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So this week is packed with some big new series so much so I tried to hold off just filling this list the number one issues. That’s no fun. Although there are probably more number ones in this week’s list than any other I have done so far. The benefit is if the majority of those books match their anticipation there is even more books to look forward to each week.
With that let’s move on to this week’s list.
(Editor’s Note: Solicitors are Provided by the Respect Publishers)
Writer: Hans Rodionoff, Adam F. Goldberg, Paul Reiser, Paul Reiser, Brian Volk-Weiss
Artist: Guiu Vilanova
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: WHAT IF… CARTER BURKE HAD LIVED? For years, fans of James Cameron’s legendary Aliens questioned whether Carter Burke, a company man more hateable than the Xenos themselves, had actually survived the traumatic events on the terraforming colony Hadley’s Hope. Now the actor behind the beloved villain, Paul Reiser, joins his son Leon and the star-studded team of writers and producers Adam F. Goldberg, Brian Volk-Weiss and Hans Rodionoff for a journey back to Hadley’s Hope and the twisted escape of a man who should have died.
Why it Made the List: I am a big fan of the ‘What If?’ concept and I love the idea of using it on other properties like Aliens. There’s so much room there to tell compelling stories involving some of the greatest characters in movie history. Now kicking this idea off with a story focused on Carter Burke I find a strange choice. Perhaps being able to get Paul Reiser on writing duties helped in that decision. Weird living in a world where Paul Reiser is a comic book writer but if it works why not give it a shot? Have to give them credit for at least not going with the obvious choice
9. The Devil That Wears My Face #5
Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Alex Cormack
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Solicitation: Left hovering at death’s door after a brutal confrontation, Father Vieri finds himself trapped in a hell of his own making. With the demonic Legion still in possession of his body, will an unexpectedly familiar face be Vieri’s salvation, or his ultimate demise? Meanwhile, Vieri’s attendant Maria stalks Legion through Rome, aiming to expose the Devil’s infiltration of the Church at any cost. But even if she can convince Cardinal Pentecost of the truth, Legion’s influence has grown exponentially…and when his final endgame stands revealed, not even the Vatican will be able to stop him.
Why it Made the List: We are nearing the end of this series and I am sure Father Vieri is in favor of that based on what he has gone through thus far. The last issue may have been the worst yet and now hopefully he gets the chance of some redemption…or salvation if you prefer. I have described this book as if Face Off met The Exorcist and somehow it worked. By no means is it campy, but it certainly is not subtle either with how it portrays demonic possession. With how well Alex Cormack draws I can understand not wanting to hold much back.
8. The Bat-Man: First Knight #1
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Mike Perkins
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: WITNESS THE EARLIEST DAYS OF THE DARK KNIGHT! LEGENDARY WRITER DAN JURGENS AND SUPERSTAR ARTIST MIKE PERKINS TEAM TO RETELL ONE OF BATMAN’S MOST INFAMOUS CASES THROUGH AN ACUTELY MODERN LENS! The year is 1939. The world, still reeling from the horrors of the First World War, is on the brink of tipping into an even more gruesome conflict, as fascism is on the march—and gathering strength in America’s darkest corners. Against this backdrop, a series of violent murders has begun in Gotham, and the recent emergence of the mysterious vigilante known as The Bat-Man has the power brokers of the city living in fear of institutional collapse. All of the evidence in the murder investigation defies logic: the perpetrators are all men who died in the electric chair. But when the Bat- Man comes face to face with one of these sickening anomalies, he barely escapes with his life—throwing into question his ability to survive in a world that is brutally evolving around him! Legendary writer Dan Jurgens and superstar artist Mike Perkins return to the earliest days of the Dark Knight, retelling one of his most infamous cases through an acutely modern lens, depicting a world paralyzed by anxiety and a desperate populace crying out for release!
Why it Made the List: Golden Age Batman stories are a massive blindspot in my comic book fandom so I am all for stories that shine a light on some of those tales. Dan Jurgens is an industry Veteran with a massive knowledge of the history of DC and its characters which will help with this book. Also find the idea of using the historical backdrop to enhance the narrative a great idea as people may not realize what inspires the heroes of that era. Mike Perkins drawing an early-age Batman should look great as well. I know there are complaints we get too many Batman stories, but in my opinion, as long as they are good I am fine with it. Looking at the recipe they have going here it seems we are in line for a delicious meal.
Writer: Kyle Starks
Artist: Fran Galán
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Solicitation: Small town detectives Linnea and Parker have discovered something big and sinister, and they’re on the run… for their lives!
Unable to return home and without a safe corner to hide in, an unexpected figure offers a symbol of hope that may lead them somewhere…
Why it Made the List: If you read my review of issue number two you can see what I have thought of this series so far. Issue two did not give us a lot of story but it was an effective piece of tension. Now with the horrific discoveries of the last issue, I wonder where this story will be going. Kyle Starks is showing a different side of himself with this book as the comedy has been limited, but effective when used. Also, only a few issues in a small world of characters have been established which makes this universe feel more lived in and alive. That will only help as this narrative gets more and more intense.
Writer: Chris Condon, Barry Gifford
Artist: Brian Level
Publisher: Oni Press
Solicitation: From literary icon Barry Gifford—internationally renowned creator of Wild At Heart and cowriter of David Lynch’s neo-noir masterpiece Lost Highway—Night People is a pulsating roadmap of the American subconscious, where neon-lit Southern nights give way to lipstick, sweat, and blood, and the odd, innocent, and evil are all fellow travelers down an interstate of dark, elusive dreams. Adapted from Gifford’s acclaimed novel by breakout writer Chris Condon (That Texas Blood, The Enfield Gang Massacre) and a rotating cast of stunning artistic talents, follow an uneasy company of wanted criminals, cartel killers, and lost souls through four interlocking tales as they travel a path of intoxication, lust, and spontaneous violence from New Orleans to Egypt City, Florida, and back again. In our first tale of desperation, fanaticism, and murder, drawn by Brian Level (Poison Ivy), two ex-convicts—a pair of inseparable lovers named Big Betty Stalcup and Miss Cutie Early—are out on parole using their newfound freedom to purify the world of men’s evil influence.
