“War of the Realms” comes to a close this month, which gives us plenty to look at. Yet even with that, we have three different “Spider-Man” comics, each one focusing on a different kind of Spider-being. Of course, some consistent favorites make the list as well, so let’s see what Marvel’s top ten for June is.
10. Does Whatever a Spider-Pig Does
If people didn’t love Spider-Ham before (and if so, why not?) they certainly do after Into the Spider-Verse. Yes, we continue the time-honored tradition of one-shots and short runs based off fan-favorite characters from hit movies with Spider-Ham, getting his time in the spotlight in the “Spider-Man Annual.” And I think it’s safe to say we’ll all be reading it in John Mulaney’s voice.
Spider-Man Annual #1 – Featuring Spider-Ham!
Written by Jason Laour
Illustrated by David Lafuente and Jason Latour
Cover by David Lafuente
Variant Covers by Ron Lim and John Tyler Chrisopher• When Spider-Gwen’s dimension-hopping web-watch falls into the wrong hands, it’s up to everyone’s favorite wisecracking web-slinger, the wily waddler known as SPIDER-HAM, to save the day!
• From the same creative minds that brought you INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE and Spider-Gwen creator JASON LATOUR, you won’t want to miss this interdimensional epic!
9. Totally Radical, Dude
I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. I, like many of you, grew up in the 90’s; Captain Marvel appealed to my sense of 90’s nostalgia, and so does this. Seeing an older Spider-Man finding his place in the era of my childhood sounds too interesting to pass on, and I look forward to seeing how the comic shows the defining moments of the decade.
Spider-Man: Life Story #4
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Mark Bagley
Cover by Chip Zdarsky
Variant Cover by Kaare Andrews• THE REAL-TIME LIFE STORY OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES!
• Spider-Man’s life enters the 1990s! The COLD WAR is no longer cold as PETER PARKER returns to a world gone MAD! But will he let that madness infect HIM and his family?
8. Forever the Best Coast.
This month felt utterly devoid of the excellence that is “West Coast Avengers.” But they’re not the only heroes on the West Coast. Otto Octavius, who is back to calling himself “The Superior Spider-Man,” has also set up shop in my home turf. So if we can’t get the team on their own, we’ll take them in a team-up. And frankly, it will be worth it just to see how Otto reacts to Gwenpool.
Superior Spider-Man #7
Written by Christos Gage
Illustrated by Lan Medina
Cover by Mike Hawthorne• WAR OF THE REALMS TIE-IN!
• Like the rest of America, the West Coast is overrun with Frost Giants and in CHAOS!
• But Otto Octavius doesn’t settle for chaos and will WIN THE WAR OF REALMS SINGLE-HANDEDLY.
• Well, maybe not single-handedly. He needs minions. Super-minions! So he recruits the WEST COAST AVENGERS!
• Uh-oh.
7. Squirrel vs Girl
Yep, more tie-ins! Hey, we finally get an “Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” tie-in to an event, and I’m going to enjoy every moment of it. It’s always fun when heroes have to team up with their antagonists, and what better antagonist for Doreen than the Asgardian squirrel of chaos, Ratatoskr? I am also very intrigued by the mention of “public domain poetry.” So let’s see what Ryan North and Derek Charm have in store for us.
Continued belowThe Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #45
Written by Ryan North
Illustrated by Derek Charm
Cover by Erica Henderson• WAR OF THE REALMS TIE-IN!
• The historic team-up of Ratatoskr – Asgardian chaos squirrel god – and Squirrel Girl – Midgardian squirrel, uh, girl – has not gone well!
• Well, that’s not technically true: it’s gone well for Ratatoskr, who now has a human identity to play with…but this team-up hasn’t technically saved anyone yet.
• And now it probably never will! Squirrel Girl realizes that Ratatoskr isn’t playing by the rules, and they split up!
• But can one girl save all of North America? And does one Asgardian chaos squirrel god have machinations going on beneath the surface?
• Answers to these questions, plus fights, plus friendship, plus Frost Giants, PLUS some public domain poetry all await you! THERE IS NO MORE ALLURING A SENTENCE THAN THE ONE WE JUST TYPED. WE CHECKED, THIS IS IT!
6. Release Him
I’m sure everyone remembers that scene in Star Wars where Grand Moff Tarkin commands Darth Vader to stop choking Admiral Motti, and Vader agrees with “As you wish.” In the same movie, Princess Leia described him as “holding Vader’s leash.” For as fearsome as Darth Vader is, he still had to follow the orders of the Grand Moffs. So this comic is giving us a look at how that works, how little Vader appreciates it, and what he could do to them if he so felt the need. This is intriguing to say the least, and gives us a closer look at one of the less explored aspects of the Imperial hierarchy.
Star Wars: Age of Rebellion – Darth Vader #1
Written by Greg Pak
Illustrated by Marc Leming
Cover by Terry and Rachel Dodson
Variant Covers by JG Jones, Mike McKone, and Gabriele Dell’oto• YOUR HUMBLE SERVANT VADER!
• DARTH VADER may be the most feared man in the galaxy. But to the proud Grand Moffs of THE EMPIRE, he’s just the Emperor’s apprentice – below them in the hierarchy.
• But what fury burns in the heart of a SITH with such overwhelming rage when a mere Moff dares command him?
• And at what point does Darth Vader show them his true power?
