The Major Spoilers Staff Picks for 2015

Each week, the staff at Major Spoilers submits a list of comic books they are most looking forward to that week. When a book receives multiple recommendations, it becomes the Major Spoilers Pick of the Week. Now that the year is at an end, here is the list of books we were most excited about in 2015.

NOTE: When we built this list, we deiced to keep the original notes from the staff members on why they were excited about the book. It’s interesting to see the hopes and dreams in the words of our writers, especially when the series ended up not being that great in the end.

ANT-MAN #1
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Mrk Brooks
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: Scott Lang has never exactly been the world’s best super hero. Heck, most people don’t even think he’s been the best ANT-MAN — and the last guy invented Ultron and joined the Masters of Evil, so that’s saying something. • But when the SUPERIOR IRON MAN calls with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scott’s going to get a chance to turn it all around and be the hero he’s always dreamed of being. • Sure he’s been to prison! Sure he’s been through a messy divorce! Sure he’s been, um… dead. But this time is different! This time nothing is gonna stop the astonishing ANT-MAN!

CHRIS: Nick Spencer’s works best with the lesser known super characters, so his Ant-Man is a must read for me this week. If he’s able to bring the kind of fun that he does to Superior Foes of Spider-Man then this one will be good. I hope that price tag shrinks soon though.

MATTHEW: I want this book and the movie to be a massive hit, so that all the sarcastic jackwagons on the internet will eat their words like they did with Guardians Of The Galaxy.

STEPHEN: After watching last night’s trailer for the upcoming Ant-Man movie, I’m more interested than ever in reading this book. Perhaps the trailer release, and this first issue were timed to illicit that effect?

APOLLO IX #1
Writer: Ashley Victoria Robinson

Artist: Fernando Argosino

Publisher: Top Cow Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: FROM THE PAGES OF IXth GENERATION! Apollo IX is a ruthless scientist who uses his beauty in order to get his work done for him. Eros and Psyche are two of his brightest protégés, but will they live to see their contributions to Apollo IX’s latest experiment come to life?

STEPHEN: Buy it! Read it! Love it!

WAYNE: Major Spoilers’ very own Ashley Victoria Robinson scripts another great comic, so it’s a must-have! This one-shot highlights her top-notch skills in writing both drama and character, so don’t miss it!

ARCHIE #2
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Archie Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: COMIC SUPERSTARS MARK WAID AND FIONA STAPLES CONTINUE THEIR REIMAGINING OF AN ICON! The new school year continues to bring with it daunting new challenges and interesting changes for the teens of Riverdale High. But there’s one thing that remains constant: Archie’s car is still a piece of garbage! With car problems comes money problems, which means that Archie’s on the hunt for a new job. Fortunately, a mysterious new building in Riverdale is offering some career opportunities for Archie and his friends. Who’s behind this new conglomerate and what are their intentions for Riverdale? Find out in the second issue of this all-new Archie series!

ROB: I enjoyed the first issue of this and look forward to seeing what the modern retelling of Archie is going to be like.

STEPHEN: If you didn’t hear me gush about this book on this week’s Major Spoilers Podcast, and you didn’t see my Tweet extolling Archie #2, then read this, “BUY THIS BOOK! IT IS SO DAMN AWESOME!”

ARCHIE VS PREDATOR #3
Writer: Alex de Campi
Artist: Fernado Ruiz, Rich Koslowski
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: The Predator has tallied his first kills from the ranks of the Riverdale gang! Can they turn the tables without Riverdale becoming a smoking ruin—and without getting detention?

MATTHEW: Reggie’s dead, is Jughead next? This series has been surprising in a number of ways, next up is the Sharknado!

STEPHEN: Yeah… this series is good. Silly fun where you see your favorite Archie characters die… AGAIN!

AUTUMNLANDS: TOOTH & CLAW #3
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Benjamin Dewey
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Enter: Goodfoot the Sly. Is she here to help the wizards…or herself? [Hint: herself.]

GEORGE: The series formerly known as Autumnlands is a beautifully-drawn, wonderfully-realized fantasy world. This is peak Kurt Busiek, people, and you should be reading it.

JASON: Kurt Busiek proves himself again as one the best cmic book writers out there with this series! One part fantasy and one part animals as humans, this book has everything you need if you are looking for a riveting fantasy read!

MATTHEW: I can’t believe I missed the title change between #1 and #2! Still, I’m caught up now, and I want to know more about the strange anthropomorphic animal people of Busiek & Dewey’s strange new world… This is good comics.

