Share this
It is another one of those weeks. Where we have A LOT of new series coming out, and some really big books as well. So yes over half this week’s books have a #1 next to them. Although one is not a new number one, alas that is the comic world we live in. The good news is there are plenty of new shiny toys on the shelves this week. Let’s just hope they don’t break down when we get them home.
(Editor’s Note: Solicitations are provided by the respected Publishers)
Writer: Murewa Ayodele
Artist: Lucas Werneck
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST MUTANT, NOW HEADLINING HER OWN SOLO SERIES! Ororo Munroe has lived many lives. She’s been a thief, a goddess, an X-Man, a queen and now an Avenger! She is the most prominent, most respected and most powerful mutant on the world stage — and in that role, she intends to be a force for positive change! First up: A major meltdown at a nuclear facility in Oklahoma City draws Storm from her Sanctuary in Atlanta — and into a moral conflict that will test her iron resolve! Guest-starring X-FACTOR’s FRENZY!
Why it Made the List: Marvel is trying to make 2024 the year of Storm and I am here for it. Crazy that a character that has existed as long as she has only had twelve solo issues up to this point. She’s one of my favorite X-Men, and I always felt she was capable of being one of Marvel’s Top Tier characters. Now she is a member of the Avengers and is getting her own solo series. The creative team is one I do not have a great deal of experience with, and that has me excited about what they could do with a book like this. Murewa Ayodele has done some work on specials and that apparently impressed Marvel enough to place him in this series. Hoping he proves them right.
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Josh Hixson
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: The police are sure that Michael is guilty. Derek is convinced that he’s not. And if Derek is right, that means the killer responsible for the grisly murders is still on the loose… and is very, very unhappy that Derek is getting closer to unraveling the truth.
Why it Made the List: This is shaping up to be one of my favorite James Tynion IV books. It’s a meshing of horror and crime that I love, and the mystery has been rather compelling. Every time I feel like I have a grasp of what the answers are it slightly changes the direction. Josh Hixson’s artwork works so well at handling the tone of this series and is very specific.
Even when there are simple conversations there is an eariness to the events taking place. Tynion also seems to trust him because he lets the art tell the story much more than his normal scripts. Considering we are in the official spooky season perfect time for this to conclude as we only have two issues left. Although the scariest part may be the Christmas connection it also reminds me how close we are until that begins.
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: A new epic era in character-centered horror begins as GHOST MACHINE launches HYDE STREET, its newest ongoing series from creators GEOFF JOHNS and IVAN REIS (Blackest Night, Green Lantern, Aquaman)!
In every city and town, off every country road and metropolis avenue, if you make a wrong turn…you might find yourself on Hyde Street. But be careful who you talk to and what you do because the consequences make death itself seem like the easy way out. Introducing MR. X-RAY! PRANKY, THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS SCOUT! MISS GOODBODY! AND MANY MORE…out to delight, fright, and say good night. What is their secret and that of Hyde Street? Only they know. For now.
Why it Made the List: Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis are joining forces yet again after doing some wonderful work with DC comics. That alone is something to be excited about. Now though instead of telling another Green Lantern and Aquaman story, they get to create their own new world. Ghost Machine has been a rather successful imprint regarding the quality of comics they have put out.
Considering the talent they have involved you would expect nothing less. Johns and Reis have done some special things together so this has a good chance of being the best book out of the entire line. The concept I cannot seem to fully grasp–in a good way. The other Ghost Machine books were rather straightforward, but this seems like it could change things up a bit. Plus we know it is going to look amazing. Another read to pick up if you are in the mood for some horror books.
7. Space Usagi: White Star Rising #1
Writer/Artist: Stan Sakai
Publisher: Dark Horse
Solicitation: Taking place directly after the Space Usagi: Death and Honor arc, Stan Sakai’s second Space Usagi series sees Miyamoto Usagi continuing to defend the Shirohoshi clan in the far future from scheming rivals, the Kajitori. New friends, like space pirate Rhogen, and new enemies, led by Empress Amateh, are introduced, and this miniseries will be newly colored by longtime collaborator Emi Fujii!
Each issue will also include a new eight-page short story by Julie Sakai and Stan Sakai, featuring Space Usagi’s Akemi character!
The rabbit ronin’s classic adventures in space continue — now in color!
