Just like last week at Multiversity, we here at the MC Offices are all hustle and bustle with the various articles that we aim to bring to you by the end of the year. However, unlike last week I took a whip out and forced everyone to give out lists of what comics they’ll be buying as early Christmas gifts to themselves.
Take a look behind the cut for our picks of the week, and you have yourself a happy holidays!
Green Lantern: Larfleeze Christmas Special ($3.99) – I may be a Jew but I can’t deny that this just might be one of the funniest comic books of the year. Larfleeze started as a rather serious and somewhat horrifying character but has since turned into more of a jokey pastiche since coming to Earth – and I’m 100% ok with that. While I wanted to nominated Larfleeze as an honorary Jew for our Hanukkah list (much to fellow writer Josh’s list), it looks like I will instead have to simple settle for a Christmas special. I can say this with a lot of assurance as well: this will be the best thing Geoff Johns will have written all year.
Here’s to the Atrocitus Valentine’s Day Special!
Batman Incorporated #2 ($3.99) – This one is an automatic buy for me. Morrison’s name on a comic book means it comes home in my collection, and it should mean the same for you.
Invincible #76 ($2.99) – This is similar to the previous title in that anything Robert Kirkman writes at this point I have to own. I resisted single issues for most long running Image series for the longest time but the greatness that is Invincible did in fact win me over to single issues and I haven’t looked back since. Last issue was amazing. I can only imagine that this will continue to up that ante.
Fantastic Four #586 ($2.99) – Again, a similar rule: anything with Hickman’s name on it comes to my collection. It’s also a bonus that since taking over the Fantastic Four, Hickman has raised the book to a Top Tier A List title (as it should be). The current arc of 3 is a power house of awesome, and I’d hate to miss a single issue. You should too.
Morning Glories #5 ($3.50) – Morning Glories won out for Best New Ongoing Of 2010 here at MC. It’d be a bit foolish if I missed an issue now, wouldn’t it?
Total: $17.46
As an additional note, if you happen to have any money left over from Hanukkah or perhaps if someone gave you a gift card early for Christmas, grab Axe Cop and EmiTown while you’re at the store! Or just go back AFTER you get Christmas gift cards and buy them then. These are two comics you’re going to want in your collection.
Brandon’s Picks
Batman: Streets of Gotham #18 ($3.99) — After a little downturn this title is back on track and killing it. The storyline revolving around Hush is one that I asked about at the end of Morrison’s run and I am glad to see it tackled by Dini and Nguyen. The sequel to Heart of Hush has been every part the equal to it’s original.
Then there is the backup Ragman story. The last installment was incredible. The art was fantastic and the story was the best Ragman since he was part of the Shadowpact. Here’s hoping it will continue to be pure awesomeness.
Green Lantern: Larfleeze Christmas Special ($3.99) – Larfleeze battling Santa has got to be awesome. I haven’t been this excited for a Santa appearance in a comic since Lobo whipped his and the Easter Bunny’s make believe rumps.
Invincible #76 ($2.99) – This one is going to have one serious throw down and I can’t wait. I am expecting blood, evisceration and lots and lots of blood! All for the continued low price of $2.99. This should be a fun one ladies and gents.
Continued belowJustice League: Generation Lost #16 ($2.99) – JLI bitches! On top of that we have the Creature commandos and Power Girl all within one of the best books of 2010. We’re getting close to the end and I for one am getting more and more sad at the thought. Here’s hoping for a JLI takeover of JLA when this series wraps.
Power Girl #19 ($2.99) — JLI bitches! This is the first issue that ties into Generation Lost and I am very excited. More JLI a month is a good thing for everyone. Then in addition the solicitation states the JSA All-Stars will make an appearance as well. Some of my favorite characters all in one issue makes this a must buy. Also, have you seen the art on this title? It’s worth the price of admission all on its own.
Superior #3 ($2.99) — The first two issues have been really good and I consider them a true return to form for Mark Millar. Couple that with Lenil Yu being Lenil Yu and this book is a must buy. I really am enjoying the wide eyed adventure feel of this book and am interested to see where Millar takes this book.
Total: $19.94
Walt’s Picks
Batman Inc. #2 ($3.99) – The first issue of DC’s newest bat-series was most excellent, and I am ready for the next one. Yanick Paquette’s art has never looked better, and perfectly fits the story that Grant Morrison is telling us. Even I, a major supporter of Grant Morrison’s Batman, was wary of Batman Inc. when it was first announced, but The Return one-shot and the first issue of Inc. turned me around. Who else is up for some more Lord Death Man?