BACK TO THE FUTURE #1
Writer: Bob Gale, John Barber, Erik Burnham
Artist: Brent Schoonover, Dan Schoening
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: “Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines,” part 1: BttF creator/screenwriter Bob Gale returns with all-new tales from the twisting and turning timeline that made Back to the Future a, well… TIMELESS pop-culture phenomenon! Take a trip back to 1985 and be there when Doc Brown and Marty McFly first meet, and then jump even farther back, to 1945, to witness Doc’s involvement in the super-secret Manhattan Project.

MATTHEW: Finding out how Doc and Marty became friends has me interested, and the original writer’s participation makes this one feel special. Hope they don’t become @$$holes, and that everything’s alright with their kids…

ROB: This is the perfect day for this release, and I will happily celebrate the day Marty makes it to the future by seeing more of his adventures.

STEPHEN: Some really smart person picked today to release the Back to the Future comics, and considering Bob Gale is involved in the story, you know this is the must read comic this week. Buy this comic, your future depends on it!

BARB WIRE #2
Writer: Chris Warner
Artist: Pat Olliffe, Tom Nguyen
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: To keep her struggling club off the auction block, Barb Wire hunts one Wyvern Stormblüd, a human wrecking ball with a serious bounty on his head. But Wyvern is a psychotic drunk, even more dangerous soused than sober, who plans to set loose every caged gangster in Steel Harbor!

MATTHEW: The first issue of Barb’s triumphant return made for a pleasant read, and uses the bits of Dark Horse’s old CGW imprint to great effect. I’m pleased to say that I’m looking forward to this one, even if part of me misses the hot pink biker chaps…

STEPHEN: The series started off strong enough, and the second issue seems to keep the high octane action going, and for fans of Barb Wire, high octane is the name of the game.

BAT MITE #4
Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artist: Corin Howell
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: There’s a new bad guy in town: Gridlock, the villain who’s stuck in the past! And now, he’s out to stop the future from coming!

MATTHEW: You can’t have a Jurgens comics without a Booster Gold appearance (it’s the law!), but in this case, I’ll allow it, as Bat-Mite has been working for me. If the rumors of editorial displeasure at DC are true, it’s a shame, because this is an example of a good book that never would have made the New 52 cut…

STEPHEN: Like Bizarro, Bat Mite is a fun series that will end soon, much to my dismay. So while the inevitable gets closer every day, enjoy this series now. NOW! GET THIS BOOK NOW!

BATGIRL #38
Writer: Cameron Stewart
Artist: Babs Tarr
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Things are going surprisingly well in Batgirl’s new life! But nothing good ever lasts long in Gotham City – and the other yellow boot is about to drop…hard!

ASHLEY: This series has been getting better and better with each issue that comes out. I’m looking forward to more Barbara in Burnside and Batgirl buttkicking in one of the coolest looking comics on the market.

GEORGE: Batgirl isn’t a perfect book. But it has the spirit of adventure and fun that most of DC’s high-profile output lacks. I’m hoping the rough edges smooth out, and that more DC books can take their cue from this series.

JASON: Get this just for the awesome Flash variant cover! It looks awesome. Well, the book is great too. Seriously, it is. But that cover . . . . wow.

WAYNE: I really like the new take on Barbara Gordon and Batgirl! It’s been quite a change from the previous creative team, but I enjoy a lighter touch for now. It’s more “realistic” in its way, and we can stand a Bat-book that isn’t so dark.

BATMAN #41
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: The all-new Batman makes his debut! Who is he, and what happens next? Find out here as a new era begins in Gotham City!

CHRIS: Some people weren’t happy with the ending of Endgame but I thought Snyder knocked it out of the park. Having Gordon in a robot Batman suit is a stunt but I’m still curious to see what Snyder does with it. Regardless, it will still have Mr. Capullo’s brilliant art so it’s well worth the price of admission.

STEPHEN: Well we know Gordon is in the suit, but how did it come to this? I’m in!

WAYNE: Batman. Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo. Yeah, it’s a different guy in this Bat-suit, but I still can’t wait!

BIZARRO #1
Writer: Heath Corson
Artist:Gustavo Duarte
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: “Hate HARLEY QUINN? Then you will super hate BIZARRO! Bizarro star of worstest comic ever! Go ahead and miss it! If there’s one thing this issue not have it these two things: Jimmy Olsen and Chupacabras!” Don’t miss the start of this six-issue all-ages miniseries!

RODRIGO: Generally speaking, my interest in the DC Universe wavers between a 0 and 10 (in a scale of 100) but there are characters that I’m always interested in, mostly because they allow writers a little more leeway in execution.

