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So this week was New York Comic Con which gave us plenty to anticipate for the next few months. It was hard to keep up with all the news as every few minutes there was another major surprise. Heck, even Vertigo is making a comeback. While looking forward can be fun, let’s not overlook the present because plenty to be excited about this week. The best part? We only have to wait a few days rather than months. With that, let’s move on to the countdown.
(Editor’s Note: Solicitations are provided by the Respected Publishers)
Writer: Tate Brombal
Artist: Werther Dell’Edera
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: On a post-apocalyptic Earth overrun by monsters, the battle between good and evil ended long ago — and evil won. Now darkness prevails as humanity struggles to survive in the corrupted wasteland that remains. Only one hero is said to haunt what’s left of our shadowed cities, the one who wields the mystical green flame that could return light to a dark world–The Green Lantern. But she’s been missing for years, and on the isolated island of New England, Solomon Grundy’s undead army only grows larger and more powerful every night… Celebrated horror artist of smash hit Something is Killing the Children Werther Dell’Edera teams with rising-star writer Tate Brombal (House of Slaughter) to bring you a chilling tale of desperation, hope, and resurrection from the bitter remains of the fan-favorite Tangent Universe!
Why it Made the List: So happy whenever the Elseworlds label appears. I’m glad DC brought it back recently and continues to put out old and new stories with it. After Marvel Zombies, DCeased, Blood Hunt, and DC vs Vampires do we need another story of superheroes fighting horror themed monsters? Sure, why not? I am big on not dismissing anything simply based on concept. Many of the series mentioned I did not think much of at first but ended up enjoying a good deal. I also really like this creative team. Became of fan of Tate Brombal on series like Barbalien: Red Planet, and Werther Dell’Edera for his work on Something is Killing the Children. That style should do great for a horror concept like this.Â
9. The Goon: Them That Don’t Stay Dead #3
Writer/Artist: Eric Powell
Publisher: Dark Horse
Solicitation: To mark the 25th anniversary of The Goon, Eric Powell returns with an all new mini-series, Them That Don’t Stay Dead! It’s homecoming for the Goon’s most hated enemies as things take a turn for the worse on Lonely Street. And the sledding only gets more treacherous for the big lug as the mysterious Dorothy Die adds to the turmoil. She’s all too willing to twist the knife in the Goon’s back. But why? Hey, it’s not all bleak. Franky has a sandwich. With an alternate special edition cover by legendary comic artist Mark Schultz.
Why it Made the List: I am always looking forward to another issue of The Goon, but it coming out in October is extra special. It’s long been a celebration of much of the horror genre and now it is coming out during the spookiest times of the year. It’s been a bit since the last issue so I don’t fully remember where the story is at this moment, but one thing that is great about The Goon is that Eric Powell brings you up to speed pretty quickly. You can’t rush greatness. I didn’t start reading this series until ten years in so kudos to him for making it welcoming for new readers. Also when you see what he does with the artwork in each issue it makes sense it takes as long as it does.
8. Resurgence of the Valiant Universe #2
Writer: Fred Van Lente, Aj Ampadu
Artist: Guillermo Fajardo
Publisher: Alien Books
Solicitation: Dr. Silk’s utopian vision shatters reality with Master Darque’s dark magic, unleashing global chaos. Valiant’s heroes — X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Eternal Warrior, Ninjak, Rai, and Faith—face unprecedented threats as battle lines are drawn—the dead rise to join the fight. Livewire learns of [SPOILER]’s return, Eternal Warrior takes sides, Bloodshot is outed as a traitor, and Ivar makes a crucial discovery. The universe trembles as alliances shift and the battle for survival intensifies!
Why it Made the List: I am rooting for Valiant to make their come back and the first issue of Resurgence of the Valiant Universe was some of the best evidence I have seen in some time that it can actually happen. It had everything I wanted from an event using Valiant characters. Every major player feels like they have a purpose and the voices all seem to be spot on. I also like the inclusion of an everyday kid living in Middle America to represent what is happening on the ground level. Also dug Guillermo Fajardo’s art which has not been the case for some of the more recent Valiant books. Will this bring Valiant back to its former glory? That I cannot say and I have my doubts simply with how packed the comic book world is at the moment. If you are a Valiant fan and have been looking for a reason to come back give this a shot because you may be getting what you have been hoping for.Â
7. Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre #1
Writer/Artist: Tom Scioli
Publisher: IDW
Solicitation: Godzilla takes on his greatest foe yet — The Great Gatsby!
