5 Comics To Watch

Batman #22 (D.C.) – Part two of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Zero Year arc, where we see Bruce’s first days as Batman mixed in with the mystery of what the heck happened to Gotham?  This time The Riddler looks like he’ll be the one pulling the strings.  Part one was great, and after 21 issues of excellence, I’m anticipating a gem of a story.

 

 

East of West #4 (Image) – Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta are creating one heck of a series here. Three issues in and I am about as rabid about this book as I have been for any book in the last 3 years.  My early pick for Best New Series of 2013.  You heard it here first folks!  Still time to jump on the bandwagon…if you don’t mind second (and fourth) prints of previous issues!

 

Indestructible Hulk #10 (Marvel) – I am really digging this series.  The Thor/Hulk 3 issue arc with Walt Simonson really got me on board…and now it’s the Daredevil as Hulk’s Lawyer storyline that is keeping me at the party.  The first issue was ridiculously good, with one of the better team ups I’ve read in a while.  I guess that should be expected when the same writer (Mark Waid) works on both characters solo books.

 

Justice League #22 (D.C.) – Trinity War kicks off this week.  By now you know how I feel about ‘Events’ (not really a fan) but when the talent and the characters pass the initial taste test, you’ve got to at least see what the creators have up their sleeves.

 

Superman Unchained #2 (D.C.) –  Issue number one from Snyder and Jim Lee was a Superman book that even I could get excited about.  Great plotting, suspense, action, playing with alternate history elements, and some great art have me firmly on this bandwagon.

 

 

Hidden  Gems

Astro City #2 (Vertigo) – Being unfamiliar with the original series, I was intrigued by its past credentials as well as the look and themes of the series.  Issue #1 was quite good, and I’m very interested to see where this book goes with its main cast of characters.  Probably won’t be a hit series, but sometimes smaller books like this have occasional moments of brilliance that make it worth the trip.  I have a feeling Astro City will be one of those books.

 

Daredevil #28 (Marvel) – Issue #27 wrapped up the series’ overarching storyline with Daredevil finally coming face to face with the villain pulling the strings on his recent troubles.  With that done and dusted, it’s time for a  one shot where Matt takes on the case of a former bully from his childhood. I’ve been toying with the idea of dropping this series for a while now…but honestly, its just too good to drop.  Consider me a Daredevil fan for the foreseeable future.

 

 

 

Also Out This Week

D.C. has Batgirl #22, Batman Lil Gotham #4, Demon Knights #22, Green Lantern Corps #22, Katana #6, Nightwing #22, Suicide Squad #22, Smallville Season 11 #15 and Worlds Finest #14.

Marvel has Avengers Arena #12 NOW!, Fearless Defends #6 NOW!, Hawkeye #12, Secret Avengers #6 NOW!, Superior Spider-Man #13 NOW!, Uncanny X-Men #8 NOW!, Wolverine #6 NOW!, Young Avengers #7 NOW! and Ultimates #27.

 

There’s also Walking Dead #112, Peter Panzerfaust #12, Chew #35, America’s Got Powers #6, Sheltered #1, My Little Pony Micro Series #6, Star Wars #7, Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 9 #23, X #3 and True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #2.

 

Trade Watch

There’s Before Watchmen Comedian/Rorschach HC and Before Watchmen Nite Owl/Doctor Manhattan HC, Justice League Dark Vol 2 TP, Supergirl Vol 2 TP, Prophet Vol 2 TP, FF NOW! Vol 1 TP and Gambit Vol 2 TP.

 

– S-1