It’s a big week, with the release of Bendis and Oeming’s much-anticipated Takio making it difficult to choose more than a few items for this week’s list (well, for me at least). Follow the cut to see what we considered worth squeezing into $20 – and what didn’t make it.
Takio ($9.95) – Brain Michael Bendis is one of my favorite writers, but out of all my favorites, Bendis probably has the highest percentage of comics I don’t care for. Because of this, I’m always more tentative about buying a new Bendis comic than I am for any other favorite creator. Weird, I know. Bendis’ creator-owned work is typical gold, though, and as an avid supporter of all-ages comics, I really can’t say no to his newest venture with frequent collaborator Michael Avon Oeming. Normally I wait for paperbacks rather than buy hardcovers, but Takio is reportedly not coming out in paperback – plus, it’s cheap enough as is.
Joe the Barbarian #8 ($3.99) – Speaking of favorite creators, anyone who frequents Multiversity Comics knows how much I enjoy Grant Morrison’s work. This final issue of Morrison’s latest creator-owned work has been delayed an incredible amount – so much so that I almost refuse to actually believe it’s coming out this week until I see it in shops. As incredibly imaginative as the majority of Morrison’s work, Joe the Barbarian has been a fantastic read, and Sean Murphy has been killing it like no artist has killed on a book before. A preemptive congratulations to the two creators for an incredible miniseries.
Secret Warriors #25 ($3.99) – Yes, another favorite writer. This marks the penultimate issue of Jonathan Hickman’s covert operations thriller set in a superhero universe. The series has had its high points and its low points – though it has always been one of Marvel’s best titles – but so far I have had no reason to believe that the series will end unsatisfactorily. Hickman has been weaving a massive conspiracy, and I’m ready to see where the cards fall.
Total: $17.93
Due to Takio making the list, a lot of great singles missed their chance to make the list. If you’re not interested in Takio, there are still a lot of great issues coming out this week. Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth #1 ($3.50) is the premiere of Malachai and Ethan Nicolle’s hilarious former-webcomic, and it shouldn’t be missed. The Intrepids #1 ($2.99) is a new series from Image, who have had a solid track record with #1 issues recently. X-Factor #216 ($2.99) is certainly worth considering, as any issue of X-Factor is, and Irredeemable #23 ($3.99) looks like it’s going to be a wild ride.
Gil’s Picks:
Avengers Academy #10 ($2.99) — Avengers Academy continues to be one of my favorite Marvel titles, and with good reason. With the baggage the students carry; along with the heavy baggage the teachers have, who consist of convoluted characters like Speedball and Hank Pym; it makes for some incredible reading and great character work. The last issue with Finesse and her would-be father Taskmaster was a great example.
Chew #17 ($2.99) — Did you know Chew is currently my favorite book on the shelves? You did? That’s probably because I don’t shut up about it. The insane writing, the beautifully wacky art, and a Mexican wrestling chicken; it’s all good! And there’s been enough time to make Columbine references, right? There has been? OK, good. Pick it up.
Green Lantern #63 ($2.99) — During the mixed bag that has been Brightest Day, Green Lantern has had its ups and downs. But with Brightest Day coming to a close, and the War of the Green Lanterns heating up, it looks like it’s going to be a great time to be a GL fan again.
Continued belowSecret Six #31 ($2.99) — As David put it once, ”the unlikely flagship title from DC” continues to be a rollercoaster ride of action, intrigue, and creepy men in clown outfits. This is the start of a new arc, so check it out, if you like it, pick up the rest!
X-Factor #216 ($2.99) — One of the few X-Titles I’m still picking up, and if you’re reading, you know why. This episode should be extra good, with an appearance by everyone’s favorite fictional mayor Adam West J. Jonah Jameson! Who knows what JJJ will have in store for our buddies at X-Factor Investigations, but here’s hoping there aren’t any Mutant Slayers this time, huh?
Total: $14.95
Matt’s Picks:
Joe The Barbarian #8 ($3.99) – Joe the Barbarian is finally coming out. Hooray for finales! Oh, and for some reason, this previously $2.99 comic is now $3.99. What could that mean? Extra pages? More Sean Murphy art is always welcome in my book. Hopefully the finale lives up to the hype that it has created for itself.
Secret Warriors #25 ($3.99) – Best comic Marvel has.
Sweet Tooth #19 ($2.99) – A collaboration of talented artists on one of the best books on the market. You’d be a fool to pass this up, because every artist in the book is a name you’re soon going to know by heart (if you don’t already).
Powers #7 ($3.95) – Fuck! Powers is back! Shit! God damn! ’bout time! Yeah? Yeah. You ready? I’m ready. Is it gonna be good? I hope so. S’alright? Yeah, s’alright. Cool. Cool. Yeah. Alright!
Intrepids #1 ($2.99) – I had the opportunity to read an advance of this new series, originally titled Rat Bastards. Suffice it to say, I think you’re all gonna like it.
Total: $17.91
