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The week after New Comic Book Day is an interesting one. Do you hold back on major books because everyone already spent way too much money the weekend before or do you try to keep the momentum going into the summer? Looking at the slate of books coming out it appears most publishers chose the latter.
(Editor’s Note: Solicitations are provided by the Respect Publishers)
Writer: Jordan Thomas
Artist: Chris Matthews
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Solicitation: Brighton, UK. 2008. The kidnapping of a young woman starts a chain of events that will set con artists, gangsters, killers, and corrupt police on a collision course of violence. Meet John Bannan, self-proclaimed bastard and loving uncle, in this tale of family trauma, betrayal, murder, and revenge that threatens to bring the city’s whole underworld down.
Why it Made the List: Any time I see Jordan Thomas’s name on a book I am going to check it out. He constantly impresses me with the new and unique things he is doing in the world of comics. Last year he did the series The Man From Maybe and Weird Work with artist Shaky Kane and both were two of my favorites of the year. This time around he is working with artist Chris Matthews who I am not as familiar with, but the previews of this comic look rather slick and stylish. I got sixty-era vibes akin to something like the original Italian Job. As someone who loves the noir genre that’s a major plus. Also what a cover. That blue background really cases that black and white to pop.
Writer/Artist: Jock
Publisher: DSTLRY
Solicitation: Abi has been from one end of the galaxy to the other and just about the only place she hasn’t reached is the one place she’s most afraid to go…HOME. But fate, and her own steely will, have combined to send her there, and now she must confront a past secret that’s darker than the deepest depths of outer space.
Beautifully written and drawn by JOCK-Eisner Award winning artist of SNOW ANGELS and BATMAN: ONE DARK KNIGHT-GONE comes to its heart-rending conclusion!
Why it Made the List: Jock has long proved himself as one of the best artists of his generation, and with this series, he showed he is no slouch in the writing department as well. Now this series is coming to its conclusion and I am not fully sure where this will go. Love that feeling. I understand why this was the first major release for DSTLRY as it allowed Jock to tell a story he probably would not be able to with most other publishers. I usually just read my comics digitally but with DSTLRY’s oversized editions, it is worth it to pick up the physical copies to experience the art fully. I hope this leads Jock to do another series as a writer because he has a lot to say.
Writer: Ryan Cady
Artist: Al Barrionuevo
Publisher: Valiant
Solicitation: A mysterious sinkhole emerges in the heart of DC, devouring the newly erected X-O Memorial statue in its depths. But this is no ordinary sinkhole; it’s a gateway to The Faraway, a realm beyond imagination, teeming with peril and unknown wonders. Prepare for an epic adventure as Jamie Capshaw, the mastermind behind Valiant’s new team, brings together an ensemble of extraordinary characters, including the iconic Eternal Warrior, Ninjak, Bloodshot, and other guest stars!
Why it Made the List: As I mentioned on many of these lists I am a big fan of Valiant comics and I rooting for this new Resurgence to be a major success. Although I do feel like a bit of a jinx because every time I put a Valiant book on this list it often gets delayed or pushed back. With comics sometimes it is impossible to know exactly when books are coming out because plans change so often. Based on the Alien Books website this is set to be released so feel strong about this one. The Valiants are basically the Avengers of the Valiant universe so if you are looking to jump into this world it’s a good option since you get a variety of different characters. If this comic can work it’s a great sign for the rest of the line as well. We are also getting a new Faith series as well and that nearly made the list too as she is one of my favorite characters in the Valiant universe. It’s been a long time since two books from Valiant have come out in the same week. Here’s hoping that becomes the norm moving forward.
7. The Devil That Wears My Face #6
Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Alex Cormack
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Solicitation: The Curia is broken, as Legion’s corruption floods the streets of Rome. While the Vatican burns, Father Vieri must make his final stand against the demon that wears his face. Yet with his greatest weapon proven powerless against the Devil, can Vieri and Maria find another way to reclaim his body? Or will the horrifying secrets of Vieri’s past turn out to be his undoing? All that is certain is that Legion’s depravity has finally been unleashed… and it will take more than a priest to banish this terrifying demon back to Hell.
