The TALKING COMICS PULL LIST

Every Wednesday, the Talking Comics collective will post a mega-list of the comics they’re most excited to pull off the shelves that week. With the wide range of personal tastes on our staff here, you know there’s bound to be something worth sampling come New Comic Book Day!!!

Then, check back here on Sunday to see if the comics on the Pull List met the team’s expectations with reviews and quippy quotables!!!

This week’s contributors:

• Jesse Bowden (@JesseBowden)
• John Dubrawa (@thisjohnrd)
• Bob Reyer (bobreyer@talkingcomicbooks.com)
• Steve Seigh (@dead_anchoress)
• Max Mallet (@globetrottermax)
• Nathan Ryan (@Clown_Prince52)
• Kelsey Hlavaty (@kelssamus)

And lovingly edited by Joey Braccino (@joeybraccino)

New Comic Book Day – August 24th, 2016

#####

ARCHIE COMICS

Archie #11 – By Mark Waid & Veronica Fish 

• After a really disappointing first issue of Betty & Veronica (ugh), I am really in the mood for a great Archie story. Thankfully, Waid has been really killing it with his version of Riverdale, I look forward to it every month. Can’t wait!  – Kelsey

BOOM! STUDIOS

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers ANNUAL – By Various

DARK HORSE COMICS

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #30 – By Christos Gage & Rebekah Isaacs (SEASON FINALE!!!)

Kingsway West #1 – By Greg Pak & Mirko Colak

• I just read an terrific Dark Horse #1 last week with Briggs Land, am on board to test-drive another one!  I’m a fan of Greg Pak’s writing, and I’m curious to see how Kingsway West merges the western genre with magical elements.  I’m going to read this issue before any other this week. -Max

DC COMICS

Batgirl #2 – By Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque

• I really enjoyed Batgirl #1.  I’m a sucker for stories that take the protagonist out of their natural element.  Reading about a globetrotting Barbara Gordon is simply a joy, as her sense of adventure and intellect are very apparent in Japan.  I can’t wait to see where Hope Larson takes us on this story arc. -Max

• It feels like forever since the last issue of this since it is one of the few titles coming out monthly vs. double shipping. My hope is that this is a title that stays fresh and original each and every issue as a result of that. I expect Hope Larson will deliver. – Nathan
• Batgirl #1 made me want to read another issue, so while that first effort from new writer Hope Larson wasn’t perfect, it mostly got its hooks in me. The idea of Batgirl training overseas could be an interesting journey for her to take, though her involvement in both the new Birds of Prey series and Nightwing suggests no real major change for Babs during this time. Still, I’m already falling off Birds of Prey so I want to keep following Batgirl in some form or another. -John D.
• I actually really liked Batgirl #1! Much like Nathan, I really hope that it stays at the top of my pull what with all the DC comics coming out each month. – Kelsey
• Like many others, I loved this title’s previous creative team; Batgirl of Burnside became a movement. I was incredibly bummed when I heard the team would be moving on. And I was even more bummed after I read the first issue of the relaunch. That said, Albuquerque is a genius and I’ve loved Hope Larson on Goldie Vance. I am going to read another issue but there’s a chance that this Rebirth just isn’t for me.  – Jesse

Blue Beetle REBIRTH – By Keith Giffen & Scott Kolins

• The last thing that I need is another DCRebirth book added to my pull list. I need to be cutting books, not adding to the list. That being said, checking this out is a no brainer to me and I am not going in with any preconceived notions. I know that we are getting both Jaime Reyes and Ted Kord, and I am hoping they pull the story together in a clever way. We shall see. – Nathan
• Like Nathan said, I need another DC title like I need less money in my wallet, but for $2.99, of course I’m checking this one out. The inclusion of both Blue Beetles’ is a big draw, as is the promise of Doctor Fate being involved in some capacity also. I have no real knowledge of those characters outside of their animated form so I’m the proverbial blank slate going into this new series with no expectations, ready to want to love it. -John D.
• I’ve read all of the Rebirth issues and I just pounded the second season of Young Justice. Blue Beetle Rebirth – let’s do this! – Jesse

Deathstroke #1 – By Christopher Priest & Carlos Pagulayan 

• Christopher Priest and Carlos Pagulayan gave us one of the most intellectual DC Rebirth issues to kick off Deathstroke.  Merging the world of super-heroes (or in this case, anti-heroes) and super-villains with real world politics might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s mine.  Unlike some other DC Rebirth #1s, you’ll need to read the first issue to understand Deathstroke’s motives here. -Max

• It is great to have Christopher Priest back creating comics. The Rebirth issue was very intriguing and has me curious for the second issue. I feel like this is a series that I should read in trade format, so this issue will go a long way in deciding that for me. What I am interested to see is if Priest continues to give us moments that make you genuinely dislike Slade, because that is exactly what I would want from this book and character. I want to be conflicted in the best possible way. – Nathan

Detective Comics #939 – By James Tynion IV, Eddy Barrows, and Eber Ferreira

• It’s been said a lot already but this really is the Batman book to be following thus far through DC’s Rebirth. I still have some reservations about Jacob’s newfound villainy but the last issue did a good job of pulling me closer toward accepting the storyline that James Tynion is carefully crafting. Not to mention his characterizations of Batwoman, Orphan, Clayface, Spoiler, and Red Robin have been consistently great. And not enough praise gets put on the rotating art team, who have been just as stellar and are yet another reason to look forward to this title whenever it hits the stands. -John D.