STEPHEN: I really hope this turns into a comedy classic that sells millions of copies. I’m picking this up on the art alone.

BLACK CANARY #2
Writer: Brenden Fletcher
Artist: Annie Wu
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: In the wake of their first major fight, Dinah’s realized that her new bandmates are completely unprepared to keep themselves alive in a scrap, ¦so it’s time for a training montage! (Cue the squealing guitars!) Plus: Who is Bo Maeve, and why does she hate Black Canary so much?

CHRIS: Black Canary as a punk rocker superhero? It sounds ridiculous but Brendan Fletcher makes it work somehow. I loved the first issue and I’m glad to see DC going out on a limb with titles and trying new things. It’s up to us as readers to support these kind of ideas so we don’t keep getting the same old thing churned out again and again. I mean, that’s what we always complain about, right? Well this is the book to spice up your reading pile!

MATTHEW: Dinah’s debut in her new solo book was a solid issue, and I’m still hooked enough to want more…

THE BLACK HOOD #3

Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Artists: Michael Gaydos & Various

Cover: Francesco Francavilla
Publisher: Dark Circle Comics/Archie
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: “The Bullet’s Kiss,” Part 3. The Black Hood is supposed to be dead. Shot, de-masked, autopsied, buried. So who’s running around town in a ratty black hood, declaring war on the underworld? The City of Philadelphia is electrified by the fleeting glimpses they see on social media – but both the cops and the drug gangs want him stopped at all costs. However, the new Black Hood may not have to be stopped; he’s coming unglued all on his own.

GEORGE: Grim, gritty and good. A once-heroic cop, hopped up on pain and painkillers, descending into the guise of a dead, disgraced vigilante. The Black Hood is a well-drawn, nasty slice of street-level angst.

WAYNE: I’ve been enjoying this excellent crime noir comic since it hit the ground running a couple of months ago, and I highly recommend it!

CHEW #50
Writer: John Layman
Artist: Rob Guillory
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
SOLICITATION: The landmark issue #50, and the showdown everyone’s been waiting for.

ROB: Chew is still the most interesting book coming out month after month, and the twists that Layman has thrown in the last two arcs have been phenomenal.

STEPHEN: Better see what this book is all about. 50 sounds like a good jumping on point, right?

 

 

CONVERGENCE #0
Writer: Dan Jurgens, Jeff King
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: Where do worlds go when they die? The Earthquakes felt round the Multiverse, Superman’s lost days after ‘Doomed,’ the World’s End – all these points will converge as the history of the DCU is spun from a new perspective, the perspective of a mad god and his arrogant child. The biggest story in DC history ties into literally every DC story ever told – and it all begins here. Kingdom Come, Red Son, Wild West Justice League, Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew – all the worlds you remember can still be found on Telos. Everything matters. Every story matters. Don’t miss the start of DC’s April/May 2015 event with this special issue!

CHRIS: With the summer starting it means it’s time for events! After the last issue of Futures End that comes out today, I’m less excited about another DC event. Why do I read this? Curiosity? Glutton for punishment? I’m trying to keep an open mind and be positive about this, so we’ll see.

RODRIGO: I really want this comic, mostly because I feel that it would be the hardest thing to explain to someone who doesn’t read comics. Far from being the jumping on point DC wants, the #0 issue of a giant company-wide crossover is one of the most confusing things you can have.

STEPHEN: It’s the kick-off to the big event, and I hope DC has something good in store for all of us, because this single issue will tell us if this is a doomed event or an awesome one.

WAYNE: Love it, hate it or even not sure what to think about it, this is the beginning of a new era in DC Comics. I want to get in on the ground floor, so I’m in!

CONVERGENCE #1
Writer: Scott Lobdell, Jeff King
Artist: Jason Paz, Carlo Pagulayan
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: This is it! The entire DC Universe, from the dawn of time through The New 52, must fight to survive against a threat that bends the Multiverse to its will. Your favorite characters from every era and every forgotten series are all here! But are you going to say hello again just to say goodbye forever? The stakes have never been higher as the heroes of Crisis, Zero Hour, Elseworlds, and more are brought together for Convergence!

ROB: I’ve been mostly out of the DC loop for awhile now, but this is probably going to be a must see event and I’m looking forward to a number of my favorites returning.

STEPHEN: Mega battles! Heroes from the multiverse joining together to… fight? Defeat evil? Save the Multiverse? I have no idea, but I’m jumping on board this run to see what DC is pulling out of its hat and offering up for fans as the company moves west.

