Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews for 07/10/13

Comic's drop on the morrow, which means it's time for some splendiferous Post-Crisis Comic Book Previews!  The onslaught of quality books continues unabated, with plenty of great looking titles hitting stands, including Sheltered #1, Adventure Time: Candy Capers #1, Six-Gun Gorilla #2,  and many more!  So hit that cut to see what all the fuss is about!

Major Releases

BATMAN #22

Written by Scott Snyder

Art by Greg Capullo and Danny Miki

Backup Art by Rafael Albuquerque

The second chapter of “Zero Year” delves into Bruce Wayne’s past with the Red Hood Gang and his run-ins with aspiring District Attorney Harvey Dent! And in the backup story, a secret moment from Bruce’s training abroad is revealed for the first time!

Grant: I’ve got Batman down as a major release, and considering where it places on the monthly sales charts, it certainly qualifies as one, but I gotta say that I think I’ve finally run out of interest in what Scott Snyder is doing with the character.  He earned a lot of leeway after the great stuff he did with Dick Grayson on his Detective Comics run, but his work with the Caped Crusader post New 52 simply hasn’t elicited the same kind of excitement on my end.  To put it another way, after one issue of it I’ve zero interest in Zero Year.

 

HAWKEYE #12

Written by Matt Fraction

Art by Francesco Francavilla

• The sleeper hit of 2012 is now the can’t miss book of 2013 (and probably the overhyped book you’re sick of people talking about in 2014!)

• Reeling from the events of the last issue, even Hawkeye wants to know what his new status quo is. Who’s with him? Who’s against him? Who’s trying to kill him and why? So many dang questions!

• And just when Clint’s rock bottom couldn’t arrive fast enough… “Then Came Barney”

 

Grant: The main problem I see with Hawkeye #12 is that it isn’t Hawkeye #11.  Last issue was truly something special, as we got to spend a day in the life of Pizza Dog, something that was brilliantly executed by Matt Fraction, David Aja, and company.  The fact that Aja isn’t on this issue is almost immaterial, as there’s no way they can follow up last issue without taking a few steps back.  Fortunately, that still means that this will probably be one of the best comics coming out this week.  Not going to lie, it still feels kind of weird to say that about a Hawkeye book, but I definitely won’t complain about it.

SHELTERED #1

Written by Ed Brisson

Art by Johnnie Christmas

A PRE-APOCALYPTIC TALE OF SURVIVAL AT ANY COST.

The men and women of Safe Haven have been preparing for any-and-all end of world scenarios for years. However, their bunkers, weapons and training can't save them from the one threat they never could have expected: Their own children.

 

Grant: Ed Brisson, writer of the absolutely amazing Comeback, is back with another book from Image Comics.  And while the concept isn’t quite as high this time around, Sheltered still looks like a heck of a read.  That pre-apocalyptic bit is not a typo, as this story is all about what happens when things go wrong in a community founded to be ready for any eventuality.  I’m also eager to have Johnnie Christmas onboard as the series’ artist, because this guy draws one hell of a comic.  I have high hopes for this book, and I have a feeling that it won’t disappoint.

YOUNG AVENGERS #7

Written by Kieron Gillen

Art by Jamie McKelvie

• Three months have passed for the Young Avengers. What have they been up to? Fun stuff, I’ll bet. The sort of "stuff" that makes an excellent super hero comic. THIS IS TRUTH WITH A CAPITAL EVERYTHING.

• A very important breakfast. A new Young Avenger. A selection of emotions.

• Oh - I bet you thought we forgot about those Skrulls from issue 1. We haven’t.

 

Grant: After a surprisingly enjoyable issue without, Jamie McKelvie is back to accompany Kieron Gillen in the ongoing adventures of our (still relatively) new Young Avengers.  As usual, I almost don’t even care what happens in this issue, because the solicitation is of such quality and fun that I have the utmost faith that said qualities will be reflected in the finished product as well.  Seriously, what’s not to love about “THIS IS THE TRUTH WITH A CAPITAL EVERYTHING”?  In my books, that’s about as big of a winner as you can have.  Bring it on.

 

New Kids on the Block

ADVENTURE TIME: CANDY CAPERS #1

Written by Yuko Ota and Ananth Panagariya

Art by Ian McGinty

A SUGARY WHODONEIT IN THE LAND OF ADVENTURE TIME!

Something rotten is afoot in the land of Ooo, and someone's gotta sniff out what it is! When Finn and Jake are suddenly kidnapped, Princess Bubblegum deputizes two of her most trusted citizens. . . Peppermint Butler and Cinnamon Bun?! The crime movie homages come hard and fast in the Candy Kingdom that never sleeps, written by acclaimed cartoonists Yuko Ono and Ananth Panagariya (JOHNNY WANDER)! Don't miss the newest hardboiled addition to the ADVENTURE TIME comic book family!

