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I have been doing this list for over a year right now and I have to say I feel like there is something in the air right now in the comic book world. Every week this list is getting harder and harder to do because there are far more comics than ten that I want to fit on this list. Marvel’s Ultimate line is hitting strong, DC Absolute Universe has a lot of early promise, and the plethora of strong onigoing indie books is growing by the week. Good problems to have if you are a comic book fan. Although my wallet hates me. With that onto the list…
(Editor’s Note: Soliticions are Provided by the Respected Publishers)
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Pius Bak
Publisher: Vault Comics
Solicitation: Dario Santini has lived a charmed life as an enforcer and debt collector for mob boss Niccolò Mechini. He’s had it all: respect, power, even the love of a good woman. But everything changes when he crosses a line and is shot dead on the sidewalk. Waking up in Hell, Dario faces a future of pain and suffering… unless he can turn eternal damnation into a business opportunity. Neo-noir hellfire from New York Times Bestseller Cavan Scott (Star Wars: The High Republic, Shadow Service, Dead Seas) and Bram Stoker Award-winning artist Pius Bak (Eat the Rich, The Magicians, Stranger Things).
Why it Made the List: I have read a good deal of Cavan Scott’s work but mostly when he is doing stories for the Star Wars universe. I tend to enjoy his work so excited to see what he can do with his own story not held back by the rules of someone else’s world. Pius Bak did solid work on the Eat the Rich series and it seems that style should work well with this concept also as mentioned on this list a lot I will always give a new number one from Vault a chance. Their batting average is as good as anyone at this point.Â
9. Where Monsters Lie: Cull-De-Sac #1
Writer: Kyle Starks
Artist: Piotr Kowalski
Publisher: Dark Horse
Solicitation: The hit meta-horror comedy by Eisner-nominated writer Kyle Starks returns just in time for Halloween!
Come join us, friends, for it’s time to visit another gated community for slashers and meet a new cast of horrible monsters as we return to the world of Where Monsters Lie. Connor Hayes, final girl turned apex monster hunter, has been brought to Site B and expected to be a good little killer, but will he cooperate? And what sort of bone-tingling secrets inhabit this new horror hamlet?
Why it Made the List: Where Monsters Lie is back at the perfect time of year as we are fully into spooky season. Kyle Starks as a creator has been a must-read ever since reading Rock Candy Mountain. He also has another series out this week in From the World of Minor Threats: Barfly which has been quite good as well. Starks is so good with his ability to create humor within a comic but this series has gone beyond that as it can be pure horror at times. The first volume gave us a cavalcade of characters that were a celebration of the Horror Genre. If you enjoy movies like Cabin in The Woods would definitely advise giving this a look. Similar to that film it can comment on the genre while being an admirable installment into it.Â
8. Batman / Superman: World’s Finest #32
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Adrián Gutiérrez
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: ECLIPSO’S REIGN OF TERROR RAGES ON! Even the combined might of the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight Detective cannot overcome the reincarnation of the literal wrath of God… sounds like our heroes are going to need some reinforcements. It’s the World’s Finest debut of the Justice League as night falls on the DCU!
Why it Made the List: With DC this month it’s all about what’s new. The ‘All In’ initiative has been about a big new series and an ongoing series that are starting new arcs. Well, then you have Batman / Superman: World’s Finest that reminds the world it’s been here the entire time. As mentioned on this list several times this has been DC’s most consistent book and despite Dan Mora not being on art duties that has not slowed down. Adrián Gutiérrez has stepped in and done great work in his own right, and last issue we got a promise of an upcoming team-up that should be a lot of fun. So yes there’s a lot to be excited about with the release of the Absolute Universe let’s not forget those books that have been holding DC up for years at this point.Â
7. The Exorcism at 1600 Penn #1
Writer: Hannah Rose May
Artist: Vanesa R. Del Rey
Publisher: IDW
Solicitation: This October, IDW debuts a chilling new four-issue original supernatural horror series perfect for fans of the Nice House on the Lake and the Haunting of Hill House. From the pen of rising comics writer Hannah Rose May (Rogues’ Gallery) and acclaimed artist Vanesa Del Rey (Scarlet Witch).
