Another week of the comics industry’s comeback brings a more varied selection of books to choose from. Badass old ladies and supernatural threats are a through-line for this week’s installment of What Looks Good.
Ash & Thorn #1 (Ahoy Comics)
(w) Mariah McCourt (a) Soo Lee (c/a) Jill Thompson
The fate of the world rests in the hands of two tea-drinking old ladies. I’m not sure if we’re ready for an octogenarian rendition of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but the premise is just enough of a twist on a familiar concept to hook me in for at least the first issue. — Dan Gehen
The apocalypse is nigh! The world needs a Champion, and the only heir to a sacred mystical lineage is…a little old lady? Meet Lottie Thorn, reluctant savior of the world, and her also-elderly trainer Lady Peruvia Ashlington-Voss. They might not look it, but these women are prepared to take on any Big Bad that comes along. But first, perhaps a nice cup of tea? Every AHOY comic also features extra prose stories and illustrations.
Invisible Kingdom #11 (Dark Horse | Berger Books)
(w) G. Willow Wilson (a) Christian Ward
Fresh off several Eisner nominations comes the third and final arc of Invisible Kingdom. A feast for the eyes and possessing a compelling story, the duo of Wilson and Ward have crafted a breathtaking world that I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to. — Dan Gehen
The final arc of the acclaimed series begins . . . in the Point of No Return! The strange new Nones have whisked the Sundog into a far more perilous edge of space-and they need Vess. Will she choose Grix… or the unthinkable?
John Constantine: Hellblazer #7 (DC Comics)
(w) Simon Spurrier (a) Aaron Campbell
I honestly don’t follow any ongoings over at DC except for John Constantine: Hellblazer. Each issue has been fantastic, so I see no reason that will change anytime soon. Hopefully. – Jason Jeffords Jr
How are all those poor British fishermen supposed to keep the French out of their waters? By summoning an ancient merwoman, perhaps? Of course, there’s the little matter of what to do with her once she’s served her purpose…and what to do about this John Constantine fellow who’s come sniffing around to find her himself…
Mirka Andolfo’s Mercy #3 (Image Comics)
(w/a) Mirka Andolfo
As big as a fan of Andolfo I am, Mercy hasn’t really captured my interest as much as I though. However, I love her work and feel like once we learn more of the Mercy Universe I enjoy it much more. Hopefully that happens sooner than later. – Jason Jeffords Jr
END OF STORY ARC
The first story arc of MIRKA ANDOLFO’s Gothic tale comes to an end. Lady Hellaine finds a love interest…or is this just a part of her machinations? Who are the ruthless “hunters,” and what are they tracking? And what’s their relationship with whatever lies in the abandoned mines?
Once & Future #8 (BOOM! Studios)
(w) Kieron Gillen (a) Dan Mora
Kieron Gillen’s recent output is varied, high quality, and unmatched by practically anyone in the industry right now, and Dan Mora continues to be a rising talent within the industry. So naturally, picking up the latest issue of Once & Future is a no-brainer. — Dan Gehen
When a strange newcomer arrives at the dark court of Camelot, his presence disrupts The Otherworld. Sometimes winning the battle risks losing the war…as Duncan and Bridgette will soon find out.
Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #11 (DC Comics)
(w) Matt Fraction (a) Steve Lieber
It’s sad to see this fun as hell series nearing its final issue. But, damn, I look forward to how the team will wrap it up, as well as seeing the hijinks in this issue. – Jason Jeffords Jr
Hey, look—it’s issue 11 of a 12-issue series, so it’s the perfect jumping-on point for new readers! Mysteries get solved, criminals are revealed, and a secret ally emerges from the shadows. Want more? There are robots, aliens, and The Daily Planet faces a threat to its existence at the same moment the actual planet faces the same! Now’s the time to get on board, guys!