Why it Made the List: I can get used to having a new Usagi Yojimbo book each week. Last week we had the crossover over with Power Rangers, and now Usagi is back in Space once again. Now this is not really a new number one, but rather the second chapter of a story that started previously. In addition, this has been released before but now it’s getting rereleased in color.
So how can I anticipate it? Well, as the old slogan used to say, “If I haven’t seen it, it’s new to me”. I have read a good amount of Usagi but this side I was completely new to and I adored the last volume. It has everything I love about the main book with some additional science fiction elements. So perhaps if the classic Usagi is not your thing this version of the story will work much better for you.
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Jacob Edgar, Alex Lins
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: The Justice League won’t listen to him, his wife and kid want nothing to do with him… but Plastic Man doesn’t need a single one of them to pull off his grand plan to cheat death. And it all starts with, uh… kidnapping the Metal Men. It’s for a good cause! He swears!
Why it Made the List: I love being right. I mean who doesn’t? Especially when all I have to do is read a comic. What am I talking about? Well, issue one made this list because I thought this type of story was perfect for a writer like Christopher Cantwell and the great artists working on this series together. Based on issue one that appears to be correct.
Now the question becomes if they can maintain it for a second issue. One of the things that really got me with the first issue was the use of body horror. Some imagery would make Cronenberg squirm. Now that Plastic Made is deteriorating even more I can only fear (in a good way) what he is going to look like in this. Also, as expected, this being a Black Label series has given them a lot of room to tell their own story that is not tied or burdened with continuity.
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Marcio Takara
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: As she contends with a brand-new life and restored powers, Poison Ivy resumes her wrathful and just war for the balance of the natural world. Her latest mission: to restore life to the wetlands that Gotham City’s industrial waste has destroyed. But her goals are upended when she unintentionally resurrects an ancient place from Gotham’s past and with it…. something hungry. Meanwhile, cleansing fires burn across America, seeking to rid the country of human influence. And somehow, Poison Ivy is to blame.
Why it Made the List: The last issue of Poison Ivy was a celebration of the character that slightly moved the story forward. Now things get back to normal with a story completely focused on this current arc. This has been one of DC’s best books since it first came out. Marcio Takara’s art is a big reason why. I mentioned with Plastic Man No More! #2 the amount of body horror that occurred, but Takara is a completely different take on that idea.
Often it is beautiful with how grotesque it can become. Ivy has brought together an exciting group of characters as well including Killer Croc who is quickly becoming one of the best characters in this run. I still find it crazy that a Poison Ivy book has been able to get up to twenty-six issues. Not many DC or Marvel books get beyond issue twelve anymore. That tells you how strong this series has been.
Writer: Jordan Thomas
Artist: Daniel Gete
Publisher: Oni Press
Solicitation: From writer Jordan Thomas (The Man from Maybe) and artist Daniel Gete (Über) comes a sci-fi/action spectacle that will force you to trust no one . . . In the year 2142, fertility levels around the globe plummeted, and a black market for illegal clone babies emerged. Millions of parents used their own genetic material to welcome these new children, only realizing the horrific consequences far too late.
At some point in their life cycle, three in four of these genetic duplicates transform into psychologically unstable killing machines known as Dupes. Fortunately, the United Nations of Europe has decided to take an active role in containing the growing threat. Their specialized task force has taken up the unenviable task of hunting Dupes before their violence can spread. To the government, they’re the Duplicate Identification and Capture Division. To everyone else, they’re the Skin Police. The worst part of the job? It’s always the one you least suspect . . .
Why it Made the List: Jordan Thomas is one of my favorite writers in comics right now. He is currently writing one of my favorite books in Mugshots, and his past work on books like Weird Work, The Man from Maybe, and Frank at Home on the Farm shows both his skill and variety as a writer. He takes chances and those chances tend to produce great results. The premise of this story sounds bonkers, and I love bonkers. (Both the Classic Disney Cartoon and when things get weird) I am not super familiar with the world of Daniel Gete, but Thomas has so far only teamed with strong artists. Do not believe that will change. In a week with some major releases with big names, I would not be surprised if this ends up being the best new series out this week.
3. Conan: Battle of the Black Stone #2
Writer: Jim Zub
Artist: Jonas Scharf
Publisher: Titan Comics
Solicitation: Conan of Cimmeria is haunted by shadows, living nightmares connected to a mysterious eye symbol etched in black stone.
