1) Ultimate Comics X #5

Jeph Loeb and Art Adams continue their popular series this week.  Fans always clamor for new Art Adams comics, and though this doesn’t see print as quickly as many folks would like, you know it’s going to look great.  In addition to various x-characters, this issue also features both Sabretooth and the Hulk.

2) Scalped #50

One of comics’ most consistently rewarding series reaches a milestone this week with issue #50.  Joining creators Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera are Dean Haspiel, Denys Cowan, Igor Kordey, Timothy Truman, Jill Thompson, and more.  The issue also features two stories, one chronicling the bloody history of scalphunting, and the other focusing on the founding of the reservation that acts as the book’s primary setting.

3) Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #6

Since this book only sees print every other month I like to remind people of it once it’s released.  Allen Heinberg and Jim Cheung continue their story that is reintroducing the Scarlet Witch to the Marvel Universe.  This issue sees numerous Avengers and mutants finally confronting the Scarlet Witch for her previous atrocities (like House of M and Avengers: Disassembled).

4) Detective Comics #878

This issue wraps up the “Hungry City” story, and has Scott Snyder and Jock pitting Batman against smugglers and pirates.  In addition Snyder and Francesco Francavilla are on hand to continue their fine Commissioner Gordon backup features.  Just for the sake of repetition I’ll say it one more time: Batman vs. Pirates!

5) Incal: Classic Collection HC

American audiences can finally bask in the greatness of this long overdue, affordable hardcover edition of one of the legendary Moebius’ greatest works.  Alongside writer Alejandro Jodorowsky, this volume features over 300 pages of beautfiul, intricate art from Moebius.  There’s plenty to enjoy here, from aliens and monsters, to technological and architectural wonders.  Kudos to Humanoids Publishing for bringing this work back to print in such a fine manner.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Batman Incorporated #7, Daredevil Reborn HC, Walking Dead #86, The Iron Age #1, Creepy Comics #6, and Flashpoint titles (Project Superman, The Canterbury Cricket, and Hal Jordan).

Our friends over at The Dollar Bin not only provided us with great sound and technical support on all of our panels at HeroesCon 2011, they have started posting recordings of some of that coverage on their website. Head on over to The Dollar Bin to check them out or follow the direct links below. Thanks guys!

• Historical Comics
• Teaching Comics
• Fear Itself with Matt Fraction
• FF: Retooling the Flagship with Jonathan Hickman & Steve Epting
• Green Lantern
• Family Friendly Comics

1) Ultimate Spider-man #160

This final issue of the title features what Marvel is teasing as the true death of their Ultimate flagship character.  With a new character assuming the mantle and starting a new series later this year, this is arguably the biggest event to happen in the Ultimate universe.  With press coverage of this issue abounding this week, expect lots of non-regular customers to walk in the shop looking for this one.

2) Rocketeer Adventures #2

IDW’s tribute miniseries to Dave Stevens continues this week.  Issue two features an incredible lineup of creators paying homage to Stevens, including the likes of Darwyn Cooke, Geof Darrow, Mark Waid, Chris Weston, Dave Stewart, Gene Ha, and Alex Ross.  The great thing about this series is that all these creators clearly love and respect Stevens, and it shows in the work they are producing.

3) Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search #1

If you hadn’t heard, DC reintroduced Swamp Thing back into the non-Vertigo universe at the end of Brightest Day.  This three issue miniseries also brings John Constantine over and will deal with the characters in their new DCU roles.  What does this mean for the Vertigo line?  Will we see even more Vertigo characters start to transition back to the DCU? Perhaps this series will provide some answers.

4) Dark Horse Presents #2

This second issue of Dark Horse’s fabled anthology title features the likes of Paul Chadwick, Richard Corben, Howard Chaykin, Carla Speed McNeil, Michael T. Gilbert, Neal Adams, and a fantastic new story from Sanford Greene, plus several more.  That’s a lot of talented creators working on their own original material.  This is one book definitely worth picking up.

5)  Batman: Gates of Gotham #2

Scott Snyder, Kyle Higgins, and Trever McCarthy continue their miniseries spotlighting the history of Gotham City, its’ founding fathers, and the legacy they left behind.  If you missed the first issue, this story is a unique combination of history, architecture, and the slow decay of a metropolitan city.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: The Mighty Thor #3, Guild: Bladezz one shot, Action Comics #902, Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates #5, and X-men: Age of X HC.