The year is 1922. Mysterious man of luxury Jay Gatsby throws lavish parties from his palatial Long Island estate, all in hopes of attracting the attention of his love, Daisy Buchanan.
But his affair is interrupted as his party attracts the one thing more dangerous than love: Godzilla.
Now, Gatsby has no choice but to turn his undying will away from his love of Daisy and onto revenge against the monster who destroyed his home.
Come along with Gatsby on the journey of a lifetime in three oversized issues as he combines forces with the greatest men of the 20th century to stop its greatest monster — written and drawn by cult favorite comics creator Tom Scioli (Fantastic Four: Grand Design, Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics).
Why it Made the List: How can you not look at the Solicitation and immediately fall in love? Combing Godzilla and The Great Gatsby? Who even thinks of something like that? Tom Scioli does of course. Scioli is a student of the game and you can see the love of comics in his work. Never knew he was a literary fan as well but it makes sense. IDW has done a lot of fun things with Godzilla and I love they are allowing Scioli the room to tell a story like this. Why read Godizlla in comic form? Well, I could not see this idea making it to the bring screen, but we have seen crazier things I assume. Will this idea work? No idea, but even if it doesn’t it will be an entertaining disaster in more ways than one.Â
6. The Moon Is Following Us #2
Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo
Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: Sam and Duncan reflect on the first days of their adventure to save their daughter. The Cascade is getting stronger, and time is running out. Who will help them on this epic quest?
Why it Made the List: I had major hopes for this series based on the creative teams and I got what I was hoping for with the first issue. Rossomo and Johnson both handle art duties and their skills are as strong as ever. Also, Mike Spicer’s colors really shine and give each world a very distinct look and feel. When you have some of the best in the business you expect the best and that’s what we get-a story with a ton of potential and an emotional core that you know is going to hit hard at one point. I did not realize both Daniel Warren Johnson and Riley Rossmo were doing artwork so that was a great surprise. Also, just one issue in and we have a lot of potential when it comes to the types of characters we are going to get. Without giving too much away this works within a dreamlike world so the possibilities are a bit endless, and having creators like Johnson and Rossmo means they are going to take advantage of that.Â
Writer: Peter Warren
Artist: Francesco Mobili
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: If Kasia is going to figure out who killed Johnny and stole the Caliburn suit, what better place to start than with Greg — his former sidekick and Kasia’s forever pain in the ass? Nothing goes as planned, old friends return, betrayal lurks around every corner, and one of the TCS has blood on their hands.
Why it Made the List: As good of a creative team as Daniel Warren Johnson and Riley Rossmo are I thought The Tin Can Society #1 was a stronger and more complete first issue. Will that mean it will be a better series overall? We shall see. No doubt Rick Remender’s connection to this title helped out, especially considering this is Peter Warren’s first comic. I could not tell he has never written a comic before based on how well the script was executed. He allowed Francesco Mobili to tell the story which does not often happen with writers who come from other mediums. Often you get blocks of text that are telling you less than the art you are seeing. Not the case with this. Mobili paid off that trust with some great art. The story is centered on a murder mystery and what’s odd is that technically this is a superhero story but you can barely tell that. The human story was placed in the forefront to make it immediately stand out.Â
4. The Hunger and the Dusk: Book Two #3
Writer: G. Willow Wilson
Artist: Christian Wildgoose
Publisher: IDW
Solicitation: In a war-torn land where orcs are turning against orcs and humans against humans, nothing is more dangerous than traveling alone. But that won’t stop Cal. He made the greatest mistake of his life when he let Tara walk away, and he’ll do anything to get her back.But will the Last Men still be standing upon Cal’s return? While their guard is down, a surprise visit from Wes Deepland and his Red Screamers bears some very bad news…
Why it Made the List: Since the last time this came out I got the chance to speak with G. Willow Wilson at Baltimore Comic-Con regarding this book. You could tell how much so believed in this series and rightfully so as it has been one of the best fantasy books in comics today. Really hope the comic community returns that favor by supporting it. It does not fall into the same pitfalls so many other fantasy books do because the lore does not overtake the story, nor does it feel like you are just reading someone else trying to do their own take on Lord of the Rings. Plus Christian Wildgoose draws such a beautiful world full of creatures of every size and type. So if you are a fantasy fan and maybe let down by some of the more recent big fantasy shows comics like this have your back.