Morning Glories #5 ($3.50) – Recently voted our best new series of 2010, Morning Glories has been an incredible runaway success so far. No wonder DC and Marvel are begging Nick Spenser to work for them. Unfortunately, I missed the first few issues of this and had to rely on a friend’s copies, but after reading those first three I’m determined not to miss another. I’m ready to see how this first arc wraps up, and if it’s as good as I think it will be I will be sure to pick up the first trade.
Fantastic Four #586 ($2.99) – The conclusion of 3 is so close I can smell it. And it smells delicious. We have one more issue before the final, polybagged conclusion of “3,” and this one is sure to have a lot of content. The first few issues contained a lot of (very well done) exposition, and the previous issue in particular contained a lot of buildup that we will most likely see explode into action with this issue. As we hurtle closer and closer to the death of one of Marvel’s favorite family, my full confidence is in Hickman, and I doubt he will disappoint.
Invincible Iron Man #33 ($3.99) – This was the first Marvel ongoing I picked up when I got back into comics, and I’m sure as hell not jumping ship now. Sure, we’ve been through some rough spots, but the previous two issues of Matt Fraction’s first solo ongoing at Marvel were incredibly exciting, and I am very interested to see how this arc ends. Matt Fraction is one of those writers with an almost limitless imagination, and that is particularly evident in his work on Invincible Iron Man. Here’s to the future, Mr. Stark.
American Vampire #10 ($3.99) – I wasn’t as crazy about American Vampire as fellow Multiversity writer David when it first started out. Sure, I liked the main story by Scott Snyder, but Stephen King’s co-feature didn’t really excite me, and I was left feeling like I was spending a dollar more than I needed to. Now that King is off the book, though, things have really picked up, making this one of the small percentage of comics that are worth the $3.99 price tag. If you liked Snyder’s first issue of Detective Comics, be sure to check out American Vampire if you haven’t already.
Continued belowTotal: $18.46
Josh’s Picks
Morning Glories #5 ($3.50) – The best new series of 2010 keeps on trucking along with the wit, intrigue and suspense that made it such a monumental hit. After last issue’s apparently betrayal, the Glories are backed against a pretty painful with their evil teachers coming down on them hard. While I’m not sure what will come next, I am damn sure Nick Spencer will craft yet another riveting tale to cap off 2010 and Joe Eisma will art the hell out of it.
The Sixth Gun #7 ($3.99) – After the monumental end of the first arc, I can’t wait to see where this story is going. I got into The Sixth Gun game a little late, but once I picked up all the pieces I realized just how well deserved the praise for this book is. It takes a lot to write a great supernatural western comic and the team behind this one is firing on all cylinders. With five out of six guns now in the hands of our heroes, what kind of villainy could possibly rise up to challenge them? I can’t wait to find out.
Uncanny X-Men #531 ($3.99) – It’s Kieron Gillen’s first issue of Uncanny X-Men and despite it being the middle of the arc, this issue means a lot to a long time fan of his. Especially since its officially been announced that Matt Fraction will be stepping back in a few short months leaving the reigns of this one entirely in Gillen’s capable hands. And on top of that, I am completely intrigued by what the Sublime Corporation has in store with this hijacking of the original five x-men’s powers and appearance. Great minds at the helm + intriguing use of established villainy = buy.
Invincible Iron Man #33 ($3.99) – Frankly, I’m legitimately surprised that I still read this book. It’s been on the chopping block so many times, but I’ve been completely unable to pull the trigger on it. Probably due to the fantastic, widescreen political thriller Fraction has told over the last few years. Yes, this book does have arcs, but the consistently stellar work of Fraction and Larocca has made it seem like one far reaching epic story to the point that crossings over with other continuity and the appearance of other artists actually seems jarring. THAT is how you write a great super hero comic, folks.
Fantastic Four #586 ($2.99) – Simply put, Hickman’s work on this book has been completely and utterly amazing. I won’t lie, I fully intended to drop this book once Millar and Hitch left and since Hickman took over I honestly can’t remember any of their supposedly monumental run. Seriously. It’s just been completely overshadowed by the thoughtful, touching, intelligent and immensely meaningful stories churned out by Hickman and the assortment of artists this book has seen since Dale Eagelsham left. Plus, we’re one issue away from the much hyped FF death coming at the end of this arc, so things are absolutely building up to that breaking point with all the tact and specificity that Hickman has employed so far. Tragedy has never seemed so appealing.
Total: $18.46
