IT’S NEW COMIC BOOK DAY! #NCBD
The best day of the week just got a lot better with a new round of awesome comics arriving in stores this week. Staff members at Major Spoilers are here to help you with your comic book selection this week, with their roundup of comics they recommend.
AMAZING FOREST #1
Writer: Erick Freitas, Ulises Farinas
Artist: Julien Dufour, Matt Rota, Melody Often, Yumi Sakugawa
Publisher: IDW
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Tales for the bold. Ideas for the strange. Wicked concepts that stir the minds of those with darkness in their hearts. A modern anthology that lends itself to a time when stories were short and ugly. Written by Ulises Farinas & Erick Freitas, each comic is drawn by a different amazingly talented artist, each lending their unique talents to bring horrible happiness to the readers’ skulls!
RODRIGO: Ooh, different writers! different artists! Did they make this comic just for me!?
AMERICAN MONSTER #1
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Juan Doe
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: In a small Midwestern town, a large man with a horribly scarred face gets off a bus, and takes a room. He spooks the locals–nobody knows him–or do they? It’s impossible to say be-cause he seemingly has no face. The man’s intentions remain unknown, until he takes on a corrupt sheriff and the rural crew of racist arms dealers. The town’s impression of the man changes, and he’s seen as a hero until his real intentions bubble to the surface. The man isn’t there to end the gang, but to take it over. And he’s just getting started.
CHRIS: Reading the solicitation, this book seems frightening and if anyone can do that kind of frightening, it’s Azzarello. I’m excited to see where this one goes and for how long as I’ve missed Azzarello working on his own things.
ASTRO CITY #31
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Jesus Merino
Publisher: Vertigo Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: A monster’s-eye-view of heroes, fear, battle and more, as the Living Nightmare-the embodiment of fear itself-goes up against the Honor Guard, and all its secrets come to light. A story that could change the team forever. And half of them just got new costumes, too. Featuring the work of guest-artist Jesus Merino!
MATTHEW: Dating back to the very first issue of Astro City, over 20 years ago (!!), The Living Nightmare is one of those characters I never realized we know next to NOTHING about. I’m intrigued to know what his/her/its deal actually is…
BATMAN #48
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Mr. Bloom’s seeds have grown into an army that may turn all of Gotham City against its new Batman. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne meets a mysterious stranger who could start a chain of events no one can stop.
DAVID: Mr. Bloom has been downright creepy, and now there’s more than one of him. Jim Gordon is doing the best he can, but he hasn’t faced a threat of this level yet as Batman, and I cannot wait to see how he tackles it. While JimBat may not be a permanent fixture, I am thankful that Snyder and Capullo are giving us such a great, exciting story with him while he lasts.
CAPTAIN MARVEL #1
Writer: Tara Butters, Michele Fazekas
Artist: Kris Anka
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Face front, true believers! The Captain has made her return and oh, how mighty it is. It’s a bold new frontier for Carol Danvers as she soars to new heights in her greatest mission yet–leader of the all-new Alpha Flight space program. Yup, Alpha Flight. As earth’s first line of defense, Carol and her team aim to protect the planet from extraterrestrial threats. But can Carol be a soldier and a diplomat? Especially when an unknown enemy emerges that Carol can’t quite punch. The superstar team behind Marvel’s Agent Carter television series, Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas, make their comics debut alongside the awesomely-talented Kris Anka.
MATTHEW: Marvel have finally succeeded in making me love Carol Danvers as a top-tier player, and I’m looking forward to her new role. Plus: ALPHA FLIGHT! MORE PUCK! GO, PUCK, GO!!!
ROB: Alpha Flight! At least I hope it’s some what connected to the Canadian super team. Either way, I’m willing to follow the Captain on most adventures at this point.
CLEAN ROOM #4
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Jon Davis-Hunt, Jenny Frison
Publisher: Vertigo Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: Astrid finds herself in the unique position of interrogating someone…scratch that…someTHING truly unexpected in the Clean Room, and she may not leave there alive. Meanwhile, Chloe storms off to find another way to take down Astrid and her corporation, only to find her life spiraling farther down the drain…not to mention, something from the Clean Room may have slithered out to follow her home.
CHRIS: I don’t know what happened to Gail Simone recently but some of her writing got REALLY disturbing. And I love it! This is one great horror comic and another winner from the new titles from Vertigo. Highly suggested for those who like to be uncomfortable.
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #18
Writer: Rich Woodall, Dennis Calero, Carla Speed McNeil, Shawn Aldridge, Barbara Randall Kesel, David Chelsea, Paul Levitz
Artist: Dennis Calero, Carla Speed McNeil, David Chelsea, Craig Rousseau, Julius Gopez, Marc Olivent, Tim Hamilton
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: 4.99
SOLICITATION: Eisner, Harvey, and Stumptown Award winner!
