Good news comic fans! Despite the holiday this Monday, new releases still arrived in the store today! Rejoice Reserve Customers! Your bags are filled with all your favorites. Come by and see us!

1) DeadpoolMAX #4

It’s a little strange to start the spotlight with a character as overly proliferated as Deadpool.  While I’m the first to admit that the character has had too many books in publication in recent years, DeadpoolMAX is one that stands out and should be remembered.  That’s largely due to the creative team of David Lapham and Kyle Baker.  Lapham, who has ably written gritty characters like Batman and the assorted cast members from his Stray Bullets book, teams well with the great artwork of Baker.  It’s also nice to see Baker getting back to cartooning after several more digitally crafted comics.  This week’s issue continues the popular miniseries that has wide appeal for fans of the characters as well as the talented creators working on the title.

2) Young Justice #0

If the new Batman: The Brave and the Bold comic is any indication, this should prove to be another successful tie in with DC’s entertaining animated catalog.  The other real selling point of this particular book is Mike Norton‘s illustrations.  He did some solid work on the Billy Batson: Shazam title, and should be a natural fit illustrating characters like Superboy, Robin, and Aqualad.

3) Wolverine #5

The final issue of the ‘Wolverine Goes to Hell’ story arc hits stands this week courtesy of Jason Aaron and Renato Guedes.  I’ve written at length about how Aaron’s approach to Wolverine is one of the truest to the character we’ve seen in a good while.  If Aaron’s writing doesn’t pull you to the book, consider the fact that this arc alone features appearances from Alpha Flight’s popular Puck as well as Wolverine’s father.  Also, I’d be remiss not to mention that this issue features yet another back up story from Aaron and local creators Jason Latour and Heroes’ own Rico Renzi.  Some of you might remember their Silver Samurai contribution to Wolverine #1, which was well received among fans and critics.  Their work in this issue also acts as a conclusion to all the backup stories in the first arc.  The Aaron/Latour/Renzi story alone should warrant a look from you in your shopping this week.

4) Invincible Iron Man #500

Heroes alum Matt Fraction and artist Salvador Larroca usher in the return to Iron Man’s original numbering in this week’s anniversary issue.  Along with the regular creators are contributions from the likes of artists likes of Kano and Nathan Fox.  With Fraction heading up Marvel’s next big event Fear Itself, it’s a safe bet that Iron Man will play some role in the story.  So why not jump onto the Iron Man title with this special anniversary issue?

5) Buffy the Vampire Slayer #40

Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty offer up the final issue of Buffy season 8.  The Buffy comic has long been a popular follow up to the television series, and is novel in its use of the comic medium as the setting of what would’ve been the next season of the show.  Not only has Buffy maintained and grown its substantial fanbase, but its sales have been strong enough to warrant the upcoming season 9 comic series.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Amazing Spider-man #652, Boys #50, Legion of Super Heroes #9, Scarlet #4, B.P.R.D. Plague of Frogs HC vol. 1, and Darkwing Duck #8.

We’ve told you about some of the great guests that will be at the Charlotte MiniCon but did we mention we will also have pony rides? If Mother Nature cooperates and for a small donation, the kiddies will be able to ride one of the sweet ponies from Latta Equestrian Center.

Visit  http://www.lattaequestriancenter.com to see how you can set up your own party and more!

What does Hell on Earth mean?  In terms of publishing, it’s Mike Mignola giving an official name to the series’ next uber-arc.  All the B.P.R.D. material to this point has been retroactively dubbed Plague of Frogs and will be re-collected under that title, in snazzy, reasonably priced hardcovers forthcoming.  Hell on Earth is the landscape of the series now.  Hell IS on Earth now.  Crazy Guy Davis-drawn monsters are running amok cutting swaths of destruction across the world.  The B.P.R.D., now a U.N. sanctioned organization, finds their jobs harder than ever and not just because of the monsters.  Because they are U.N. sanctioned, they have more to answer for and are constantly hamstrung in getting the job done.

