If you are looking for a comic book recommendation for the week, we have you covered as the Major Spoilers Staff picks their reads for the week.
ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA AND CAKE #2
Writer: Natasha Allegri
Artist: Natasha Allegri
Publisher: BOOM! Studios (kaboom! imprint)
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: DON’T MISS FAN-FAVORITE ADVENTURE TIME CHARACTERS FIONNA
AND CAKE IN THEIR OWN SERIES!
Get in on this explosively popular new ADVENTURE TIME mini-series, written and drawn by FIONNA AND CAKE creator and ADVENTURE TIME storyboard artist Natasha Allegri!
What will Fionna and Cake do with a flame-boy to care for? Find out in the hottest series of the year!
JIMMY: As anyone who’s followed my staff picks knows, I am a huge fan of Adventure Time. The first issue of Fionna and Cake was interesting, while not entirely compelling, but I read an advanced review copy of this issue and it’s fantastic. Having Natasha Allegri, one of the storyboard artists/writers for the show, as the writer and artist for this issue means everything is at least as canon as a Fionna and Cake story can be, and this issue introduces a character I’ve been really excited to see in the Fionna/Cake-verse (AND just in time for the upcoming February 18th episode!)
ALL-NEW X-MEN #7
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: David Marquez
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: • Mystique targets our young time-travelers, starting with Cyclops.
GEORGE: I thought the initial solicitation for this book was laughable. The original X-Men brought to the present day? What an awful concept. But in its execution, I’ve found a title filled with great character moments – last issue’s Jean Grey/Quentin Quire bit, for one. There are still numerous conceptual problems. There are continuity issues with Jean Grey’s origin story, as well as the unanswered question of what time period exactly these X-Men derive from. But if you can suspend your disbelief a little bit more, you’ll find a story worth reading. With themes of jealousy, destiny, betrayal and regret, this is a comic book richer than it has any right to be. It’s not perfect by a long shot, but its messiness is becoming more of an asset than a hindrance.
ANIMAL MAN #17
Writer: Jeff Lemire, Scott Snyder
Artist: Steve Pugh
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION:
• The epic climax of “ROTWORLD” starts here and continues into this month’s SWAMP THING #17!
• All hope seems lost! Can Buddy find a way to stop the Rot before it takes over the world?
• Before that can even happen, Buddy must confront the horrible truth about the fate of his family.
ROB: The conclusion to Rot-World is upon us, and thankfully both issues come out the same day. Animal Man has been one of my favorite reads since the opening of the New 52, and thankfully one D&D Brian convinced me to pick up Swamp Thing too, as Rot World would have been a waste without it. Find out how Buddy and Alec get back together to prevent the Rot from taking over.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS #1
Writers: Alex Link, Christopher Long, Dirk Manning
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: Inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, artist extraordinaire, RILEY ROSSMO (DEBRIS, GREEN WAKE, COWBOY NINJA VIKING, REBEL BLOOD) joins forces with nine different writers over three issues to tell tall tales from beyond the grave!
This issue’s writers are ALEX LINK (REBEL BLOOD), CHRISTOPHER LONG (X-Men Unlimited, Hiding In Time, Easy Way) and DIRK MANNING (NIGHTMARE WORLD, Write or Wrong). Future issues will feature stories by ED BRISSON (COMEBACK), ALEX GRECIAN (PROOF), JOE KEATINGE (HELL YEAH), JEFF MARRIOTTE (FADE TO BLACK), KURTIS WIEBE (PETER PANZERFAUST) and JOSHUA WILLIAMSON (XENOHOLICS).
In this issue: A mariachi falls in love with a woman who strongly resembles his lost love, a father is abused by a poltergeist, and a girl who’s mother died when she was born visits the land of the dead in her dreams.
RODRIGO: Obviously I’m going to be screening this thing pretty closely for authenticity. That is to say, the first time I see a hard-shelled taco I’m out.
FEARLESS DEFENDERS #1
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Will Sliney
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: NEW TEAM! NEW VILLAINS! NEW CREATORS! Valkyrie and Misty Knight are the Fearless Defenders and not since Power Man and Iron Fist has an unlikely duo kicked this much—well, you know. Writer Cullen Bunn (Venom, Sixth Gun, The Fearless) and new-to-Marvel artist Will Sliney (MacGyver, Star Wars) bring you the book everyone is going to be talking about on Thursday morning.