Why it Made the List: I have been waiting a few months for this issue and am so glad it is finally here. We last saw this series in March and it left on a pretty solid cliffhanger. Delays happen but the wait does seem much longer when you are enjoying a book, especially when it is the last issue of the series. Still, I would rather they take the time to get it right rather than rush it. I have described this series as Face/Off meets the Exorcist except it is actually good, and if you have missed it to this point highly advise checking the trade when it hits stores. This has been a great read for any horror fan who may have been disappointed by some other higher-profile Exorists stories that were recently released.
Writer: Skottie Young
Artist: Jorge Corona
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: Eisner Award-winning writer SKOTTIE YOUNG and Eisner Award-nominated artist JORGE CORONA, the team behind the hit series MIDDLEWEST and THE ME YOU LOVE IN THE DARK, are back together with an all-new miniseries, AIN’T NO GRAVE! This Unforgiven-style journey is an original macabre Western/fantasy tale for mature readers, told through a Guillermo Del Toro-esque lens.
Ryder put her violent past behind her when she fell in love and became a mother. But that was before she learned it was all going to be taken away. Now she’ll have to pick up her guns once again and ride to kill the one who’s behind the threat. Which just happens to be Death.
Why it Made the List: The last time Skottie Young and Jorge Corona worked together was with the series Middlewest and that might be Skoittie Young’s best series, especially if you are just counting the series Young was writing and not drawing. Now they are doing a western and that’s all I needed to know. A creative team I have huge respect for is doing a book in one of my favorite genres. I am in. Sometimes it is as simple as that.
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Jonathan Case
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: THE BIRDS SEARCH FOR BARBARA GORDON! If the Birds of Prey have one mission, it’s “protect Barbara Gordon at all costs,” and that mission is… not going great. Dinah and her team search for Barbara in this strange new world that seems specifically designed to trip them up. Many mysteries lurk in the dark of this world, and some of them don’t even want to kill you… probably.
Why it Made the List: Birds of Prey has been one of my favorite DC comics since it first came out and despite some changes in artists that has not changed. It helps that Jordie Bellaire has remained the Colorist as she allows this series to have a unique aesthetic. She has been pushing boundaries with this series and that’s not something you can often do as a colorist with Marvel and DC. Her color palettes vary greatly, often with a faded or worn-down finish. Hope she earns an Eisner for this work. This is also the start of a new arc although elements of this story have been there from the beginning. Usually, that means a book is heading towards its end and I hope that is not the case. Although considering this is Kelly Thompson’s first book with DC I could see he wanting to jump to other major characters with this universe. I love the voice she hs had for these characters so wherever she may go I shall follow.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, & Green #1
Writers/Artists: Paulina Ganucheau, Declan Shalvey
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Solicitation: It’s the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles like you’ve never seen them before! This special series gathers up some of comics’ most eclectic and exciting talent to bring their takes on TMNT to the page, taking the characters back to their origins in black-and-white independent comics… but with a touch of green!
Thrill to all-new adventures by the likes of Paulina Ganucheau (Wonder Woman: The Adventures of Young Diana), Declan Shalvey (Deadpool vs. Old Man Logan, Moon Knight), and more. With covers by Shalvey, Ganucheau, and superstar James Stokoe (Orc Stain; Godzilla: The Half-Century War)!
Why it Made the List: It is such a great time to be a fan of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. IDW has been doing a lot to celebrate their 40th Anniversary with this series being the latest example. We have gotten a variety of these Black, White, and random color series over the last few years from Marvel and DC so it makes sense to do the same with a franchise like the Turtles. You can get a great deal of high-quality artists to do stories that may not be able to commit to a full issue. For this issue, I am looking forward to seeing what Declan Shalvey can do with this world. He’s been doing well writing for the Thundercats and now he gets to draw for another classic Saturday Morning cartoon. Anthology books like this are also a great way to learn about new artists and writers you never heard of before. The combination of creative freedom and discovery is what makes series like this so useful for fans and creators.