CYBORG #1
Writer: David F. Walker
Artist: Joe Prado, Ivan Reis
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: The machine that gives Cyborg his powers is evolving! The only problem is that machine is his body and he has no idea what’s causing these changes!

ROB: When Cyborg finally got his time on the big leagues he became the most under-utilized member of the team. Now that he’s getting his own book I’m really hoping that changes and am looking forward to Vic finally getting his own stories.

WAYNE: This series has been low-hanging fruit that DC should have picked years ago. I’ve enjoyed this character since New Teen Titans debuted. Looking forward to it!

DARK KNIGHT III THE MASTER RACE #1
Writer: Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello
Artist: Andy Kubert, Klaus Janson
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
SOLICITATION: The epic ending you never saw coming is here because you demanded it! The Dark Knight rises again to face the dawn of the master race!

CHRIS: As one of the few (only?) people that not only liked DK II but liked it more than the original, I can’t believe I’m looking forward to it. DK II was certainly not a well done book and I honestly only like it for its wack-a-do concepts and ideas. I think Miller has lost it in his old age (Holy Terror is proof) and Azzarello might be able to rein him in. Without Frank’s “unique” art, this one might lose some of its luster (and grime). And can we all acknowledge the fact that they’re calling this the last chapter even though Miller has said he wants to write part IV? I love crazy!!

STEPHEN: Dark Knight Returns is one of the greatest comic books of all time – no matter what other people say. Though DKII undid the greatness that was The Dark Knight Returns, Brian Azzarello channeling Frank Miller could be all kinds of awesome. The cover price is a bit high, but so worth checking out this week.

WAYNE: Another early holiday present this week! As a long-time Bat-fan, I always count Dark Knight Returns among one of my favorite Bat-stories ever! With Mr. Miller teaming up with Mr. Azzarello, I’m really excited, can’t wait to get this book! Batman continues to soar high, and this book is just one series I’m loving!

DARTH VADER #1
Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artist: Salvador Larroca
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: The original Dark Lord of the Sith stars in his first ongoing series! Ever since Darth Vader made his first on-screen appearance, he became the one of the most popular villains to ever haunt an audience’s dreams! Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of A NEW HOPE (and the pages of the new STAR WARS comic book) into his own series, showing the Empire’s war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! Writer Kieron Gillen (Uncanny X-Men, Journey Into Mystery, Iron Man) and artist Salvador Larroca (Invincible Iron Man, X-Men: No More Humans) bring us a peek behind the mask of evil!

CHRIS: It may come as a shock to some Spoilerites, but despite my dislike of the Star Wars book I’m still looking forward to Darth Vader #1. I’ve loved just about everything I’ve read by Kieron Gillen and Larroca’s art is a treat. I’m interested to see how/if Vader can sustain his own title. Plus, who wouldn’t want to read a book staring the blackest brother in the galaxy? (Thank you Chasing Amy for never letting me look at Vader the same way ever again)

GEORGE: Of all the new Marvel Star Wars titles, Darth Vader is the one I’m most excited for, and that’s mostly due to Kieron Gillen handling writing duties. While his more high-profile work like Young Avengers is all about the feels, he’s perfectly able to write harder-edged, nasty characters (see: Uber). I’m hoping Gillen can bring the darkness to the most famous proponent of the Dark Side.

STEPHEN: I’m looking forward to this book, if for no other reason than the hope that we’ll see quiet Vader moments where he contemplates his life’s actions and reflects on his behavior.

DOCTOR WHO 2015 FOUR DOCTORS #3
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Neil Edwards
Publisher: Titan Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: INTO THE LION’S DEN! THE DOCTORS TAKE THE FIGHT TO THE ENEMY…

BUT HAVE THEY ALREADY BEEN OUTMANEUVERED?

MATTHEW: WELL, HAVE THEY????
Overly shouty solicitation copy aside, this has been an enjoyable crossover story, and as anyone will tell you, I’m always into a multi-Doctor storyline. Add in two cool comics companions to offset the overbearing Clara, and you’ve got a recipe for fun…

STEPHEN: It’s called Four Doctors, yet it’s my understanding that we’ve seen the last of the War Doctor in issue #1. Still there is a fourth Doctor that appears in this issue, and he isn’t who you think it is.

GOTHAM ACADEMY #4
Writer: Becky Cloonan
Artist: Karl Kerschl
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: The hunt for the Ghost of Gotham Academy begins!

ASHLEY: This is easily one of the best books coming out from DC Comics every month. Olive and Maps are such interesting characters and the story so filled with clever references to the Gotham City mythos Batfans have come to love. I love Gotham Academy!

