With the low quantity of new titles this week, it’s like Fifth Week came early. Luckily, there are still a few high-profile releases that look good to pick up this Wednesday.
Superman: Year One #1 – DC Comics
(w) Frank Miller (a) John Romita Jr. (c) Alex Sinclair
This latest attempt at the Man of Steel’s origin should be on everyone’s radar, partly from genuine interest, and also with a degree of schadenfreude. Romita’s artwork has become polarizing in some fan circles over the years, but there is at least a consistency to his work that is admirable. The big question mark here is Frank Miller. Since his character-defining works (for better or worse) on Batman in the late 1980s, there has been a notable deterioration of quality and increase in cynicism. He has said in multiple interviews that the Superman in the Dark Knight books is not really how he views the character, so there is hope. That what Superman represents, so we’re already off to a good start.
Usagi Yojimbo #1 – IDW Publishing
(w/a) Stan Sakai (c) Tom Luth
After years at Dark Horse, Stan Sakai’s legendary Usagi Yojimbo has found a new home at licencing rival IDW Publishing. Though it is curious to see the series jump ship to a sinking one, IDW has developed a strong reputation as a creator-friendly publisher, priding itself on strong titles like Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Also, Sakai’s longtime collaborator Tom Luth will be busier now that the series will be in full color, a departure from its decades-long stint as a black and white title. However, if there is one thing readers can expect, it’s that the series will continue to deliver the same high-quality storytelling that has become synonymous with Usagi Yojimbo.
Psi-Lords #1 – Valiant Entertainment
(w) Fred Van Lente (a) Renato Guedes
From an outside perspective, it has been a rather tumultuous year for Valiant, with its seemingly constant reshuffling of management. They’ve also been going all-in on Marvel’s approach in frequently relaunching titles with a new, shiny #1. Though this new series is advertised as an ongoing, let’s wait and see if it actually beats the original Psi-Lords series from 1994 that lasted 10 issues. It has a decent chance, thanks to its rock-solid creative team. Fred Van Lente has been one of the publisher’s best writers since its rebirth in 2012, while the preview art by Renato Guedes looks stellar.