Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 01/20/10

New week, new comics, new set of Post-Crisis Previews, where Ryan and I post the books on our pull lists with some commentary and expectations for each.  As always, feel free to let us know what you are picking up or throw out suggestions for books we should try be reading and we'll do our best to at least give it a try.  Hit the jump for more.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #618

Written by Dan Slott

Art by Marcos Martin

MYSTERIOUS: Chapter One "Un-Murder Incorporated" MYSTERIO is back from the dead...and he's not alone! When deceased members of the Maggia crime family return from beyond the grave, the balance of power shifts in their gang war with Hammerhead and the Inner-Demons. Can Spider-Man and crime scene investigator, Carlie Cooper, solve this mystery...before it gets a little too personal? PLUS: Secret sides of both Mr. Negative and J. Jonah Jameson Sr. revealed, a disturbing turn for Aunt May, the reappearance of ANOTHER Spider-Villain -- all this and the return of Dan Slott & Marcos Martin to the pages of Amazing Spider-Man.

Ryan: I was really considering dropping this title before last issue completely turned things around for me. This issue is going to need to be very densely packed to cover everything in this solicit, so it will be interesting to see how Dan Slott paces this one. There is a lot of momentum behind the title now, lets hope they don’t squander it this time!

Kirk: Marcos Martin is the main draw of this issue for me.  I've become a huge fan of his work since I was first turned on to him early last year.  Dan Slott is no slouch either, but his Spider-Man in the Brand New Day era seems to be the main offender when it comes to ribbing fans over the deal with the devil/no more Mary Jane premise of this status quo.  If he just tells a straight up Spidey story like his Spidey and Human Torch miniseries or other guest appearances, I'd be a much happier camper.

ANNA MERCURY 2 #3

Written by Warren Ellis

Art by Facundo Percio

Raiders who harrow the weird planet-cities of the extra-universal Constellation in their ancient mile-long warship, the Ultraspacial Dreadnought Vanaheim! Descending on the peaceful island of Three Souls Town, whose only possible savior might be...a girl from London with the call sign Anna Mercury.

Ryan: It has been way, way, way too long since the second issue of this miniseries dropped. Last issue ended in a big way with a crazy sci-fi Viking attack, so I’m expecting big action in this insanely high-concept series. I simply cannot wait to dig into this one.

BATMAN: STREETS OF GOTHAM #8

Written by Paul Dini

Co-feature written by Marc Andreyko

Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs

Co-feature Art by Jeremy Haun

The rash of child abductions requires decisive action, so Robin goes undercover to learn more about the missing kids. But what can he do when he winds up a prisoner in Zsasz's slaughterhouse? Can even a highly trained warrior escape from the frighteningly evil clutches of Zsasz?

And in the Manhunter co-feature, Kate has to deal with the results of her recent encounter with Two-Face. But is prepared to uncover the mystery surrounding the former D.A.'s death? And can she even trust Two-Face's word?

Ryan: The success of this issue is going to hinge on Paul Dini’s depiction of Damian Wayne. There seems to be a push to add some humanity to the new Robin, so if Dini follows that trend, this is going to be a win. If he goes the one-note whiney brat route (like the character’s creator Grant Morrison does), this one is going to fall flat.

Kirk: What Dini has done with Zsasz has changed how the character is viewed. He was sick and twisted before this, but hosting a series of children's death matches and tossing the losers' bodies in the river crosses a line of villainy where it pushes the bounds of disbelief. I can't see him just being sent off to Arkham after this or any other revolving door slap on the wrist.  I don't want Batman or Robin to kill him, but I really can't see how a monster like this can be allowed to live after what he's done here.  No one can say they are upholding any kind of moral highground if he's allowed to keep doing things like this. 