The neat thing about all of it is that information I just splayed out for you is delivered subtly in the book.  It’s all background or hinted upon or briefly mentioned at the most.  John Arcudi and Mignola world building through atmosphere but different than how they usually do.  This is an emotional landscape more so than the Gothic/Horror/Strange landscapes that they usually build for us.  A landscape of frustration as the world is ripped asunder.  The frustration of being able to do more and accomplishing nothing.  The B.P.R.D., when they most need to stick together, is falling apart.

The main plot is more concerned with Abe Sapien and a former B.P.R.D. regular cast member hunting down the source of a plague that is turning a small town into possessed monsters.  When the source is discovered it is devastating in its human element and twisted because of it.  I won’t give it away.

I haven’t forgotten though, and it would be stupid of me to ignore, that this is a comic book about killing monsters and when it comes time to do that between the in-fighting and campfire conversations about survival, it delivers.  The action centerpiece in issue #3 is the most scrumptious of chase-fights.  Abe is at the wheel of a pick-up truck and Ben Daimio is in the back with box full of guns and grenades fighting/being chased by a big black mega-demon thing. The art of the action sequence sometimes seems lost in this modern day of freely used double splashes.  A proper action scene takes into account setting and geography, the physical proximity between characters and their surroundings.  The progression of panels must flow in such a way that those things interact with each while showing the passage of time properly freezing momentum at its most dynamic but also most information conveying.  It is such a delicate balance.  Guy Davis with his deceptively scratch style accomplishes it and makes it look easy.

You’ve heard the buzz now is the best time to get in on one of the finest of monthly comics.

As the Charlotte Minicon closes in we want to take this time to spotlight some of the wonderful guests who will be in attendance. Most of the guests are Heroes event regulars but there are a few new names on the list. We asked each of them three simple questions and we got some awesome responses. Not only are these creators witty and charming but they are also incredibly talented. Just take a look at their artwork and you will see what I mean. I am sure that all of you are excited to get some convention sketches from these talented Charlotte Minicon guests!

The first person we are spotlighting today is someone you are certain to recognize, Andy Smith. Most recently he has been doing the art for WWE Heroes and X-Men Forever 2. You might also be familiar with his work on Stormwatch: PHD, Superman Confidential, 52 and/or WildCats.

Heroes: Creatively, what are you most proud of from 2010?
Andy Smith: I’d have to say that my X-Men Forever work is the high mark on the list! Just being able to work with a legend of the status of Chris Claremont was a thrill! And being able to draw some of my favorite characters from the X-Men when I was first starting my career was just awesome.

H: What can we look for from you in 2011?
AS: Now if I had that crystal ball I could win the lottery! I’m doing some work for Marvel right now for their licensing department. I can’t really say much more about it though. From there we’ll just have to see. I’m teaching at UNCC again this new semester as well.

H: Do you have any interesting or fond memories from a past Charlotte Minicon?
AS: Honestly it is one of the conventions I look forward to every year. I’m so glad Shelton brought it back. It’s right in my backyard I get to relax and not be too overwhelmed by people. It’s just a nice small hometown show where I always have a good time! And of course hanging out with Budd Root for the day is always a plus! We talk football non-stop!

Next up we have Chrissie Zullo who is an artist on the rise. Since her breakout success with Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love she has been gaining more fame and notoriety. She is a must have on anyone’s I-need-to-get-a-commission-by-this-person’s list!

Heroes: Creatively, what are you most proud of from 2010?
Chrissie Zullo: 2010 was a huge deal to me because it was my first year of interior work. I was able to do the covers for Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love, as well as interiors for the first time for Madame Xanadu and Fables #100.

H: What can we look for from you in 2011?
CZ: More Cinderella! She’s back and better than ever.

H: Do you have any interesting or fond memories from a past Charlotte Minicon?
CZ: I love this show because it’s a great size and you can get away with some great deals. I snagged Marko Djurdjevic‘s cover run issues of Daredevil a couple of years ago for a steal, as well as grabbing some free posters. It’s also great for getting to hang out and talk to some great artists. And it’s in an awesome building to boot.

