Each week, a massive number of comics are released. Determining which titles are worth checking out can be a daunting task, especially if you're trying to keep your spending under a certain limit. We've gone through the list to help you decide which books you need to read on Wednesday, February 17.
Justice League #48
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Jason Fabok
If you've been reading Darkseid War up until now, there's no way you won't want to read the next issue. Geoff Johns has been doing some crazy things with the characters, and we're really getting to see the Justice League take part in an incredibly huge adventure. We've seen members of the League drastically changed and big consequences set up. The big question is what does Johns have planned for this next chapter? With Jason Fabok handling the art, we're getting amazing visuals to go with a fantastic story.
Daredevil #4
Written by Charles Soule
Art by Ron Garney
The combination of Charles Soule and Ron Garney on this title has been doing wonders for the character. While the previous run was enjoyable, it's always interesting to see a title take a completely different direction when a new creative team takes over. Matt Murdock being back in New York makes perfect sense. We're seeing him adjust to his new job as an ADA while taking on the mysterious Tenfingers. It's particularly exciting to see Garney take on (old) Steve Rogers since his time on Captain America (with Mark Waid) back in the day was a fan-favorite run.
Art Ops #5
Written by Shaun Simon
Art by Michael Allred
People sometimes complain that comics have become stagnant or repetitive. If you want something different, Art Ops definitely qualifies. With a story of operatives safeguarding works of art and the fact that characters in pieces of art can come to life and exit the paintings, we've seen a lot of weird things. The original operatives have disappeared and it's been up to the reluctant Reggie Riot to keep the Mona Lisa safe. Shaun Simon's story has been intriguing and the art by Mike Allred and Matt Brundage has given the series the perfect feel. This marks the end of the first arc. Who knows what we can expect?
Karnak #2
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Gerardo Zaffino
Remember when that first issue of Karnak by Warren Ellis came out? Yes, it's been a while. Things happen. We're not sure why there's been a delay, but we are deeply curious what Ellis has planned for the character and series. The first issue did a good job establishing the tone for a Karnak solo series. We're really hoping things are going to kick into high gear here. Gerardo Zaffino's art and Dan Brown's colors looked great, and we're looking forward to seeing Karnak in full action, doing what he does best.
Spawn #261
Writing and art by Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen
It's hard to believe Spawn is still going after all these years. Having just recently gotten back into the series, Al Simmons is finally taking on Satan himself. Fighting for the woman he loves, we saw some pretty intense moments last issue. The war is far from over. Erik Larsen is also providing the art while still working onSavage Dragon. As intense as things have been already in this arc, you can assume it's only going to get more explosive as we move towards the end.
X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever #1
Written by Max Bemis
Art by Michael Walsh
This is the printed version of the Digital First series by Max Bemis and Michael Walsh. Taking place out of continuity, you'll get to see pretty much all of your favorite X-Men members. The story deals with a kid named Bailey who is overjoyed to discover he's a mutant. He longs to be something more or special. Unfortunately, his powers pretty much suck. Bemis delivers some hilarious and intriguing moments in this series. Michael Walsh's art is fantastic, as always. If you haven't read the digital version and you're a fan of the X-Men (or simply great stories), don't miss out on this.
Dark Knight III: Master Race #3
Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Art by Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson
It's been 15 years since DC Comics readers have been engrossed in Frank Miller's original Dark Knight universe. Normally, when there's a large passage of time between series like this, it doesn't have the same "oomph" as the original. Luckily, Dark Knight III is an excellent follow-up to the series. Andy Kubert, Kalus Janson, and Brad Anderson do this world justice with their art, and Brian Azzarello also makes a fantastic addition to the creative team, working with Frank Miller on the story. It's only been a couple of issues, but this is a series you need to check out.
