Welcome to the latest incarnation of What Looks Good! Each week, we’ll bring you a list of books coming out that we think deserve your attention. And don’t miss What Looks Good: Indies for a list of the best independent comics coming out this week!
DC
Astro City #28
Astro City #28, $3.99
Don’t be like me. Don’t assume that Astro City is just a homage to superhero comics from a bygone era and even though you love the comics it’s supposedly referencing, you have no interest in a one trick pony. I waited so long to try Astro City, losing out on time I could have spent reading and re-reading what is, bar none, the best superhero comic being published today.
You heard me.
Astro City takes everything that’s great about superheroes and makes it better. Yes, there are homages to iconic superheroes, but this series is so much deeper than that. It is easily one of the most complex, detailed worlds you’ll read about and that’s comparing it to shared universes that have been around for decades.
Start reading Astro City as soon as you can. Just trust me on this.
Clean Room #1, $3.99
Gail Simone writes a Vertigo book! Simone’s work has always walked a fine line between mainstream and “mature readers,” so seeing her take the plunge, and given the freedom to go where ever that plunge takes her, should be interesting. The idea of a self-help book causing someone to kill himself feels just real enough to work as a horror story. And I love the title.
Dr. Fate #5
Dr Fate #5, $2.99
You should be reading this. Aside from the great art from Sonny Liew, writer Paul Levitz has created a world that feels authentic, which I’m sure stems from growing up in NYC. Fate is the perfect superhero for the “next generation” treatment and Khalid is an easy to like lead. He’s also got a wonderful supporting cast. The Egyptian elements have been a little slow to unfold, but there appears to be greater complexity to them than we’ve seen in the past from the Dr. Fate mythos, so it’s keeping me entertained.
Gotham Academy #11, $2.99
It was hard for me to get on board with the phrase “Batgirling” when it came to the DCYou mini-relaunch, mostly because I’m not really a fan of the current Batgirl series. I am, however, a big fan of Gotham Academy, a book that started around the same time as Batgirl changed creative teams, and a comic I think is far and away superior.
If I’ve read one complaint about this series it’s that it tends to jump from scene to scene a bit too quickly, but I actually really like that. It makes it feel more like it’s come from a kid’s perspective, as if the narration is following the impulses of the cast. And, honestly, the core concept is so good that it would be hard to mess this up.
Martian Manhunter #5
Martian Manhunter #5, $2.99
I really, really love this book. It’s bizarre and endearing at the same time and makes wonderful thematic use of the Martian Manhunter’s rebooted history. I’m not entirely sure where the story is going, but so far it’s unlike anything else coming from the Big Two. Part of the beauty of Martian Manhunter’s status as a b-list character is that creators can actually change him and not worry about hurting the brand and I think that’s what we’re seeing.
Multiversity Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99
I am an unapologetic fanboy when it comes to Grant Morrison’s work and I have pre-ordered this book, even though I bought the individual issues. I can’t wait to read it from cover to cover. It is exactly what you would expect from Morrison: big ideas, non-linear storytelling, obscure hints at something greater, and an underlying sense of hope. This is also the true beginning of DC’s current “limitless earths” idea.
Titans Hunt #1
Titans Hunt #1 (Of 12)(Paulo Siqueira Regular Cover), $3.99
It would be impossible for me to accurately communicate my excitement for this series. I am a big fan of the Titans (as you can see in my 3 part overview of their history) and I’m also a big fan of DC incorporating their history with their current universe. I have no idea how writer Dan Abnett is going to make this work, but I’m eager to see him try, particularly since it’s going to be drawn by Paulo Sigueira, whose work I really enjoy.
Marvel
Hawkeye By Matt Fraction And David Aja Omnibus HC, $99.99
I am not a fan of the omnibus format (they’re too hard to read), but I am a fan of this run of Hawkeye. It is as great as everyone says. What’s particularly impressive is the late addition of Annie Wu on art, who managed to maintain the high level that David Aja set from the start. Her work is different, yes, but works perfectly when the series flips back and forth between Clint Baron and Kate Bishop. Also, the relationship between Clint and Kate is fantastic and I will always be grateful to Matt Fraction of coming right out and saying that they two of them will never sleep together because that’s not what their relationship is.
Karnak #1
Karnak #1 (David Aja Regular Cover), $3.99
This was probably the most out of left field announcement for All New All Different Marvel. Karnak doesn’t have fans. I’m sorry, they just don’t exist. No one demanded this series. And, really, no one would give it a second thought if it weren’t for the fact that Marvel somehow convinced Warren Ellis to write it. The problem there, though, is that I would imagine a lot of people will only read it as long as he’s around, which won’t be forever.
Ultimately, this is another attempt at making the Inhumans a thing, but at least this one should start off well.
Moon Knight Epic Collection Volume 2 Shadows Of The Moon TP, $39.99
If for no other reason, you should get this for the Moench/Sienkiewicz issues, where are fantastic, and feature Moon Knight as he should always be portrayed: totally off his rocker.
Weirdworld #5
Weirdworld #5, $3.99
This is, hands down, the best of all of the Secret Wars series although, granted, that bar was set pretty low. Still, I enjoyed this even before they added characters from Crystar and after that it became an instant classic. And, I mean, come on, it looks unbelievable. Del Mundo is just operating at a different level.