The winds of change have hit Multiversity Comics. Our Vince Ostrowski was sucked into some kind of vortex (blame the Packers losing) and so, from here on out I will be giving you the rundown of the best that Dark Horse Comics has to offer in their solicitations. April is going to be great, with lots of different books. Honestly, when isn’t Dark Horse putting out quality books? The answer is never. They are awesome. Let’s dig in, shall we?
10. The “Creator Sells Me” Pick
Gilbert Hernandez is one of the greatest gifts to the medium of comics. “Love and Rockets” is something I consider required reading for serious comic fans. “Grip: The Strange World of Men” is a collected edition of something I haven’t read yet. It sounds like a mashup between Darwyn Cooke’s “Parker” series of graphic novels and “Casanova” with Hernandez’ knack for character development.
Grip: The Strange World of Men HC
Gilbert Hernandez (W/A/Cover)
On sale June 10
b&w, 128 pages
$19.99
HC, 6″ x 9″
Comics luminary Gilbert Hernandez delivers a genre mash-up unlike any other! When Mike Chang wakes up with nothing but a lipstick smudge, someone else’s suit, and amnesia, he’s thrown into a world of criminal gangs, crime fighters, skin swappers, and a one-eyed girl with bizarre powers! Collects Grip #1–#5.
• Expanded with new story pages!
• Never before collected!
9. Even History Nerds Have A Comic Sub-Genre
I’m not the biggest Brian Wood fan. “DMZ” is really the only work of his I can claim a big fandom for. However, I’m an American history nerd who’s in college getting a degree in political science. “Rebels” is going to combine everything I do and am, which is more than enough to give this a chance. Alternate history has become this neat little comic sub-genre and because this is a mostly unexplored time period, I’m excited to see what Wood can do.
Rebels #1
Brian Wood (W), Andrea Mutti (A), Jordie Bellaire (C), and Tula Lotay (Cover)
On sale Apr 8
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
In a rush of great public resistance to an oppressive and excessive government, a homegrown militia movement is formed in rural America. This is not 2015, but 1775. With the war for independence playing out across the colonies, young Seth and Mercy Abbott find their new marriage tested at every turn, as the demands of the frontlines and the home front collide.
• Live free or die!
• The story of America’s first militia and the push for independence!
“Rebels is a project born of passion for both history and country.”—Nerdist
8. Conan and Red Sonja are fun?
It’s a weird thing to say but the Jim Zub and Gail Simone penned “Conan Red Sonja” miniseries is actually pretty fun in a conventionally fun way. At the time of this article, only the first issue is out however, I found that I was laughing at the witty dialogue and genuinely having a fun time. It’s very far from the older Conan adventures but this is what Simone has done during her run on “Red Sonja”. Zub and Simone are not new to the swords and sorcery genre so I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked. April is the release of the finale and barring any disaster between now and then, I’ll be reading this.
Conan Red Sonja #4 (of 4)
Gail Simone (W), Jim Zub (W), Randy Green (P), Rick Ketcham (I), Dave Stewart (C), and Dan Panosian (Cover)
On sale Apr 8
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Miniseries
Conan and Red Sonja are faced with the end of the world as Thoth-Amon’s plan is unleashed! Can our heroes overcome the impossible odds against them to save the world and their lives?
• Comics superstars Gail Simone and Jim Zub write Conan and Red Sonja in this crossover of epic proportions.
7. EC Keeps Classic Comics Alive
EC Comics, through Dark Horse puts out these massive hardcovers almost monthly that collect classic horror comics. During the late 1940’s the Association of Comics Magazine Publishers attempted serious censorship on the medium but EC didn’t budge. These comics were printed regardless but over time got a bit lost. These hardcovers collect those lost issues. In April, their first “Tales From the Crypt” collection comes out and for fans of Golden Age horror and how batshit crazy these stories can be, this is a must own. It features some of the most legendary creators of all time and these books are always high quality.
Continued belowEC Archives: Tales from the Crypt Volume 1 HC (advance solicit)
Al Feldstein (W/A/Cover), Gardner Fox (W), Johnny Craig (W/A), Ivan Klapper (W), Bill Gaines (W), George Roussos (A), Wally Wood (A), Harvey Kurtzman (A), Graham Ingels (A), and Jack Kamen (A)
On sale June 10
FC, 216 pages
$49.99
HC, 8 1/4″ x 11″
As any fan of comics knows, EC comics still represent the best of Golden Age writing and artwork. Now, Dark Horse Books is proud to bring you the very first issues of EC’s Tales from the Crypt, featuring the amazing artistic talents of Johnny Craig, Al Feldstein, George Roussos, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman, Graham Ingels, and Jack Kamen! Collects The Crypt of Terror #17–#19 and Tales from the Crypt #20–#22 in full color!