Not only did our friends from Project: Rooftop host an excellent panel while visiting HeroesCon this year, they were also asked by the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund to redesign Lady Liberty. Check out this video documenting the fun! Thanks to the folks at Project: Rooftop and the CBLDF for helping make HeroesCon 2011 such a great event!

1) Flashpoint titles

This week sees several new Flashpoint tie-in miniseries including Deadman and the Flying Graysons, Grodd of War, Legion of Doom, and Wonder Woman and the Furies. Read and find out how this bizarre mix of characters are different in the Flashpoint version of the DCU.

2) Captain America Corps #1

Roger Stern and Phillip Briones tell this tale of five Captain America characters united by a cosmic being in order to save America and the world from a large threat. Featuring two Captain Americas, U.S. Agent, and more, this one should have some appeal for fans of the upcoming film, as well as the Stern faithful among you.

3) Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #5

If you caught the Heroes Discussion Group panel at HeroesCon with creators Chris Roberson and Chrissie Zullo, you undoubtedly caught a glimpse as to why this series is as popular as it is. If you’re a Fables fan and haven’t yet picked this one up, you should definitely see what you’re missing. Also, we should take a quick moment to wish cover artist Chrissie Zullo well in her upcoming move to NewYork. She’s a talented artist and a good friend of Heroes, and we know she’s got even greater things ahead of her.  Good luck, Chrissie!

4) Graveyard of Empires #1

Mark Sable and Paul Azaceta bring us a modern horror tale fusing zombies with the atrocities of terrorism and war set against the backdrop of Afghanistan.  Azaceta was a recent guest at HeroesCon and I saw several pages from the series.  He’s a diverse artists who has tackled everything from Spider-man to B.P.R.D., and even more fantasy-based stories, and the pages I saw suggest he’s pushing himself into even new creative territories.  Pick up this book and support a talented artist deserving of more attention.

5) Alpha Flight #1

This issue kicks off an 8 issue maxi-series spinning out of Fear Itself.  This issue co-written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente and penciled by Dale Eaglesham features a fairly extensive sketchbook section and an interview with both Pak and Van Lente.  Not bad for a $3.99 book!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Walking Dead TP vol. 14, Power Girl #25, Sixth Gun TP vol. 2, Kirby Genesis #1, and Hellboy Library Edition vol. 4.

This year Heroes Convention and the Drink and Draw Social Club hosted a charity event on Friday night after day one of the show. We got together at Fuel Pizza across the street from the Charlotte Convention Center and drew pictures on coasters that were then given to folks who donated to the charity. All the proceeds went to Team Cul de Sac to benefit Parkinson’s Disease research! Learn more here!

Thanks to HeroesCon guests and founders of the Drink and Draw Social Club, Dave Johnson, Dan Panosian, & Jeff Johnson for teaming up with us on this great event. Also, thanks very much to everyone who came out! We hope it becomes an annual tradition! More photos here!

Thanks again everyone for making HeroesCon 2011 so great! Here are some links to what others saw and did at the show. More memories and photos from HeroesCon 2011 to come! Next year is our 30th anniversary show, don’t miss it!

AdHouse Books Blog » Random HeroesCon 2011 Thoughts
Paige Hogan’s Photos from Heroes Con 2011 | CLT Blog
The Beat’s HeroesCon Coverage
Big Dog’s Studio: Heroes Con 2011 – Con Report
Comic News Insider’s Coverage
The Comics Reporter: Collective Memory: Heroes Con 2011
crayons and cupcakes: HEROESCON 2011
Doug Dabbs
Dollar Bin
Exile on Plain Street: HeroesCon 2011: Heather’s Wrap Up Report
Heroes Con 2011 – Day 1 » Ben Towle: Cartoonist, Educator, Hobo
Heroes Con 2011 – Day 2 » Ben Towle: Cartoonist, Educator, Hobo
Heroes Con 2011 – Day 3 » Ben Towle: Cartoonist, Educator, Hobo
Wook Jin Clark: Heroes Con 2011 Wrapup!
Joe Simon – My Life in Comics – Golden Age of Comic Books
Jackie Lewis: Heroes Con 2011
Jamie Cosley: Heroes Con = Best Con Ever!!!
McGeeks | HeroesCon 2011: The Thor Panel With Matt Fraction, Roger Langridge, and Jonathan Hickman
Andrew Robinson: Next Exit Comics: King Conan painting 5.0
Rich Barrett’s HeroesCon 2011 Report
HeroesCon Recap: Photo Essay/Day 3 | Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources
HeroesCon Recap: Photo Essay | Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources
SABRECAT – Heroes Con 2011
Team Cul de Sac: Heroescon update!
Eric Canete [ e ]: HEROESCON 2011_commissions
Kill Shakespeare
That F’ing Monkey: Heroes Con 2011: Interviews Part 1
That F’ing Monkey: Heroes Convention 2011: Nat Jones and ’68
The Adventurers Club: Heroes Con 2011 – Day 1 – Artists
The Panelists | Heroes Con 2011: Not All About Longboxes
Cartoonist draws peace from imagination | CharlotteObserver.com
Josh Latta: Who Let The Nerds Out? Heroes Con 2011 In Review

