Now the good stuff, unless you think I’m wrong, in which case you’re probably wrong, so it’s still the good stuff!
The Bulletproof Coffin Writer: David Hine Artist: Shaky Kane
Why yes, I did buy this based purely on the fact that I remember Shaky Kane from One cover of Morrison’s Doom Patrol. Please don’t judge me. This was absolutely awesome and I can’t even begin to explain why. Kane has a combo style of Moebius and Darrow, and that is the best compliment I can give. We don’t have many copies of this indy book, so get it while you can!
iZombie #2 Writer: Chris Roberson Artist: Mike Allred
Mike Allred’s art is just so pretty. The story is fleshing itself out more and more from the first issue, and I’m really enjoying it. The expansion of Vampires to go with the ghosts and zombies really makes this something worth checking out. Allred, as always is above and beyond a lot of current artist, and continues to produce some of the best stuff in the industry.
Sweet Tooth #10 Writer/Artist: Jeff Lemire
Man, I’m so hip. I start my bought list with two vertigos and an image. But seriously, I think this is the best book that Vertigo is putting out right now, and I am including Scalped on that list. Lemire has such a strange art style but it matches perfectly with what he is going for. It’s a bit like the Luna Brothers where the characters he wants you to relate with are easily relatable, and every issue leaves you wanting more. I’m saying it again; by the far the best book Vertigo has on the stands right now. Buy it. Do it. Right now.
The Muppet Show #6 Writer: Roger Langridge Artist: Amy Mebberson
The change of art has not affected this latest arc at all. Langridge still has complete control of his characters and it’s probably the best comic on the stands for both kids and adults. If this and Tiny Titans ever combined together in some way, my brain might completely explode. It’s a surprisingly good time to be a kid reading comics, and this is one of the best non-supes titles on the market right now.
Vengeance of Moon Knight #9 Writer: Gregg Hurwitz Artist: Juan Jose Ryp
Worth noting specifically for the Ryp art, which is the first I’ve ever seen of him on the “Big two”. It’s interesting because he normally has to draw blood violence and nudity at Avatar, but this time around he just draws the Sandman. But boy does he draw the hell out of it. Another artist from the Geof Darrow school of “Draw Everything,” and his effort is very worthwhile. The story itself is meh, but that art really kicks it up a notch.
Avengers Prime #1 Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Alan Davis
At first I thought this was going to be Marvel’s big three yelling at each other for 22 pages and I was getting very angry. But then Bendis turns it up with a trip on the Rainbow Bridge and Steve Rogers fighting a ton of goblins. Davis is as great as he ever is, whether it’s just talking or actual fighting. There’s also a Walt Simonson reprint as the back-up, so what’s not to like?
Demo #5 (of 6) Writer: Brian Wood Artist: Becky Cloonan
Another solid demo story, as strange as all the others. Wood and Cloonan consistently put together interesting one shots based around their idea of normal people with superpowers. This one is a time travel story which could have gone very poorly, but that is not the case. I trust Wood to know what he’s writing, and Cloonan will always enhance whatever he puts out. Very good stuff.
Captain America/Black Panther Flags of our Fathers #3 (of 4) Writer: Reggie Hudlin Artist: Denys Cowan
I shouldn’t like this. But then a crew of Nazi bad guys show up, including “Armless Tiger Man” the literally armless cannibal, and I’m sold. Add the fact that they’re teaming up with White Gorilla, and do I really need to explain myself to you? No, and I will do no such thing. Armless Cannibal!
Quick List of things that came out that you either already know is how good they are or you should buy the trades and find out:
Brightest Day #3 Writers: Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi Artists: Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, Ardian Syaf, Scott Clark, Joe Prado
Stephen King’s N #4 (of 4) Writer: Marc Guggenheim Artist: Alex Maleev
Franken-Castle #17 Writer: Rick Remender Artist: Roland Boschi
Invincible #72 Writer: Robert Kirkman Artist: Ryan Ottley
Irredeemable Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Diego Barreto
“The” Dan Jacka
