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A fifth Wednesday after a Holiday weekend means there are not a great deal of comics coming out this week compared to past installments. That prompted me to catch up with some series I was behind with to do this issue properly, and in many cases that paid off as you will see below. So with that said let’s get onto the countdown…
(Editor’s Name: Solicitations are provided by the Respected Publishers:
Writer: Al Ewing, Ngozi Ukazu, Gretchen Felker-Martin, Jamila Rowser, Jarrett Williams, and others
Artist: Stephen Byrne, Ngozi Ukazu, Claire Roe, ONeillJones, D. J. Kirkland and others
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: THE AWARD-WINNING DC PRIDE ANTHOLOGY IS BACK, WITH ALL-NEW STORIES FOR 2024! DC’s Eisner and Ringo award-winning Pride anthology returns in the form of a universe-spanning travelogue like you’ve never seen! In its pages, Dreamer makes a first-time pilgrimage to her ancestral planet, Naltor! Poison Ivy and Janet from HR go spore-hunting on Portworld! Superman (Jon Kent) gets the boys together for a night out in A-Town, but things go sideways when The Ray vanishes into thin air! Steel (Natasha Irons) works up the courage to face Traci 13 at the Oblivion Bar’s Pride party for the first time since they broke up! Aquaman (Jackson Hyde) catches an unexpected ride to the Fourth World just in time for their annual Love Festival! All this and more in a volume celebrating how the LGBTQIA+ community is everywhere and belongs anywhere—even the very furthest reaches of the universe. Plus, this year’s anthology features a special preview of the upcoming YA OGN The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley, as well as an unmissable autobiographical story written by industry legend Phil Jimenez about the fantastical worlds that shaped him, brought to life by Giulio Macaione!
Why it Made the List: I usually do not include anthology celebration books like this on this list because they are not something that necessarily yields anticipation. They are isolated one-and-done stories done by various creators who are only given a few pages to tell a story. Truth is even the best writers struggle to tell a great story within a few pages. Still, DC does have a pretty good track record with their Pride comics and the list of creators on this is impressive. Including Al Ewing writing a DC story for the first time since he did another short story in the Ghosts anthology, and to provide perspective regarding how long ago that was Vertigo published it. Of course, he is not the only name as there are others I do not know much about, but one of the great things about a book like this is being introduced to new and upcoming talent.
9. Rai: The Book of the Darque #1
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Emilio Utrera
Publisher: Valiant
Solicitation: Hold onto your seats as Rai and Raijin face off against their ultimate nemesis—the sinister Darque! Brace yourselves as the storytelling maestro, Dan Abnett (Nova, the Guardians of the Galaxy), returns triumphantly to conclude his epic run on Rai in this miniseries.
Why it Made the List: I mentioned with the recent release of X-O Manowar that I have been a bit disappointed with the Valiant Resurgence due to the books just not hitting as hard as I would have hoped especially in the art department. The good news is I thought that the X-O Manowar issue was a step in the right direction and that this is being written by industry veteran Dan Abnett, whose last series with Rai was quite good. Emilio Utrera is another artist I am not very familiar with so I hope he can do this world justice. I am not giving up on Valiant comics yet but I need them to do more to instill some hope if this issue turns out to be a success that will go a long way.
8. Once Upon a Time at the End of the World #15
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Nick Dragotta,
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Solicitation: As their showdown with the apocalypse-hungry Ravagers unfolds, even Maceo and Mezzy do succeed, what will remain for them in such a desolate world after losing so many loved ones… and each other?
While merely surviving alone is possible, the question will always remain-will they ever see each other again, or remain at a distance?