This will be the first Charlotte Minicon for our Special Guest Chris Stevens who first burst onto the scene working for UDON Entertainment. His recent work includes cover work for Skullkickers and Thor. He also made a big splash at the 2010 HeroesCon Annual Art Auction.

Heroes: Creatively, what are you most proud of from 2010?
Chris Stevens: I did my first Marvel covers in 2010. My second cover was recently released as a t-shirt. Very cool stuff. That may be career and not creative, but I’m never proud of my work, so I can’t think of anything.

H: What can we look for from you in 2011?
CS: More Marvel covers I hope. I plan to keep providing covers for Skullkickers too. Hopefully catch up on my commission list.

H: Do you have any interesting or fond memories from a past Charlotte Minicon?
CS: Sorry to say this will be my first time at Minicon. Been going to HeroesCon since ’92 though. I get some points for that, right?

Our last spotlight for today is Bridgit Scheide. She is a relative new-comer to the comic’s scene with her self-published book Kindle and her webcomic Brother Nash. You can check out her deviantART page for more examples of her work!

Heroes: Creatively, what are you most proud of from 2010?
Bridgit Scheide: Early this past year I self-published a comic called Kindle, which is a single issue introduction to a graphic novel I’m working on. It’s been a huge learning experience for me, but a very exciting one as well. I’ve been hopping around comic conventions in NC, which has been a lot of fun. I’ve also been working on a webcomic called Brother Nash, which is a 30 page script I wrote as a sort of creative break from Kindle. After a year or so of working with graphite I really felt like I needed a project where I could ink and color something for a little while (and draw trucks, apparently?).

H: What can we look for from you in 2011?
BS: In 2011, I’ll shortly finish up Brother Nash #1: Roadkill and release it as a single issue.  I’ve also been scheming with Chrissie Zullo and we’ll be collaborating on something killer for HeroesCon 2011, so be on the lookout for that! It’ll be my third year at HeroesCon – it’s my favorite con for sure. I’m also continuing work on Kindle, though I’m actually changing its name to The Kindle Kind, with the intention to save from confusion with the popular electronic device and all of the lame jokes which accompany that. Haha!

H: Do you have any interesting or fond memories from a past Charlotte Minicon?
BS: This is actually my first time at the Charlotte Minicon. I’m pretty stoked! And seriously, pony rides?! How good does this get?!

Green Lantern is practically everywhere these days! The movie, starring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, is scheduled to hit theaters later this year. The Blackest Night crossover was a smashing financial success. The upcoming crossover, War of the Green Lanterns, looks to be another bestseller. It seems like the popularity of the comics are fueling the hype for the movie, and vice versa.

Wouldn’t it be cool if there was one place you could go to for all your Green Lantern news? Well look no farther than Welcome to Coast City! Our wonderful customer Matt “Rapier” Rape is doing the world a huge service by compiling everything Green Lantern onto one convenient website. It has news about the movie, reviews on the comics and information about merchandise (action figures, costumes, etc.). Stop by to get your daily green fix!

We are happy to announce that Rico Renzi is the new Creative Director of Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find. He has been working here for the past several months now so it is about time that we officially announce him as an employee. As Creative Director, Rico is responsible for designing our promotional materials and creating the graphics for our website and blog. You have already seen his handiwork on our most recent mailer and in the sidebar of our site. We are thrilled to have his keen eye and dynamic aesthetic to help strengthen and guide the visual presence of Heroes.

(Shelton doesn’t look “thrilled”-rico)

Rico has been in the comics industry for years now as a working colorist. His most recent work includes coloring Chris Brunner‘s covers on Boondock Saints and NOLA (left). They have been working together professionally since 2003 when they did a five-issue story arc on Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight.  Be on the look out for Brunner and Renzi’s upcoming book Loose Ends, which was written by another talented local creator, Jason Latour. Loose Ends, which is slated for release later this year, is a southern crime comic from 12 Gauge Comics
that should appeal to fans of classic crime and noir fiction, comics, and films. Last year, Rico did several projects for Oni, including Stumptown, Frenemy of the State (covers), and a poster that came with Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Boxset (right).