6. The Proper Way to Read “Buffy” Comics
I’ve got to admit this, I’m not the biggest Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan. I thought the show was cute, fun but had enough substance. Long story short, I don’t hold it as high as so many others do. What I have enjoyed is the comic continuation of the series. Comics have no budget and no worries about cast members not signing contracts. The library editions of “Buffy” are gorgeous. They’re oversized and the quality is top notch. After reading just a few pages this way, you’ll never want to go back.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 Library Edition Volume 2 HC (advance solicit)
Joss Whedon (W), Andrew Chambliss (W), Jane Espenson (W), Drew Z. Greenberg (W), Christos Gage (W), Jeff Parker (W), Georges Jeanty (A), Brian Ching (A), Karl Moline (A), Ben Dewey (A), Andy Owens (I), Nathan Massengill (I), Jason Gorder (I), and Steve Morris (Cover)
On sale June 17
FC, 288 pages
$29.99
HC, 8″ x 12 1/4″
When Buffy is unemployed and killing fewer vampires than ever, a group of Slayer-driven special forces called Deepscan gives her hope for a more prosperous future. Meanwhile, Willow embarks on a singular journey to reclaim her identity and her magic in strange worlds where she confronts extraordinary beasts, resists magical temptations, and must discover the gateway home again. Collects the third volume of Buffy Season 9 and Willow: Wonderland in a deluxe hardcover format with sketchbook extras!
• $30 for nearly 300 pages!
5. It’s Never Too Late To Get Into the Mignolaverse
We love the Mignolaverse here at Multiversity. Even though this is a vast world with lots to read, new story arcs tend to be a nice place to jump into most series. A little background knowledge helps but that’s easy to find. I only jumped into this recently myself so don’t let the history scare you off.
B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #130
Mike Mignola (W), John Arcudi (W), Peter Snejbjerg (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Laurence Campbell (Cover)
On sale Apr 15
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Ongoing
Agent Johann’s alienation from the other BPRD agents after a horrific mission causes him to take drastic measures. Will the other agents tell Kate what really happened? What will happen to the ghost agent?
• A new arc starts here!
4. Please Read “Mind MGMT”
“Mind MGMT” is fantastic. Like really, really fantastic. You’re doing comics wrong by not buying this every month. This is the final arc and everything is coming together fabulously. As someone who’s been reading this since it launched, I’m both sad but very excited to see how Meru’s journey ends. I could go on forever about “Mind MGMT” because it’s that good but I’ll leave it here. Just read “Mind MGMT”.
Continued belowMind MGMT #32
Matt Kindt (W/A/Cover) (Cover)
On sale Apr 22
FC, 24 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
Meru’s last remaining allies fight their way across the globe to make their way back to her as the Eraser’s new Mind Management works to track them down!
• 2014 Readers’ Choice at the Stumptown Comic Arts Awards!
“MIND MGMT is a must-read comic.”—Newsarama
“The quality is simply sublime.”—Comic Book Resources
3. One of the Best Yet Most Ignored Superhero Comic
Joshua Williamson has gotten more fame in comics thanks to his great work with “Nailbiter” and “Ghosted” but if you asked me (we’ll pretend you did), I’d say that “Captain Midnight” is his best ongoing series. It’s consistently great superhero action that you don’t really see outside of Kurt Busiek’s “Astro City”.
Captain Midnight #22
Joshua Williamson (W), Michael Broussard (A/Cover), and Javier Mena (C)
On sale Apr 29
FC, 32 pages
$2.99
Ongoing
Confronted by a mysterious masked man from the past, Captain Midnight and X have no time to delve into this mystery as übervillain the Archon’s powerful warriors, the Chosen, attack! Meanwhile, the Archon’s setting other plans in motion that will strengthen his chokehold on our country, our world . . . and our dimension?
• The X and Captain Midnight crossover event is in “Marked for Death”
X #21–#22:; and Captain Midnight #21–#24
2. Hell Have No Fury Like a Lady Killer
I’ve read ONE issue of “Lady Killer” and already hate that this is a mini. Josie’s adventures as a killer for hire could be and should be an ongoing series. Joelle Jones has quickly become one of my favorite artists thanks to her knack for stylish character designs and the killer energy her work gives off. Go buy the first issue and then preorder this one.
Lady Killer #4 (of 5)
Joëlle Jones (W/A/Cover) and Jamie S. Rich (W)
On sale Apr 1
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Josie is a happily dedicated housewife and mother in 1960s suburban Seattle—but she’s keeping a secret from her family: she’s also a contract killer with nerves of steel! But when the tables turn and she finds herself with a target on her own back, she looks for answers from another mysterious, deadly woman!
“A level of violence that can only be described as Mad Men’s Betty Draper meets Dexter.”—Comic Book Resources
1. Archie, “If it bleeds, we can kill it”
Given that this was my first time writing this column, I wanted to be professional and hopefully be taken seriously by you, our readers. Instead I’ve decided that my number one pick would be arguably the oddest mashup in comics – “Archie vs. Predator”. Alex de Campi is no stranger to violent comics and because of this, I’m hoping to see some out of continuity kills by the Predator. This cover above better happen. Some of you may be screaming, GIMMICK at this pick and you’d be right, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be really great and entertaining.
Archie vs. Predator #1
Alex de Campi (W), Fernando Ruiz (P/Cover), Rich Koslowski (I), Jason Millet (C), Eric Powell (Variant cover), and Francesco Francavilla (Variant Cover)
On sale Apr 15
FC, 32 pages
Miniseries
America’s favorite teen meets the galaxy’s fiercest hunter! Archie and friends hit Costa Rica for Spring Break, where party games and beach games are soon replaced by the Most Dangerous Game! What mysterious attraction does the gang hold for the trophy-collecting Predator, and will the kids even realize they’re in danger before it claims them all?
• The wildest Archie crossover ever (and that’s saying something)!
• From Alex de Campi (Grindhouse, My Little Pony)
• Variant covers by Eric Powell (The Goon) and Francesco Francavilla (Afterlife with Archie)!
Did I miss something? Tell me about it in the comments below! You can see the full solicitations over at Comic Book Resources.
