5 Comics To Watch
Age of Ultron #8 (Marvel) – We’re nearing the end of the line when it comes to Age of Ultron, and things are about to get interesting. Angela is due to make her Marvel debut shortly, so collectors will probably be out in full force gobbling up issues…not to mention those of you who have been following from the beginning…or have just recently jumped on. I’ve been quite impressed with the goings on, and have a feeling that Marvel may finally have a payoff to an event that lives up to the hype.
Age of Ultron #8
Batwoman #20 (D.C.) – One of my favourite books from the NEW 52, Batwoman by J.H. Williams III has been a fantastical, twisty, character driven book that’s benefited from the slow build approach…not to mention some phenomenal art and covers from Williams himself. I’m a huge Batman fan, but Batwoman has quickly become my next favourite Bat character…and the fact that she’s on the outside of the family, and continues to say she’s not like the others, makes her all the more compelling. Batwoman’s back is against he wall right now, and it’ll be interesting to see how she reacts to all the people trying to pull her strings. As long as Williams is steering the ship, I’m on board.
Batwoman #20
Iron Man #10 (Marvel) – After a solid, if unspectacular first arc, the Origin of Tony Stark has really stepped up the quality with Death’s Head and a storyline that feels like it’s got the potential to really impact the character long term. With the film blowing up in theaters all over the world, it’s a perfect time for Marvel to capitalize on the characters popularity…and it looks like that’s just what they’re doing here!
Iron Man #10
Nightwing #20 (D.C.) – Nightwing has always been a popular book, but with a new creative team starting with issue #19, it looks like this series is ready to take off. Early comparisons to Mark Waid’s Daredevil are fair in my opinion, and it looks like Dick finally has a chance to get out from under the shadow of The Dark Knight and really spread his wings. Don’t sleep on this book if you’re a fan of the character…I’m betting this becomes a hot book in no time once word of mouth spreads!
Nightwing #20
Nova #4 (Marvel) – Not having any history reading the character, I was curious to see what this book about a young kid who’s ‘chosen’ to be the next Nova was going to be like. From the get-go, I’ve been blown away by the incredible art, and the innocent charm of the series…not to mention the cross-promotion with another new favourite of mine, Guardians of the Galaxy. There’s still a long way to go, but from early sales numbers, to how fast it sells out, I’ve got a feeling this is a series that will continue to rocket to the top of the charts in the coming months.
Nova #4
Hidden Gems
Fatale #14 (Image) – As a huge film fan, I was turned onto Film Noir in my University Film classes and have never looked back. There’s just something about the lone detective, the Femme Fatale, the mysterious underbelly of society that just seems to call to me. Throw in subtle horror elements like cults and Cthulhu and you’ve got a recipe tailor made for my tastes. The final one-shot issue, set during WWII, should be another great one before the creative team gets back to telling the story of Josephine and the men that fall hopelessly for her.
Fatale #14
My Little Pony – Friendship is Magic (IDW) – One in a while, a comic comes out of left field and becomes a phenomenon. Be it Generation Xers who remember the toys from way back in the day, or the tween (and younger) girls who are smitten with the updated ponies…My Little Pony seems to be in a class all by itself when it comes to IDW properties. No matter what you think of it, its funny, charming, and full or bright, colourful art…and is an excellent gateway book for young girls…something the comic book industry needs more of.
My Little Pony – Friendship is Magic
Also Out This Week
D.C. also has Batgirl #20, Birds of Prey #20, Catwoman #20, JLA Vibe #4, Red Hood and the Outlaws #20, Supergirl #20 and Wonder Woman #20.
Marvel has Cable and X-Force #8 NOW!, FF #7 NOW!, Thunderbolts #9 NOW!, Gambit #12, Wolverine and the X-Men #29, Wolverine MAX #7 and X-Factor #256.
There’s also GI Joe RAH #190, Dream Merchant #1, Star Wars – Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2, BPRD Hell on Earth #107, Fables #129 and Think Tank #7.
Trade Watch
Solid week on the trade front this week. We’ve got the awesome Aquaman Vol 1 TP and Aquaman Vol 2 HC by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. One of the big surprises of the NEW 52, I highly recommend this series for old school Aquaman fans, as well as people who’ve always wanted to try an Aquaman book but never thought he was cool enough. There’s also Indestructible Hulk Vol 1 HC by Mark Waid, Captain Marvel Vol 2 TP by Kelly Sue DeConnick, Wolverine and the X-Men Vol 4 TP from my man Jason Aaron and the very popular new series Doctor Who Vol 1 TP.
– S-1
So Aquaman is cool, eh? Any additional info on why this collection was such a hit?
If you’re familiar with Geoff Johns 6 + years run on the Green Lantern franchise, then you know his ability as a writer to take formerly overlooked and unappreciated characters and turn them into stars is great. Throw in the fact that the character of Aquaman and the underwater world he inhabits is unique, his place in the Justice League, and the great art of Ivan Reis, and you’ve got a recipe for a great series. But don’t take my word for it. Spend a couple bucks and pick up the #0 issue, or take a look at the first few pages of the Vol 1 trade and I’m sure you’ll know fairly quickly if its something you’ll enjoy.