October 2007
Five Wednesdays in October means a mega-sized edition of Best Bets! Here are a few books per week that should be worth our time and money:
October 3rd:
Wonderlost Book 2
(Image Comics, $5.99)The first issue of this series was one of my favorite single comics in years. C. B. Cebulski (Loners) writes true short stories of his teenage years in the late 80’s (my high school era as well). He brings along his artist buddies like Michael Oeming (Mice Templar) to help with these hilarious and sometimes painful stories. Check out C. B.’s blog for the latest news: http://chesterfest.blogspot.com/2007/04/wonderlost-2-info.html
Jonah Hex #24
(DC Comics, $2.99)I used to avoid western comics until Mike at Pulp Fiction suggested I try the first TPB of Jonah Hex. Now I’m hooked on this series of gritty one-shots written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti (Freedom Fighters). The constant change of artists is a little frustrating, but it’s a small price to pay for these great stories. This issue marks the return of classic DC characters El Diablo and Bat Lash For more western thrills in October, check out Garth Ennis’ new book Streets of Glory from Avatar Press.
Vinyl Underground #1
(Vertigo Comics, $2.99)I’ve never heard of the creative team for this weird British crime book, but the sample pages in Previews have me intrigued. Newsarama has seven pages for your consideration: http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Sept07/previews/sept5th.html
October 10th:
Gen 13 #13
(Wildstorm Comics, $2.99)Gail Simone (Birds of Prey) writes her final issue of this underrated super-team book. While “flagship” Wildstorm titles like the Authority and Wildcats have collectively put out three issues in the past year, Simone hasn’t missed a month. If you’re new to the series, I suggest you pick up the first TPB and the upcoming second volume instead of this issue. If you’re a fan of Simone, be sure to pick up her run on Wonder Woman beginning in November. Simone has been writing for C list characters for years and deserves to a have a long run on a major title. It’s too bad she has to leave Gen 13 to make time for it, but we can’t have everything.
New Avengers #35
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Say what you will about Brian Michael Bendis’ writing (it’s uneven, it’s too serious, it’s too lighthearted, it’s too decompressed, it has gaping plot holes), but New Avengers has turned a corner for me. Two things happened: first, after Civil War the team became an antiestablishment group, creating darker, more compelling stories. It isn’t Marvel’s A-listers thrown together trading one liners as they punch out bad guys like it used to be. Second, and this is the big one, assigning Leinil Yu (Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk) as the regular penciler has saved this book. His wild artwork is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in comics and will keep me happy even if Bendis turns in a mediocre script. Seeing is believing: http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/1007/navng35.jpg
Simon Dark #1
(DC Comics, $2.99)Gotham City has a new protector, but he doesn’t have Batman’s no-kill rule. Is he a hero or just a vile murderer? Expect a showdown with Batman within the first few issues. Check out these scary pages from the creative team that brought you Gotham County Line: http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Sept07/previews/sept5th.html
October 17th:
Birds of Prey #111
(DC Comics, $2.99)Phew! Writer Tony Bedard (Batman and the Outsiders) is filling the big shoes of Gail Simone after her long run on this series, and luckily, he’s doing a great job with this band of super-gals. I’m not a big fan of Nicola Scott’s (Star Wars) pencils (Black Canary can look like Martina Navratilova in one panel and like Christina Aguilera in the next) but she shows great potential in her splash pages. Bedard is just holding down the fort until Sean McKeever (Teen Titans) comes in for the permanent writing gig, but BoP fans can rest assured that their book is in good hands for the moment.
Captain America #31
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)A new arc for Cap! Well, more like a new arc for the Winter Soldier since Steve Rogers is still pushing up daisies. How long can this series last without its main character? I’m guessing that the brilliant writer Ed Brubaker (Criminal) can make this work for years. Check out this issue to watch the Winter Soldier struggle in the clutches of Cap’s old nemesis, the Red Skull.
Conan #45
(Dark Horse Comics, $2.99)Kurt Busiek (Superman) returns to Conan to continue the story of the Cimmerian’s early years in “Born on the Battlefield.” Greg Ruth (Freaks of the Heartland) is sure to deliver his bold signature artwork. This issue wouldn’t be the best jumping on point for new readers, but it’s something diehard Conan fans have been waiting for. Check out this sample page of Ruth’s work: http://jonjmuth.com/ruth_conan2312.jpg
October 24th:
Criminal #10
(Icon Comics, $2.99)When I get tired of mutants, capes, and multiple earths, Criminal gives me a satisfying break with its realistic tales of human desperation. There hasn’t been a bad issue or even a bad panel in its entire run. Check out the winner for best writer AND best new series at this year’s Eisner awards: http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners_main.shtml
She-Hulk #22
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Dan Slott (Great Lakes Avengers) may be leaving to write for Spider-Man, but at least his spot is being filled by a living legend in the comics biz, Peter David (Hulk). I’m expecting a darker version of the character under David’s pen, but I hope he keeps at least a bit of the humor that She-Hulk has become known for. I don’t know the work of Shawn Moll (the new artist) at all, but this “gripping” cover by Mike Deodata (Thunderbolts) should grab a few new readers: http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/1007/shehulk22.jpg
X-Factor Vol. 3: Many Lives of Madrox TPB
(Marvel Comics, $14.99)Speaking of Peter David, he writes the best X-book on the market. No, I didn’t forget about Astonishing X-Men, that’s a fine book but the wait between issues is not worth it for me. X-Factor on the other hand is a monthly treat for fans of Marvel’s oddball mutants. David has been able to keep a fluid story going because he’s had little to no intrusion from big editorially driven “events” like Civil War and World War Hulk. The author has taken his time to make these characters feel real, toning down the action and focusing more on character development. If you’re a “trade-waiter,” you’d be glad you added this book to your collection.
October 31st:
So many good books are coming out on Halloween that I couldn’t pick just three. Here are six in rapid-fire:
American Virgin #20
(Vertigo Comics, $2.99)This issue marks the beginning of a new arc for this offbeat sex-comedy-thriller.
Avengers: The Initiative #7
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)For those of you missing Dan Slott’s writing on She-Hulk, get your fix with this sleeper hit.
Crime Bible: The Five Lessons of Blood #1
(DC Comics, $2.99)Greg Rucka is finally back writing a crime book for DC (for five issues anyway)! I’ve been waiting for this since Gotham Central got the ax (buy those TPB’s if you haven’t already).
Fell #10
(Image Comics, $1.99)Warren Ellis (Thunderbolts) and Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night) crank out brilliant self-contained detective stories for just two bucks.
World War Hulk #5
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)This thrilling “event” hasn’t sucked one bit. Tune in for this smashing conclusion and enjoy the beautiful pencils of John Romita Jr. (Sentry).
X-Men: Messiah Complex #1
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Pick this up to see if you’re in for the next big “X-event.” This prologue better be good if Marvel wants us to buy ALL of the X-books for the looming two month crossover. Luckily, this one-shot has the impressive creative team of Ed Brubaker (Uncanny X-Men) on words and Marc Silvestri (Hunter-Killer) on pictures.
Try to take it easy on the Smarties this year, no one likes you when you’re buzzed.
Back in thirty!Cory
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