Solicitations hit last week so you know what that means! It’s time for Soliciting Multiversity, our monthly look at the best that each publisher has to offer. As usual, we kick things off with Dark Horse. September for Dark Horse is not a big, flashy month but it does continue some great single issues as well as the conclusion of two miniseries. Let’s jump into this month’s picks.
10. When The Hunters Become The Hunted
I am a big fan of Predator but had not read any of the comic books until this miniseries. I’m sort of glad I waited because this was a treat as my first real foray into this extended universe. It’s been a story that really turned a lot of what the franchise is on its head and I like that. This ends in September and two issues are out now so you have time to catch up.
Predator: Hunters #5 (of 5)
Chris Warner (W), Francisco Ruiz Velasco (A/Variant cover), and Doug Wheatley (Cover)
On sale Sept 6
FC, 32 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries
The members of Hunter team—all survivors of previous Predator encounters—split up to take on a surprising number of threats as Dr. Bunting’s island “paradise” gives up its horrifying secrets! The battle will turn on the last Predator standing!
9. Best Wishes With Selfish Intentions
I don’t know much else about this book other than what’s in this solicit but it seems like something I’d like. It’s got a solid premise and is a one and done kind of story that I wish major publishers would push more.
Best Wishes HC (advance solicit)
Mike Richardson (W) and Paul Chadwick (W/A/Cover)
On sale Nov 8
b&w, 160 pages • $19.99 • HC, 7” x 10”
When two strangers cast coins into a Central Park fountain, their dreams and desires become supernaturally intertwined. Cal wants fame and respect, and Mary craves true love from her pro quarterback boyfriend, but destiny weaves a tangled fabric. A tale of New York, meme madness, fame’s price, and secrets of the heart.
Original graphic novel, never before published.
By Mike Richardson, writer of 47 Ronin and Echoes, and Paul Chadwick, the award-winning creator of Concrete.
Best Wishes is Chadwick’s first published comics work since 2013!
8. A (Probably) Horrific Ending
“Shadows on the Grave” is a perfect series for anyone who truly loves horror. This series has had a little bit of everything and it’s real highlight is Corben’s art. This ends in September which means the collected edition isn’t too far behind.
Shadows on the Grave #8 (of 8)
Richard Corben (W/A/Cover)
On sale Sept 13
FC, 32 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries
Horror legend and Eisner Hall of Famer Richard Corben’s classic anthology concludes with more grim tales from the Midwest and far, far beyond!
Four more chilling stories, including the final installment of the epic Denaeus.
“This book is the product of a true master who knows exactly what he’s doing.”—All-Comic
7. The Best Miniseries Of The Year
So far, two issues of this have been released and everyone’s who read it, loves it. This is honestly on the level of the original movie and that’s saying a lot. Stokoe just gets it and his work is mindblowing. Absolutely pick this up.
Aliens: Dead Orbit TP (advance solicit)
James Stokoe (W/A/Cover)
On sale Nov 1
FC, 104 pages • $17.99 • TP, 7” x 10”
After a horrific accident strikes a space station, an engineering officer must use all available tools—a timer, utility kit, and his wits—to survive an attack from the deadliest creature known to man. Collects issues #1–#4 of the thrilling and claustrophobic Aliens story Dead Orbit, penned by Orc Stain creator James Stokoe!
“This is already shaping up to be the best work in this universe since the original two films.”—Nerdist
6. Further Squad Goals
I am so excited for the return of “Zodiac Starforce” and I need you to be as well. The first issue hasn’t hit just yet so you still have time to add this to your pull list before it’s too late.
Continued belowZodiac Starforce: Cries of the Fire Prince #3 (of 4)
Kevin Panetta (W), Paulina Ganucheau (A/Cover), and Sarah Stern (C)
On sale Sept 6
FC, 32 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries
Defeated by the Zodiac Starforce, the demon Pavos rebuilds his strength to take them on again…this time for good! Molly discovers a secret the UK team is hiding, and the tenuous alliance between Zodiac teams is tested!
“An interesting cast, a perplexing mystery and gorgeous art make this one a keeper.”—Major Spoilers
5. A Clever Use Of A Trend
Adult coloring books are probably going to be a trend that will probably fade away soon but I added “Legacy” because I think this is a very clever idea. Palahniuk has taken the idea and created a completely new comic book but left out the colors. You buy it for the story and can then color it yourself. He did this before with “Bait” and I guess it was so lucrative that he’s back at it again with a new story. This is a smart evolution and a great way to capitalize on a gimmick.
