This week we have the most overlap on a CSBC yet! If that isn’t a testament to the high quality of the books coming out this week, I don’t what is. Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting’s new FF made everyone’s list, as did Rick Remender’s new volume of X-Force. Follow the cut or more suggestions.
FF #1 ($3.99) – I loved Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four run. In a sense, this new series is a continuation of that run, but it’s also an entirely new beast. There are certainly quite a few plot threads from Hickman’s Fantastic Four that need to be resolved, but besides that I really have no idea what to expect from this series. When it comes to Hickman, that only makes me more excited. In particular, I’m interested to see how Hickman writes Peter for an extended run. Throw in some fantastic Epting art, and there’s really no reason to miss this first issue.
Batman, Inc. #4 ($2.99) – Two issue streak! While we’re talking about new creative directions, one would be remiss to forget Grant Morrison’s newest Batman title. After a series of delays, we’re finally seeing the series resumption, with a story arc featuring perhaps my favorite sort-of-but-not-exactly new character, El Gaucho. If that’s not enough, how does some Yanick Paquette illustrations sound to you? Great? I thought so. Note: I still don’t know what this issue is going to be about. Guess we’ll find out.
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #156 ($3.99) – There isn’t much that needs to be said here. Ultimate Spider-Man has only let me down a couple of times, and never so much that I’ve truly felt betrayed. Mark Bagley, the drawing machine, has returned, and I couldn’t be happier. The Death of Spider-Man certainly looks to be an interesting little story, and I’m quite interested in seeing where we end up.
Uncanny X-Force #6 ($3.99) – I finally got around to reading this series at the behest of my fellow writers. What was I thinking not picking it up in the first place? Remender has such an incredible grip on every character involved, and is easily rivaling PAD for the title of best X-Book. The number one thing that surprised me? The presence of a well-written Deadpool. The past few years had convinced me that such a thing could not exist, but Remender has reminded me that there was a reason Wade became popular in the first place. This arc is revisiting one of my favorite stories from Morrison’s New X-Men, so I really can’t say no to it – even if the title wasn’t as great as it undoubtedly is.
Captain America #615.1 ($2.99) – Confession time: I’ve fallen behind on Brubaker’s Captain America run. How did this happen? I wish I could tell you. Brubaker’s Cap was one of the first ongoings I picked up when I got back into comics, and I still think it is one of the best Marvel ongoings out there, so you’d think I would treat it with more respect. The rest of Marvel’s Point One issues have been well worth the buy, even for those who have been following the title, so I figure I’ll pick this up as to keep in touch with what’s currently going on. I will be going back for the issues I missed, though.
Total: $17.95
Matt’s Picks:
FF #1 ($3.99) – Jonathan Hickman has been weaving magic into the Marvel Universe in the form of fantastic comics. As the Fantastic Four relaunch begins sans Johnny and act 1 comes to a close, I think I speak for all of Multiversity when I say we wait with baited breath as to what is to come next.
Hulk #31 ($3.99) – Jeff Parker said when his Hulk run began to give him a chance, so I did. It has turned out to be one of the most entertaining titles that I buy, on par with Parker’s current run with Thunderbolts. The Point One issue moved this title from a book I buy in store on a whim to a book in my pull, and I highly suggest everyone else do the same.
Continued belowBatman Inc #4 ($2.99) – Oh hey, a new issue of a book by Grant Morrison! The last time I reviewed #3, I praised the book’s ability to just be fun, but was worried that #4 would a) be late and b) not about Batwoman. Apparently I was wrong on both accounts! And if anyone is going to tell me why I’m wrong, I’m glad that it’s Grant Morrison.
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #156 ($3.99) – This book has once again made it to my pull, simply because I have been reading this comic longer than most of the comics that I buy. I’m not going to miss it. Not only that, but Mark Bagley returns! It’s a win for everyone. Plus, this could very well be the end of the title. If Brian Bendis is actually going to kill Spider-Man, that is.
Uncanny X-Force #6 ($3.99) – The last pick of my pull for this week was a hard one to fill, but in all honesty Rick Remender is having a better run of X-Force than Yost and Kyle had, and he’s only on his 6th (7th, if you count the Point One) issue. Even if you’re not reading any other X-Book whatsoever, this is not a book to miss.
Total: $18.95
Josh’s Picks:
FF#1 ($3.99) – Anyone that does not buy this book and read it at least twice before moving on to something else is a fool. A complete and total one at that.
Invincible #78 ($2.99) – It took me quite a while to go against my principles vis a vis buying books in trade vs buying single issues and pick this one up in singles. Very rarely, books actually DO work better split up into tiny little bits, and Invincible is absolutely one of them. Especially this week, as Kirkman and crew bring The Viltrumite War, the absolute longest arc in the book’s history, to it’s mind-boggling conclusion.
Silver Surfer #2 ($2.99) – The first issue of this new beginning for Marvel’s resident space beach bum was charming as all hell and made me care about the character for the first time since…well, ever. I trust Pak and Segovia to continue that trend with this one as well.
Uncanny X-Force #6 ($3.99) – Over the past four or five months, Rick Remender has become an absolute must-read creator for me, and a lot of the reason for that is because of this book. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Kyle and Yost’s take on the concept, but Remender manages to make sheer violence so hauntingly human, and that keeps me coming back for more.
The Sixth Gun #10 ($3.99) – See FF#1 comment above.
Total: $17.95
I would also be remiss to not mention the fact that The Unwritten Vol. 3 TPB, Demo Vol. 2 TPB and Stumptown Vol. 1 TPB are also all coming out this week and, most likely, will all return home with me.
