Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 09/05/12

I hope you've gotten all your white wearing out of the way for the year, because we're officially on the other side of Labour Day, which means it's time for the first Post-Crisis Previews of September! It also means that we're officially into year two of DC's New 52, so prepare yourself for a month of underwhelming issue #0 titles, everyone. I have a bit of a light week coming up tomorrow, but as always, there's some real gems to be found, including Animal Man #0, Hawkeye #2, and more!

ANIMAL MAN #0

Written by Jeff Lemire

Art by Steve Pugh

• What is the secret history of Animal Man?

• Learn how Buddy got his powers!

• Plus: A terrible secret is revealed as “Rotworld” draws closer!

Grant: Jeff Lemire is a genius. You should probably already know that by now, but it doesn't hurt to reiterate. His treatment of Buddy Baker and family has easily been among the best things to come out of the entire New 52. Animal Man once again has a sense of direction and a sense of meaning, but more importantly, he's once again a character that people care about. The question of how all these issue #0s will play out is still a little up in the air, but I'm one hundred percent interested in seeing how Lemire tackles the challenge. Bring it on.

BATWING #0

Written by Judd Winick

Art by Marcus To & Ray Winn

• Batwing has been chosen as one of Batman’s main allies…but is he worthy?

• Guest-starring Batman!

Grant: Oh, Batwing, what happened to you? This series had an incredibly strong start out of the gate, with an opening arc that did an admirable job in defining the history of the character and superheroes in Africa more generally. Judd Winick and Ben Oliver were making some beautiful comics together, but once that first arc ended, this book stumbled and its been stumbling since then. As much as I've wanted to keep reading the character and to like Batwing, the book has been directionless, trying to decide what it's going to do next. In the meantime, it's become a neverending series of guest-spots, with Batwing continually sharing top billing with whoever DC decides to add in that week. I'm actually glad to hear that Judd Winick is leaving the title, because it means I can leave, too. It was fun, Batwing, but it's not worth it anymore.

CREATOR OWNED HEROES #4

Written by Steve Niles, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray

Art by Kevin Melon & Phil Noto

"TRIGGERGIRL 6," Part Four

by JIMMY PALMIOTTI, JUSTIN GRAY & PHIL NOTO

The whopping final chapter in this sci-fi thriller, Triggergirl 6 has discovered who created her and why, and the President of the United States finally understands his place in the world in ways he never expected.

"AMERICAN MUSCLE," Part Four

by STEVE NILES & KEVIN MELLON

Chloe and Gil have reached the end of the road. Now faced with an impossible choice the team must escape Mutant America and attempt to find civilization or die trying.

PLUS! An interview with superstar artist and trickster creator, SCOTT MORSE, a KEVIN MELLON art gallery, con photos, and original articles all celebrating the creator owned spirit!

Grant: Creator Owned Heroes has been a rather intriguing book since its arrival four months back. The two 11-page stories that have been appearing in each issue are only a part of what you get with your purchase. The title is also chock full of interviews, commentary, and advice about all things comics, making for a magazine-esque experience that can be of interest to people who want to pursue careers in the industry and regular readers alike. Oh, and the comics have been pretty good too.

HAWKEYE #2

Written by Matt Fraction

Art by David Aja

• What you need to know: Fraction. Aja. Hawkeye. Kate Bishop. Cars. Guns.

• Stealing from the rich never looked so good.

• Get. Now.

Grant: I succumbed to the hype and gave Hawkeye a gander when the first issue dropped last month, and I was pleasantly surprised by what Matt Fraction and David Aja had put together. There's a really nice emphasis on Clint Barton and the life he leads, with this title playing out like a glimpse into his life in between adventures with the Avengers. I dig the angle, giving us a superhero experience that feels a lot more grounded in the everyday, with a first issue that included rooftop BBQs, playing cards, and a pizza dog. I'll cop to being one of the many who was won over to Hawkeye during the Avengers movie this summer, and as long as Fraction and Aja keep making such a good book, I'll keep buying it.

PUNISHER #15

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Marco Checchetto

The Punisher vs. the NYPD. Nobody wins.

Grant: Oh man, can it be true? Can Marco Checchetto actually be back on art for the latest issue of the Punisher? It certainly looks that way, which is good news for anyone who enjoys amazing-looking comics. Greg Rucka's time with Frank Castle has been one of my favourite things over this past year, but I've always been a little disappointed when Checchetto isn't doing the book's art. While all the fill-in artists have been quite good, Checchetto presence brings this book to a whole other level, and I'm glad to see him back. Indeed, I'm glad to hear that he'll be on board for the rest of the run, including all of the Punisher: War Zone miniseries. This should be good.

SWEET TOOTH #37

Written by Jeff Lemire

Art by Jeff Lemire

The final war is coming. As Gus comes face-to-face with his bizarre and unsettling origins in Alaska, Abbot makes his move, and Bobby’s life hangs in the balance. Meanwhile Singh’s prophecies start to ring eerily true.

Grant: While the Vertigo line may not be what it once was, there are still some amazing titles coming out under its banners. Case in point is Jeff Lemire's Sweet Tooth, the post-apocalyptic yarn that he has been spinning for the past couple of years. This book is simply amazing, as Lemire consistently tells some great stories, while also often pushing the boundaries of comic book storytelling. Unfortunately, Sweet Tooth is moving towards its final end, but I'm certain that the last few issues will be some of the series' best.

Quite the start to the new month, no? If things keep up this way, it looks like September is going to be a good one. What are you looking forward to this week? I'd love to hear what books you're jonesing for!