Legacy: An Off-Color Novella for You to Color HC
Chuck Palahniuk (W), Steve Morris (A), Mike Norton, and Duncan Fegredo (Cover)
On sale Nov 7
b&w, 136 pages • $19.99 • HC, 8 1/2” x 11”
An amoral investment banker named Vincent receives an inheritance promising immortality. It also attracts a flame-retardant stripper, a ruthless stalker, and a horde of other aspiring immortals dead set and bloodthirsty in their desire to separate Vincent from his destiny. This biting riches-to-rags novella, which only the author of Fight Club and Beautiful You could deliver, is presented as a deluxe hardcover coloring book, beautifully illustrated by Mike Norton (Battlepug, B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth), and Steve Morris (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) who worked with Palahniuk on his 2016 release Bait: Off-Color Stories for You to Color.
4. A Periodic Reminder
Thanks to Dark Horse’s collections, I’ve slowly begun to read “Usagi Yojimbo.” It’s a series that’s not talked about nearly as much as it should be which is really a shame. Sakai has been creating something so huge and vast but still so personal and funny. This issue is the first of a new two-part story arc so with a little research and maybe a purchase of a collected edition, you can get into this long-running gem.
Usagi Yojimbo #161
Stan Sakai (W/A/Cover)
On sale Sept 6
b&w, 28 pages • $3.99 • Ongoing
The mischievous Kitsune and her young apprentice Kiyoko find themselves unexpectedly caught in the middle of a murder mystery. Luckily for them, Usagi and Inspector Ishida are leading the investigation. Can Usagi discover the culprit and clear the names of his sly friends, or has Kitsune finally exhausted her luck?
Legendary comics creator Stan Sakai’s original ongoing masterpiece!
Part one of two—a great mystery begins for new fans!
3. “Black Hammer” PSA
“Black Hammer” is so great and I want to write a song about it. It’s just so perfect in every way. Recent events in this series have been sort of game changing and September’s issue teases that the action may be moving somewhere else. I’m excited! Read “Black Hammer.” Do it. Right now. I’ll wait.
Black Hammer #13
Jeff Lemire (W/Variant cover), Dean Ormston (A/Cover), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Sept 20
FC, 32 pages • $3.99 • Ongoing
It was the greatest superhero event of all time, a multiversal crisis. Black Hammer, Abraham Slam, Golden Gail, Barbalien, Colonel Weird, and even Madame Dragonfly—they united to take down Anti-God, the ultimate evil, on the streets of Spiral City. For ten years, the former heroes have been living in exile. But a new arrival from the main timeline brought new hope. And maybe, finally, it’s time for them to relaunch…
2. New Hellboy!
Hellboy will never actually die because there’s still so much history to explore. In September, a new 1955 miniseries starts and these are usually really good places to jump in. If your pull is a little light, I suggest adding it.
Continued belowHellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1955—Occult Intelligence #1 (of 3)
Mike Mignola (W), Chris Roberson (W), Brian Churilla (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Paolo Rivera (Cover)
On sale Sept 13
FC, 32 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries
A layover on a remote island drops Hellboy into a web of intrigue involving government secrets and foreign agents waging their own cold war over a weapon that might be right up the BPRD’s alley. In England Bruttenholm uncovers more secrets, indicating a worldwide supernatural conflict about to boil over.
“The art by Brian Churilla was a real shining star. Not only because of his ability to use artistic metaphors, but in his ability to capture Hellboy in his art.”—Bounding into Comics
1. A Queen For Modern Times
“The Once and Future Queen” kind of got the brush off in the same way a few other series at Dark Horse have in the last couple of years. It’s a shame too because this was really shaping up into something seriously awesome. I think a series like this with such an exciting premise and modern cast of characters will do really well in the broader bookstore markets. I can’t wait to see how this story ends and have already preordered my copy.
The Once and Future Queen TP (advance solicit)
Adam P. Knave (W), D.J. Kirkbride (W), and Nick Brokenshire (A/C/Cover)
On sale Nov 1
FC, 136 pages • $14.99 • TP, 7” x 10”
It’s out with the old myths and in with the new as a nineteen-year-old chess prodigy pulls Excalibur from the stone and becomes queen. Now magic, romance, Fae, Merlin, and more await her! Lend her your axe as the creators of Amelia Cole start a new age of adventure!
Collects issues #1–#5.
“Fun, upbeat and wonderfully diverse, this modern twist on the legend of King Arthur looks set to be a massive hit.”—Big Comic Page
“Brokenshire, Kirkbride and Knave immerse readers in the duality of fantasy and everyday life with a thoughtful tone.” —Multiversity Comics
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below and head over to CBR for the full solicitations.
