This week, it’s all about monsters and the things that go bump in the night, thanks in no small part to BOOM! Studios and their double-dose of vampires this week. Also, IDW gets in on the action with an archival reprint of some good old fashioned kaiju smackdowns.

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Ditko’s Monsters (IDW Publishing)

(w) Joe Hill (a) Steve Ditko

Arguably the king of monster comics, Steve Ditko created some of the most inventive and chilling monsters the industry has ever seen. However, perhaps his two greatest creations owe a major debt to the big screen in Gorgo and Konga. With the impending release of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, IDW does good in reprinting these wonderful works. When it comes to archival presentation, IDW is one of the best at producing high quality collections.

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer #4 (BOOM! Studios)

(w) Jordie Bellaire (a) Dan Mora

Having browsed several fansites and forums, it appears that the core Buffy fanbase isn’t as keen on this new series as I am, due mostly to the changes made to some characters. Personally, I freaking love the new Buffy. If I wanted to experience the characters as they were, there are seven seasons of a television show to watch. Jordie Bellaire and Dan Mora’s updated take breathes fresh life into these characters, tweaking them with modern sensibilities while maintaining the spirit of what made the show an enduring pop culture phenomenon.

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Angel #0 (BOOM! Studios)

(w) Bryan Edward Hill (a) Gleb Melnikov

Everyone’s favorite tortured vampire is back in a surprise title. Bryan Edward Hill and Gleb Melnikov bring back the smolder with Angel #0. Kudos to BOOM! for keeping this under tight lip for so long. The character was the highlight of the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, earning his own spinoff show that was arguably better. If we’re lucky, this series will follow the same trajectory as the show.

Other books to check out:

  • Xena #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
  • Shazam! #5 (DC Comics)
  • Spider-Man: Life Story #2 (Marvel Comics)
  • X-O Manowar #26 (Valiant Entertainment)
  • Planet of the Nerds #1 (Ahoy Comics)

About The Author

Editor-in-Chief

Dan was introduced to the 1960s Batman show at a young age, which developed into a lifelong passion for comics. When he's not grinding out his day job, he can be found reading about Scarlet Speedsters, Web-Heads, or Sagas just about anywhere. If it's good he'll read it. If it's bad... there's a chance he still might read it.