The Comic Lounge Picks of the Week (6/26)

OK after a somewhat quiet week, last week, this week has 2 big conclusions to fantastic mini-series. There are a lot of great books coming out this week, so it was pretty hard to narrow down the titles that are must reads. But no book is bigger than WAR OF THE REALMS. This has been a long time coming. Not to mention we finally see the end of BATMAN DAMNED, the inaugural Black Label book.

Don't get me started on Black Label though, while I like what DC is striving for with the line, I'm still pretty upset about the closing of Vertigo ( don't worry there will be an extensive article written about Vertigo by yours truly, coming soon).

Without further ado, here are the books I think you guys all need to be reading this week.

BATMAN DAMNED #3

Here we go guys, the conclusion to the controversial and acclaimed BATMAN DAMNED. After sweeping the comic community with conversation over the "BatWang", I can only imagine what Azzarello and Bermejo have in store for us with this one.

Hopefully DC didn't try to censor the hell out of this one. If this is the successor to Vertigo than I hope DC has the balls to let Black Label push boundaries like Vertigo did.

Here's the solicit:

The stunning conclusion to the groundbreaking miniseries by the critically acclaimed team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo is here! Batman's most baffling case brings him face to face with his worst nightmare in this highly anticipated finale!

FLASH #73

I can't help it, if there's a new issue of FLASH, you better believe it's gonna be on the Picks of the Week.

This arc has been nothing short of amazing. Williamson has long past cemented himself as one of the great Flash writers. He has outdone himself once again on this fresh and unique retelling of Barry's origins, all while making The Turtle a badass villain.

With this story nearing it's conclusion, there's still time to catch up as we head into the "Death of the Speed Force".

Here's the solicit:

"The Flash Year One" continues! As our hero picks up the pieces from his disastrous defeat at the hands of the Turtle, the rise of the Rogues in Central City gives the Flash renewed resolve. But Barry is still learning to master his abilities, and while an experienced speedster might know how to outrun a gun, this time he may not be so lucky...

THOR #14

I shouldn't even have to explain this one. Look at that cover. With Aaron ending his epic THOR run, you better believe he's gonna go all out. I saw this cover and didn't even have to read the solicit to know that this is going to be one of the best comics out this week.

Do yourself a favor and read this before you read this next pick.

Here's the solicit:

WAR OF THE REALMS TIE-IN! As a young god, the valiant but unworthy Thor pined for a hammer beyond legend. Now his destiny arrives at last. For the War of the Realms will reach even here, hundreds of years in the past.

WAR OF THE REALMS #6

OK guys you still with me? This is what we've all been waiting for. The conclusion to THE best event in years. Who will live? Who will die? Is that 3 different versions of Thor?

There has never been more anticipation for an events conclusion than this sprawling epic right here. WOTR fans your wallet will finally be able to rest. Aaron has consistently delivered one of the most entertaining books throughout the years, while it's sad to see it end I can't wait to go back and re-read this amazing epic.

Here's the solicit:

THE WORLD'S SHATTERING CONCLUSION OF WAR OF THE REALMS! The tides begin to turn as unexpected allies appear in a twist that will shake the heavens! Malekith's allies are faltering at last before the might of all Earth's heroes, but the Dark Elf King has one final trick - and it's got a VENOMOUS bite! Out of options, the God of Thunder makes a sacrifice that will leave him forever changed. But will it be enough? And what heroes may fall in his wake? Midgard's fate is sealed as Jason Aaron's years-long saga comes to its epic conclusion!

TEST #1

A new book by Christopher Sebela, sign me up! After reading his highly entertaining and unique book, CROWDED, over at Image I knew he was a writer to keep an eye on.

With new publisher Vault Comics luring top talent to produce some amazing books, you can't afford to overlook them.

Sebela is the latest creator to come over and he's crafted an interesting story that seems like the perfect companion to CROWDED.

Here's the solicit:

Aleph Null is a lot of things: An orphan, a human guinea pig undergoing medical tests for cash, a bodyhacker, a hardcore future junkie, and a corporate asset. But now, Aleph is on the run from their old life, in search of a mythical, Midwestern town named Laurelwood-where they're test-marketing the future with tech that can't possibly exist yet, and won't for decades. From Eisner-nominated Chris Sebela (Crowded, High Crimes) and Jen Hickman (Moth & Whisper) comes the story of a town out of time, full of mysteries, and populated by guinea pigs in need of liberation by the misfit least likely to be their savior.