre extremely well and provided a pretty awesome story. Conceptually, the book is really intriguing and writer Kelly Sue DeConnick gives readers a strong intro to a new science fiction book that really packs a huge punch, literally. That first issue has some great artistic visuals from Valentine De Landro and colors from Cris Peter. I'm really excited to see where this book is going and for this world to be explored more. If you're looking for something new that offers something pretty rad, than look no further because BITCH PLANET is for you.
Honorable Mention: RASPUTIN #4
Gregg "k4tz" Katzman's picks
THOR #4
The Goddess of Thunder may be new to wielding Mjolnir, but she's already had to push her abilities by battling Frost Giants. Even though she expressed skepticism internally, she didn't too shabby and watching her unleash was pretty awesome. Now, she faces a true test: Thor! The iconic character may longer be worthy, but that doesn't mean he should be taken lightly. Not only does this promise an entertaining action sequence, but there's a ton of potential here as these two need to talk about the current and very awkward situation regarding the hammer. Throw in the fact Dario Agger, Malekith and some Frost Giants are still present and this is sure to be a good time.
If you followed Jason Aaron'sTHOR: GOD OF THUNDER, you're likely confident about who's behind the helmet. If so, that should make this encounter even more interesting. Based on the past three issues (and Aaron's work with GOD OF THUNDER), I have no doubt he'll be able to produce another entertaining look at this world and leave me wanting more. Here's hoping the reveals pick up the pace, though.
DEADPOOL #41
Unfortunately, we know this series will come to an end with issue 45. That's incredibly disappointing news, but the best we can do is enjoy what little time we have left with the series. Thankfully, co-writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn have done really good job with Wade Wilson's story. Zenpool wasn't just some forced tie-in to AXIS; they're putting the development to good use. Seeing who Deadpool could be has really messed with him and understandably so. The guy's had a rough life and that has to take a toll on his psyche.
Even though the two writers give us plenty of action and comedy, what makes this book really shine is how it focuses on Deadpool as a character instead of just a walking punchline. It makes you laugh and gets your emotions involved. That's something a number of previous Deadpool stories haven't done well. I'm going to miss this book, but until it comes to an unfortunate end, you can bet I'm going to look forward to all of the issues we have left.
TMNT GHOSTBUSTERS #4
I don't want to oversell it, but TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES GHOSTBUSTERS really has delivered just about everything I could want from a team-up between these two awesome groups. It keeps things lighthearted and funny, yet it doesn't let the comedy get in the way of telling the story or focusing just enough on character. It has all of the fan service, references and easter eggs you could desire. And it has a visual team that knows how to really sell an animated and vivid style. It's simply a whole lot of fun and a dream come true for any child of the '80s. The creative team is definitely taking advantage of all of the potential and amusing dynamics this encounter can produce.
So far, the story may not have any mind-blowing twists, but that hasn't stopped this from being a hugely satisfying read for fans of both franchises. Plus, it looks like this has all been leading up to an action-packed conclusion, and who doesn't love seeing the heroes in a half shell and Ghostbusters in action? .
PREDATOR: FIRE AND STONE #4
Have you ever wanted to see a Predator and a giant Engineer get into a savage fight? If you're a fan of the sci-fi franchise, I have no idea why anyone would possibly say no. We've seen Predators hunt all different kinds of prey, but witnessing a veteran take on a towering threat like this is oh-so-appealing. I admit I have no idea whether a Space Jockey and a Yautja have ever clashed in a novel or older comic before, but it's most definitely going down in this issue! Luckily for us, the preview makes it clear this is going to be every bit as gripping and vicious as it needs to be. Both want nothing more than to eliminate the other, so it's looking like it'll be a battle that's full of brutal hits and lots and lots of alien blood.
Solicitations for a future Fire and Stone issue do spoil the verdict, but knowing where we end up doesn't mean this won't be an encounter that's worth watching! Feast your eyes on the preview and prepare to want to see more.
Corey "Undeadpool" Schroeder's picks
GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT #3
GOTHAM CENTRAL is one of my favorite underappreciated DC books of all time. It's a character driven look at life on the streets of Gotham that treats Batman like he's still the myth that he is. GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT is, in many ways, similar, while also being completely different. We do still get to ride along with the GCPD, but now it's...essentially the supernatural crime division and so far Ray Fawkes and Ben Templesmith are giving us a look at yet another unseen corner of Gotham City. I've always had a soft spot for books that universe build by giving the reader a look at the people behind the scenes of the "major players" in comics, and this is a singularly unique vision of that that I'm hoping is here to stay.
NEW AVENGERS #29
Last issue was, by far, one of the strongest in what will already be considered a classic storyline for years to come. That this book continuously tops itself with characters that are THIS well-worn and THIS well-established is nothing short of miraculous and a testament to both Jonathan Hickman's talent AND the impact that this story will have on the Marvel U and on readers. Everything is on fire, nothing is forgotten and Kev Walker is back on art for what I'm already positive will be an incredibly emotional issue of this series. I honestly have no clue what's happening next, particularly with the run up to Secret Wars, but I have confidence this book will get us there the best way possible.
UNCANNY X-MEN #30
Eva Bell's story has been told, now we can get back to exactly where the X-Rebels stand with themselves and the rest of the world. Axis left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths, both in and out of the universe, but the tie-ins were generally solid and this book has always been top of the line in terms of quality. Brian Bendis has delivered a consistently good tale of X-Men who are tired of running and sick of living off the scraps of society without turning them into full-on villains and it's been a rough journey, but one well-worth focusing on. When these X-Men are doing their own thing separate from events is when it tends to be at its strongest and with Chris Bachalo providing the art, this issue feels like the start of something special.
Honorable Mention: CATWOMAN #38
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