CHRIS: A seriously underrated book, Gotham Academy is doing wonderful things that haven’t been seen in the DCU for sometime. I still can’t quite describe what this book is other than a sort of haunted house story with teenagers. Regardless, it’s great stuff and if that cover art doesn’t have you wanting to look inside, well we can’t be friends.

STEPHEN: Great story, great art, great book! This book makes me wish all the bat-family books were this engaging and entertaining.

GOTHAM ACADEMY #10
Writer: Becky Cloonan & Brendan Fletcher
Artist: Karl Kerschl
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: “Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble!” To investigate a suspicious student, Olive and the gang join the school production of Macbeth! But is the play haunted?

ASHLEY: This is my favourite DC Comics book being published right now and Becky Cloonan has won even more of my heart by including Shakespeare.

CHRIS: One of DC’s strongest and consistently good books, Gotham Academy is just plain fun every damn time I read it. The Karl Kerschl art is icing on the cake and elevates the comic to a whole new level. If you haven’t read this, please I beg you, start now!

MATTHEW: You have no idea how happy I am to see a book this unique make 10 issues! Taking advantage of the air of mystery surrounding everything in Gotham to tell the story of students in a strange maybe-haunted boarding school is ingenious, and the art is excellent. 100 issues or bust!

STEPHEN: I can’t say enough about this series. If you want to know what DC Comics is doing right, just take a gander at Gotham Academy.

HOWARD THE DUCK (2015) #1
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Joe Quinones
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: HOT off the pages of the … the post-credits scene at the … the end of a … popular movie … HOWARD THE DUCK is back! Join him as he takes on the weird cases that only a talking duck can crack as the Marvel Universe’s resident private investigator! Let Sex Criminals’ CHIP ZDARSKY (a writer known mostly as an artist) and JOE QUINONES (an artist known mostly as a lover) guide you through his new world as he takes on THE BLACK CAT and MYSTERIOUS FORCES FROM OUTER SPACE! WAUGH!

CHRIS: Now that he’s all popular again with people too young to remember the horrible movie, Howard returns. I’ve been burning through the original Steve Gerber issues and hope that this series can be as good and subversive. Chip Zdarsky has the chops for the humor so I’m quite eager for this.

RODRIGO: Howard the duck gets to say things about the Marvel Universe that other books don’t get to say. I hope this iteration has something good to say.

STEPHEN: How can you not hear Lea Thompson singing the Howard the Duck theme song when looking at this book. Chip Zdarsky is writing, so how can this not be a mind f*** of some kind?

I HATE FAIRYLAND #1
Writer: Skottie Young
Artist: Skottie Young
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
SOLICITATION: Superstar SKOTTIE YOUNG (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of Oz) makes his Image debut with an ALL-NEW SERIES! The Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes its cute little face against Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness has arrived. In an adventure that ain’t for the little kiddies, (unless you have super cool parents, then whatever), you’ll meet Gert—a six year old girl who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for thirty years and will hack and slash her way through anything to find her way back home. Join Gert and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.

RODRIGO: I’m a big fan of Scottie Young. And this is pure uncut Scottie Young. I’ve seen the previews for it and it look absolutely ridiculous in the best possible way.

STEPHEN: I’m very interested to see how this book turns out. It could either be solid gold or gold plated, but either way, it should be gold.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD: NUX & IMMORTAN JOE #1
Writers: Mark Sexton, Nico Lathouris, George Miller
Artists:Leandro Fernandez, Riccardo Burchielli
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: In a fallen world ravaged by oil and water wars, humanity exists without law or mercy. All those who wander the Wasteland are ruled by a single imperative…survive!

Among them is Max Rockatansky, a Road Warrior haunted by his turbulent past…

“It’s hard to know who is more crazy.

Me or everyone else?!”

In this first issue, witness the rise of Colonel Joe Moore, a war hero turned tyrannical warlord…The Immortan Joe!

And don’t miss the story of Nux, one of the Immortan’s “War Boys,” who knows only the chaos into which he was born.

From the mind of George Miller, the creator of the Mad Max trilogy, comes a brand new epic tale that serves as a prelude to the upcoming film, Mad Max: Fury Road!

 

MULTIVERSITY #2
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
SOLICITATION: Every event in the history of the DC Universe has been leading to this! The final chapter of the greatest adventure of all time is here! Issue #1 artist Ivan Reis reteams with mastermind Grant Morrison to end THE MULTIVERSITY and bring together the greatest and bravest heroes of the DC Multiverse to fight one last battle. But more than just some cabal of super-villains, they face the greatest evil that ever existed. An evil so massive, they actually may not stand a chance!
Who are the mystic Justice League of Earth-13 and what role does their leader Super Demon play in the crisis rising all around them? What shocking secret motivates the dark, nightmare henchmen known as The Gentry? And what is the final fate of Nix Uotan – the Super-God?!