Grant: I’ve picked up every single Adventure Time comic that Boom! has put out, so at this point, there’s no way I’m going to miss out on the new Candy Caper miniseries.  However, that isn’t blind faith on my part; it’s more of a reflection of the great work that has gone into those past books.  Boom!’s habit of bringing in creators more traditionally associated with webcomics has been paying off like crazy, so I’m doubly excited to have Ananth Panagriya and Yuko Ota of Johnny Wander writing this series.  And while I’m less familiar with Ian McGinty, I’m eager to get to know his work.  If it’s anything like past AT titles, this should be a lot of fun.

BALLISTIC #1

Written by Adam Egypt Mortimer

Art by Darick Robertson

This madcap sci-fi buddy adventure about a wanna-be bank robber and his best-friend Gun, a drug-addicted, foul-mouthed, living gun, marks Darick Robertson's return to the hard sci-fi worldbuilding of his classic Transmetropolitan mixed with The Boys' ultra-violence and the lunacy of Happy.

 

Grant: I don’t know all that much about Black Mask as a publisher, but I can tell you that any comic that can get Darick Roberston drawing it – especially if it’s science fiction– is probably worth checking out.  It doesn't hurt that the solicitation makes it sound like this book could fit right in with some of Robertson's excellent previous work.  The question will really be if Adam Egypt Mortimer's writing is up the snuff.

 

GHOSTED #1

Written by Joshua Williamson

Art by Goran Sudzuka and Miroslav Mrva

A HORROR/CRIME MASHUP THAT’S EQUAL PARTS OCEAN’S 11 AND THE SHINING.

Jackson T. Winters is one of the greatest criminal masterminds to ever live…except he’s rotting in jail after his last, doomed score. But when a filthy rich collector breaks him out, he’s tasked with putting together an elite team of paranormal experts to do the impossible: Steal a ghost from a haunted house of horrors!

 

Grant: I’m here almost exclusively due to Joshua Williamson’s great work on Masks & Mobsters.  I mean, a book that combines all the best parts of heist stories with all the scariest parts of horrors does sound pretty neat, but it’s my previous experience with Williamson’s writing that makes this a book worth checking out instead of an intriguing curiosity that I could go either way on.

QUANTUM & WOODY #1

Written by James Asmus

Art by Tom Fowler

Once upon a time, Eric and Woody Henderson were inseparable. Adopted brothers. Best friends. Brilliant minds. Years later, they are estranged siblings, petty rivals, and washed-up failures. But when their father’s murder leads them into the throes of a life-altering scientific accident, Eric and Woody will find themselves with a whole new purpose – and a perfectly legitimate reason to wear costumes and fight crime. Go big or go home, folks! Quantum and Woody are coming! And the action-packed, zeitgeist-shredding exploitation stunt comic you demanded is here at last.

(And, yes, there will be a goat too. Eventually.)

Grant: While I’m pretty much a complete neophyte when it comes to the original Quantum & Woody series, I’ve heard more than enough good things to be curious as to how Valiant’s relaunch will go. Both James Asmus and Tom Fowler have been quietly working away on various projects over the years, so it’ll be interesting to see how they come together for their work on this relatively high profile series.

You May Have Missed

EAST OF WEST #4

Written by Jonathan Hickman

Art by Nick Dragotta

"THE PROMISE"

Flashback to the fallout of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Learn what shocking event tore them apart and the secret that has been hidden ever since.

The most exciting new books of the year, EAST OF WEST continues in: THE PROMISE.

Grant: My main frustration with East of West up to this point is that the uneven release schedule has made it for this book to keep any of its momentum.  Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta keep laying down all kinds of impressive stuff in these issues, but the time between releases kills a lot of the excitement that they create there.  Beyond that, it’s all gravy, as this book has some rather intense ideas mixed with some rather great art.  Hopefully they’ll be able to keep to a more consistent schedule with future issues.

HELHEIM #5

Written by Cullen Bunn

Art by Joëlle Jones

THE NEW SERIES FROM SIXTH GUN WRITER CULLEN BUNN AND FAN FAVORITE ARTIST JOËLLE JONES CONTINUES!

His army is broken, but Rikard yet stands. In a slaughtered village, the night hag Groa waits for him. Rikard hungers for revenge, even as his own father plots to find a way to murder the draugr so that his son’s spirit might rest at last. Also, the witches Bera and Groa come face to face at last!

Grant: Cullen Bunn and Joëlle Jones’ Viking – Witch – Undead mash-up book continues to be a heck of a lot of fun.  Things continue to move along at a fast pace, as we got the opening to a major battle between Rikard’s forces and those of their witch enemies.  Things didn’t go so well for Rikard and company, and this issue looks to see how that problem plays out.  Knowing Bunn and Jones, I imagine it will be appropriately brutal and fascinating.

 

PETER PANZERFAUST #12

Written by Kurtis J. Wiebe

Art by Tyler Jenkins

“CRY OF THE WOLF,” Part Two

An official meeting of top German officials in a nearby town spells trouble for operations in The Sticks. But, something much worse is about to arrive.

