Today’s picks are not as “obvious” as last week, leading to a lot of conflicting choices. Still, it’s not a matter of “well, I guess you could get this”; rather, everyone’s choices are — as far as I can tell — good choices. It’s just a matter of personal preference. Follow the cut for some suggestions.
Dark Horse Presents #1 ($7.99) – The return of Dark Horse Presents is – in my opinion, at least – extremely exciting. I’ve always been a fan of anthologies, and even more so when you have big name talent attached. It doesn’t matter if some of those big names are of questionable sanity. Even if I didn’t like 300 that much, I can’t help but be interested in Xerxes, just because I’m still waiting for Frank Miller to become awesome again. What I’m even more excited about, though, are those names that I’m not familiar with, the unknowns that are the real reasons I love checking out these collections. Here’s hoping I’m not disappointed.
’68 #1 ($3.99) – I’m sure you’re getting tired of the “hey, it’s a new #1 from Image Comics, you should probably get this” excuse. Instead, I’ll say that the concept behind this sounds incredibly interesting and worth a look. Yes, zombies are “trendy” right now, but this wartime spin on the genre that we’ve all come to know and (maybe) love sounds unique and interesting. I didn’t read the original one-shot that this has spun out from, but I’m going to go ahead and assume that since it was published four years ago, this will be a bit of a fresh start.
Invincible Iron Man #503 ($3.99) – Three issue streak! This always makes my list, it seems. And for good reason. It isn’t always the best Marvel book on the stands, but it is always pretty high up on the list. Fraction has yet to let me down with this book, and consistency is definitely something I value. I’m very interested to Stark’s side of Fear Itself, and normally I hate having titles I read interrupted by these sorts of mega-events! It does help that Fraction is the one writing Fear Itself, but still.
Iron Man 2.0 #4 ($2.99) – Since last time we met, I actually picked up and read the first two issues of Iron Man 2.0. I still haven’t checked out #3 (exams, finals, papers, you know), but unless there was a sudden dip in quality in last week’s issue, I’m going to go ahead and say that you will want to buy and read this issue as well. I’ve probably written this phrase so many times that it has lost its meaning, but there’s a reason for the recent interest in Nick Spenser. Plus, it complements Invincible Iron man nicely, doesn’t it?
Total: $18.96
Matt’s Picks
Super Dinosaur #1 ($2.99) – To be honest, I’ve read this issue. Twice now, actually. I’m still not sure what I think about it. I know it’s a “kid’s title” and not an entry into the ever expanding Kirkmanverse, but in my initial reads of the issue it didn’t immediately click like his other work has.
However, if I know anything, it’s that Robert Kirkman is a creator you can trust. Jason Howard is a fantastic artist (see: his intense artistic evolution in Astounding Wolf-Man), so this is definitely worth everyone’s time for at least one issue. At the very least.
Generation Hope #6 ($2.99) – The first new mutant since the other new mutants this title has been about since the beginning! The solicit reads, and I quote, “This story will be talked about for years.” In Gillen we trust.
Hulk #32 ($2.99) – I have not been able to keep my mouth shut about this – you should all be reading Jeff Parker’s Hulk.
Continued belowSixth Gun #11 ($3.99) – Recently for Spoiler Alert, Mocle and I talked to writer Cullen Bunn about this title (note: this episode should be out next week). In preparation, I finally sat down and read the trade and caught up in single issues with the story. In short: every time Mocle has put Sixth Gun on his CSBC list, he has been right. Get into it.
Black Dynamite – Slave Island ($5.95) – It’s essentially two issues worth of story, but it’s Black Dynamite (Dy-no-mite! Dy-no-mite!). Those of you who have seen the film know what I’m talking about. Check it out!
Total: $18.91
As a side note, the collected edition of SHIELD comes out this week. If you have somehow not been buying it, correct yourself before you wreck yourself, sir or madam.