Twitter @heroesonline & #HeroesCon

MTV GEEK COVERAGE
HeroesCon » MTV Geek
HeroesCon 2011: Evan Dorkin, Roger Langridge and Richard Thompson Talk Humor in Comics
Artist Skottie Young Talks About Drawing Chickens and Digital Downloads
HeroesCon 2011: Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting On Remaking The FF
HeroesCon 2011: Project Rooftop Panel Highlights Redesigning The Superhero Costume
HeroesCon 2011: Artist Peter Krause Talks To Us About Leaving Irredeemable

VIDEO
YouTube – 2011 Heroes Convention Charlotte, NC
Brian Stelfreeze Alice
YouTube – Skottie Young sketches a flying monkey at Heroes Con 2011
YouTube – Brandon Peterson sketches Captain America at Heroes Con 2011
YouTube – ALFG Visits HEROES CON: 20111
YouTube – Heroes Con 2011 Slideshow
YouTube – Heroes Con Day #2
YouTube – HEROESCON 2011 DAY #3

It’s just a few days after HeroesCon ’11 and we’re all in recovery mode. We can’t thank you enough for helping us make this year’s Con one of our best! Now with a weekend of comics love behind us, it’s back to work for all of us. Here’s a few titles that you should consider in your shopping this week.

1) Congress of the Animals HC

The inimitable Jim Woodring follows up last year’s critically acclaimed Weathercraft with this latest Frank offering.  If you’re a fan of Woodring’s classic wordless comic, you already know you’ll enjoy this.  If you’re not that familiar with this respected artist, check out this book to see one of comics’ most unique artists at work.

2) Ghost Rider #0.1

Ghost Rider gets another series this week courtesy of Rob Williams and Matthew Clark. With a new Spirit of Vengeance set to take over the hellfire, check out this issue to see what that means for Johnny Blaze.

3) Mystery Men #1

Another series from Marvel’s early days sees print this week courtesy of writer David Liss and artist Patrick Zircher. Featuring characters called The Operative, Aviatrix, the Surgeon, the Revanent, and Achilles, this series builds on the recent popularity of nostaglia tales, but offers up an untold conspiracy tale from Marvel’s past.

4) Iron Age: Alpha #1

This new series from Rob Williams and Rebekah Isaacs focuses on the return of the Dark Phoenix. Her subsequent destruction of Earth forces Iron Man and other heroes to try to change that outcome by traveling through time.

5) Disney’s Mickey Mouse HC vol. 1 Death Valley

Without a doubt, this book is one that we at Heroes have been most looking forward to this year. Fantagraphics starts their collections of Floyd Gottfredson’s rarely reprinted Mickey strips this week.  Many forget that these strips were very much an adventure serial in their early years, and far removed from the simple cuteness of later animated efforts.  This first volume should be a welcome addition to the library of any collector of classic art and comic strips.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Dave McKean’s Celluloid, Flashpoint tie-ins galore! (Citizen Cold, Deathstroke, Emporer Aquaman, Frankenstein), Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Kilowog, Green Lantern Movie Prequel: Tomar Re.