5. G’day, Deadpool
Time for another “War of the Realms” tie-in, this one featuring Deadpool himself. Also, it’s in Australia. I mean, do I even need to say any more? I think “Deadpool fighting trolls in Australia” should be self-explanatory, but if you need more: Skottie Young has been giving us a lot of laughs and a lot of action with his run on “Deadpool,” so bringing that entertaining chaos into “War of the Realms” should be reason enough to read it.
Deadpool #13
Written by Skottie Young
Illustrated by Nic Klein
Variant Cover by Adi Granov• WAR OF THE REALMS TIE-IN! DEADPOOL GOES DOWN UNDER!
• As the War of the Realms rages, Deadpool is sent to Australia to take care of a pesky troll problem!
• No, not those obnoxious internet nerds. REAL TROLLS!
• How many didgeridoo jokes can one comic book make? Let’s find out together!
4. Smash It
There’s nothing quite like an all-star team of writer and artist coming together. Peter David wrote “The Incredible Hulk” for over a decade – there are few who can claim to know the character better than him. And if you’re unfamiliar about Dale Keown’s art, just take a look at that cover – that is pure Incredible Hulk right there. If you’re looking for a good one-shot or a longtime fan of Bruce Banner and his gamma-radiated alter ego, this is a promising issue.
Incredible Hulk: Last Call #1
Written by Peter David
Illustrated by Dale Keown
Cover by Dale Keown
Variant Covers by Junggeun Yoon and Adam Kubert• HULK LEGENDS, PETER DAVID & DALE KEOWN REUNITE!
• In his twelve-year stint on THE INCREDIBLE HULK, Peter David redefined the Green Goliath for generations of fans and creators. Artist Dale Keown drew some of that run’s most beloved and influential issues. Now the pair return to their incredible collaboration for a special oversized one-shot issue! Bruce Banner is tired of being the Hulk. Heck, he’s tired of being. But just when he’s about to lose all hope, a miracle occurs: a fight worthy of the Incredible Hulk.
3. Meow
Has there really never been a Black Cat ongoing series yet? It’s long overdue. There’s something entertaining about a heist – the planning, the execution, and the inevitable twist that throws it all out the window. So yes, this is another “Spider-Man” related comic, but it’s one I can’t wait to see in action.
Continued belowBlack Cat #1
Written by Jed Mackay
Illustrated by Travel Foreman
Cover by J. Scott Campbell
Variant Covers by Terry Dodson, Artgerm, Travel Foreman, Phil Noto, Elizabeth Torque, and Skottie Young• SPINNING OUT OF THE PAGES OF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!
• ALL-NEW ONGOING SERIES!
• The Black Cat is back and starring in her first ever ongoing series! Felicia Hardy has a taste for the finer things in life and a certain set of skills that can get her into any mansion, vault or museum to…procure said finer things. But due to her actions in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, Felicia’s not only on the run from the police but also by the New York Theives Guild and their boss ODESSA DRAKE! High-octane heists, climactic chases and twist after twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat like a cat on a perch. IN THIS ISSUE: Find out a secret from Cat’s past in a bonus story that sets a foundation for the future! All this and an all-new MARVEL MEOW short story by Nao Fuji!
2. From Devil to Demigod
So Daredevil is now “the God Without Fear.” That’s a thing that’ll be happening in “War of the Realms,” and likely just there only. So I’m going to enjoy it for as long as it lasts. With the Kingpin entering into the battle against the invading forces from outside this realm, and Daredevil having to choose between taking him down and fighting on his side, we’re going to get an entertaining read. The extra stories at the end are always welcome as well; you can’t go wrong with more Doom.
War of the Realms: War Scrolls #3
Written by Jason Aaron, Christopher Cantwell, and Charlie Jane Anders
Illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino and more
Cover by Alan Davis• THE MUST-READ COMPANION TO THE WAR OF THE REALMS!
• The Kingpin joins the battle for New York! And even with his new cosmic senses, the God Without Fear can’t touch the venerated Mayor…can he? Jason Aaron and Andrea Sorrentino’s tale comes to a dramatic close! Plus, Halt and Catch Fire co-creator Christopher Cantwell and Nebula Award-winning novelist Charlie Jane Anders make their Marvel debuts with stories about Doctor Doom and She-Hulk!
1. And So It Ends
The War of the Realms comes to an end here. Six issues, lots and lots of tie-ins, and one final conclusion. Will it be as world-shattering as advertised? Maybe or maybe not, but this is a story that’s been in the works for ages, so whatever ending Jason Aaron has planned, I have no doubt it will be a thrill.
War of the Realms #6
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by Russell Dauterman
Cover by Arthur Adams
Variant Covers by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Victor Hugo, Irina Nardsol, Luke Ross, Mike Del Mundo, and Terry Dodson• THE WORLD’S SHATTERING CONCLUSION OF WAR OF THE REALMS!
• The tides begin to turn as unexpected allies appear in a twist that will shake the heavens! Malekith’s allies are faltering at last before the might of all Earth’s heroes, but the Dark Elf King has one final trick — and it’s got a VENOMOUS bite! Out of options, the God of Thunder makes a sacrifice that will leave him forever changed. But will it be enough? And what heroes may fall in his wake? Midgard’s fate is sealed as Jason Aaron’s years-long saga comes to its epic conclusion!
Check out the full solicitations over at CBR.com.