 

Grant: What more can be said about Kurtis J. Wiebe and Tyler Jenkins' Peter Panzerfaust?  The concept of mixing World War Two with Peter Pann doesn't necessarily seem obvious at first, but these two gentlemen have managed it and then some.  The framing narrative of someone interviewing all the former Lost Boys continues to provide an excellent driving force to the story, and the tales that are being told are really enjoyable reading.  This series is solid and dependable, and you should check it out if you haven't already.

SIX-GUN GORILLA #2

Written by Simon Spurrier

Art by Jeff Stokely

Lost in the psychedelic warzone of the Blister, Blue is saved by a mysterious, otherworldly creature 6GG, a genetically modified silverback gorilla with two enormous sixshooters. Now, with the Rebel WarParty, pedalbike bandits, and Blue's own army (the BXF) on their trail, the odd couple must make their way through the wilderness of this strange land on a quest of steel, blood, and thunder.

 

Grant: Six-Gun Gorilla had me sold from the moment I read first heard speak of it.  The title itself implies the great potential for comic book craziness and ridiculousness in ways that I can only begin to explain.  And then the first issue dropped and it was brilliant in most every way.  The story was awesome, the art beautiful, and the pacing impeccable.  Simon Spurrier and Jeff Stokely have combined forces to create a fascinating new world, and I’m dying to know what comes next for our main man Blue.  Whatever it is, I imagine it will be mighty improbable.

 

THE TRUE LIVES OF THE FABULOUS KILLJOYS #2

Written by Gerard Way and Shaun Simon

Art by Becky Cloonan

"Our home was sent to the heavens and there ain’t nowhere to go!"

Delve into the life of Korse, one of Better Living Industries’ most productive and violent Scarecrows! See the trials and tribulations faced by Blue, an android down on her luck! Meanwhile, find out who—or what—survived the original Killjoys’ deadly confrontation in Battery City.
 

• One of IGN’s Most Anticipated Comics of 2013!

• The follow-up to the album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys!

Grant: Gerard Way, Shaun Simon, and Becky Cloonan met all of my expectations with the first issue of The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.  It wasn't nearly as off-the-wall insane as the Umbrella Academy, but that was pretty much to be expected.  That being said, this series looks to be as deep and nuanced as Way's earlier comics work, and I'm excited to see it all happen over the next few months.

The Balance

CHEW #35

Written by John Layman

Art by Rob Guillory

 

Dietary restrictions.

 

Grant: Chew's also suffered from some delays here and there, but the finished product continues to be as enjoyable as ever.  Issue #35 brings us to the end of our most recent storyline, and with all the wacky stuff that's been going on, I am intrigued to see how John Layman and Rob Guillory will bring it all together.  As always, this should be good.

 

DAREDEVIL #28

Written by Mark Waid

Art by Javier Rodriguez

 

• There was one man young Daredevil feared and now Matt Murdock is representing him in court.

 

Grant: Guest / replacement artists always fill me with a certain amount of dread, but based on past work I've seen from Javier Rodriguez, I'm not as worried as I could have been.  Granted, Chris Samnee's terrific art was a big part of what drew me back into reading this title, but Mark Waid's rock solid writing can't be discounted either.  It seems that after the big revelations of the past few issues we're going into a short reprieve story, which actually works quite well thematically with the fill-in artist.  Let's see how it all shakes out.

 

DEMON KNIGHTS #22

Written by Robert Venditti

Art by Chad Hardin and Wayne Faucher

 

While trying to protect the Holy Grail, the Demon Knights are attacked by Vandal Savage and an army of giants!

 

Grant: Demon Knights continues to be one mighty frustrating title.  This comic was one of DC’s best and most interesting out of the New 52 gate, but since the first arc concluded, the whole thing has felt rather directionless.  The change up from Paul Cornell to Robert Venditti hasn’t helped much, and while things continue to happen, it’s hard to muster any real interest in the why or how of it.  I suppose that’s why this book will be cancelled as of issue #23.

SUICIDE SQUAD #22

Written by Ales Kot

Art by Patrick Zircher

 

An anarchist group has a monstrous plan to rewire the brains of the American public, starting in Las Vegas! So it's up to Amanda Waller's team to shut them down—but a surprise new squad member with a grudge against Deadshot threatens to wreck everything!
 

Grant: Suicide Squad just can’t seem to catch a break.  Ales Kot and Patrick Zircher came onto this title with a fantastic first issue, but with news that Kot might already be off the title (with Matt Kindt writing the October issue), it seems that he won’t get the opportunity to leave any real mark on the series.  If true, that seems like a shame, although this issue, which will be the first one with the Squad out in the field, will be better placed to show just how good of a handling Kot has of the team.

 

Pick of the Week

As per the norm, there are plenty of books that could take home the title of Pick of the Week, but I'm going to have to go with Sheltered #1.  Ed Brisson really blew me out of the water with his work on Comeback, and I'm excited that his follow up book is coming out so soon after that mini ended.  I'm also really pumped to have the chance to see more of Johnnie Christmas' art in a printed comic.  These two guys are mighty talented, and I can't wait to see what they do together.

What about you?  What titles have caught your eye this week?  Hit the comments to share your thoughts!

Related Posts