The next chapter of Rich Woodall and Craig Rousseau’s Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl begins here! A paranormal podcaster deals with a personal possession in Barbara Randall Kesel and Marc Olivent’s Sundown Crossroads!
This issue also features new chapters of Paul Levitz and Tim Hamilton’s Brooklyn Blood, Carla Speed McNeil’s Finder, and Dennis Calero’s The Suit!
Shawn Aldridge and Julius Gopez’s Last Act and David Chelsea’sSandy and Mandy conclude!
RODRIGO: I’m a big fan of Dark Horse Presents, Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl is going great.
DRAGON AGE: MAGEKILLER #2
Writer: Greg Rucka
Penciller: Carmen Carnero
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price: 3.99
SOLICITATION: The ruler of Tevinter has cornered Marius and Tessa into eliminating four high-profile mages within the capital. Yet the closer they come to completing their task, the closer they themselves are drawn toward death!
RODRIGO: The first issue was interesting. I’m looking forward to see what else this comic has in store. Carnero’s art is pretty great. I know it’s not a huge selling point, but the cover art by Sachin Teng is great.
PATSY WALKER AKA HELLCAT #2
Writer: Kate Leth
Artist: Brittney Williams
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: FRIENDSHIP AND BURGERS! Monsters and rent checks! A ghost from the past with questionable motives! Hellcat has more than enough to deal with as a crime-fighter, why does being Patsy Walker have to be so tough, too? Join us for the comic critics are calling ‘available January 2016!’
CHRIS: Tired of the typical superhero comic but still want to read one with superheroes? Patsy Walker aka Hellcat is that book. Focusing not on the punching and the fighting but rather the “How am I going to pay rent?” and “I need a job” kind of problems, it sounds a lot more boring than it is. It’s funny and tons of fun and I recommend people support this one.
ROBIN, SON OF BATMAN #8
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Mr. Bloom’s seeds have grown into an army that may turn all of Gotham City against its new Batman. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne meets a mysterious stranger who could start a chain of events no one can stop.
DAVID: Mr. Bloom has been downright creepy, and now there’s more than one of him. Jim Gordon is doing the best he can, but he hasn’t faced a threat of this level yet as Batman, and I cannot wait to see how he tackles it. While JimBat may not be a permanent fixture, I am thankful that Snyder and Capullo are giving us such a great, exciting story with him while he lasts.
TITANS HUNT #4
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Paulo Siquiera
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Enter Hawk and Dove…drawn to a mystery that threatens to destroy the perfect balance of their partnership. And the lost and scattered Titans-Dick, Donna, Garth, Roy, Gnarrk, Mal and Lilith-battle to discover the dark secret that unites them, but time is running out. Can they make sense of their twisted dreams before the escalating nightmare overwhelms them?
MATTHEW: Part of me is glad to have ANY Titans back, but a larger part is happy that this book has been good. Add in the return of Wonder Girl, Aqualad and the back story of the Titans, and you’ve got a recipe for some decent comicking…
TOKYO GHOST #5
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Sean Murphy
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: As Eden burns around her, Debbie fights to save the man she loves from the monster he’s become.
DAVID: Tokyo Ghost wasn’t my favorite book when it debuted, but it has really grown on me. The relationship between Debbie Decay and Led Dent has been so compelling that I find myself caring deeply what happens to the two of them. I just want them to be happy, but can they ever be?
UNCANNY INHUMANS #4
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Steve McNiven
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: The titanic first arc comes to its conclusion as Kang’s final salvo hits the Inhumans! Can Medusa, Black Bolt, The Human Torch, Beast and the rest stand up to the Time-Lord? You will not see this ending coming!
ROB: This first arc has been interesting at least. And the team built here is going to be something to look forward to as this series continues.
UNCANNY X-MEN #2
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Greg Land
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: In a world that’s never hated or feared mutants more, there is only one constant: BIGGER THREATS REQUIRE MORE THREATENING X-MEN. Refusing to accept one more mutant death, the most ruthless mutants on Earth have banded together to proactively mow down their enemies. But with a team populated by relentless killers, one question applies above all others: Can they stay away from each other’s throats long enough to sever their targets’?
ROB: First issue presented an interesting team dynamic and clever reason for many of the characters to be there. I rather want this comic to succeed just for the characters alone.
ROBOT OVERLORD: WHAT WILL YOU BE BUYING THIS WEEK? USE THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!
2 Comments
I need to check out Hellcat. Would prefer her to be Tigra, but I’ll get over it. I’ve been looking for “how do I pay rent” kind of super hero book.
I was probably most excited for the new Poison Ivy. Picked it up and read it straight away. I really loved that they had Harley Quinn in there within the first 5 pages. I didn’t think they would bring in Harley for an issue or two. We’ll see how it goes.