Major Spoilers Staff Picks for May 25, 2016 #NCBD

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.

AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9
Writer: Roberto Aguirre Sacasa
Artist: Francesco Francavilla
Publisher: ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: “Betty: RIP,” Part 4. The Horror began in Riverdale when Reggie Mantle struck and killed Jughead’s beloved pooch Hot Dog. Since then, Reggie has been living with this secret knowledge-and terrible guilt. With no one to talk to about it, Reggie has started to crack under the strain. He is seeing visions of his dead friends – or are they literal ghosts? When an act of kindness prompts a confession from him, Reggie must decide for himself, once and for all-is there any good within him? Or is Reggie, as we’ve always suspected, beyond redemption? For TEEN+ Readers.

CHRIS: Every time an issue of Afterlife with Archie comes out is just like coming across an old movie that you forgot you had. Even though you forgot about it, you remeber loving it and can’t wait to watch it again. I hope this gets back on a semi-regular schedule because this is the best zombie comic out there. Yes, I’m including Walking Dead…

STEPHEN: I’ve really missed this book, and am so glad it is back. It’s a great horror title featuring (what remains of) your favorite Archie Comics characters.

DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH #1
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Gary Frank
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $2.99
SOLICITATION: It all begins here. Do not skip to the last page. Do not let a friend or message board ruin this comic for you. The future (and past) of the DC Universe starts here. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

CHRIS: I haven’t had this spoiled for me and heaven help the person that does. I’m excited to see what all the buzz is about but a little bit sad since I was enjoying the DC books I was reading and don’t want to see some of the changes occur (Batgirl, I’m looking at you). Still, it’s always good to try new things!

DAVID: Everything’s changing… again! I don’t care about the drama, I just want a good story, and this seems to be shaping up to give me one.

JON: With comic book stores opening at midnight, with an unheard of 80 pages for a mere $2.99, with all the buzz surrounding DC’s Rebirth event, how could this NOT be a top pick? I can’t wait to see how DC prepares us for what’s to come as we dive into this highly anticipated comic book event.

MATTHEW: Even knowing what I already know, this book is a clear must-read. Here’s hoping it delivers on what it promises.

ROB: Rebirth is my last shot with DC. No titles have managed to keep me satisfied since before Flashpoint, even with characters that I’ve always liked, but I’m going to try this one more time.

STEPHEN: YOU KNOW WHO IS BACK! WHO IS WATCHING OVER THE DCU!? This is most definitely the must read book this week, and if the midnight release is any indication, most of you already picked up the book and read it.

WAYNE: I know, I know… spoilers, spoilers everywhere! I’ve heard a Batman-centric one, but I’m going to avoid the rest since I’m looking forward to reading this DC new event kick-off asap! And they served pizza at midnight where I bought it, so there!

DISNEY MAGIC KINGDOM COMICS #1
Writer: Carl Barks, Paul Halas, Don R. Christensen
Artists: Carl Barks, Pete Alvarado, Victor Arriagada Rios, et al.
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: 6.99
SOLICITATION: IDW’s Disneyland 60th anniversary anthology is here… collecting decades of Disney’s park-themed adventure comics! Carl Barks’ Scrooge McDuck travels from the Mark Twain Riverboat to a Beagle Boy battle; then Donald and Mickey investigate the strange disappearance of the Country Bear Jamboree!

RODRIGO: An anthology of old-timey disney comic tie-ins with park attractions? This is going to be so weird, how could you miss it?

EAST OF WEST #26
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Nick Dragotta
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
SOLICITATION: “COLLAPSE”
The very last chance for diplomacy fails on the eve of the world’s end.

GEORGE: The world of East of West could only really end in a collapse.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #50
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Jason Fabok
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
SOLICITATION: This is it!! The massive, 48-page conclusion to the critically-acclaimed “DARKSEID WAR” can hardly be contained between two covers! Don’t miss the final fates of the world’s greatest heroes and villains, along with world-changing revelations for Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. It doesn’t get bigger than this as DC’s monthly super hero event comic sets the stage for the next year and beyond!

JON: Several issues ago, Batman asked the Mobius Chair for The Joker’s true identity. Finally, we will get the long-awaited payoff. Don’t let the $5.99 price tag scare you away – this is an oversized book that’s sure to make Rebirth all the more satisfying.

WAYNE: I’ll miss Mr. Johns’ writing this series now that he’s taking on additional responsibilities, but at least he’s going out with a bang! Can’t wait to see how this storyline/event wraps up!

LEGACY OF LUTHER STRODE #6
Writer: Justin Jordan
Artist: Tradd Moore
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50
SOLICITATION: THE LUTHER STRODE SAGA ENDS HERE.
Luther versus Cain.

GEORGE: The weird, disturbing story of Luther Strode is getting wrapped up. Jordan and Moore have created a bizarre and bloody meditation upon violence and I cannot guess how it will end. Not well for the titular character, I’m thinking.

THE LEGEND OF KORRA: KORRA STATUETTE
Publisher: Dark Horse
Price: 79.99
SOLICITATION: The strong-willed Avatar Korra is beautifully captured in this majestic pose from Nickelodeon’s The Legend of Korra! Dark Horse is proud to bring forth this limited edition 8 1/4” tall polyresin statuette. Sure to please Korra fans.