An unspeakable evil looms over the Hyborian Age and every age connected to it… and it will take more than a lone barbarian to stop its relentless march upon time, space, and sanity.
Battle of the Black Stone is an epic new Conan Event from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics!
Why it Made the List: Are you sick of Multiverse stories? Yes? Well, fine but you should still check out this book. Conan: Battle of the Black Stone is Titan trying to do an event with the Conan world bringing in different characters from different times and worlds. Based on the cover for example we know that Solomon Kane and Conan will be meeting in this issue. The first issue surprised me a good deal. We have some classic Conan action but the potential to do some much more with it, and we are just getting started.
Solomon Kane joining forces with Conan should be a good time. My knowledge of Solomon Kane is limited, yet I am excited simply to learn more about him and his world. The benefit of Conan as well is that you can often jump in at any time and be fine. For example, I am rather behind with the main book but had no issue picking this up and understanding what was going on. So if you have an interest in the Conan world but never tried it this would make for a great place to jump aboard.
2. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Insurgency Rising #1
Writer: Alex Segura
Artist: Leonard Kirk
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: IN THE WAKE OF THE BATTLE OF ENDOR, CAN LUKE, LEIA AND THE NASCENT NEW REPUBLIC STAVE OFF AN UNEXPECTED — AND DEADLY — NEW THREAT? A DEFIANT IMPERIAL takes center stage — and goes on the offensive against the NEW REPUBLIC! LEIA makes a startling discovery in the forests of ENDOR! Who are the mysterious and deadly ACOLYTES OF THE BEYOND?! What is the new villain’s connection to DARTH VADER? All this as the post-Return of the Jedi storytelling BEGINS!
Why it Made the List: I have been waiting for Marvel to do comics in this era of Star Wars for some time. Now they no longer have to force stories between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Now they are forcing stories between Jedi and Force Awakens. The good news is there is so much more room to tell stories, and there are so many unknowns to focus on.
The possibility of new characters as well as seeing how Luke, Han, and Leia ended up where they were in Force Awakens has me excited. I dropped off the Star Wars comics a long time ago because the restraint they were under became very apparent. My hope is this special will demonstrate what can happen when those restraints are removed. Alex Segura has done rather well with the Dick Tracy comics. That is a very type of story but being able to stay true to fans’ expectations while telling exciting new stories is not a muscle everyone has. Segura does have it so much reason to have faith he will flex it once again here.
Writer: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson
Artist: Daniel Sampere, Wes Craig, Dan Mora
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: Following the events of Absolute Power, the heroes of the core DC Universe have fought against the deep divisions in the world around them to usher in a new era of unity.
And it’s just in time, too — because Darkseid has returned! Superman gathers every DC Super Hero on Earth to hold the line against a vastly different version of the Lord of Apokolips as they raise our cosmic defenses and prepare for war. And when the first blows land, the shock waves will ripple across DC’s core series, shaking the nature of their realities to their very foundation!
But a greater threat looms on the horizon in the Absolute Universe. Here, DC’s biggest icons come of age with fewer advantages while facing greater opposition than ever before and retaining the immutable heroism that continues to inspire and entertain fans. But can they really protect the light that shines inside them when the world in which they live is hurtling toward a terrible destiny?
Why it Made the List: The word anticipation was created for comics like this. That feeling mixes hope, desire, fear, anxiousness, and excitement all into one. DC All In Special #1 is set to bridge the DC universe from the end of Absolute Power to the start of this new initiative. I know there has been a lot of conversation regarding the upcoming Absolute Universe. Plenty of naysayers as well as those like myself are excited about it. I look at the creative teams and think it has a great deal of potential. Now looking at this special I am simply elated at the artists involved. Daniel Sampere and Dan Mora have done so much great DC work.
The name that stands out the most though is Wes Craig. Deadly Class is one of my all-time favorite books and his style should contrast well with Mora and Sampere’s. Comics are best when publishers make bold moves. I was unsure about the Marvel Ultimate universe when it started up again. Now they are producing some of my favorite Marvel Comics. Say what you will but the ideas put forward here seem just as bold, and when you have the talent DC does to execute those ideas chances are it should work out. You could argue this is one of the most important DC comics in ages because it will set the tone for what is to come for maybe years. Not often an issue like that comes out. That’s why it was an easy number one this week.
