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Another stacked week of comics this week. Chris Claremont is coming back to Wolverine but I could not find room for it on the list. With that said let’s look at what did make the list.
(Editors Note: Solicitations provided by respected publishers)
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Mike Choi
Publisher: ARTISTS WRITERS & ARTISANS INC
Solicitation: The Resistance Universe Returns in a New Tale by J. Michael Straczynski! The next chapter in the saga of the Resistance Universe focuses on an unlikely love story. The mysterious “U” has no memory of his past before awakening with powers after the Great Death that took many lives and created the superpowered Reborns. His vision of the world is one that is more beautiful and full of hope than the rest of us can see. In searching for a purpose, a reason to live, he discovers Isabelle, whose father died in the plague, and who has recently been thrown out to live in the streets by her uncle. When the two meet, a spark is lit between them. But another spark is lit-one that’s sure to lead to explosive consequences-when U runs afoul of a crime syndicate that will stop at nothing to get revenge.
Why it Made the List: There is not enough discussion regarding AWA and their The Resistance Universe. It has been able to maintain itself quite well over the years and become quite expansive. Sometimes that can work against a comic and make it difficult to jump on board in a story that is already ongoing. Looking at the description of this issue, however, it appears this should be a great place to start. I rather enjoyed Moths which was from this same creative team, and always happy to see art by Mike Choi.
Writer/Artist: Jock
Publisher: DSTLRY
Solicitation: The new hit series from DSTRLY by JOCK continues! It’s been fifteen years since we last saw ABI—a frightened 13-year-old stowaway on a spaceship bound for distant stars… Now nearly 30, Abi is not only still roaming the galaxy, but is a self-assured—and deeply scarred—veteran of an intergalactic war! Beautiful written and drawn by JOCK — Eisner Award winning artist of SNOW ANGELS & BATMAN: ONE DARK KNIGHT — GONE is in an action-packed sci-fi adventure where a young heroine has grown into a war-weary spacefarer who still dreams of one elusive goal…. getting home.
Why it Made the List: I am a bit amazed this is the first time Jock has written and drawn his own series. Reading the Gone short story and first issue you would think this was the norm for him. Not surprising is how well his style works within the Science Fiction space setting. The mood is set nearly instantaneously. I do think it is a bit of a risk to jump so far ahead with this issue but I appreciate a creator taking chances.
Writer: Bryan Hill
Artist: Stefano Caselli
Publisher: Marvel Entertainment
Solicitation: THE NEW ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER! In the wake of ULTIMATE INVASION, Khonshu and Ra — the force known together as Moon Knight — are seeking to expand their brutal control of the continent of Africa. In response, the lone bulwark against them, the isolated nation of Wakanda, will send forth its champion… its king… the Black Panther! From the creative minds of Bryan Hill (BLADE, KILLMONGER) and Stefano Caselli (X-MEN: RED, AVENGERS) comes a bold new take on the world of Black Panther and Wakanda!
Why it Made the List: Ultimate Spider-Man was a huge success for Marvel so will Black Panther follow the same path? I have faith because of the creative team involved. Bryan Hill is a solid writer and in my opinion, wrote the last great Vertigo series with American Carnage. Also really enjoyed his take on Killmonger with that mini-series so he has already proven himself with this world. Teaming him up with an artist like Stefano Caselli who has been doing quality work for Marvel for years was very much the right choice.
Writer: Kyle Starks
Artist: Fran Galan
Publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS
Solicitation: Linnea and Parker are settling into their new lives as small town detectives, but dark omens are forming on the horizon of this sleepy nook of the world.
Their most promising lead unexpectedly evaporates, forcing the duo to embark on an ill-advised, undercover trip to Senator Island, where they discover a new clue to a mystery that’s bigger than anything they could have imagined. Just what have they gotten themselves into?
Why it Made the List: With Pine and Merrimac #1 we saw a different side of Kyle Starks. Sometimes when you are good at doing funny comics people can pigeonhole you into doing that and only that. Similar to how when a comedic actor tries a serious role. Kyle Starks showed similar to those like Robin Williams he is capable of doing both. It was not that the first issue was void of humor. Simply the humor was used to enhance the drama that followed. As a huge fan of the noir genre, I have a pretty high bar for what I enjoy and so far this has easily cleared it.
Writer: Ram V.
Artist: Laurence Campbell
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: Neo Novena detective, ARI NASSER is about to retire with an enviable record, until a brutal murder occurs, bearing all the hallmarks of the “One Hand Killer”…which should be impossible since Ari already put him away not once but twice in the years before.
What follows is a deadly cat-and-mouse game as Ari pursues his quarry down the rain-soaked streets of Neo Novena. Ari will stop at nothing to unravel the secrets and ciphers of this case but each revelation only leads further into the dark heart of his future-metropolis and Ari’s own beleaguered soul.