MATTHEW: I am still unhappy about the loss of Matt Fraction’s Defenders, which seemingly ended just a couple of weeks ago, but I’m intrigued by Marvel NOW!’s revamp of the title. With Cullen Bunn writing, I have high hopes, especially given the high profile that Misty Knight and Valkyrie keep trying to achieve in the Marvel Universe. With more interesting heroes waiting in the wings, I’m hoping that this one is the next big thing in Defenders. (And if it’s not, Nighthawk will be back in a couple of months to relaunch ’em yet again.)
GREEN ARROW #17
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION:
• Welcome the new team of writer JEFF LEMIRE and artist ANDREA SORRENTINO!
• As Ollie struggles to come to terms with the loss of his fortune, his company and his heritage, he discovers a shocking truth about his father that ties to his time stranded on an island before he became Green Arrow.
• Plus: Green Arrow battles the deadly archer known as Komodo!
JIMMY: Considering Green Arrow is one of my favorite characters, this is the moment I’ve been waiting for ever since I started reading comics. When I began in the fall of 2009 I believe Andrew Kreisberg was writing Green Arrow, Judd Winick’s time with Oliver Queen having recently ended. Since then the Emerald Archer has seen considerable turmoil in his creative teams, and there really hasn’t been a single stand-out writer to give Green Arrow his due. I expect Jeff Lemire to be exactly what the archer ordered, and am cautiously optimistic that Green Arrow will be back on my pull list for some time to come.
ZACH: Jeff Lemire sold me on his writing with Underwater Welder last year so I’m in this for at least three issues just because of that. Even though Welder was nowhere near a tights and cape book his ability to grab my emotions and mind is enough for me to read any new material he puts out.
HARBINGER #0
Writer: Joshua Dysart
Artist: Mico Suayan, Pere Perez
Publisher: Valiant Entertainment
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Harbinger #0 by New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart (Unknown Soldier) and red-hot artists Mico Suayan (Batman: The Dark Knight, The Punisher) and Pere Pérez (Aquaman)! On February 6th, go back to the beginning to witness the ascent of the most powerful man in the Valiant Universe with an all-new entry point into the acclaimed series Ain’t It Cool News calls “simply astonishing”!
Long ago, in the aftermath of history’s first atomic holocaust, Toyo Harada discovered a vision for the perfect future – one that he has vowed to realize with or without the consent of the human race. With a private army of hyper-telekinetics at his side, this omega-powered harbinger of humanity’s potential has spent decades reshaping the world to conform to his will. Now here, for the very first time, witness the origin and rise to power of this malevolent mind that would destroy the Valiant Universe rather than see it slip through his fingers.
Before the paths of Bloodshot and Harbinger collide this April in Harbinger Wars #1 (of 4), discover an essential chapter of the Valiant Universe’s past – and one that could define its future – only in Harbinger #0, featuring a standard cover by Mico Suayan and a wraparound gatefold variant by Lewis Larosa!
MATTHEW: Valiant’s latest relaunch has some real gems in it’s lineup (you should check out Archer & Armstrong) but my favorite is Harbinger, a 21st Century take on the original 90s series. Harbinger #0 was the place where the magic began back in the spring of 93, and I’m kind of hoping that they’ll catch lightning in that same bottle again. The story of Peter Stancek and his realization that he is a being of great power still holds water, and I’m even enjoying a more nuanced take on Harada, who always seemed a bit one-dimensional to me. You should really give this’n a chance…
HELLBOY IN HELL #3
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Mike Mignola
Publisher: Dark Horse Publishing
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Hellboy meets more of his family members, and it’s not a fond reunion, as blood sprays through the air in Hell.
• This is what it’s all been building to!
• Mike Mignola writes and draws Hellboy!
• Featuring one of the strangest twists ever!
GEORGE: Mike Mignola is one of the comicdom’s singular talents. My expectations for Hellboy in Hell were pretty high, and I can say that Mignola has met them. It is a joy to see him scripting and drawing again, in the service of a tale that is weird and wonderful. With allusions to Inferno, A Christmas Carol, and Macbeth, Mignola is letting himself do whatever it is he wants. The chance to see a true comic genius stretching his talents is well worth the price of admission.