While Rico will be working full time at Heroes, he doesn’t have any plans to stop coloring comics. Hopefully his work at Heroes will help fuel his art and vice versa for years to come.

I write this week’s spotlight from the snowy tundra of. . .Charlotte?  It’s true that there’s been more snow this winter than in recent memory, but your stalwart stewards at Heroes are still on hand to bring you the best new comics the industry offers this week.  Here are a few of the books that you might want to be aware of in your shopping.

1) Daredevil: Reborn #1

This first issue of a four issue miniseries focuses on Daredevil trying to redeem himself following his villainous acts in Shadowland.  Daredevil and Shadowland scribe Andy Diggle and artist David Gianfelice team up to tell the story of Matt Murdock’s rough road back to super heroics.  Also on board as the series cover artist is Jock, whose talents are currently being seen on the acclaimed Detective Comics arc with Scott Snyder.

2) Black Panther: Man Without Fear #514

David Liss and Francesco Francavilla offer up the second issue of their run on the new Man Without Fear this week.  I think if you can get past the idea that this is a Black Panther title where he’s no longer the King of Wakanda with access to any of the cool gadgets he used to have, and if you can accept that he’s now essentially a normal guy who’s standing in for Daredevil as the new guardian of Hell’s Kitchen, then you should really enjoy this book.  While Liss is a relative newcomer to the comic world, you can tell he’s a studied writer.  While Liss is contributing nicely to the title, the real draw for me is still Francavilla, who is finding a way to merge his pulp art tendencies with some of the more heroic aspects of the Panther.

3) Spawn #200

I bring this issue up because I’m sure there are plenty of people who will be interested in knowing that creator Todd McFarlane returns to illustrate this issue.  Actually, he’s also writing and inking the issue which also features contributions from Jim Lee, Robert Kirkman, Marc Silvestri, Ashley Wood, and David Finch, among others.  Whether or not you like Spawn, 200 issues of a title is indeed a long run on the book, and there’s sure to be plenty of reasons to pick this one up if you’re a fan of the character.

4) Wonder Girl #1

Some of you may have noticed that DC is offering up several new one shots as part of their recent push toward publishing more $2.99 titles.  Here’s another 32 page book at a low cost, this one featuring the fan favorite Wonder Girl.  J.T. Krul and Adriana Melo are on hand to tell this solo story featuring the popular Titan.  And if you weren’t aware that DC was publishing these new one shots, check out ones featuring Steel and Starman/Congorilla already available, and titles ones to include Shazam.

5) Thor the Mighty Avenger #8

One last time I’ll happily promote this amazing book.  Cheers to Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee for thoroughly entertaining us with this series.  Though it’s genuinely sad that a book like this is getting cancelled, we can at least be thankful we got to enjoy eight solid issues of a comic storytelling.  Rather than conjecture about why this book had to end, let’s all enjoy it one more time.  And if you haven’t for some unknown reason picked it up yet, the first trade paperback is now available.  If you want to recapture some of the joy you felt reading comics as a child, please continue to support this book in trades.  Maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll see the Langridge/Samnee team together again on a future project.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Gods #1, Casanova: Gula #1, Justice League: Generation Lost #17, Sixth Gun TP vol. 1, and Widowmaker #3.

So once again this is an update for our customers that, despite the wintery conditions, our store is open today and will be until about 6 o’clock tonight. 7th street looks pretty clear but our side streets are a bit icy. We hope to have the books out on time for everyone tomorrow. Check the blog again in the morning for updates. Until then, come by and grab a book to cozy up with next to the fire. Just like Calvin and his friend.

Just in case you’re out and about in the neighborhood, don’t forget that we’re OPEN today.  We will be closing at dark (~6 pm) but until then come on by and say “Hi!” to Seth and me. We hope everybody is having a great snow day. Stay warm!