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Hayden Sherman
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: EISNER WINNER KELLY THOMPSON AND BREAKOUT ARTIST HAYDEN SHERMAN REINVENT WONDER WOMAN FROM THE GROUND UP! Without the island paradise… without the sisterhood that shaped her… without a mission of peace… what’s left is the Absolute Amazon!
Why it Made the List: As a fan of Absolute Batman #1 I have to say despite my skepticism this Absolute Universe may actually work, or at least it is getting off to a good start. I would read anything Kelly Thompson writes, or anything Hayden Sherman draws so them together on a book is great. I have enjoyed Thompson’s work with DC thus far as Birds of Prey has made this list plenty of times, and love the idea of her getting the chance with Hayden Sherman to form a new Wonder Woman for a new age. Sherman has evolved so much as an artist. When I look at the work he did for one of my favorite series Wasted Space and the preview art for this book it barely looks like the same person. That versatility is something to be proud of, and I know many are not fans of the current Wonder Woman run so perhaps this will give those something to enjoy. Personally looking forward to enjoying both.
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #3
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Cliff Chiang
Publisher: IDW
Solicitation: Leonardo is traveling the world in search of peace. All the adventures — good and bad — he’s had with his brothers have taken their toll, and he is seeking a new way to exist, leaving the life of New York far behind. On the banks of the Ganges, he has found a turtle colony that shows him a simpler way to be, but even these turtles have their foes. Leo can fend off the poachers easily, protecting his temporary home, but what will he do when a deadlier enemy comes searching for him?
Continuing this new run of stories by legendary comics scribe Jason Aaron (The Mighty Thor, Batman: Off-World), each of these first four issues focuses on one Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. In the Leonardo issue, Jason is matched with fan-favorite artist Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls, Catwoman: Lonely City), whose unique style is a perfect match for this unique TMNT story!
Why it Made the List: Sometimes great ideas don’t have to be complicated. Starting this new run with each issue focusing on a different turtle with a new artist has worked to great effect thus far. I am a bit surprised Leonardo was not saved for the last issue, but saving my personal favorite for the last also works. I cannot think of the last time we saw Cliff Chiang on interiors so that’s is a major plus. Cannot wait to see what he does with the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. So far Jason Aaron appears to have the voice down of every character so will that remain the same for Leonardo? Sometimes he can have the Cyclops problem where people write him in a boring manner, but I doubt that will be the case here.
Writer: Rick Remender, Brian Posehn
Artist: Brett Parson
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: Good times turn ugly when drunken jocks doing jock things harsh everyone’s buzz with their brutal stupidity and test the strength and loyalty of weakened friendships.
Why it Made the List: If you were going to ask me what my favorite series is in comics right now my answer would be this book. First and foremost it offers something that you cannot find in many places within monthly comics right now. No gimmicks, no genre bend, it is simply a story about life at a specific place and time. As a fan of Richard Linklater films it’s the closest we have come to the comic book version of Slacker or Dazed and Confused. Brett Parson’s linework and Moreno DiNisio’s colors have been spectacular as well making it one of the best-looking books on the shelves. It has cartoony elements in the way it depicts extreme emotion or violence, but not in a way that diminishes the reality of the story. I simply love being part of the world these creators have brought back to life, and despite it existing in an era and place I was not a part of it has a similar feeling of freedom that can only exist within adolescents. Sad we only have a few issues left of this book. It will leave a void I do not see getting filled anytime soon.Â