Have you ever read a book? Like a real one without any pictures? I know they make them. I mean they have to right? Even comic books don’t have pictures sometimes. They have to write it first too, so at some point all comics are picture-less. Weird. How boring. Open your putrid maw, ingest Top of The Stack.
Secret Wars: Battleworld #4 of 4 (Marvel)
James Stokoe/Peter David (W) James Stokoe/Daniel Valadez (A)
It has come to an end, as will many Secret Wars titles in the next month or so. What they don’t tell you is that all the series have a four to five issue run, but not all of them are solicited as limited series. Sneaky sneaky Marvel. Either way, this final issue has some cool artwork and, potentially, a very exciting story or two.
A-force #3 (Marvel)
G. Willow Wilson (W) Jorge Molina (A)
Yay, a female-centric comic that isn’t cringingly offensive. I’m looking at you Fearless Defenders. If you are one of those dude-bro-guys with their heads up their asses about comics featuring an all female cast, I politely suggest you remove your cranium from your sphincter and enjoy this book, not because it’s all boobs and ass, which it isn’t, but because women need to be portrayed better in all media. Just look at Mad Max: Fury Road. Women are badass, just deal with it.
Inhumans: Attilan Rising #4 (Marvel)
Charles Soule (W) John Timms (A)
This series is really interesting. The best part about it though, is that it almost feels like a continuation of the Inhumans series pre-SW. I mean there are some big differences, but the whole idea of Inhumans at odds with each other is still there. Medusa vs. Black Bolt, that’s about as badass as it gets.
Master of Kung Fu #4 of 4 (Marvel)
Haden Blackman (W) Dalibor Talajic (A)
I am sad that this series is ending. The way that the last issue left off makes me want to read more about this character and the world they inhabit. I really hope Shang-chi pops up again after this all ends.
Injection #4 (Image)
Warren Ellis (W) Declan Shalvey (A)
This series is not at all what I thought it was when it started. That’s not a bad thing. It has evolved into a lore exploring story, that makes myth reality. I am really interested in where things will go from here and honestly, with someone like Ellis helming the script, I can only imagine it will get more and more intense.
Constantine: The Hellblazer #3 (DC)
Ming Doyle/ James Tynion IV (W) Vanesa Del Rey (A)
This series is like a breath of fresh air in the DC universe. I know I’m not following a ton of DC stuff, and it seems that everything that I try to follow, I lose interest in after an arc or two. That being said, if this comic continues down the route that the first two issues have taken, I can see myself following this one for a while.
Planet Hulk #4 (Marvel)
Sam Humphries (W) Marc Laming (A)
Arguably the most impressive series to come out of Secret Wars. I was on the fence about Humphries as a writer, I loved Avengers AI (Although I felt as if I was the only one) and then I was less than impressed with Legendary Star-Lord. That being said, this comic has solidified my trust in this man. You win Humphries.
Velvet #11 (Image)
Ed Brubaker (W) Steve Epting (A)
Hey, remember what I said earlier about women kicking ass. Well I think that this comic will be the final nail in the argument for anyone who argues otherwise. In fact this whole comic is based on you underestimating the women around you. You should never do that. Take it from a guy who reads comic books.
ODY-C # 6 (Image)
Matt Fraction (W) Christian Ward (A)
Me and my buddy were just talking about this comic. Aside from it being beautiful, vibrant and enthralling visually, thanks to Ward’s amazing style, the love that Fraction has for this story is apparent with every word he has written. It truly is amazing how he has turned this story on its head. I only wonder how long this comic will last, I mean it’s blasphemy to continue with a story that has already been written. What next, the Illiad? Who is to say?
Batman #43 (DC)
Scott Snyder (W) Greg Capullo (A)
I am seriously giddy about this one. More Bat-Rabbit-Mecha-Gordon and a new villain! If you ever doubted that Commissioner Gordon could wear the cowl, then you have been a fool and you need to get out of my house. Seriously, get out and don’t come back. I need none of your nay saying in my life. Leave.
Secret Wars #5 of 8 (Marvel)
Jonathan Hickman (W) Esad Ribic (A)
Okay, I know what your thinking. “Hey, doesn’t he always put Hickman at the top of the stack.” Well, shame on you. I am no ones dancing monkey. I implore you to find yourself some manners. Let’s be serious though. This series is fantastic, I love it, it is everything that I wanted in a Hickman event. That being said, I have enough room in my heart for more than one fantastic comic a week.
Descender #6 (Image)
Jeff Lemire (W) Dustin Nguyen (A)
And this is the lovely harlot that is stripping Hickman of his spot at the top of the stack. Yes, she is a very lovely comic. Full of gorgeous artwork and brilliant wordy-things. Seriously, I heard someone at my local comic shop tell someone else that this comic “wasn’t for them” and that they “didn’t find it interesting” and for a solid minute I contemplated never stepping into the shop again. But then I came to my senses and gave them my money. So it goes.
As they used to say in that one television program. Aw, there it goes. Or something of that nature, I’m sure. Who am I to know? Am I one of the chosen knowers? I doubt it, that just seems like a ridiculous title to give anyone. Why did you say that? That was very dumb of you. Good job, you’ve upset me. Stay smart, folks.