Why it Made the List: After his work on series like The Enfield Gang Massacre, That Texas Blood, and Hell is a Squared Circle I am going to check out anything Chris Condon has his name attached to in the world of comics. When you add a cinematic giant like Barry Gifford I am even more intrigued. Weird this week that we are getting two Hollywood icons entering the world of comics for the first time. It appears each issue will have a different artist and that can go either way honestly. It can often allow you to maintain a high level of artistry as long as each creator works with the story being told.
5. The Spectacular Spider-Men #1
Writer: Greg Weisman
Artist: Humberto Ramos
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: The stars of two of Marvel’s biggest series come together in their first ongoing series ever! That’s right, Peter Parker and Miles Morales are going to team up on the regular, comparing notes and using said notes to take on some of their most dangerous bad guys. This duo is better than dynamic, amazing, sensational, superior… they’re SPECTACULAR! And with Greg Weisman, writer of the fan-favorite animated Spectacular Spider-Man series, returning to Spidey along with Spider-Legend Humberto Ramos, you know it’s going to be epic.
Why it Made the List: The biggest reason I am excited for this? Humberto Ramos is doing the artwork. Now do not get me wrong Peter and Miles working together can be a good time. Some of their past stories were quite enjoyable, and glad this will be an ongoing rather than just another miniseries. It is simply my admiration for Humberto Ramos’s work especially when he is drawing the wall-crawler. I know his style is not for everyone. I loved what he did with Strange Academy and I am happy to see him on a big book like this. He’s been one of the best in the business for some time now and has not slowed down.
Writer/Artist: Peach Momoko
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: Visionary creator Peach Momoko (DEMON DAYS, STAR WARS: VISIONS) creates a new generation of X-Men for an all-new universe! Hisako Ichiki is a teenage girl who just wants to live a normal life—go to school, hang out with her friends, ignore the political strife broiling over after the events of ULTIMATE INVASION—but life has other plans for her. In Japan, urban legends have sprung to life and brought some unusual new powers with them…Meet Armor, Maystorm and a group of new Ultimate X-Men the likes of which you’ve never seen before!
Why it Made the List: I am still a little iffy about the new Ultimate Universe. Rather enjoying Ultimate Spider-Man so far and the new take on his character and world. The first issue of Ultimate Black Panther was solid but did not separate itself much from what you expect with a typical Black Panther story. Peach Momoko is a talented artist and her work in Demon Days has been full of visual feats, although the narratives have been a little shaky at times. On the plus side, this should not have much trouble separating itself from the rest of the X-Men line.
Writer: Zack Kaplan
Artist: Toni Fejzula, Fabiana Mascolo
Publisher: Vault Comics
Solicitation: An artist’s craft. June lands in a strange geometric layer of life’s simulation, where dark creatures hunt corrupted souls who dare to pass over the boundary. With the help of a crew of cynical human survivors, June must come to terms with her new powers and escape this limbo before being formatted out of existence.
Why it Made the List: What I enjoyed about the first issue of Beyond Real was that it took its time. You have this woman just working through her grief as she has lost her husband due to a horrific car accident. One of my favorite panels was her lying in bed as the panel around her breaks apart to symbolize what is happening in more ways than one. With all that established when the insanity of the final few pages occurred, it matters because of what it could mean for the future of these characters. Have to call out the colors of Jordie Bellaire as well. She does a lot of work making this digital and physical world mesh so well.
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Javier Pina
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: NEW MISSION! NEW TEAM! Sin is alive and back with Black Canary in Gotham, and the world didn’t get destroyed, but the cost was high and nobody’s exactly sure what it means yet. Shocking revelations in the wake of the Birds’ first mission lead Dinah to… a conspiracy against the Birds of Prey and a whole new mission. New mission, new team. Hold onto your butts.
Why it Made the List: I adored the first arc of Birds of Prey. Thought it ended well and now we are not only getting a new arc but also a new team and new artist. The downside being we are losing Leonardo Romero who was a big part of the reason I adored the series as much as I did. Javier Pina is a quality artist as well so hopefully the book will remain strong. The idea of having a new team for each mission has promise. It allows for different characters to be focused on and shows why certain characters fit certain missions. My hope is htis remains one of DC’s best books despite all these changes.
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution #1
Writer: Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman
Artist: Ben Bishop, Esau Escorza, Isaac Escorza
Publisher: IDW
Solicitation: More than a decade after the Last Ronin defeated the Foot Clan, New York City finds itself in a state of steady decline. Now, the disparate gangs vie for economic and political control and that the chaos is taking its toll. It’s clear to Casey Marie that if something isn’t done soon, the city she knows and loves will be lost forever. So, whether they’re ready or not, she and her young pupils must raise a new coalition and lead the charge to keep the peace. Witness the rise of the next generation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as they fight to restore peace to the streets they live below! Legendary TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman proudly presents the next epic chapter of The Last Ronin, reassembling the acclaimed creative team from the original monster bestseller for a second oversized, prestige format miniseries event!
Why it Made the List: Picking this week’s most anticipated book was quite easy. 2024 appears to be the year of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as they celebrate their 40th anniversary and we are getting a ton of great books this year. The Last Ronin was one of the most successful Turtles stories ever and now we get to see that story continue. So much hype for this book makes you wonder if it could live up to it. The good news is they took their time before to put this all together so hopefully that was time well spent.
