Every Wednesday, tons of new comic books come out and we have to figure out what to buy as our wallets to empty from all the awesomeness modern comics have to offer. To help ease your mind, the staff at Comic Vine picked some books out they can't wait to read. Let's get right down to it and see what books are essential.
Check out all this week's new releases here.
Tony's Picks
SUPERMAN #43
(DC)
Written by Gene Luen Yang
Art by John Romita & Klaus Janson
Ever since we first found out Superman’s biggest secret was revealed to the world by Lois Lane, readers had mixed reactions. Many came down on Lois for betraying her friend and felt it was out of character for her. As the story has been unfolding in SUPERMAN in the Before Truth story arc, we’ve slowly seen there is (obviously) more to the story than expected. We’re seeing in the other titles how some close to Clark have felt deeply betrayed by the secret but Lois appears to still be by his side. So the big question remains why would she, in turn, betray Clark?
We’ve already stated our opinion on Lois’s upcoming decision and this issue is going to touch on the reason. With each issue, Gene Yang is getting more and more comfortable with the characters and it’ll be interesting to see what he has coming up.
HANK JOHNSON AGENT OF HYDRA #1
(Marvel)
Written by David Mandel
Art by Michael Walsh
We’ve been seeing a pretty wide variety of books come out of Secret Wars but this one really gets us excited. We all know HYDRA is an evil organization but maybe there’s something more to it than we all realized. Maybe it’s not as evil as we were lead to believe. This is our chance to get a look at the inner workings of an organization just doing what they can to get by in a crazy competitive world. Some have asked why this book isn’t focusing on Bob, Agent of HYDRA, but I have to say it’s probably a better idea to introduce a new character with Hank. We already know some about Bob and his friendship with Deadpool so why not check on a more normal everyday day HYDRA agent?
I’m curious to see what a David Mandel written comic will be like. I’m super-excited about Michael Walsh’s art. I can’t get enough of his art and have been having withdrawals since SECRET AVENGERS ended.
SONS OF THE DEVIL #4
(Image)
Written by Brian Buccellato
Art by Toni Infante
The story and mystery continues. Brian Buccellato’s been giving us an eerie look at life within a cult. Cut to years later, Travis is starting to get more answers about his family, whether he likes it or not. Travis Crowe is a fascinating character. He’s far from your typical comic book lead. He definitely has his share of problems including some anger issues because of everything he went through during his upbringing. Seeing his story unfold is intriguing but also a little harsh at times. Because of his faults, you want to look away but the story captivates you and you become glued to each page.
Along with Buccellato’s story, we have Toni Infante’s art. His style really captures the vibe of the story. There’s a raw emotion in both the characters and the art that go together perfectly. With more secrets being revealed, the next issue definitely has our attention.
SHIELD #9
(Marvel)
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Lee Ferguson
We know that S.H.I.E.L.D. has been around a while but it’s hard to believe it’s been fifty years (in our time). There’s a lot of history that goes with the organization and it’s pretty cool to see an issue commemorate the anniversary. There’s been some good and bad things that have happened. I can’t say I’m too thrilled with Nick Fury Sr’s status but I’m curious to see a ‘crossover’ story across time with him and Phil Coulson. If that wasn’t enough, this is where we get the see the “return” of Dum Dum Dugan and get the introduction of the new Howling Commandos, which will get their own series in the upcoming HOWLING COMMANDOS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.
This is an oversized issue with a bunch of creators contributing. This could be a nice piece of history you won’t want to miss.
CYBORG #2
(DC)
Written by David Walker
Art by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
CYBORG is finally getting the attention many of us have been waiting for. From the 8-page preview and the first issue, we’ve seen that Vic is going through some changes. There’s a threat that’s headed his way and more secrets to unlock. Why does a group of aliens want with him? What’s the connection between it all? This is our chance to find out more about where Vic stands in the new DC Universe.