Kelly Doyle has just been elected the first woman president of the United States of America, and boiling political tension could spill over at any second. Having to balance being a mother to two teenagers and navigating the shifting media landscape, all while preventing World War III, has Kelly spread thin, but she could never predict that the nation’s hallowed halls would soon become a demonic battleground for good versus evil.
Why it Made the List: I am happy to see any time IDW puts out an original series. They are probably best known for their licensed books but over the years have put out some really great original work including one of last year’s best books Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees. Will this be as good as that book? Would not want to put that pressure on any title. I am a huge fan of artist Vanesa R. Del Rey so that’s a win already. I have been a fan of her since I read the crime series Hit, but feel her style is even better for the horror genre. Also considering the election next month this is coming out at a great time. However, not sure if this can be much scarier than reality. They have quite a challenge on their hands.Â
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: David Messina
Publisher: Marvel
Solicitation: J. JONAH JAMESON, BEN PARKER AND THE GREEN GOBLIN COLLIDE! Fan-favorite duo Ben Parker and J. Jonah Jameson take center stage in this investigative mystery issue! But in this world of shadows and secrets, every unturned rock leads to danger… And they’ll soon have to decide which is the greater challenge — uncovering secrets or keeping them!
Why it Made the List: I wonder if we look back a decade from now if Ultimate Spider-Man will look like a milestone book more and more. The more this new Ultimate Universe continues the more I am liking it and get the sense this could go on for years if done right. We of course have the DC Absolute Universe and while they may have been working on that for years there is something in the air where classic characters are getting new spins. This arc has focused on creating a new Sinister Six and so far it’s been pretty standard. Does not seem like the villains like Kraven or Mysterio are that different than their 616 counterparts. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but it does have me wondering if that is a purpose misdirection and if some major surprises are coming. Similar to what they did with Kingpin where they made him seem like your normal character but then he ended up being much more. We shall see.Â
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Flaviano Armentaro
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Solicitation: Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano’s underworld epic continues, as they chart a bold new direction for the fan favorite series.
With order seemingly restored to the Afterlife, is it time for Jess, Marcel, and Eddie to rest in peace? Far from it, as the dust has yet to settle in the story to come…
And the vital question still lingers-how in the hell did a mortal woman fall in love with Death himself?
This landmark 20th issue of Grim features new variant covers from Skylar Patridge, Paulina Ganucheau, Reiko Murakami, and more!
Why it Made the List: I get so happy any time a creator-owned series like this gets into the twenties, or really beyond issue twelve. For one it means it is getting enough support from fans to continue, and there’s something special about long-term storytelling. Creators get an opportunity to dive deeper into the makeup of characters that you get with the greatest epics.
Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano Armentaro are working even better together with more experience. Happy to have this back this week, and if you have not gotten a chance to check out this series change that. One of the more inventive takes on the Afterlife.
Writer: Joey Esposito
Artist: Sean Von Gorman
Publisher: Magma Comix
Solicitation: Behold, The Pedestrian! A strange visitor speedwalks into Summer City and silently changes the lives of its residents. But not all is quiet in this sleepy, small town—an ancient conflict linked to the secret history of street signs is brewing! DON’T WALK… RUN! In The Pedestrian, justice always has the right of way! Writer Joey Esposito (Batman: Urban Legends) reunites with Pawn Shop collaborator, artist Sean Von Gorman (Ghost Planet), for an offbeat tale that will stick with you!
Why it Made the List: This installment is a bit of a landmark as it is the first comic from Magma Comix to make the list. As a comic book fan, I am more than happy to see new Publishers establish themselves because that means more places for creators to tell their stories.