HIT GIRL #5
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Series finale! He pulls a knife, she pulls a gun. He sends one of hers to the hospital, she sends one of his to the morgue – THAT’S the Hit-Girl way. Mindy’s had it up to HERE with that thing called ‘restraint’ and pays the mafia a long-overdue visit.
CHRIS: Is it true? I must be dreaming. The final issue of the Hit-Girl mini-series is finally here! I’ve been waiting to read Kick Ass 2 until this was wrapped up and it looks like that moment is here. I enjoy the whole Kick Ass universe, the profanity, the violence and I’m very anxious to see how Hit-Girl’s story ends. Lets hope it’s worth the wait.
IRON MAN #6
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: • Tony Stark. In Space. In a bar. With ladies. What could go wrong?
• Is Tony guilty of a crime he’s not even aware of?
• A shocking start to an all-new, all-different direction for IRON MAN.
ZACH: Have I read an Iron Man comic since it relaunched with a new #1? No. Why am I going to pick this up? One simple reason: Iron Man in space!
KEVIN KELLER #7
Writer: Dan Parent
Artist: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski
Publisher: Archie Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: “Decisions, Decisions!” – Where’s Kevin? Archie and the gang haven’t seen him in a while and begin to wonder what their pal is up to. Must be school obligations and work, right? Nosy BFF Veronica is determined to get to the bottom of his absence and spots him with a new friend. However, Kevin seems distant about his new friendship and when his parents inquire, Kevin is reluctant to share. Is this just a friend? Has Kevin found a boyfriend? Has Veronica finally driven him up a wall? Find out in this issue!
RODRIGO: This is it! The issue in which a person probably gets a significant other! I’m not even making fun of it. the will-they or won’t-they issue is a time honored comics tradition.
LEGEND OF OZ: WICKED WEST #4
Writer: Tom Hutchison
Artist: Allison Borges
Publisher: Big Dog Ink
Cover Price: $3.50
SOLICITATION: A period of reflection has come upon General Jinjur, as Tip and the Scarecrow continue south.
JIMMY: There are several titles that I’ve discovered through my position with Major Spoilers that I never would have read otherwise, and that I’ve absolutely fallen in love with. This is one of them. The idea of a mash-up between Wizard of Oz and a Western might seem too obvious or too cliche, but it works splendidly, and Hutchison clearly knows his L. Frank Baum. Artist Allison Borges has been PHENOMENAL as well on this title, and has proven capable of keeping up with the schedule of an ongoing; I predict great things in Borges’ future.
LEGEND OF THE SHADOW CLAN #1
Writer: David Wohl & Brad Foxhoven
Artist: Cory Smith
Publisher: Aspen Comics
Cover Price: $1.00
SOLICITATION: Aspen’s Ten Year Anniversary kicks off with the debut of Legend Of The Shadowclan! Meet the Arashi family. They are like any other family living in the city: kids in school, parents working to make ends meet. But unbeknownst to even them, their ancestors held a dark secret: they were a clan of ninja in feudal Japan, in the employ of a prominent leader. But when that leader was murdered under mysterious circumstances, the Arashi Clan was blamed, and forced to flee, going into hiding. Over the centuries, the descendants lost track of the ancient ways. They came to America, abandoning their sordid past to distant memory. However, recently, their secret has been discovered — their ancient enemy has returned, and won’t rest until every member of the Arashi clan is killed.
RODRIGO: I don’t know guys. Ninja family? Well Major Spoilers gave it a pretty good review. So I guess I’ll check it out.
MUDMAN #6
Writer: Paul Grist
Artist: Paul Grist
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
SOLICITATION: When his mud powers go out of control, Owen Craig has no choice but to turn to the mysterious Mister Gull for help.
But just because it’s the only choice doesn’t make it a good one.
MATTHEW: Just yesterday (as of this writing, which is in your past, “Hello Future People!”) Gatekeeper Chris and I were discussing how long it’s been since an issue of Paul Grist’s new slice of awesome came out. As if on cue, KABLAMMICUS! There’s a new Mudman. Grist has taken the best bits of Silver Age Marvel, combined it with his specific British mentality and a charming art style, and something magical is created. It’s like what Spider-Man was back in the day, and it’s pretty awesome to behold. You oughtta check it out!