Why it Made the List: Knowing this week was on the lighter side I caught up with several series I have been meaning to read for some time. One of those was this book. Considering that meant reading fourteen issues in a short time I worried if that would be possible but luckily this reads easily and most importantly I rather enjoyed it. I have loved Jason Aaron’s work forever with series like Southern Bastards, Scalped, and of course, his highly regarded run on Thor. Reading I would have never guessed this was a Jason Aaron book if his name was not on the cover. A lot of the focus is on teenage kids existing in a Wasteland but it doesn’t feel like someone older trying to awkwardly write the younger generation. Also, the humor is softer than I would expect. This is all to say Aaron has grown into a versatile writer and Nick Dragotta makes it work with his expressive art. So if you were like me and waiting to catch up with this book perhaps take the time and change that.
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Rafael de Latorre
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: NO ONE IS SAFE FROM PENGUIN’S WRATH! The fire in Gotham turns into an inferno as chaos spreads in the wake of Penguin’s return. No one in the city is safe from the bird’s wrath, not least his own children. How far will Penguin go to regain his crime empire? How much blood will need to spill? You ain’t seen nothing yet.
Why it Made the List: Another book I caught up with for this week was this series. Luckily I was just a few issues behind and part of that was because I tend to enjoy Tom King’s books more when I can read them in major chunks. He loves to wind his stories around so questions raised in one issue are not fully addressed until a few issues later. When you see the entire picture things click a bit more. Rafael de Latorre is also killing it because this is not an easy comic to draw. A lot of nine-panel grids with limited progression which could easily look boring with a lesser artist but his ability to draw faces, especially Penguin’s face, makes those moments matter. This series leans into King’s strengths as a writer and has made Penguin into a better more threatening character. It was recently announced this is a twelve-issues series so I jumped back in right in time.
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Vladimir Krstić-Laci
Publisher: AWA
Solicitation: In this futuristic dark comedy by Eisner and ‘Ringo Award-winning writer Mark Russell, life and death are ruled by social media. One too many dislikes…and you’re dead. When Arnold awakes from a coma twenty years into the future, he discovers that society is now ruled by social media. Enough “likes” and “upvotes” can unlock fame and fortune but — watch your step! — enough “thumbs down” clicks and the collar around your neck explodes. And you’re done. Now, confused and running on his last Like, Arnold must navigate a world in which the slightest online misstep can have fatal consequences.
Why it Made the List: Mark Russell is teaming up once again with AWA and considering their work together gave us the Eisner-winning series Not All Robots I am not surprised we are getting a return venture. This time around instead of a mini-series this will be a one-shot that seems to include Russell’s knack for social commentary. A world ruled by social media may be the most dystopian of all the dystopian worlds. Just imagine the TikTok dances people would be forced to watch and do…shivers right down the spine. I am not super familiar with ladimir Krstić-Laci’s work but AWA has a good track record when it comes to getting quality artists on their books. I am also a fan of the one-issue story because there’s something special when you can tell a complete tale with limited space. Could easily see this being the best comic of the week if all goes well.
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: David Messina
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: THE SECRET HISTORY OF HARRY OSBORN! How does the heir apparent of Oscorp become a masked vigilante? And what does Green Goblin know of the true status of the world he lives in? All and more will be revealed!
Why it Made the List: When issue four came out I mentioned I was hoping something major would occur that would provide a hook for this book that hasn’t been quite there yet. Now clearly I enjoy it but it is taking the idea of decompressed storytelling to a new level as the major conflict of this narrative has not really shown itself yet, or maybe it has and it is just not clear. I think there is far more to Harry Osborn than we realize and I have a strong suspicion they will be using our knowledge of his past against us to go in an entirely new direction. Hoping this issue gives us a better idea of what his character is really about. Not to discredit David Messina’s art but it did not quite work for me last issue, although considering the entire issue was just a conversation that may not have been fully his fault. Maybe he can rebound with this issue, which I would assume has a bit more happening.
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Michael Allred, Laura Allred
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: MARK RUSSELL AND MIKE ALLRED’S ERA-SPANNING ADVENTURE CONTINUES! A Robin rises from the ashes! Bruce Wayne discovers he may wield more power without a mask as he reenters society to rave reviews. But when an ambitious Carmine Falcone takes over Gotham with the help of his False Face Society, Batman realizes the only way to win the war is with allies. Will the next generation be up to the task? Or is Gotham doomed to continue living in this dark age?