• John said it well. This is in constant contention with Wonder Woman for best DCRebirth book so far. Tynion has really grown the last few years and his Eternal runs helped prepare him well for this. -Nathan

Hal Jordan And The Green Lantern Corps #3 – By Robert Venditti and Rafael Sandoval

• I’ve been really enjoying this run so far.  Robert Venditti has a great grasp of Hal Jordan’s voice, and Rafael Sandoval’s artwork has been a joy to this point.  Bring on the inevitable Hal Jordan vs. Sinestro throwdown. -Max

• I am actually on the other side of the fence of Max on this one. I want very badly to like this book but this has been towards the bottom of what DCRebirth has offered so far. I actually told myself I was cutting it from my pull list but issue two was a big improvement for me. So, one more chance and we shall see. -Nathan

Titans #2 – By Dan Abnett, Norm Rapmund, and Brett Booth

• I’ve been saying it since the Rebirth issue but Titans is one of the best titles DC is putting out right now. It encapsulates the fun and love for the history of DC lore that Rebirth was supposed to be all about. It’s worth going back and buying the first two issues, and then be prepared to get on board. -John D.

• I continue to be very excited about this book. It has actually suffered from being a monthly in that the first issue was half a recap of the Rebirth issue. The end of #1 really has me excited for this issue and hope it gets nutty quick! – Nathan

Wonder Woman #5: By Greg Rucka and Liam Sharp.

• There’s still room aboard the Wonder Woman hype train if you’re not already aboard.  If we were to hold an Olympics for ongoing DC series post-DC Rebirth, Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp and Nicola Scott would surely make it to the podium.  Is it Wednesday yet? -Max
• I completely agree with everything Max said on this one. This has consistently been one of the best books every issue. No reason to believe that won’t continue. -Nathan
• Bold Statement – This is the best superhero book on the stands right now. It would take quite a bit to convince me otherwise. I think Greg Rucka and Co. are 5 issues into the best Wonder Woman run of all time. – Jesse

• Agreed with everyone! You NEED to pick up Wonder Woman! – Kelsey

IDW PUBLISHING

Atomic Robo and the Temple of Od #1 – By Brian Clevinger & Scott Wegener 

Godzilla: RAGE ACROSS TIME #1 – By Jeremy Robinson & Matt Frank

IMAGE COMICS

Lake of Fire #1 – By Nathan Fairbairn & Matt Smith

Pretty Deadly Vol. 2: The Bear – Written by Kelly Sue Deconnick with art by Emma Rios  

• Yesssssssssss! After all the waiting, it’s finally time to give the second arc of this incredible series a read! Actually, you know what? I think I’m going to read both arcs back to back! First, I’ll get reaquainted with the characters and their world. After that, it’s off to parts unknown, as I haven’t seen a single page of the second story. I’m anticipating something pretty special here, folks. In fact, I think maybe I’ll pour myself a drink for the occasion. An Old Fashioned made with maple bourbon will do nicely, don’t you think? Anyway, woot! – Steve

Snotgirl #2 – By Bryan Lee O’Malley, Leslie Hung, Mickey Quinn, & Maré Odomo

• I’ll put on my honesty hat for a second here and say I didn’t want to like Snotgirl. The name, the concept, nothing except for the creative team drew me into a first issue of a series I half-expected to collect as a trade maybe. Then, the first issue happened–particularly the crazypants ending to the first issue–and I found myself fully invested in a series called Snotgirl. I can’t wait to see what Bryan Lee O’Malley is able to do with this second issue and the series in general because I am ALL IN. -John D.

• The first issue of this book was positively dripping with style…   Snot Girl is perfectly placed within the zeitgeist of our online image conscious culture. The synergy between the members of this creative team is something to behold – I have a whole new appreciation for comic book letterers. If you passed on the first issue, circle back and check this out.      – Jesse

MARVEL COMICS

Captain Marvel #8 – Ruth Gage, Chris Cage, & Kris Anka

• Carol Danvers is the reason I started reading single issues again. The things Kelly Sue DeConnick did with this character were unprecedented. After a lackluster relaunch, Captain Marvel is now becoming the hot-headed jerk of the Marvel comics universe. Every issue I hope to see a change so I will hang in there until I get my hero back. – Jesse

Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur #10 – By Amy Reeder & Natacha Bustos (Guest starring Ms. Marvel!)

• I know that Our Doctor Mara has lately become as taken with the adventures of Lunella Lafayette and her partner Devil as I have been, as this all-ages series continues to be one of the most charming books on the stands!–Bob

• Fantastic story with each issue that comes out. I agree with Bob, it is definitely one of the most perfect books out of stands for all-ages. – Kelsey

Patsy Walker A.K.A. Hellcat! #9 – by Kate Leth & Brittany Williams

• Historically, I’ve not been a big reader of “cute” comics. I’ve always enjoyed trade paperbacks of books like Squirrel Girl and Lumberjanes but I’ve not followed them month to month. That all changed with P.W.A.K.A.H. Kate Leth and Brittany Williams perfectly combine all ages adventure with a dose of queer snark. I challenge anyone to pick you the first trade, Hooked on a Feline, and not fall in love with this book. – Jesse

VALIANT COMICS

Generation Zero #1 – By Fred Van Lente & Francis Portela

VERTIGO COMICS

Clean Room #11 – By Gail Simone & Jon Davis-Hunt (New Arc)

Gail Simone has been freaking killing it with this comic. Absolutely perfect every issue – and it only gets better! I am so excited to start a new arc and I doubt that Simone will disappoint (I mean, does she ever?). I guarantee a fantastic read, so pick it up! – Kelsey

Hellblazer #1 – By Simon Oliver & Moritat 

#####

And that’s our Pull List for this week!!! If you happen to pick up any of these books, please join the conversation here or on twitter and let us know what you think! As we update the site with reviews and verdicts on these comics, we’d love to include your input!

#READCOMICS