Ringside #4
Written by Joe Keatinge
Art by Nick Barber
There have been a few comics that try to introduce the world of wrestling into them, and aside from Headlock, the vast majority are stinkers. What Joe Keatinge and Nick Barber are doing with Ringside is different. It's about a man's journey in the world of wrestling. It's not about a guy powerbombing his way through the competition. This is a personal journey that takes place behind the scenes, outside of the "squared circle." There's a lot of love in this story, but what is really making it work is Barber's art, which gives it a more serious tone.
Astonishing Ant-Man #5
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Ramon Rosanas
Are you a fan of super-hero comics that walk to the beat of their own drum? Well, Astonishing Ant-Man is the prime example of that over at Marvel. This isn't a book about a super-powered being, punching the bad guy. At its heart, it's a story about redemption and righting the wrongs of the past. Don't worry, it's not that serious though. Nick Spencer crafted this story, which has a lot of heart and a few laugh out loud moments. Ramon Rosanas' art has more of a cartoonish feel which completely fits the tone. What we're looking forward to most this upcoming week is finding out how Giant-Man gets untangled from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Bloodshot Reborn #11
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Lewis LaRosa
This current arc of Bloodshot Reborn jumps forward into the far future. It's a bit of a dystopian future, but writer Jeff Lemire has a great handle on the character and the world, so even though it's something fans will be familiar with, it feels very new. Lewis LaRosa is the perfect fit for this arc. There's a grittiness to it which works exceptionally well with the story. It's not only a story about a man on his own personal journey. It's also full of action to keep any comic reader engaged.
Saga #34
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Fiona Staples
Image Comics has a ton of amazing on-going series: Invincible, The Walking Dead, and Nailbiter to name a few. However, out of all those great books, Saga stands above them. This series is more of an epic than a comic, following an unlikely family in space. Writer Brian K Vaughan has put together one of his greatest works, right behind Y: The Last Man. A lot of that credit should also go to Fiona Staples who has such a dynamic and interesting style on this series. Each issue, she delivers at least one memorable/horrifying moment. If you're new to comics or been reading for years, Saga is a must read.
Grayson #17
Written by Tim Seeley, Tom King
Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Dick Grayson has been on a tremendous journey the past few years: he's died, come back to life as a secret agent, worked secretly for the Court of Owls, and he may go back to Nightwing after the recent events of Batman & Robin Eternal. However, there's still a lot of ground to cover in Grayson, as he's still fighting against Spyral, the group he once worked for. This series has been a real blast and it's nice to see a covert-op comic work so well.
Ghostbusters International #2
Written by Erik Burnham
Art by Dan Schoening
IDW Publishing has been nailing it when it comes to Ghostbusters. The vast majority of the stories that have come out have been a ton of fun. Last month, we got to see Ghostbusters International launch, and like the title says, the Ghostbusters are going around the world to bust ghosts. Erik Burnham and Dan Schoening are coming up with some great stories that really breathe new life into this team, and this newest story promises to be a lot of fun.
Superman: The Coming of the Supermen #1
Writing and art by Neal Adams
Neal Adams is returning to Superman. The last time Adams worked on the character was in 1978'sSuperman vs Muhammad Ali. Superman's been through some changes since the New 52 began, and Adams is taking the character back to his roots with a story featuring Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson, Lex Luthor, and Darkseid. In this story, New Krypton has been settled on a planet on the opposite side of the sun as Earth. When Darkseid attacks, Superman's assistance is needed. In order to get Superman to safely leave Earth, the New Kryptonians offer three replacement (and less experienced) Supermen to take his place. Superman will have to team up with Lex against Darkseid, and we can expect some big and crazy moments throughout the series.
Martian Manhunter Volume 1: The Epiphany
Written by Rob Williams
Art by Eddy Barrows
Finally, if you're not too into buying single issues of comics, you might want to check out the collection for Martian Manhunter's first story. This book completely changes what readers know about this character, as it centers around a Martian invasion of Earth. Rob Williams makes Martian Manhunter interesting again and gives him a story worthy of a solo book. In addition, Eddie Barrows kills it on art, almost giving this first arc a horror feel. If you're interested in Martian Manhunter, this is a trade to check out.
What books are you looking forward to this week?