BLACKEST NIGHT: THE FLASH #2 (OF 3)

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Scott Kolins

Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins continue this must-have BLACKEST NIGHT tie-in! The Flashes find themselves more tangled into Nekron's ultimate plan than they could ever have imagined. Meanwhile, it's a well-known fact that Captain Cold hates running. But when the Rogues of the past rise to claim those that still survive, he has no choice!

Kirk: Enjoyed the first issue of this far more than Flash: Rebirth and it actually has me considering picking up the upcoming Flash series by Geoff Johns.  Let's see if he can continue to impress me here.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #602

Written by Ed Brubaker

Art by Luke Ross

The monthly CAPTAIN AMERICA returns with a bang! Where has the Captain America from the '50s been the past few months, and what part of our modern world has welcomed him? And what will Steve and Bucky do when an old enemy tries to become a revolutionary? TWO AMERICAS begins here! By best-selling writer Ed Brubaker with art by Luke Ross. Plus, the start of a Second Bonus Feature - NOMAD by Sean McKeever and David Baldeon!

Ryan: Truthfully, I hadn’t really noticed that it had been as long as it has since this title has shipped. This issue kicks off Bucky’s reign as Captain America after the return of Steve Rogers and should be very telling about how well this new status quo is going to play out. After the Who Will Wield the Shield? one-shot completely underwhelmed me and Siege contradicted what Brubaker has been doing by having Steve Rogers in his Captain America outfit, my patience is growing thin for the Sentinel of Liberty. Let’s hope this issue can rectify that situation.

Kirk: It's funny.  A year ago, I considered Captain America one of the best books on the market. Now, I don't even see a reason to pick it up with its return to ongoing status.  If reviews are good, I might jump back on, but it's unlikely post-Reborn.

DARK AVENGERS #13

Written by Brian Bendis

Art by Mike Deodato

SIEGE BLOCKBUSTER TIE-IN!! After years of mystery, the secrets of the Sentry are revealed! How deep is his madness and who is really in control of him? What is the limit of his power, if any? And what deadly mystery surrounds him causing mortals and gods to tremble in fear?

Kirk: We discussed the previews for this issue and the reveal of Norman's "secret weapon" last week.  I enjoy Dark Avengers, so will still pick it up, but the reveal was underwhelming, to say the least.  Here's hoping there's more to this than meets the eye.

GI JOE #14

Written by Chuck Dixon

Art by Robert Atkins

SNAKE EYES and the Hard Master reunite as the JOE’s silent bringer of death seeks the tutelage of his mentor. And a COBRA operative invades a college campus with deadly results for the JOES. The action builds as the M.A.S.S. Device moves closer to a reality!

Ryan: I’m glad to see the scope of this series expanding more so that we can see more of Cobra and I’m always up for more Snake Eyes. Chuck Dixon has been building a lot of steam for this series over the last few issues and with a solid plot behind this issue, GI Joe could be making a run for Book of the Week this week.

 

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #44

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Art by Patrick Gleason and Rebecca Buchman

Witness the fury of Guy Gardner – Red Lantern! But what horrible attack on the Corps would fuel Guy's rage? And how can anyone save him from the grip of the crimson fury?

Ryan: Red Lantern Guy Gardner for the win!

Kirk: My money for book of the week is on Green Lantern Corps.  The last two issues have been some of the best comics to come out of Blackest Night, or Green Lantern for that matter, in a long time.

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #140

Written by Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente & Jeff Parker

Art by Rodney Buchemi & Gabriel Hardman

"ASSAULT ON NEW OLYMPUS," Part 3 (of 4) Of all the giants, gods and monsters Hercules and his team of New and Mighty Avengers have faced in their battle through New Olympus, none may be as formidable as HEPHAESTUS, creator of the immortals' fearsome war engines! With what fearsome device will he try to ensnare and destroy the Hercules/Amadeus Cho team, which has reformed at last -- only to meet their doom? Find out as the New York Times Best-Selling creative team lead Herc on his biggest adventure yet! Plus: as the Agents of Atlas push into the stronghold of the Olympus group, Aphrodite decides to take matters into her own hands in Godmarked Part 3!