MATTHEW: Man, the solicit-writers really turned it up to 11 this week, didn’t they? Still, I’m looking forward to seeing how this one ends. Morrison generally ends his crossovers with a massive “Wha HUH?”, so that should be fun…

STEPHEN: Can’t wait to see how the multiverse hopping adventure ties in to Convergence! Am I right? Right? Guys… guy… All things considered, this is should have been the band-aid that DC should have gone with. Can’t wait to read it in a few hours! WOOOHOOOO!

WAYNE: Mr. Morrison’s Multiversity has been an excellent event, something very special I think will be remembered by comics fans for years to come. It all wraps up here, so I’m seriously looking forward to it!

MULTIVERSITY MASTERMEN #1
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Scott Williams, Jim Lee
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: Superstar writer Grant Morrison joins legendary artist Jim Lee on Earth-10 for one of the most dynamic, action-packed issues of this entire world-shattering series – THE MULTIVERSITY: MASTERMEN!

Imagine a world where the Nazis not only won World War II but went on to direct world culture for the next 60 years with the help of an orphaned, alien super-weapon known as Overman! But hope is not lost! Rising from the ashes of oppression are a diverse band of heroes raging against the fascist regime – a band of heroes known as THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS!

What nightmarish parallel worlds haunt the dreams of Overman? Who is the mysterious figure called Uncle Sam? And when the dust settles, will the actions of Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Human Bomb, Doll Man and The Ray be enough to stop Leatherwing, Blitzen and the other “heroes” of Earth-X?

Learn all this and more in this exciting issue that acts as chapter seven of the critically acclaimed MULTIVERSITY storyline.

ASHLEY: These issues are awesome. The Nazi world is scary. I’m in.

MATTHEW: It’s Earth-X! Holy moley, it’s Earth-X! This series has been a fun look at DC’s history of multiple Earths, shown through the lens of Grant Morrison’s shaman-brain, and it’s been super-entertaining so far. I’m really looking forward to this one…

RODRIGO: There’s something freeing about reading a book that already takes place in a bunch of different realities. It’s a comfortable level of weirdness.

STEPHEN: There’s something scary about a world where the Nazis won the war, and with Superman in charge, how Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters are going to win this fight is going to be an interesting read.

WAYNE: Mr. Morrison’s Multiversity is good stuff going over big time, so I don’t miss an issue! Neither should you!

MULTIVERSITY ULTRA COMICS #1
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Christian Alamy, Doug Mahnke
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: The penultimate chapter of the greatest adventure in DC’s history is here! The acclaimed FINAL CRISIS team of Grant Morrison and Doug Mahnke reunite for a story so big it could only take place in the real world – that’s right, Earth-33 is back! With the Multiverse under attack, a team of scientists create one final savior to take on the otherworldly threat…and its name is Ultra Comics! Literally held in your hands, one being will attempt to halt the annihilation of creation – and you, the reader, will have a front-row seat as you become an integral part of the resistance! It’s another exciting, experimental story told by two of today’s top creators! You won’t want to miss this exciting issue which acts as chapter eight of THE MULTIVERSITY storyline!

CHRIS: I’m excited, bummed and terrified for Grant Morrison’s ending to Multiversity. While I can’t wait to see how it ends, I’m bummed because I want more. This could be an ongoing with DC just letting Morrison loose but that’s a pipe dream I suppose. My terror stems from worry that the ending will be a huge let down or that me reading this issue will destroy the Multiverse. If I had to pick, I’d rather it be the latter.

GEORGE: Still not sure where Multiversity is going, but with Grant Morrison, that’s neither surprising nor a problem. Also, apparently reading this comic might kill me (or the world?) but I’m willing to take the risk.

MATTHEW: If anyone could bring back the Multiverse, it’s Morrison, and he may be the only modern writer I trust to do the whole “Earth-Prime” thing in a way that isn’t precious and horrid. I’ve enjoyed every chapter so far, even the one that was a long Who’s Who-style guidebook, so I’m definitely in for this one…

STEPHEN: Wow. So Scare. What is Happening? So Hip.