David Walker has a good take on the character. I can’t wait to see more of what he has in store for Cyborg. Add in art by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado, there shouldn’t be any question whether or not you pick this issue up.
Honorable Mentions: DRIVE #1, FIGHT CLUB 2 #4
Mat's Picks
ANT-MAN LAST DAYS #1
(Marvel)
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Ramon Rosanas
More Ant-Man with Nick Spencer and Ramon Rosanas? Yes please! This creative team has really put together a dynamite series thus far, as we follow the adventures of Scott Lang trying to redeem himself for all his past wrongs, while putting together a security force.
In this issue, a clairvoyant predicts the end of the world and Scott Lang has a vital mission to complete, in the days before SECRET WARS begins. It'll be nice to see some more 616 stories before SECRET WARS ends and the new Marvel Universe pops up, and once again, this creative team has been killing it with this character.
If this book is anything like the current run, expect a really run story that looks great. Also, it's Scott Lang as Ant-Man, people like Ant-Man now, right?
GRAYSON #11
(DC)
Written by Tim Seeley & Tom King
Art by Mikel Janin
Colors by Jeromy Cox
Moving forward, let me just take my big, stupid foot out of my mouth as I recommend GRAYSON #11 to you. When this series started, even after giving the first few issues a chance, I was really against it. However, after my stubbornness faded, this book started to really hit its stride in the post-CONVERGENCE DC Universe.
In the last issue, Grayson came to grips with the fact that Lex Luthor, the man who killed him in Forever Evil, has control over him, which was a really cool twist to the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that plays out with everything else going on in the book.
As always, Mike Janin brings some of the best looking art in comics to this series, with Jeromy Cox on colors. This is a book to buy just for the art alone. Luckily, the story is pretty dang awesome as well.
PREZ #3
(DC)
Written by Mark Russell
Art by Ben Caldwell
PREZ us different and based on a mini-series that holds a special place in my heart. This book is a political book without directly being a political book, if that makes sense. Frankly, the way I feel about politics and the way people talk about politics is comical, and PREZ does a pretty good job at poking fun at the government and the way the media covers politics. It's all big one joke and this book is just a bunch of fun.
We're seeing Beth Ross slowly rise in the polls as she runs for President of the United States. Mark Russell does a great job with this character, but what really wins me over is the art of Ben Caldwell, Mark Morales, and Jeremy Lawson. I say, just check this out and if you don't like it, you have a stone cold heart...
If that didn't win you over, maybe this will... Taco Drones.
X-O MANOWAR Vol 9 "Dead Hand"
(Valiant)
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Diego Bernard & Rafael Sandoval
I understand you're probably tired of me blabbing on and on about how great X-O MANOWAR is and I keep talking about it because this series is the best that Valiant has to offer, which is saying a lot since that company puts out a lot of awesome series.
"Dead Hand" was a great story that changed X-O Manowar's world and not for the better. He was up against a new villain whose job it was to kill anyone wearing the armor at any cost. Writer Robert Venditti and artist Diego Bernard did an amazing job on this run and it's something everyone should really check out.
There's a few moments that really throw readers through a loop as well, which we won't spoil here, mainly because we want you to read it for yourselves first.
RASPUTIN #8
(Image)
Written by Alex Grecian
Art by Riley Rossmo
Colors by Ivan Plascencia
Back in 1916, Grigori Rasputin was thrown into an icy river and somehow survived. He'd been poisoned, stabbed, beaten, but kept coming back to life. That's the legend of this character and in issue 8, we're finally going to get to see what happened on that night.
This series has been a great piece of historical fiction, playing on the supposed mystical abilities that Rasputin had while he was alive. Alex Grecian delivers an entertaining and intriguing story I just can't get enough of. To top it all off, Riley Rossmo and Ivan Plascencia are two amazing artists that put out some beautiful art on this book, month after month.
Honorable Mention: CIVIL WAR #3
That's it for this week's edition of Essential Comics. Let us know what your books you're super-duper excited for this week in the comment section below!
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