Might as well refer to this week as “Three’s Company,” as there are a bunch of Issue #3’s hitting this week that are worth checking out. Oh yeah, there’s a couple of new series launching too that should definitely be on your radar.
Second Coming #3 (Ahoy Comics)
(w) Mark Russell (a) Richard Pace
In addition to penning the only really good issues of DC’s Year of the Villain books, Mark Russell has been writing this little-heard-of, not-at-all controversial book from Ahoy Comics.While this book’s lack of true controversial content is surprising, Russell and artist Richard Pace have used the series thus far for honest, pointed commentary on how religious messages is manipulated in today’s world.
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #3 (DC Comics)
(w) Matt Fraction (a) Steve Lieber
Is it too early to call this book an Eisner contender? Fraction and Lieber’s take on Superman’s sometimes sidekick is as charming as it is enthralling. Bringing modern sensibilities (and humor) to the structure of a Silver Age book, the creative team has tapped into something magical while tackling the subjects of social media and journalism.
Blade Runner 2019 #3 (Titan Comics)
(w) Michael Green (a) Andres Guinaldo
As far as comic spin-offs are concerned, Blade Runner 2019 has been fantastic. Of course, having Blade Runner 2049 screenwriter Michael Green at the helm certainly helps this series maintain the tone and pacing of the sci-fi films, but Andres Guinaldo has been dynamite in breathing life (and technology) into this book.
GI Joe #1 Cover
Killers #3 (Valiant Entertainment)
(w) B. Clay Moore (a) Fernando Dagnino
While not the strongest book in the Valiant arsenal, Killers has arguably been the most fun by pitting various members of the Ninja program against each other.
Vampirella #3 (Dynamite)
(w) Christopher Priest (a) Ergun Gunduz
Christopher Priest has done something unthinkable: he’s made me care about a Vampirella book. While long having a reputation as a “bad girl” book, Priest’s writing has once again proven that quality storytelling can change the perception of any given title.
Spider-Man #1 (Marvel)
(w) J.J. Abrams, Henry Abrams (a) Sara Pichelli
This is only here because of the J.J. factor and my morbid curiosity. Oh, and Sara Pichelli always delivers a good-looking book.
GI Joe #1 (IDW Publishing)
(w) Paul Allor (a) Chris Evenhuis
As a 32 year old, my interest in GI Joe has been virtually non-existent for the entirety of my life. However, with a new #1 I’m willing to take a chance on this, having enjoyed Paul Allor’s past work.
Flash Forward #1 (DC Comics)
(w) Scott Lobdell (a) Brett Booth
After the character assassination of Wally West in the divisive Heroes in Crisis, DC has put their top men in charge of rehabbing the character’s reputation. And by “top men” I mean Scott Lobdell and Brett Booth, a creative team that hasn’t inspired faith from DC readers. However, given their professed love for the character and desire to see him done right, this first issue at the very least deserves a chance.