5 Comics To Watch

Batman #21 (D.C.) – It’s a good week to be a Scott Snyder fan.  First there was the epic Court of Owls storyline that kicked off the NEW 52, then the demented Death of the Family for dessert.  Now, we get Zero Year…the humble beginnings of Bruce Wayne as Batman as told by Snyder and Greg Capullo.  Attempting to live up to the lofty stature of books like Year 1 and Year 3, Snyder looks to add his own twist to Bruce’s first year on the job.  If you’ve been reading so far, or have heard through the grapevine, you know that this storyline has the possibility to re-define Batman in a way that hasn’t been done in years.  At the very least, we’re going to get an early days look at one of the most celebrated characters in fiction…written by someone who’s shown he has the respect and touch to possibly live up to the hype.  A must read comic for all comic book fans.  Period.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy #3 (Marvel) – So far, so good.  I’ve been really impressed with the story and the action so far…even if it has been a little slow to hit the shelves.  But you know what they say…good things come to those who wait.  And it’s not like the movie is getting here any faster, so might as well spread it out and make us chomp at the bit in anticipation, right?  No doubt this one will probably sell out for the cover alone.

 

Star Wars #6 (Dark Horse) –  Speaking of so far, so good, we’ve got the next issue of the fantastic Star Wars series by Brian Wood, with art this month by Carlos D’anda.  I may be repeating myself, but getting the chance to see some of my favourite childhood heroes come back to life in brand new adventures has been a guilty pleasure I don’t really feel that guilty for loving.  Han and Chewie are in some hot water (as usual) while Darth Vader watches from the shadows.  Star Wars fans can’t go wrong with this book…and it’s easily jumped on at any point.

 

Superman Unchained #1 (D.C.) –  First he nails Batman…and now Scott Snyder’s been tasked with helping the Man of Steel take it up a notch…with the help of all-time great Jim Lee on art.  I’m not a big Lee fan myself, but the fact that he’s working with a talent like Snyder has me thinking he’ll be forced to up his game from the usual…and no doubt fans of his will be itching to get their hands on what looks like the new series of the year (along with East of West of course!).  Do not…I repeat…DO NOT miss the chance to pick up a copy of the #1 and see what Snyder and Lee have cooked up for another of the great heroes of the 20^th Century.  People will be talking about this book…trust me!

 

Thor: God of Thunder #9 (Marvel) – The best Marvel series from the NOW! launch keeps getting better…and what Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic are doing for Thor is simply incredible.  Fantastic dialogue, art and storytelling all wrapped up in one series…the three Thor’s are on their way to take out Gorr the God Butcher before he unleashes his Godbomb.  Part 3 of 5 promises to be a hammer swinging, thunder cracking good time…I guarantee it!

 

 

Hidden Gems

 

Manhattan Projects #12 (Image) – My favourite book on the shelves, Manhattan Projects is a dark, historically inaccurate, insanely funny and…well…twisted book that pits the men behind the 1940’s  Manhattan Project against…well…the Universe.  This month’s issue shines a light on the not-so-human Enrico Fermi, and the role he’s playing in this big, Bad Science experiment.  If you’re not reading, and you think you’re up for a wild ride, pick up the Vol 1 and Vol 2 TP and catch up…if you like a bit of bizarre with your comic books, you won’t be disappointed.

 

 

Also Out This Week

 

D.C. presents Batgirl #21, Batman Lil Gotham #3, Constantine #4, Demon Knights #21, Katana #5, Nightwing #21, Smallville Season 11 #14, Suicide Squad #21, Superboy #21 and Worlds Finest #13.

 

Marvel has Deadpool #11 NOW!, Savage Wolverine #6 NOW!, Uncanny X-Force #6 NOW!, Wolverine #4 NOW!, Wolverine and the X-Men #31, Avenging Spider-Man #22, Astonishing X-Men #63, Ultimate X-Men #27 and Venom #36.

There’s also My Little Pony Friendship is Magic #7, True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #1, Artifacts #28 and Walking Dead #111.

 

Trade Watch

There’s Catwoman Vol 2 TP, the influential Warren Ellis’ Stormwatch Vol 1 TP and Stormwatch Vol 2 HC, Captain America NOW! Vol 1 HC and Deadpool Killustrated TP.

 

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