PRINCESS LEIA #1
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Terry Dodson
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Everyone’s favorite tough-talking-to-Tarkin, mind-probe-resisting, scoundrel-liking princess is back in her own comic book series. Star Wars: Princess Leia is a five-issue miniseries written by the legendary Mark Waid (Daredevil, among many others) and illustrated by fan favorite Terry Dodson (Uncanny X-Men). The title picks up where A New Hope leaves off — the Rebels have blown up the Death Star, but Leia must come to terms with the destruction of her own home planet — and is canonical within the Star Wars universe. So, if you want to know the Alderaan princesses’ full story, it’ll be essential reading.

GEORGE: I’ve been pretty excited for each of three new Marvel Star Wars series. Princess Leia has a tremendous creative team. While the Princess’s trauma in the wake of the destruction of Alderaan has been covered as recently as Brian Wood’s series for Dark Horse, the subject was never really trod in the films, so I’m interested in Waid’s interpretation.

MATTHEW: It is long past time that Leia gets some serious spotlight time, and with a team like this behind it, this mini should be a thrill-ride… Stephen and I will be checking it on this week’s episode of ‘Dueling Reviews’.

STEPHEN: Love Terry Dodson’s art, and Mark Waid is one of the greats, plus Star Wars AND Princess Leia. Take my money, Marvel! TAKE MY MONEY! Oh, you should give Marvel your money, too.

ROBIN WAR #1
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Khary Randolph
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: In part 1 of this new epic, it’s Robins vs. cops! Robins vs. Robins! Robins vs. Batman! And Robins vs. the Court of Owls? Damian Wayne returns to Gotham City, and he is not happy. There are kids all over the city calling themselves Robin, Bruce Wayne is no longer Batman and the GCPD, led by the new, armored-up Batman, is cracking down on anybody wearing the “R.” And things only get worse when Red Hood, Red Robin and Grayson all come back to Gotham City…

MATTHEW: A Bat-Family crossover? And I’m interested? Somebody call my mama and tell her to come get me…

ROB: All the Robins! Robin has always been my favorite part of the Bat Mythos, and now this puts them all front and center.

STEPHEN: ALL THE ROBINS! Too bad Damian is also part of this arc. We know that Robins will live, and Robins will die, but will the DC Universe ever be the same again!? Let’s find out by picking up this issue.

SAGA #25
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Saga is back, as is almost the entire cast! And as thanks to retailers and readers for helping our audience continue to grow every new arc, Fiona Staples created an amazing wraparound cover for this action-packed issue, which is still only $2.99, the best deal in comics!

ASHLEY: Seriously, if you’re not looking forward to each issue of Saga you need to go back and pick up the first issue.

GEORGE: At long last, Seal Guy gets a cover. Breathe easy, my friends.

ROB: IT’S BACK! I have been seriously missing this series. Now that it’s finally back, you can all join in on the best series in stores right now.

SAGA #32
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Marko and Alana learn something.

MATTHEW: Seems like forever since we got a new issue of ‘Saga.’ Good time to for a reread and catch-up!

ROB: Saga is still one of the more interesting reads coming out lately. And seeing this family get back together is going to huge.

SILK #2
Writer: Robbie Thompson
Artist: Stacey Lee
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: • Silk fights a familiar foe with metal tentacles!
• And there’s much you still don’t know about Silk! Find more out here!

MATTHEW: The first issue was pretty cool, and I’m enjoying Cindy’s place in the Spider-Man mythos. Here’s hoping it doesn’t go off the rails immediately.

ROB: Silk has been one of the more interesting characters to come out of Spider-Verse, but seeing Parker as a side-line support character has made this book for me.

SPIDER-GWEN #1
Writer: Jason Latour
Artist: Javier Rodriguez
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION:
• BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT! The breakout hit of the biggest Spider-Event of the century is taking comic shops by storm this winter with her own new ongoing series – SPIDER-GWEN!
• Gwen Stacy is Spider-Woman, but you knew that already. What you DON’T know is what friends and foes are waiting for her in the aftermath of Spider-Verse!
• From the fan-favorite creative team that brought you Spider-Gwen’s origin story in EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE, Jason Latour and Robbie Rodriguez!

GEORGE: I’m very excited for this series, but I do have to admit that it is in large part due to the excellent character and costume design. Gwen’s Spider-Verse story was a ‘hoot’ though, as the kids say, so here’s hoping this one matches the hype.

MATTHEW: Happy to see her get her own series, and I’m interested to see when/where it all takes place. Plus: Best costume in YEARS!

STEPHEN: Of all the books released this week, I think this one has the potential to be the real star. There is a lot of talk surrounding Spider-Gwen, and I’m picking this up, just on that talk alone.

