I’ve always been of the opinion that there’s a great comic book out there for everyone. I love making recommendations to folks – especially new readers – and helping them grow a love for one of America’s unique forms of literature.
So, let me tell you what to read this week.
Klaus #1
Writer: Morrison, Grant
Artist: Mora, Dan
Cover Artist: Mora, Dan
From Previews:
What’s to Love: Grant Morrison is one of the most prolific and best-selling writers in comics, earning a reputation for his ability to effectively revamp superheroes like Animal Man, Batman, and the X-Men. His creator-owned titles are also highly praised, including The Invisibles, Nameless, We3, and Joe the Barbarian, because no one tells mythical stories better than him. In Klaus, Grant reimagines one of the biggest cultural myths in history, and we could not be more excited to pair him with one of our homegrown talents, Dan Mora (Hexed)! What It Is: Set in a dark fantastic past of myth and magic, Klaus tells the story of how Santa Claus really came to be. Where did he begin? What was he like when he was young? Why does he do what he does? How does he do what he does? And what happens when he faces his greatest challenge? Drawing on Santa Claus’ wilder roots in Viking lore and Siberian shamanism-taking in the creepier side of Christmas, and characters like the sinister Krampus-Klaus is a ‘Santa Claus: Year One.’
Ok, not going to lie. I thought this concept sounded kinda dumb. Plus, we’ve had as many Santa origin stories as we’ve had Superman or Batman. You get burned out on that sort of stuff. HOWEVER, I really enjoyed this first issue. It had its humorous moments, but it primarily stayed firmly planted in the magical mysticism camp of story. Might not be a bad idea to check out if you are in the holiday mood already.
James Bond #1
Writer: Ellis, Warren
Artist: Masters, Jason
Cover Artist: Reardon, Dom
From Previews:
Beginning ‘VARGR’, the first story in the ongoing James Bond comic series by best-selling writer Warren Ellis! James Bond returns to London after a mission of vengeance in Helsinki, to take up the workload of a fallen 00 Section agent. But something evil is moving through the back streets of the city, and sinister plans are being laid for Bond in Berlin… In Stores November 4th in advance of the block buster movie on November 6th! Dynamite Entertainment is proud to launch the first James Bond comic book series in 20 years! ‘Ian Fleming’s James Bond is an icon, and it’s a delight to tell visual narratives with the original, brutal, damaged Bond of the books.’ – Warren Ellis
Warren Ellis? Ok, I’ll pick this one up. Bonus incentive: It’s this week’s Talking Comics Book of the Week selection.
Citizen Jack #1
Writer: Humphries, Sam
Artist: Patterson, Tommy
Cover Artist: Patterson, Tommy
From Previews:
A HORROR-COMEDY FOR ANYONE WHO HATES POLITICS! Every presidential candidate has a skeleton in their closet-Jack Northworthy worships the devil! A scandal-plagued, small town politician, Jack should in no way be president. But he’s got a secret weapon: Marlinspike, a malevolent demon of high ambitions. Together, they’re running for president in an outrageous campaign that America will never forget! Blockbuster writer SAM HUMPHRIES (Guardians of the Galaxy and X-men: Black Vortex) and New York Times bestselling artist TOMMY PATTERSON (Game of Thrones) debut a brand new ONGOING SERIES with a DIABOLICAL EXTRA-SIZED FIRST ISSUE!
I find the political season exhausting, and this first issue happened to be a great breather from all the presidential news. It’s pretty funny, and I hope that Jack does not become president.
Monstress #1
Writer: Liu, Marjorie M.
Artist: Takeda, Sana
Cover Artist: Takeda, Sana
Astonishing X-men and Black Widow writer MARJORIE LIU returns to comics with artist SANA TAKEDA (X-23) for an all-new ONGOING SERIES! Steampunk meets Kaiju in this original fantasy epic for mature readers, as young Maika risks everything to control her psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, placing her in the center of a devastating war between human and otherworldly forces. The adventure begins in a spectacular TRIPLE-SIZED FIRST ISSUE, with SIXTY-SIX pages of story and no ads for this one-time price of 4.99!
Liu and Takeda are one of the creator teams I enjoy, and I’m so happy to see them working on a new project. And, man, what an issue! This is HUGE, packed with world building and character description. The story almost makes me sick to my stomach, but in a good way. Highest recommendation this week, and I can’t wait to see what y’all think of it.
Extraordinary X-Men #1
Writer: Lemire, Jeff
Artist: Ramos, Humberto
Cover Artist: Ramos, Humberto
From Previews:
The fate of mutantkind is decided here! Staring down the threat of extinction once more, veteran X-Man Storm pulls together the team she’ll need to ensure her race’s survival. Together, these EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN will struggle with the familiar burden of being hated and feared, while facing threats the likes of which they’ve never seen. Here’s hoping they survive the experience! RATED T+
I’ve been enjoying Lemire’s All-New Hawkeye, and his Descender is phenomenal. I have high expectations for Extraordinary X-Men, and I’m thrilled to see Storm take a leading role.
Star Wars: Kanan The Last Padawan vol 1
Writer: Weisman, Greg
Artist: Larraz, Pepe
Cover Artist: Brooks, Mark
In Star Wars: Rebels, Kanan Jarrus is a cocky, sarcastic renegade fighting the Galactic Empire alongside the ragtag crew of the Ghost. But years before, during the Clone Wars, he was known as Caleb Dume, a Jedi Padawan training under Master Depa Billaba. Neither master nor apprentice ever suspected that their ‘loyal’ Clone Troopers would turn on them upon the issuing of Order 66 – the Emperor’s directive to execute all Jedi. How did Caleb Dume escape the Jedi purge? How did he learn to survive on his own after his master fell? And how did he become the man we know as Kanan Jarrus? What can a Padawan do when being a Jedi makes him a target? Join young Caleb for a tale that bridges the years between the Clone Wars and Rebels! Collecting KANAN: THE LAST PADAWAN #1-6. Rated T
C’mon. You saw this one coming.
Star Wars: Princess Leia trade paperback
Writer: Waid, Mark
Artist: Dodson, Terry
Cover Artist: Dodson, Terry
When Princess Leia Organa was captured by the Empire, she never betrayed her convictions – even after the complete destruction of her home world, Alderaan. When her rescue came, Leia grabbed a blaster and joined the fight, escaping back to the Rebel Alliance and helping strike the biggest blow against the Empire – destroying the Death Star! But in the aftermath of that victory, the question remains: What is a princess without a world? As Leia grapples with her loss, a new mission leads her to the underground world of Sullust. The Empire is rounding up fugitive Alderaanians, and that doesn’t sit well with their Princess! But what can one woman do against the Galactic Empire? They’re about to find out! Join the galaxy’s toughest Princess on a quest to save her people and rebuild her life! Collecting PRINCESS LEIA #1-5. Rated T
And this one. :-]
That’s it for this week’s pull list! If you have any recommendations for comic fans (and non-fans) out there, share them in the comments section!