ZACH: If you want to be one of the cool comic book readers you need to pick up Mudman on Wednesday. There has been a considerable break since issue 5 so when I saw #6 on the list I did a little happy dance. If you are a fan of Invincible you should enjoy Mudman.
NEW AVENGERS #3
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Steve Epting, Rick Magyar
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION:
• The Illuminati experience their first incursion since reforming.
• Can the loose brotherhood of end times trust each other enough to use the Infinity Gems in unison?
• And a new member joins the Illuminati!
THOMAS: While the first issue left me feeling underwhelmed, issue #2 of New Avengers was amazing and full of promise for this series. Now that the Illuminati are going to re-assemble the Infinity Gauntlet, I am supremely interested in the future of this series. With some great character interaction last issue, I look forward to see where the cast is headed. Plus, a new member in the Illuminati? Sweet! Wonder if there’s going to be a female added to the mix yet…
SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #3
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Ryan Stegman
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION:
Is this all-new Spider-Man in cahoots with… J. Jonah Jameson?!
Has Carlie Cooper figured out the Superior Spider-Man’s secret identity?
All this and the return of the villainous Vulture!
ROB: Issue one gave me pause, but issue two has me thinking, and I would really like to know where Slott is taking us this week. I want to know who the focus is, and I really like to see Ock face a number of his former Allies. The best way to find out all that seems like picking up this issue, so that’s my plan.
SWAMP THING #17
Writer: Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire
Artist: Marco Rudy
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: • The epic finale of “ROTWORLD” continues from this month’s ANIMAL MAN #17!
• What will it cost our heroes to stop this apocalypse from happening? The answer will blow your mind.
GEORGE: The Rotworld Animal Man/Swamp Thing crossover has been criticized for its length, but I am not complaining. It’s been a long, strange ride that has entertained me from beginning to present. This storyline won’t be regarded in the same hallowed tones as Grant Morrison’s or Alan Moore’s respective runs on those titles, but for me personally, it’s been the best stuff coming from DC Comics that’s not a Batbook.
ROB: Finally, the answer I’ve been waiting months to see, “How does Rot-World not happen?” This has been the question I’ve had since day one, and while the journey to the answer has been down-right stellar, I am very much happy to see this come to an end, especially as both issues manage to come out on the same day and don’t force me to wait that much longer.
TRANSFORMERS: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE #13
Writer: James Roberts
Artist: Guido Guidi
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: SHORE LEAVE! The AUTOBOTS visit the planet Hedonia-and get a chance to put recent events behind them, ingest some energon, and relax. Everyone, that is, except SWERVE, who faces the toughest challenge of his life: in just six hours, he has to teach ULTRA MAGNUS how to have fun.
CHRIS: I love Transformers. LOVE ‘EM. IDW’s Transformers titles have all been wonderful, telling stories that we’ve never seen before. A human presence is completely absent here so the ‘bots really have time to shine. They’re also putting minor characters to the forefront and giving each a unique personality. This title has humor, action and emotion and all the artists who’ve worked on it have been wonderful. If you’re even remotely a Transformers fan, do yourself a favor and pick this up.
TRANSFORMERS SPOTLIGHT: MEGATRON #1
Writer: Nick Roche
Artist: Nick Roche
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: MEGATRON IS BACK! Writer/artist Nick Roche (Last Stand of the Wreckers) takes us back to the last time MEGATRON returned-when he found his DECEPTICON forces in tatters under the control of STARSCREAM. In this never-before-revealed tale, we learn exactly how Megatron reacted… and how Starscream survived!
CHRIS: Did I mention I love Transformers? The Spotlight series take an individual character and explore their past, personality and what makes them tick. It’s about time we get one focusing on Megatron and now couldn’t be a better time. Back from the dead (again) he’s found Starscream about to be in a place of power and this issue looks to tell a similar tale from the past. Nick Roche knows his stuff as he’s proved with Last Stand of the Wreckers (if you haven’t read it, do). I’m eager to see what kind of depth they add to Megatron.