Kirk: I'm torn on Assault on New Olympus.  It's good, but not quite what I'd call Incredible Hercules good.  I just have higher expectations for this book and, while still better than most books coming out each month, I'm still waiting for AoNO to wow me like past Hercules issues.

INCREDIBLE HULK #606

Written by Greg Pak

Art by Paul Pelletier

He's fought Thor, Black Bolt, the Juggernaut, and virtually every Avenger on the planet. But nothing's ever hit Bruce Banner as hard as "The Fall of the Hulks"! As the epic storyline begins, Bruce Banner makes the best and worst discovery of his life, Skaar, the savage Son of Hulk, finally shows his true colors, and a Green Goliath in purple pants takes on Doctor Doom himself! "Planet Hulk" writer Greg Pak teams up with fan favorite penciler Paul Pelletier to deliver massive revelations, shocking emotional twists, and epic smashing that will transform Bruce Banner's life forever.

Kirk: Why am I picking up a random Incredible Hulk issue, you ask?  Have you seen previews of Paul Pelletier's Dr Doom vs Hulk fight?  It's going to be epic.  Can't wait to see this one.

MICE TEMPLAR: DESTINY #6

Written by Bryan J.L. Glass

Art by Victor Santos

Karic's destiny has been a mystery to the young mouse ever since tragedy first struck his home, and when he learned he was a focal point for supernatural forces. Now the cryptic Bats of Meave render their judgment, and set Karic upon a course of action that can only end in disaster. While Cassius leads Llochloraine, the Templar, Maeven, and their students in a desperate battle against the fearsome and deadly power of the Scorpion God.

Ryan: Mice Templar closed out 2009 with one of the single best issues of the year (#5) and I fully expect they will kick of 2010 in much the same manner. This issue sounds to be a great mix of action and mythology, which is the winning combination that has made this of the most satisfying books on the stands. This is definitely the Book of the Week frontrunner.

NOVA #33

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning

Art by Andrea Di Vito

A REALM OF KINGS ISSUE! The Riddle of the Sphinx continues as Nova and Darkhawk find themselves teamed up with Black Bolt? But isn't he dead? Are these three very different heroes just pawns in the Sphinx’s vast game, or can they break out and unravel his dark cosmic scheme? What exactly is the Sphinx trying to achieve and can any force in the universe stop him? The answers await in the book CosmicBookNews.com crowns “A masterstroke of superheroic military science-fiction.”

Ryan: Sphinx has never really pulled in the respect that he deserves, but last issue went a long way towards building him up as a credible villain. With some big guest stars and a great mystery unfolding, this week’s Nova could finally push him up to that higher level.

Kirk: I'm really not sure what is going on in this storyline, but I know I'm liking it.  There's time travel or illusions or reality warping of some kind going on and I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the ride.

REALM OF KINGS: INHUMANS #3

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning

Art by Pablo Raimondi

It’s chaos in the streets of Hala as the Kree aristocracy rise up and revolt against the Inhumans! What legendary weapons have been unleashed upon the Royal Family? Meanwhile, in The Fault, Triton’s expedition closes on the source of a mysterious and chillingly recognizable voice...have they found Black Bolt?

Kirk: Such a great cover.  This miniseries has been excellent as well and makes me wish for that Inhumans ongoing by Abnett and Lanning all the more.  

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #9

Written by Jason Aaron

Art by Yanick Paquette

In the crazed conclusion to "Insane In the Brain," Logan's stay in the whacked-out Dunwich Sanatorium finally comes to an end as his pals Psylocke and Nightcrawler show up to rescue him from the maniac clutches of Dr. Rot. But even if they can save his life, is it possible to recover what he's lost of his sanity?

Kirk:Not to be crude, but Nightcrawler is totally touching Wolverine's junk on that cover. 

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