RODRIGO: I don’t have a lot of statuettes around my house, but this is one I’d definitely make some room for, both in my shelf and in my budget.

LOBSTER JOHNSON: METAL MONSTERS OF MIDTOWN #1
Writer: John Arcudi
Artist: Tonci Zonjic
Publisher: Dark Horse
Cover Price: 3.50
SOLICITATION: A trio of skyscraping robots crash into a Manhattan bank and leave Lobster Johnson with two mysteries to solve: what is behind the massive machines, and why would the robots pull a heist without taking a penny?

RODRIGO: Got a chance to do an early review of this for the MSP, I strongly recommend it for anyone who isn’t getting enough pulp-noir in their diet.

MOCKINGBIRD #3
Writer: Chelsea Cain
Artist: Kate Niemczyk
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Bobbi suits up as Mockingbird to save an adolescent girl driven bonkers by her new powers. Later, a rakish Englishman asks Bobbi to dogsit.

ROB: Mockingbird has been a fun read so far, with us knowing a generality of what is coming up, I’m looking forward to the hoard of Corgi’s coming up shortly.

NIGHTHAWK #1

Writer: David Walker
Artist: Ramon Villaobos

Publisher: Marvel

Cover Price: $3.99

SOLICITATION: Straight from the pages of SQUADRON SUPREME comes one of the most brutal super heroes of the Marvel Universe. Nighthawk is Chicago’s dark protector, dispensing swift, decisive justice to those that truly deserve it. When the city’s shadiest power brokers turn up murdered in gristly ways, the apparent work of an inventive serial killer, Nighthawk must ask himself: Does this predator deserve to be caught? Who is the killer? What is he after? What does he want from Nighthawk? To answer these questions, Nighthawk must first look in the mirror. Rated T+

GEORGE: One of Marvel’s many ersatz Batmans, Nighthawk is perhaps the most straightforward take and thus the least interesting. But a compelling concept, a great artist in Ramon Villalobos and a Chicago setting puts this title on my radar.

WAYNE: Although he’s a Batman-alike, he sounds more like Judge Dredd! I’ve loved this character since he first appeared a long, long time ago, so we’ll see how this version hits me!

SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #1
Writer: Jim Lee & Various
Artist: Howard Porter
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: Those meddling kids-Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and their dog, Scooby-Doo-get more ghost-debunking than they bargained for when faced with a fundamental change in their world. The apocalypse has happened. Old rules about logic no longer apply. The creatures of the night are among us, and the crew of the Magical Mystery Machine has to fight to survive-because in the apocalyptic badlands of the near-future, the horrors are real! This new monthly series takes Scooby and the gang to a whole new level and features character designs by comics superstar Jim Lee!

CHRIS: DC starts their “Holding the line at $2.99” stance off this week with this $3.99 book! Even though the concept has me totally going WTF, I’m eager to see what is in store. I’m really rooting for this one, believe it or not, as I love to see unique titles on the rack. Plus, Porter art is always nice to look at.

DAVID: Hey, they somehow pulled off Future Quest. I might as well give this a shot.

MATTHEW: Dunno if it’s genius or cheese sandwich, but this is one that I have to read.

STEPHEN: This is much better than you think it is. Give it a chance and you might find a real gem in this book that had everyone scratching their heads a few months ago.

SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL #5
Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist: Ed McGuinness
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: What the heck does this cover image mean?! Gotta grab this mag to find out, True Believers. PLUS! The truth about that weirdness at Parker Industries begins to be revealed!

ROB: Last month ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, what with Wade shooting Peter, which makes for an interesting story going forward with half of the title duo dead.

STEVE ROGERS: CAPTAIN AMERICA #1
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Jesus Saiz
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: He’s back! The original Sentinel of Liberty returns, with a new shield, a new team, and a new mission! And he’s not the only one who’s back! Like the saying goes– cut off one LIMB, two more will take its place! HAIL HYDRA!

MATTHEW: Not loving that price tag, but I’m interested in seeing what we’re going to do to balance having two active Captains America.

STEPHEN: While the spotlight may be on DC Universe Rebirth #1 this week, I think the most controversial moment of the week will be found in the pages of Steve Rogers: Captain America #1. HAIL HYDRA!

SUPERMAN #52 (FINAL DAYS)
Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Mikel Janin
Publisher: DC Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: The “Final Days” epic concludes in one explosive fight as the new master villain uses Superman’s own solar super flare power against everyone. Can even two Supermen, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and Batman be enough to stop this onslaught? And how will the outcome of this battle change Lois Lane’s life forever?

JON: The final chapter of the “Final Days” story is sure to go out with a bang. At this point in the game, it’s not a question of if a Superman will die but a question of how. I highly recommend reading this and Justice League #50 BEFORE reading Rebirth.

TOKYO GHOST #7
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Sean Gordon Murphy & Matt Hollingsworth
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
SOLICITATION: The Tokyo Ghost has come to liberate New Los Angeles from the stranglehold of Flak Industries. But the powerful don’t go down without a fight, and this fight’s about to get ugly.

DAVID: Despite the uncertainty of my relationship with Remender, he has won me over on this book, and I am excited for the next chapter.

ROBOT OVERLORD: WHAT WILL YOU BE BUYING THIS WEEK? USE THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!

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