• That Shelley Drum, and her Staff of Registration Booth Awesomeness featuring Jenny Bement, provided the perfect first impression to all of our Artists and Patrons
• That The Heroes Booth once again was the best at the Con. Seth Peagler and Phil Southern outdid themselves yet again!
• That Ben Towle and Craig Fischer are amazing!  Moebius and Blueberry Cake–genius!
• That  C.J. and Justin deserve special kudos for holding down the fort whilst the rest of us drank up all the weekend’s profits.
• That Steve Saffel, Dana Hayward and Dr.Scott Valeri are ROCKS who kept me (sorta) sane
• That we all owe the Lord Above a major solid for shifting the winds around for us on Sunday night
• That along with the aforementioned deity, I owe a major solid to Jimmy Aquino, Chad Bowers, Adam Daughhetee (OK, a few more than one solid!), Doug Merkle, Brandon Padgett, Shawn Daughhetee, Matthew Knapik, Chris Schweizer, Winslow Drum, DC’s Eddie Berganza, Vy Tran and Dustin Harbin! And Rico for all his fabulous ideas.Thanks guys’n’ gal.
• That Richard Thompson and Roger Langridge helped to make this one of the best weekends of my life!
• That The Comic Strip was an Awesome idea; I could have spent every moment of the Con roaming around there!  Let’s do it again next year!
• That after all those Subs, Calzones and Chick-Fil-A, I really need to eat a green vegetable–STAT
• That our stalwart Information Booth anchored by the always fabulous Charles Foesch and his partner, HeroesCon In-house Counsel, Heather McKinney is the place to be for fun and focus all weekend long.
• That each one of us contemplated–at least for a few moments– abandoning our current lives and joining Rusty Baily in Hawaii. ALOHA!
• That it should be said again and again, that the Art Auction Duo of Michaele Autry and Trey Alexander are the reigning MVPs of HeroesCon
• That Izzy Renzi is our new BFF and a whiz with the hole-punch.
• That every year, the Quick Draw remains the most delightful and (sometimes) heart-wrenching event at HeroesCon.  Don’t believe it?  Come by next year and see.
• That in addition to being the next up-and-coming Panel Moderator Extraordinaire, Doug “Rain Man” Merkle remains an excellent driver
• That Heidi MacDonald from The Beat rocks!  Thank you so much for all your effort and advice!  God bless ya!
• That I was proven correct by the Saturday morning panel discussion– Wednesday Comics was the most exciting publication of last year
• That Chris (Cinderella) Roberson speaks as cleverly and as wittily as he writes–and that is saying something!
• That collectively all of Charlotte will shed a tear or two when Chrissie Zullo departs for NYC

photo by Vy Tran

• That Darwyn Cooke is one of the most engaging conversationalists in the industry and
• That everyone who has not read The Hunter or The Outfit are doing themselves a major disservice
• That I will always have an extra special place in my pure fan-boy heart for Jim Scancarelli, Marcus Hamilton, Joe Staton, Mike Rhode, John Read, Irwin Hasen, Nick Cardy and Alex Saviuk.
• That I owe all the success of this years panels to my Dream Team- the multi-hued, multi-talented Karla Marsh, the always vivacious Pants (yaaaay!), the always colorful Val Staples and our tireless and brilliant friends–the crew from the DollarBin– Adam Daughhetee and his not so evil minions Devin and that Ted Tarver person
• That HeroesCon remains THE best and most family friendly Comic convention in the US today
• That everyone I’ve forgotten will please forgive me, I am still a tad shredded by all the weekend’s activity!
• That Rico Renzi is a beacon of calm leadership and innovative thinking in the midst of mounting (albeit controlled) chaos. Well Done sir!  Outstanding!!!

and finally

• That in the pantheon of the all-time Great Conventioneers, Store Owners and Comic Collectors, Shelton Drum’s place must be listed simply as “none higher “

See you in 385

HeroesCon 2011 was AMAZING! We would like to thank all the great (and polite) fans, talented (and good-looking) creators, accommodating (and well-stocked) exhibitors, and of course our amazing (and tireless) volunteers for another great Heroes Convention! Attendance was up from last year and we hope that everyone that came had a great time. HeroesCon always feels like a family reunion with a comic convention wrapped inside of it and we hope you get the same feeling. We hope all of our new “family members” will return for many years to come. We’ll be posting pictures and memories (send us your links!) from the show here on the blog so check back for that soon. Thanks again to everyone that made 2011 an unforgettable year for our show, don’t be strangers, and we’ll see you next year for our 30th Anniversary Heroes Convention, it’ll be a doozy!