Why it Made the List: How do you tell a Batman story that is different than the rest? How do you change his character to make him unique in a new world? Often those changes are done by drastic means. I am thinking something along the lines of Batman Who Laughs. What I like about the approach to this series is that it changed one major thing. Bruce Wayne’s parents died but he was not there. How does that change the character of Bruce Wayne? I have enjoyed the exploration of the answer to that question. Based on the cover we are getting some Superman in this issue and as a major fan of Super Man: Space Age that’s great news for me. Any week we get a chance to see art by Michael and Laura Allred it is a good week.
Writer: Rick Remender, Brian Posehn
Artist: Brett Parson
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: Two best-friend outcasts navigate the Sacramento suburbs of 1984, where they find a home in skateboard culture and punk rock. On one side of the coin, GROMMETS is an authentic look at ’80s skater culture, a snapshot of the generation that turned skating into a worldwide phenomenon. On the other, it’s a heartfelt coming-of-age story that follows two friends from troubled homes as they navigate their damage in an era when no one cared.
Why it Made the List: Rick Remender. That’s all it really takes for a book to make this list. If his name is on it I am going to read it. Are there books he writes I end up not liking? Of course but that’s also because he writes in so many different styles and genres. Have to respect someone who doesn’t just try to repeat past success. I am also a Brian Posehn fan when it comes to his comedy. When a celebrity name is on a book times it can be a red flag as if this story was a failed movie or TV show they are trying to save as a comic. However, Brian Posehn is not new to comics as he worked a lot with Marvel on Deadpool so perhaps he simply wants to make another book. As normal Remender is teaming up with another great artist Brett Parson. The preview pages look so good. Have a strong sense this book is going to majorly click with me.
Writer: Kyle Starks
Artist: Fran Galán
Publisher: Boom Studios
Solicitation: After Parker and Linnea finally discover the inner workings of what was once thought to be a seemingly quiet town, Linnea faces a soul-shattering heartbreak. Are these their final days on the corner of Pine & Merrimac, or will Linnea take advantage of an unexpectedly sinister opportunity?
Why it Made the List: The top two books on this week’s list are very close as both are heading into some explosive conclusions. I have been reading comics forever so it is rare when a book surprises me as much as the ending of issue four did. I do wonder if everything is as it seems or if we are being tricked. The look of this cover makes me think that the ending is going to stick. Still not sure what I would rather happen. I do worry there is too much story left for this to properly end. I have felt that way with past Kyle Starks books and been completely wrong so we shall see. If you are a fan of the crime genre and you would normally get comics from people like Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips give this a try when it comes out in trade. Far too many people are sleeping on this book as it deserves far more attention than it gets. If the creators have the desire I would love to see more from this world because of the strengths of characters crafted within this world.
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Daniel Acuña
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: The end has come! A horrific bomb has been dropped and its fallout can’t be contained! AVENGERS and DEFENDERS rise up to save the world, but death stalks them all! The senses-shattering series concludes here in an epic you have to see to believe!
Why it Made the List: Not to put a lot of pressure on this issue but if it can nail the ending I could see this mini-series being one of those books people recommend as the best example of what Marvel can be. It is hard not to compare it to something like Kingdom Come as it too exists in a future world ruled by the wrong people as the heroes gave up after a tragedy took place. Also like Kingdom Come it has been powered by some incredible art. Is it to that level? Far too early to tell, but it’s been easily one of the best things Marvel has done this past year. Would a bad ending change that? Endings aren’t everything but when you have a self-contained superhero story like this they mean a bit more than something within continuity since those cannot have a fintie ending. Have to credit editorial because we got a complete series with Daniel Acuña art and never was the book late. This makes me believe the vast majority of these issues were done before the first issue dropped, or everyone was simply on the ball the entire time. Whatever the reason having the same creators for the entire run will make it a far better read when collected. I have a strong sense this series will only get more love the older it gets.