Why it Made the List: Speaking of being a fan of the noir genre you have this series. After comics like The Many Deaths of Laila Starr and Blue in Green any time Ram V’s name is on a book I will check it out. This setup is right up my alley as well so that only helps increase my excitement. Cat and mouse game stories are especially a great time. Laurence Campbell has done a lot of work with different Hellboy series so his style should fit well with the genre.
Writer: Ryan North
Artist: Carlos Gómez
Publisher: Marvel Entertainment
Solicitation: When construction unearths something unexpected, Susan Storm is called in—not as a super hero but an archaeologist! But when the bones she uncovers—tens of thousand of years old, dating back to the first arrival of humans in the Americas—turn out to be female…and matching her build…and wearing the shredded and decayed remains of what appears to be BLUE FABRIC constructed of unstable molecules, she must accept the fantastic: Dr. Susan Storm is going to DIE deep in Earth’s prehistory…and that time is coming sooner than she might think! Also in this issue: an anniversary date for Reed and Sue! So Sue gets both inarguable evidence of her own death AND some romance. Not in that order though.
Why it Made the List: You know there is plenty to look forward to when this only makes it to number five on the list. Last issue we got the first issue within this run that focused on the kids. It was a nice change of pace and this seems like it may be another with the focus on Susan Storm. People forget how smart Sue is so I am glad to see an issue to focus on her skills behind her powers.
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Leonardo Romero
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: ALL-OUT WAR ON THEMYSCIRA! It’s all-out war on Themyscira as the team faces off against the mythical Megaera…can the Birds overcome this ancient evil?! Or will one of them have to pay the ultimate price…?
Why it Made the List: So happy to see that Leonardo Romero is back on art duties for this issue! The last issue had Arist Deyn and by no means was the art bad simply a very different style than we have gotten to this point. It is one thing if we are beginning a new arc but to change it in the middle of a story is a strange choice but sometimes you have to to ensure the book can get out. Beyond that, this series has been such a joy. We have the finale of this arc and considering everything that came before I can only imagine what they have in store for us. It looks like next issue we are getting a new team of characters which I am a bit sad about because I have become fond on this group together.
3. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees #3
Writer/Artist: Patrick Horvath
Publisher: IDW
Solicitation: As Woodbrook quakes in terror, the killer runs free
The town now plans a funeral, instead of festivity
Sam has her suspicions, she’ll follow her hunch
She better act fast, or more bones might go crunch
But Sam isn’t afraid, she knows she’ll solve the case
Because the killer doesn’t know it, but they left a trace
Why it Made the List: I love that this series is getting the recognition it deserves. The first issue has gone through multiple prints at this point, and my only hope is that those people continue with this series because it has only gotten better. This has become the torchbearer for the power of juxtaposition. Seeing a style more accustomed to a children’s property delving into sinister acts just does something to the brain. However, it is not just a gimmick. There’s story and artistry behind everything.
Writer: Declan Shalvey
Artist: Drew Moss
Publisher: Dynamite
Solicitation: Fleeing through space to escape their dying home world, the ThunderCats were attacked en route by their mortal enemies, the Mutants of Plun-Darr. After diverting their damaged flagship to a planet called Third Earth, the surviving ThunderCats now strive to rebuild their society in harmony with the new world’s natives. But the Mutants, determined to possess the ThunderCats’ mystical gem, the Eye of Thundera, have tracked them down – and they’ve also forged an alliance with Mumm-Ra, the devil-priest of Third Earth!
Now the ThunderCats, led by an inexperienced Lion-O, must band together as never before to protect their legacy from this combined enemy. But will they be able to withstand the onslaught of Mumm-Ra the Ever-Living, once he sets his eyes upon them?
Why it Made the List: As an 80’s and 90’s kid it is a great time to be a comic book fan. So many quality comics based on some of my favorite childhood cartoons. Licensed comics are not new but these have been noticeably great because real talent has been put behind them. Declan Shalvey’s name attached to this series gives it real credibility. He has proven himself time and time again across the landscape of comics. Drew Moss is not an artist I am super familiar with but the preview pages look great and capture the cartoon while modernizing the look. Plus it’s an excuse to scream, “Thunder, Thunder, Thundercats…hooo!”, which I haven’t done since at least last week.
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Roberto Meli
Publisher: Ablaze
Solicitation: Surprised by revelations on Mars, Roy struggles to deal with the new realities.
Why it Made the List: Right when I feel like I have this series pegged we get the last issue that completely changes everything. The emotional wave that came through me was one I did not expect. That is a common occurrence when reading a series written by Mark Russell but this might be his most poignant story yet. That is not a statement I take lightly. I am a little shocked this is not the last issue based on what we have learned. I have no idea where this series is going and I love that feeling and it further proves how this is unlike anything I am reading right now. As often is the case with Science Fiction this is asking the big questions about life and existence but in a far different way than something like 2001: A Space Odyssey. This narrative is far more driven by human connection and everything right and wrong that goes with it.
Honorable Mentions: X-Men #31, The Sensational She-Hulk #5, Conan the Barbarian #7, 1, Wolverine: Madripoor Knights #1, Crave #3, Kaya #15, Bloodrik #3
