Due to a as yet unresolved issue which has left me temporarily without the use of my right arm I am unable to type this week and had a misunderstanding with a friend, Nick Clough, whom I had asked to guest write this week. Nick has highlighted some books coming out to us this week and my daughter, Danielle, typed this for me. but I won't make her type all of my random ramblings. So, without further ado, here's what Nick thinks is worthy:
DC: Aquaman #25, $3.99
If you had asked me two years ago if Aquaman was a cool superhero, I would have laughed at you for an inappropriately long time. Geoff Johns’ run with the King of Atlantis has revived the character, transforming him from a joke to a DC juggernaut. Issue #25 unfortunately marks the end of Johns’ time on Aquaman, but with his terrific “Death of a King” storyline ending, and effectively creating a great jumping of point for new writer, Jeff Parker, things are still looking good. And thanks to artist Paul Pelletier staying on the book, the visuals will continue to be great. I have faith Arthur Curry will remain awesome.
Marvel: Hawkeye #14, $2.99
Do you like superpower-less superheroes? Vaguely eastern-European gangsters who wear tracksuits and call everyone “bro?” Dogs who sometimes wear pizza on their face? If so, you have uncomfortably specific tastes. Also, Hawkeye might be right up your alley! Matt Fraction and guest illustrator Francisco Francavilla team-up to bring you the funny, poignant, quirky, and captivating adventures of Clint Barton, Katie-Kate Bishop and Pizza Dog. A must read for anyone who enjoys happiness.
Image: Rat Queens #3, $3.50
Kurtis J. Wiebe is on a roll. His other Image book, Peter Panzerfaust, is immensely popular, and it seems he may have another hit on his hands. Rat Queens features four heroines who love drinking, fighting, and making money via collecting bounties, which in turn contributes to more drinking and fighting. The book takes place in a fantasy setting, but is almost completely devoid of any kind of superfluous Middle-Earthian style speech or narration. Combine the less-than-savory language and “money over everything” attitude of rap culture with the backdrop of a Tolkien-esque world and you get something one tenth as awesome as Rat Queens.
IDW: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #28, $3.99
Since IDW’s reboot of the TMNT universe two years ago, they have been creating nothing but great stories. Writers Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz’s most recent fantastic story-arc, City Fall, will come to and end with this issue, and it’s been a great ride. Current TMNT artist, Mateus Santolouco, depicts everything great detail and dynamism, and adds little personal flourishes for each turtle. This is apparently Santolouco’s last time drawing TMNT for the moment, so it’s safe to say the pillow I cry into at night is going to be soggier than usual.
Other notable releases this week:
Adventures of Superman #7
All-New X-Men #19
Flash #25
Pretty Deadly #2
Saga #16
…and there are plenty more that are not listed. For a more complete list, feel free to visit your local comic store or favorite site. If you’re interested in more of what I think, follow me on Twitter at Mycomicstore001 or like my Facebook page.
Michael R. Murray is a full-time letter carrier for the United States Postal Service who's too slow at typing with just the left hand and very thankful that his daughter was able to help him.