Writer: Ryan North
Artists: Carlos Gómez
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: Things are calm and normal, and definitely will be for a long while. Things are NOT about to explode in everyone’s faces, and this is NOT the last chance at normalcy that the FF will have for a very, very long time! With that being absolutely the case, Ben “The Thing” Grimm and Johnny “The Human Torch” Storm get part-time jobs to bring in some extra cash for the family – and end up getting the same job at the same location. But surely pairing a hotheaded fire guy with an exasperated rock guy is a recipe for peace, quiet and tranquility, right? And surely these two won’t bring their own drama with them when working side by side, yes? Also in this issue: anagnorisis!
Why it Made the List: The phrase, “What more can be said”, gets overused but I am running out of wars to say how good this current run of Fantastic Four is every week it comes out. It has not slowed down as the last issue was one of the best of the run thus far. How Ryan North can craft so many complete one-issue stories is beyond me, and it helps when he is partnered with great artists who tell those stories with precision and craftsmanship. Ben and Johnny getting a Part Time Job together sounds like the concept for a bad 90’s sitcom. As a 90’s kid, I mean that in the best of ways. They have been Marvel’s best comedic duo for 60 years now so this will just continue that legacy. I can only imagine the pranks Johnny Storm is going to play on Gen Grim. It’ll be like Jim and Dwight from The Office just with superpowers–which also sounds like a 90’s sitcom I would watch.
2. Energon Universe Special 2024 #1
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: A special new printing of ENERGON UNIVERSE FCBD 2024 SPECIAL featuring three all new stories from the Energon Universe, with stunning revelations for the worlds of TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and VOID RIVALS from the biggest names in comics.
A perfect jumping-on point for new readers and a can’t-miss for long-term fans.
Why it Made the List: So this might be a bit of a cheat since this already came out for Free Comic Book Day, but due to family commitments I missed New Comic Book Day this year. I know I failed as a comic fan, but you got to put dad duties first. So I am looking forward to an opportunity to get to read this. Also since I put this on the list I did not include Transformers this week as both are part of the same larger story. This new Energon Universe has brought so much life and energy to the landscape of comics. I know people tend to look down on licensed comics, but a good comic is a good comic. Robert Kirkman has built an empire of talented comic creators and partnered them with some of the most iconic characters in pop culture over the last forty years. Now we are getting some of the best stories ever told within the universe of G.I. Joe and Transformers. Great books that sell well is a win for everyone.
1.Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees #6
Writer/Artist: Patrick Horvath
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Solicitation: At the end of this issue, someone will die; There’s no way to avoid it, so we simply won’t try; A horrific plan drives the fate of our bear; And unspeakable actions will give quite a scare; Join us now, as we finally lift the veil-As this, my friends, is the end of our tale!
Why it Made the List: It’s a sad day as one of the best comics over the last year is coming to an end. From a selfish standpoint, I am sad because this comic made this list easy. Each week it was out I knew right away what was going to be number one. I cannot think of the last time a creator smashed it out of the park on their first major comic book release like this. If I am any comic publisher I am greenlighting whatever Patrick Horvath wants to do next. (Not to put more pressure on him) For now, I am just going to appreciate what this series has given us. I do not think this is a story that is going to live or die with its ending. I am not looking for any major twists or surprises. Just looking forward to being a part of this world one more time. Also once this hits trade it will be an easy Christmas present for my friends who have not read it. One of those books you’ll put in someone’s hands and say, “Read this and you’ll thank me later”. For now, just going to thank Patrick Horvath and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou for what they have given us with this series.
