There’s a lot of good stuff coming out this week, so we did our best to point out the ones that definitely should be bought – or at least flipped through at the store.
Captain America #10 (Marvel Entertainment)
(w) Ta-Nehisi Coates (a) Adam Kubert
The last 5 years of Captain America comics have been quite a journey. Nick Spencer’s controversial run, including Secret Empire, reflected the corruption of American iconography for political agendas as seen by prominent politicians such as Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump. Ta-Nehisi Coates’ run has thus far addressed similar issues but in a different manner, with Captain America – and the ideals he represents – incarcerated or held hostage by the nation’s leaders. The subtlety of messaging is perhaps the biggest reason why this story hasn’t seen the ire of fandom, unlike Spencer’s blunt-force-trauma approach. However, that hasn’t made it any less impactful.
- Daniel Gehen
Detective Comics #1003 (DC Comics)
(w) Peter J. Tomasi (a) Andrew Hennessy, Brad Walker
The first few parts of this arc really did nothing to make me want to come back, but #1002 changed my mind big time. With the pace and story gaining momentum, then ending on a major cliffhanger they hooked me in with wanting to know the mystery behind the Arkham Knight. I have guesses but I’ll keep them to myself.
- Jason Jeffords Jr.
The Flash #70 (DC Comics)
(w) Joshua Williamson (a) Howard Porter
The “Year One” moniker holds a certain level of expectation from DC readers. Batman: Year One is arguably the character’s best story. JLA: Year One is a gem by Mark Waid and Barry Kitson. The “Year One” arc that kicked off Wonder Woman in the era of DC Rebirth was phenomenal. Now, the Scarlet Speedster gets the fabled origin treatment, courtesy of Joshua Williamson – one of the few original writers left from when DC Rebirth kicked off – and longtime The Flash artist Howard Porter.
- Daniel Gehen
Ice Cream Man #12 (Image Comics)
(w) W. Maxwell Prince (a) Martin Morrazzo
Since switching from its anthology format to a traditional, multi-issue arc structure, the hype around Ice Cream Man has died down a bit. However, the format change has allowed the creative team to explore new types of horror while maintaining the same level of quality we’d expect. While other horror comics are Edy’s, this is Ben and Jerry’s.
- Daniel Gehen
Red Sonja & Vampirella Meet Betty & Veronica #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
(w) Amy Chu (a) Maria Sanapo
Ya’ll thought Avengers: Endgame was the biggest crossover this year? Well Dynamite thought otherwise with the surprise collaboration with Archie Comics, mixing their top femme fatales. Trying to solve a supernatural mystery Red Sonja, Vampirella, Betty, and Veronica team up to figure out just what is happening in Riverdale. Yeah that may be a simple premise but with the four joining forces you know shit will go down, and I’ll totally be there.
- Jason Jeffords Jr.
Wonder Twins #4 (DC Comics)
(w) Mark Russell (a) Stephen Byrne
With the first two issues being fantastic and the third being good but not as great as the others Wonder Twins still holds its place as my favorite new series in a while. This issue says it’ll be more focused on romance and a date gone bad. That’s a concept done quite often so on one side I’m hesitant, but its Mark Russell and I believe in him.
- Jason Jeffords Jr.
Honorable Mentions
- Archie #704 (Archie Comics)
- Excellence #1 (Image Comics)
- Ronin Island #3 (BOOM! Studios)
- Spider-Man/Deadpool #50 (Marvel Entertainment)