So, after writing this entire article for the second time because my computer thought ASCII art was more interesting than what I had originally written, here we are. Despite all that hullabaloo, I am super excited for this week, what with all the new toys we got to see at Toy Fair and all the delicious picture books. My nerd centers are pulsing, and it hurts, a good kind of hurt. So let us skip merrily through the bloodstained garden that is Top of The Stack!
Deathlok #5 (Marvel)
Nathan Edmondson (W) Mike Perkins (A)
This is the comic on the chopping block for the week. Last week I had Spider-Woman and Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier on as the two about to get nixed, but both surprised me with their issues and at least Bucky will be staying on for a while longer. That being said, this comic is dry, not all that interesting and does very little to keep me invested in the main character. It’s a shame, because I was really looking forward to this series before it came out.
Ivar, Timewalker #2 (Valiant)
Fred Van Lente (W) Clayton Henry (A)
While the series had a very solid opening issue, some of the pacing and plot advancement was a little shaky. That is why this series is second on this week’s list. Not because it’s bad, but because I can see this series becoming a little boring once the shiny gloss of a new comic has faded.
Batman Eternal #46 (DC)
Tim Seeley (W) Alessandro Vitti/ Christian Duce/ Ronan Clioet (A)
Last week’s issue was awesome, while I said I frown upon the more supernatural aspects of the Batman world, I was blown away by how they used them. That along with the reveal about who is really behind everything that has been going on in Gotham, or at least who we are being lead to believe is doing it, makes me very excited for this weeks issue.
Avengers World #17 (Marvel)
Frank J. Barbiere (W) Marco Checchetto (A)
I am very excited for this new arc. For two reasons, one Frank J. Barbiere is taking the reigns of the story and every issue he has manned before has been awesome, the other reason is that it will be explaining what happened in the Avengers world when Avengers and New Avengers skipped ahead eight months. Some drastic things will be evolving in the next few issues.
Drifter #4 (Image)
Ivan Brandon (W) Nic Klein (A)
This series has been some really solid, gritty sci-fi love. It’s dark and menacing world, met with a character who is completely unfamiliar with it, makes this a very interesting read. My only problem so far is that the tone has been very downplayed, every reveal seems squandered by the general tone and accepting nature of the narrator. I’ve a weird juxtaposition.
Letter 44 #14 (Oni Press)
Charles Soule (W) Drew Moss (A)
This next issue is going to have guest artist Drew Moss on board to tell us about the creation of the Monolith Project that is causing so much chaos in the world of this comic. Interested to see the inner working of our outted president’s cabinet and secret organizations, something tells me it will be just a little evil.
Black Widow #15 (Marvel)
Nathan Edmondson (W) Phil Noto (A)
Black Widow finally gets to the people she’s been searching for for almost the entirety of this comic. Very excited to see this search come to a head. The Black Widow currently on the hunt is much more intense then the one we faced in the beginning of the comic. We’ll have to see how this newly resurfacing rage will affect her judgment. There’s a reason she’s named after one of the most gracefully lethal creatures in existence.
Lazarus #15 (Image)
Greg Rucka (W) Michael Lark (A)
This comic is phenomenal. A brilliant commentary about a world where the few have the power over the many. Well, you know, more so than reality. This story has a way a storming forward even when you think it has hit a dead end. Definite must read.
Ms. Marvel #12 (Marvel)
C. Willow Wilson (W) Takeshi Miyagawa (A)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This story is fun, clever, and very light. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but manages to pack in the positive messages. We all know how it feels to be a teenager lost in the battle for respect, duty, and expectations. This series takes your teenage self and adds a cape.
Bitch Planet #3 (Image)
Kelly Sue DeConnick (W) Robert Wilson IV (A)
This comic is hysterical and full of awesome action. The pieces are in place, we have a goal, and now our badass women convicts from Bitch Planet search for a way off the shit hole of a planet.
Moon Knight #12 (Marvel)
Brian Wood (W) Greg Smallwood (A)
The end to Brian Woods first arc, and so far he has done a fantastic job filling the shoes of Warren Ellis. Very fast paced story , that understands how much can be said without any words. This comic has stayed on my top Marvel list for a while and it’s looking like it doesn’t want to leave just yet.
She-Hulk #12 (Marvel)
Charles Soule (W) Javier Pulido (A)
Speaking of leaving, this is the finale to Soules ode to lawyers and superheroes. I am really sad to see this one bite the dust, but I assume it is for the best. With Soule having signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, we can bet we’ll be seeing more of this extremely talented, and I assume busy, man.
The Multiversity #1.7 (DC)
Grant Morrison (W) Jim Lee (A)
Okay, Grant, we get it, there are a lot of worlds. Can we get on with the god forsaken story now? Sweet Jesus, how many issue ones can you make. Is this a statement about reboots, or is he just too good for a legitimate issue two? Does he think we can’t comprehend it still? Either way, this one is all about America. Well, kinda. Superman’s a nazi, the axis won WWII and now Uncle Sam is here to kick some ass and take some names.
The Valiant #3 of 4 (Valiant)
Jeff Lemire (W) Matt Kindt (W) Paolo Rivera (A)
This series has been really fantastic so far. With it already halfway over, I am extremely intrigued with the world they are building and the characters who inhabit them. Drawing parallels from a fairy tale in the last issue, it is looking like Bloodshot may be the savior of this comic. Fitting since Lemire is going on to write Bloodshot Reborn. Lemire’s writing mixed with Rivera’s gorgeous artwork make this series a must buy.
Rumble #3 (Image)
John Arcudi (W) James Harren (A)
This comic is really, really fun. I was expecting a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek when I initially picked this series up, but this is just outright funny. Filled with action and very fast paced, this story is already carving out a scarecrow sized hole in my heart.
All-New Captain America #4 (Marvel)
Rick Remender (W) Stuart Immonen (A)
This series is awesome. The way that they handled a poorly executed ret-con of Sam Wilson, “Snap” Wilson if you haven’t heard, was brilliant. Very well handled dismantling of an offensive stereotype was great. Glad that they have at least explored that dark blotch on the history of Sam. That being said this series kicks just as much, if not more, ass than the last Captain America ongoing. Very happy with this one.
The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #4 (Image)
Kurt Busiek (W) Ben Dewey (A)
I am in love with this series. I know, normally it takes five to six dates for me to really know I want to be with this person, but this lady here defied my expectations. One date is all it took, seriously besides the jaw-dropping art and character design, the world itself is complex and beautiful. That mixed with the purity of Busiek’s storytelling makes this a clean hit.
Manifest Destiny #13 (Image)
Chris Dingess (W) Matthew Roberts (A)
I never thought I’d be this into, what is essentially, historical fiction of the most extreme caliber. I cannot wait for this new arc and generally the future of this comic. It reminds me of The Walking Dead meets Oregon Trail, maybe those two things aren’t all that different in the first place. Either way, excellent storytelling.
Deadly Class #11 (Image)
Rick Remender (W) Wesley Craig (A)
It’s back and I am ecstatic. Last issue left us with quite a few “oh, shit” moments, one more literal that the rest. While not divulging too much of the plot, let me say that, one, karma is a bitch, and two, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. I need this issue like nothing else. I can’t wait.
