Welcome back to 10 Comics to Buy This Week. As you're probably well aware, there are a metric crap-ton of comic books hitting shelves every single week. And for the common consumer, it's financially impossible to pick up everything. That's where this column steps in like your superhero savior, drawing your attention to 10 books worth your hard-earned dollars during any given week.
We not only going to spotlight tights and capes books, but also some indie titles off the beaten path, which, if all goes well, will broaden your reading horizons.
Action Comics #0
It’s officially 0 month for the DC New 52. Grant Morrison and artist Ben Oliver flash back to the early days of Clark Kent in Metropolis to tell a story about a boy who steals Superman’s cape. How will this story tie into Grant Morrison’s overall Superman saga? We’re not quite sure, but odds are it will, so we’re game.
Animal Man #0
Jeff Lemire and Steve Pugh reveal the secret history of Animal Man, detailing how he got his powers in the first place. Meanwhile, expect some more teases in regards to the upcoming Rotworld crossover.
Archer & Armstrong #2
The relaunch of Archer & Armstrong continues as part of Valiant’s super successful, universe-wide reboot. Will Archer be able to come to terms with the conspiracy he’s wrapped up in? Or better yet, will he be able to put aside his differences with Armstrong -- the man he’s destined to kill -- in order to overcome an evil bigger than both of them?
Green Lantern #0
It’s finally time to meet that brand new Green Lantern everyone is talking about. And in the wake of the Green Lantern Annual #1, now’s as good a time as any to find a new protector for space sector 2814...
Harvest #2
The first issue of Harvest was dark. Like, really, really dark. However, it was also quite good, with some great artwork by Colin Lorimer and interesting characters penned by A.J. Lieberman. With Harvest #2, Dr. Benjamin Dane continues his downward spiral in the business of selling human organs. Someone grab the popcorn.
Hawkeye #2
What is Clint Barton up to when he’s not on official Avengers business? That’s the through line of Matt Fraction and David Aja’s new Hawkeye series, and it is really great. This series is all about Clint solving human problems, like dealing with jerkwad landlord “bros” and rescuing adorable puppies in need. If you’re wondering what’s so special about Hawkeye as a character, check this series out.
Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #1
This new Planet of the Apes miniseries by Corinna Bechko, Gabriel Hardman and artist Damian Couceiro acts as a great jumping-on point for new readers. The series takes place eight years before astronaut George Taylor falls from the stars and focuses on a mad monk who intends to wake an Alpha-Omega bomb, which will surely destroy everything. It’s up to Doctor Zaius to put a stop to it all.
Punisher #15
All the solicitation for Punisher #15 says is, “Punisher vs. the NYPD. Nobody wins.” And honestly, that’s all we needed to hear/read. Greg Rucka’s Punisher saga might be winding down, but it remains just as enjoyable as when the writer first took over the book.
Swamp Thing #0
Scott Snyder and artist Kano flash back to shed light on the brutal history of Anton Arcane and his connection to the Green, Red and Rot. Throughout history he has murdered many from both the Green and Red, so how has Alec Holland managed to escape his murderous grasp so many times? Find out here.
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #14
The “Divided We Fall” event continues to tear through the Ultimate Marvel universe. This issue actually represents the first ever team-up between the new Spider-Man, Miles Morales, and the Ultimates. Pick this one up to see if Spidey has the cojones to hang with the Ultimate universe’s Avengers squad.
Erik Norris is a freelance writer for sites such as ComicVine, IGN and CraveOnline.com. You can stalk him on Twitter @Regular_Erik.