What a week we had last week. We had an incredible batch of new books, such as the amazing SILVER SURFER BLACK and thrilling EVENT LEVIATHAN. But then we had a series of announcements that blew me away. The two standouts had to be KING THOR by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic and FLASH FORWARD by Scott Lobdell and Brett Booth. There were a few more but those definitely peaked my interest the most.
This week is monumental to say the least. We have the conclusion to NAOMI, the end of Cates' first GOTG arc, but more importantly we see the long awaited debut of the new USAGI YOJIMBO book at IDW. Plus any week with a new Hellboy book is a god week.
EXCELLENCE #2
OK, if you guys read the last issue then you already know how amazing this book is. With a string of new titles being released by Image recently, this one definitely stands out from the rest. The worldbuilding and energy that Brandon Thomas and Khary Randolph put in their debut issue captivates from the opening pages. This is one book that you guys should be keeping an eye on. With the first issue having sold out, if you're lucky enough to find one snatch it up and jump onto this crazy ride of a book.
Here's the solicit:
The Aegis protects the world, but not everyone is equal is their eyes. A lesson their newest recruit, Spencer Dales, learns the hard way when he crosses the Aegis's unseen master: the Overseer!
HELLBOY AND THE BPRD: THE BEAST OF VARGU
Like I said, any week with a new Hellboy book already means it's a good week in comics. Mignola's Hellboy line of books has long been one of the most consistently entertaining line of comics. Well this week sees the return of Duncan Fegredo, who in my opinion is the best Hellboy artist beside the Mignola himself. I don't have to sell you guys on why this is one of our picks for the week, because who doesn't like Hellboy? And just look at that beautiful cover.
Here's the solicit:
Mike Mignola and fan-favorite artist Duncan Fegredo reunite in this all-new one-shot! This first issue in a new era of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. sees Mignola and Fegredo send Hellboy to Romania for a pair of tales set in a small village with a centuries-old curse and a man-eating monster which culminate in a sinister puppet show and a demigod's ill-fated dinner.
NAOMI #6
Here we go guys, as the solicit below says, this is the conclusion to season 1 of Naomi. From the first issue, Bendis, Walker and Campbell have delighted us with this amazing new character. There's a reason why this book has sold numerous printings. It's not only one of the most heartwarming tales but the art is out of this world. This is the book where we see what the future hold for our titular character. That cover shows Young Justice, is there a new member joining the team perhaps? I guess we'll have to wait and find out.
Here's the solicit:
This is it, the end of the first season of NAOMI by the breakout collaboration of writers Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker and artist Jamal Campbell! With her origins finally revealed, Naomi embraces the journey ahead and charts a course for the future and her role.
USAGI YOJIMBO #1
What can I say about Usagi Yojimbo? I mean this is one of the most influential series in the history of the medium. Stan Sakai is an absolute legend and a one of a kind generational talent. After years of publishing Usagi's tales at Dark Horse, Stan has decided to move over to IDW. If you're not familiar with Usagi Yojimbo, don't trip, every story is easily accessible. But I would recommend getting the Fantagraphics collection that collects the first 7 Vols. of the original series. I just read it for the first time, and it's both charming and enthralling. I must for any comic book fan.
Here's the solicit:
Follow the adventures of rabbit ronin Miyamoto Usagi as he wanders Edo period Japan on his warrior's journey. In the start of this three-part story, Usagi becomes embroiled in a puppet drama where the players are not quite what they seem! Written, drawn, and lettered by comics legend Stan Sakai! Colors by Tom Luth (Groo the Wanderer)!
GUARDIAN OF THE GALAXY #6
Alright guys, for my last pick, it has to be Cates' GOTG. This is the finale to the first arc and after that last issue's cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what madness he's cooked up for us this time. This has been my favorite iteration of Guardians I've ever read ( maybe my love for Cates' writing makes me bias). Either way though guys you can't miss this book. If you read his SILVER SURFER BLACK last week, but haven't checked this out yet, do yourself a favor and snatch up every issue of this series. It's one of Marvels best books right now.
Here's the solicit:
• The Guardians of the Galaxy vs. the Dark Guardians vs. Hela and the Black Order! • It's all out chaos, and it's about to get a whole lot worse...with the resurrection of Thanos!