Without more publishers maybe a book like The Pedestrian does not get made we the comic book is left out of this great idea. The book itself is a rather hilarious take on a superhero. I keep thinking everything with superheroes has been done already but the creativity of Comic Creators continues to prove me wrong. It is hard to quantify the experience reading this because it has a silly concept with a surrealist execution that does a great job of keeping you guessing. If you are looking for something a bit different this is a read you should give a shot.Â
Writer: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs
Artist: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs
Publisher: Image Comics
Solicitation: NEW STORY ARC
IMAGES OF TOMORROW!
Just as the Image Comics line did back in 1995, LOCAL MAN jumps ahead a full year to give you a glimpse of what the future brings, from issue 13…to 25!
Third Gen is back with a vengeance! Their first mission? Bring down the reckless young superheroes of Fourth Gen! But will Local Man side with the Zoomers? Or will he help take them down in exchange for getting back the shield and uniform of…CROSSJACK?!
The past, present, and future of the Image Universe collide hard in LOCAL MAN #25!
On the flip! A corporate retreat at Third Gen HQ leads to…beach volleyball?
Why it Made the List: Most weeks this would be much higher but we have some major releases that snuck ahead of it. When I first saw this I wondered how I missed nearly twelve issues of Local Man but alas they are skipping ahead to issue number twenty-five. Marvel has nothing on them with their legacy numbering. That’s right in line with what this series has been about. Poking a bit of fun but in a smart and inventive way that comments on the genre on multiple levels. That’s what I love about this book. It pushes boundaries, tries new things, and tells a great story all at the same time. One of my favorite books that continues to find new ways to be great.
2. Batman and Robin: Year One #1
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Chris Samnee
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: REUNITING THE ACCLAIMED TEAM OF MARK WAID AND CHRIS SAMNEE! While Bruce Wayne adjusts to the realities of adopting orphan Dick Grayson, a mysterious new crime boss called the General has come to Gotham to claim the city by disrupting and destroying its other mobs. But what is his connection to Two-Face? Batman and his new sidekick, Robin, are out for answers, but it’ll take everything they have to navigate both sides of their relationship as father and son and dynamic duo, with Dick Grayson’s present and future hanging in the balance!
Why it Made the List: Considering all the love I showed for Local Man what could possibly top it? Well, to start the return of one of my all-time favorite creative teams Mark Waid and Chris Samnee. I have loved everything they have done together from Daredevil to Captain America to even The Rocketeer. Their styles work together with esteem and precision. I am also a sucker for the Year One format. I know it’s been a bit tiring at this point but the truth is we have gotten so many great comics out of it. Green Arrow, Batgirl, Robin, JLA, are all example of Year One stories that represent the best of what superhero comics have to offer. No reason to think this will not follow that trend.
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Bruno Redondo
Publisher: DC Comics
Solicitation: THE FINAL ISSUE OF TOM TAYLOR AND BRUNO REDONDO’S AWARD-WINNING RUN! Embark on an exhilarating journey through the streets of Blüdhaven as we bid a heartfelt farewell to the dynamic duo of Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo in the epic conclusion to their award-winning run. With Nightwing’s fear of heights overcome, he returns to Bludhaven for one final face-off with Heartless and Tony Zucco. It’s the battle you’ve all been waiting for! And if we’ve learned anything from Nightwing these last couple of years, we know he never has to do it alone. One thing’s for certain though, Bludhaven will never be the same after this!
Why it Made the List: This had to be number one this week. This is not something we get every week as a multiyear run that has been highly regarded by fans and critics comes to an end. Now did I love every part of this run? No, as there were points I thought did not work as well as others, but that is almost always the case for runs that go this long. This last arc has brought it back to its former glory as everything that has been building since the beginning falls into place.
It also retroactively makes some of the past issues better seeing how vital they were in setting up this finale. Nightwing was not at a good place when this run began. Some could argue he was at one of his lowest points since his creation. Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, and a host of other artists brought him back to his former glory. Now they get to say goodbye. Going to be a bittersweet read.Â