SUPERMAN AMERICAN ALIEN #1
Writer: Max Landis
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Hollywood screenwriter and Eisner Award nominee Max Landis (Chronicle, American Ultra, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN) joins forces with top comics artists including Jock, Francis Manapul and Jae Lee to bring you SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN, a 7-issue miniseries chronicling the life of Clark Kent and his development into the archetypal hero he will eventually become. But these are not the stories of the iconic “Superman” as you know him, but of the soft-spoken, charming, often-funny Kansas farm-boy behind the Man of Steel. With the tone of each issue ranging from heartwarming and simple, to frighteningly gritty and violent, to sexy, sun-kissed and funny, SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN is unlike anything you’ve seen before. In this first issue, superstar artist Nick Dragotta (East of West, Fantastic Four) illustrates the story of Jonathan and Martha Kent as they struggle to deal with their 12-year-old son’s latest quirk-he’s been floating up into the air, sometimes hundreds of feet!

STEPHEN: After all the Max Landis Superman talk these last several years, it’s time to see if he can put his money where his mouth is.

WAYNE: I’m really intrigued by this new miniseries because Superman needs some loving, and I like the focus this title is taking. Talking more about the “man” than the “super” has always made the character shine, so I can’t wait to see this!

SQUADRON SUPREME #2
Writer: James Robinson
Artist: Leonard Kirk
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: They’re each the sole survivor of a lost Earth and they’ll do anything to protect this one, whether you like it or not. The Squadron Supreme — comprising Hyperion (Avengers), Nighthawk (Supreme Power), Dr. Spectrum (the Great Society), Blur (DP7) and Power Princess — are a team that doesn’t ask permission or what the rules are. To them all that matters is the safety of Earth and if you stand in the way…that’s your problem! Tell that to the Squadron’s first target — Namor, destroyer of Dr. Spectrum’s homeworld, who will have to pay for his crimes…but at what cost to the people of Atlantis.

MATTHEW: It’s a damn confusing premise, but #1 had enough substance (and at least one truly shocking moment) to get me to come back for more. Robinson is a polarizing writer, but this one had a strong start…

WAYNE: I’ve always liked Marvel’s version of DC’s Justice League, particularly Nighthawk (Batman) and his various costumes. Great creative team on this title, so I’m enjoying it greatly!

STAR TREK GREEN LANTERN #1
Writer: Mike Johnson
Artists: Angel Hernandez, Gabriel Rodriguez
Publisher: IDW Publishing

Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Two iconic franchises collide for the blockbuster crossover event of 2015! The crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise meets the Green Lantern Corps for the first time in an all-new adventure that spans the cosmos! Don’t miss the thrilling first chapter of THE SPECTRUM WAR, as Kirk and Spock make a most unusual discovery on a lost world… igniting events that will change the fate of empires!

STEPHEN: I can’t wait to see what kind of crazy tale Johnson is bringing to the table with Star Fleet meets the intergalactic police force.

WAYNE: I’m really looking forward to this cool crossover. As a long-time sci-fi fan, I never dreamed this would happy, but now I can’t wait! Highly recommended!

SWORDS OF SORROW #1
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Sergio Davila
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: DYNAMITE’S FIERCEST FEMALES IN THEIR BIGGEST EVENT EVER! Fan favorite GAIL SIMONE (RED SONJA, BATGIRL) and rising art star SERGIO DAVILA (LEGENDERRY) combine to tell the ultimate pulp adventure, featuring Vampirella, Dejah Thoris, Red Sonja, Kato, Jungle Girl, and many, many more! Villains and heroes from a dozen worlds and eras face off against a legendary evil that threatens all their homelands. Don’t miss this thrilling epic tale, an event supported by related adventures written by the hottest writers today, including G. Willow Wilson, Marguerite Bennett, Nancy Collins and more!

MATTHEW: I’m not the pulp hero fan that Stephen is, but this appeals to me on more than one level. I’m not sure I’m in for every single crossover, but this has my attention…

STEPHEN: Gail Simone? Pulp Characters? Dynamite Entertainment? Crossover event? TAKE MY MONEY!

THOR #8
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Russell Dauterman
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: This is it! The answer you’ve all been waiting for! The identity of Thor, Goddess of Thunder, finally revealed! Who is this mysterious heroine with the might of Mjolnir in her hands?

MATTHEW: There are a lot of possible candidates for the woman under the helm… I’m looking forward to reading and seeing if my guess is right.

ROB: This is going to be one of the bigger titles this week with the huge reveal and all. I still have to point it out that this has been a phenomenal read so far and the reveal should be great.

STEPHEN: I think we all know who is under the helmet, but the question that will need to be answered is what made her worthy to wield the hammer?