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What is a number one issue? This week’s list includes a lot of number one issues although most are not ‘true’ number ones. Some are spin-offs while others are continuations of series that have been going on for some time now. I don’t mind when a series goes back to number one if it’s the start of a new chapter or a change in the creative team. It’s one quick way to show fans this is a new starting point. One thing I do like about Marvel is how their Legacy numbering can do both. Ease of access is key.
With that let’s go to this week’s countdown.
(Editor’s Note: Solicitation’s are provided by the respected Publishers)
Writer: Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay
Artist: Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay
Publisher: DSTLRY
Solicitation: The mystery of who killed Harald is finally solved, but is it too late for Ingrid to escape the harrowing clutches of the ethereal and deadly “Shadow Man”? More importantly, does she even WANT to escape, or has her new-found sexual awakening made it impossible to ever return?!
From the masterful minds of Becky Cloonan (BY CHANCE OR PROVIDENCE) and Tula Lotay (BARNSTORMERS) comes an intoxicating blend of history, eroticism, and the supernatural in SOMNA-an evocative masterpiece that draws inspiration from folk-horror staples like Midsommar and The Witch-and will transport readers to a world where passion and spirits intertwine, captivating your senses and leaving you craving more.
Why it Made the List: One thing that is extremely rare in comics today is explorations in eroticism. It’s rare to see characters kiss in mainstream comics. Odd considering the Comic Code of Authority is long gone, yet somehow it has become more taboo. Enter a book like Somna to show what those types of explorations can yield wondrous results. As a fan of movies like The Witch Somna dives into a similar time with an eery atmosphere. The dream sequences have been simultaneously elegant and horrifying, which I did not know was possible. There are a lot of horror stories that look to scare but Somna is looking to move its readers on a deeper level both emotionally and physically.
Writer: Zac Thompson
Artist: Daniel Irizarri
Publisher: Oni Press
Solicitation: Creators Zac Thompson (Hunt for the Skinwalker) and Daniel Irizarri (XINO) navigate an uncanny reality where the monsters are anything but science fiction . . . After Pik’s tragic encounter with the King of Sleep, Birdie is adamant that her brother—while appearing to be in a coma—is actually trapped within the game Nightmare Cemetery. With Wilson and Enid by her side, they enter the Piped District where the game play increases in complexity and horror as it taps into their deepest fears.
Why it Made the List: I rather enjoyed the first issue of this series. The design of the video game world by Daniel Irizarri felt like something that could exist while at the same time not coming off as a blatant copy of an actual video game. My knowledge of current games is limited so it might be similar to something more recent. Beyond that, the story was well told, creating several immediately compelling characters. Establishing character is difficult to do when dealing with a group but it was handled well. So now the excitement becomes seeing this journey continue with this issue and spending more time with these characters.
Writer: Tony Fleecs
Artist: Trish Forstner, Tone Rodriguez
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicition: A NEW HORROR FROM THE CREATORS OF STRAY DOGS!
Meet Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches, and Patch, three indoor cats lost in the not-so-great outdoors during a nightmarish rabies outbreak.
Without their humans to protect them, the cats rush to find their way home before they’re eaten by the forest full of rabid beasts on their tails.
Don’t get bit. Don’t get scratched. Don’t become…FERAL.
Why it Made the List: As a huge fan of Stray Dogs I love that this team is coming back together for a brand new title. They have found a story that can exist within the same style of Stray Dogs but not just be a retread. I consider myself more of a dog person but cats can be fun too. Using rabies to tell a zombie-like story is such a smart idea. Trish Forstner is a talented artist especially when drawing animals so it should look fantastic as well. Plus think of the covers! They made many great covers with Stray Dogs, which will undoubtedly be the same with Feral.
Writer/Artist: Sean Murphy
Publisher: MASSIVE PUBLISHING
Solicition: Don Quixote meets Narcos in Sean Gordon Murphy’s Zorro: Man of the Dead. In this modern reimagining, the writer-artist behind DC Comic’s Batman: White Knight, delivers a fresh take on the legendary swashbuckling hero.
El Rojo and the Cartel have had enough of Diego and his delusions. There will never be a return of Zorro, and they will punish anyone who disagrees. But even Rosa is having a hard time dismissing Zorro as anything more than a myth, as her brother relentlessly inspires hope across all of Le Vega. Things are getting dangerous FAST as Zorro, Rosa, Tomás, Bandito and Tornado dash to stop the decimation El Rojo is planning for all who dare stand against him. Are whips and swords enough? I can’t help but believe in El Zorro!
Why it Made the List: Sean Murphy has found a way to update the lore of Zorro for the modern age. Having a character like Zorror fight against more serious threats like the cartels seems like a tonal nightmare. Zorror’s showmanship seems a bit cartoony for a world where horrific violence occurs. So what do you do? Murphy leans into that unique juxtaposition by having a person who thinks he is Zorro living in a far more real world. It is a tight strike balance, but it has worked well so far. The last issue even included quite an exciting car chase. This has become one of my favorite surprises of the year thus far.
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Solicitation: PETER PARKER’S NEW LIFE GETS EVEN MORE COMPLICATED… Spider-Man sizes up the new hero Green Goblin! As they team up to fight a new super villain, secrets about the corporations running North America are revealed… And you’ll never guess who discovers Spider-Man’s secret identity!
Why it Made the List: This series is taking its time. Not as much as the first Ultimate Spider-Man where Peter didn’t dawn the costume until the conclusion of the first arc. Still, hhere has been a lot of Peter trying to figure out what it means to be Spider-Man. The family aspect is starting to play a bigger role as well. Last issue Peter made the fatal error of trying to have one of his kids keep a secret from the rest of the family. That never ends well. In the world of superheroes, it can be a fatal mistake. (Hopefully not of course) Marco Checchetto is also proving to be one heck of a Spider-Man artist. The transition from the Man Without Fear to the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man has been flawless.
5. Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #5
Writer: Tim Sheridan
Artist: Cian Tormey
Publisher: DC COMICS
Solicitation: THE GREEN LANTERN VS. THE RED LANTERN! Alan Scott and the Red Lantern come to blows! But what’s going to happen when these two ancient forces battle it out, and what will it mean for the Green Lantern?!
Why it Made the List: One of my favorite DC books since it debuted is nearing its end, at least for this first arc. If this were to become an ongoing I would fully support DC in that decision. Alan Scott is not a character I know a great deal about. So a big part of what I have enjoyed with this series is the exploration of his character and the immense pressure he was under as a gay man at a time when it was not accepted. Beyond that, they have crafted this emotional conflict with the Red Lantern that goes well beyond the normal hero vs villain dynamic. When I look at everything this series has accomplished so far I am rather surprised we are merely hitting issue number five this week.
Writer: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley
Artist: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: Inga Johanning, Local Man’s ex-girlfriend and current archenemy, is on the run.
Her journey will bring her face-to-face with her past, her crimes, and two of the other badass ladies in the Local Man Universe—
Neon peers through the pink fog to reveal her dark, violent origin.
**Frightside **encounters Crossjack and tests the selfishness in his heart.
A perfect jumping-on point for new readers and a must-have for fans who love—and especially those who hate—the long-gone days of blood-splattered breasts, big blades, and bad girls.
Why it Made the List: More Local Man? Yes, please! I have written a lot about the Local Man series on this site and how I think it’s been one of Image’s most compelling series for some time now. It has been able to be this commentary of the classic extreme 90s while still residing within it. Unlike a lot of stories that simply turn their nose at that period, it is adding to it. Looking at what worked and showcasing why, while at the same time telling a deeper tale. Now we are getting a spinoff focusing on Local Man’s ex-girlfriend. This is a smart move because so much was done to build up this world. Why not take advantage of it?
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Jacob Phillips
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicition: Series Finale. After the cataclysmic events of last issue, it’s up to Emily to pick up the pieces of Newburn’s life. But can anyone defeat the Black Castle? The hit Image series by Chip Zdarsky and Jacob Phillips ends with a bang! PLUS: “Loaded Dice” by Chase and Lelay reaches its conclusion as the party and the loot are divided.
Why it Made the List: While one of my favorite current Image books starts anew, another is set to see the end this week. That is what you call the give and take of the world of comics. If you read my review of the last issue you would have seen how well I thought it handled the setup to this showdown. Newburn’s world has been crumbling for some time and finally, the entire thing fell. Now he is trying to rebuild the pieces or at least take out those who wronged him in the process. Tragedy seems like it is inevitable with this book but perhaps we’ll get some sort of happy ending. Either way, I hope it can solidify the journey we have been on thus far. I have a lot of faith it will do exactly that.
2. The Goon: Them That Don’t Stay Dead #1
Writer/Artist: Eric Powell
Publisher: Dark Horse
Solicition: To mark the 25th anniversary of The Goon, Eric Powell returns with an all-new miniseries, Them That Don’t Stay Dead! The return to Lonely Street hasn’t been easy for the Goon and Franky. And just as they’ve finally got the various gangs of blood suckers and night stalkers back in line, and they can finally relax with a nice night out bowling, a new threat appears. One that will shake the very foundations of Nameless Town. Also, Spider gets hooked on the junk. Drama! With an alternate special edition cover by Craig Davison. Davison’s work is well known for its depiction of childhood pop culture fantasy. From Star Wars to Marvel superheroes, Davison’s art reminds us what it was like to be a kid using creative ways to transform into our favorite heroes and villains.
Why it Made the List: Picking my top book this week was quite hard. This and number one are so close it is less like one and two and more like 1-A and 1-B. I am a big fan of Eric Powell especially his work on The Goon So I am excited that it makes its return this week to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Now you may see that and wonder will this new miniseries be welcoming to new readers. My guess is most likely. I began reading this series when it celebrated its 20th anniversary and despite coming in so late it was extremely new reader friendly. The Goon is like taking a classic mobster tough guy and placing him in a Universal Monster movie. A lot of punching and good times is had by all. No one draws like Powell and he’s able to mesh the worlds of Noir and horror with ease. So if you have not checked out The Goon thus far it’s the perfect time to change that.
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Michael Allred, Laura Allred
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: HE EISNER-NOMINATED SUPERMAN: SPACE AGE TEAM, MARK RUSSELL AND MIKE ALLRED, TAKE ON THE DARK KNIGHT! Meet Bruce Wayne, Gotham’s favorite delinquent son. In an origin story like no other, witness the boy become a dark knight shaped by a city in turmoil as it marches towards its prophesied doom. Set against the backdrop of actual historical events, Gotham comes alive, filled with the iconic characters who’ve loved and hated Batman over the years like you’ve never seen them before. Spinning out of the Eisner-nominated Superman: Space Age, Mark Russell and Mike Allred return to give audiences a look at Batman as a figure in American history fighting for justice in a world gone mad.
Why it Made the List: As mentioned picking number one this week was a hard choice but it is really hard to beat the combination of Mark Russell and Michael and Laura Allred. One of my favorite writers and artist teams come together to create a sequel to one of my favorite Superman stories in ages. In Superman: Space Age we got a sense of this world’s Batman but a lot was left unsaid. So now they can build upon what they started. If this goes well maybe we see further Space Age books focused on characters like Wonder Woman or Flash. I would not be against that whatsoever.
