1) Justice League #1

DC kicks off their company wide relaunch/reboot today with this little book from Geoff Johns and Jim Lee.  If you’re a reader who has any interest in how DC will manage this new direction, here’s the book to start you on your way.  Both Johns and Lee have strong reputations for bringing readers to a new title. I’m curious to see how they’ll work together, how long of a run they’re planning on producing together, and how they’ll make their mark on DC’s acclaimed team.  But before you read this issue, you should probably check out. . .

2) Flashpoint #5

Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert wrap up their DC-altering miniseries with this final issue.  In addition to including the war between Aquaman and the Atlantians  and Diana and the Amazons, events in this issue lead directly into DC’s new relaunch.  So if you want to find out what happens to restart these characters, here’s the place you should probablystop before picking up Justice League or any of next month’s new titles.

3) Rocketeer Adventures #4

For fans who enjoy older, pulp fueled stories, you’ll want a reminder that this book is out today.  As with the previous three issues, this one includes an all star lineup of creators paying homage to the late, great Dave Stevens.  Included in this issue are contributions from the likes of Dave Gibbons, Scott Hampton, Tony Harris, John Arcudi, Brendan McCarthy, and two pinups from Ashley Wood.  If you’re just looking for a simple, fun, continuity-free book to enjoy this week, this is the one for you.

4) Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #1

Last week saw Marvel kick off their newly updated Ultimate line with the Jonathan Hickman helmed Ultimates #1.  Hickman returns this week alongside Rafa Sandoval to tell a solo tale of SHIELD’s marksman extraordinaire.  With Hawkeye being a part of next year’s Avengers film and the character playing a more predominant role in the regular Marvel Universe in the coming months, this issue is a great place to start reading stories about the Avenging Archer.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Bone one volume color ed HC, Angel and Faith #1, Ghost World Special Edition HC, Gambit From the Marvel Vault #1, Secret Avengers #16, and Batman: Mad Love and other Stories TP.

If you’re a regular visitor to Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find, HeroesCon, or the Charlotte MiniCon, you’re probably familiar with the work of local creator Jason Latour.  In recent years he has worked on high profile books for Marvel and DC, and most recently, saw his co-created book Loose Ends see print from 12 Gauge Comics.  His work as both a writer and artist has received acclaim from comics fans, retailers, critics, and professionals alike.  This week I got a chance to talk with this longtime friend of Heroes about the development of his comics career, and how he worked to add writing to his extensive resume.

1) Loose Ends #2

Issue one of this locally produced southern crime comic sold out across the country, and was received well by comics fans, journalists, and professionals alike.  Creators Jason Latour, Chris Brunner, and Rico Renzi have clearly put lots of work into crafting this series, and it continues to show in this week’s issue #2.  Loose Ends operates with a fine understanding of the workings of crime fiction, but is equally conscious of the cinematic qualities of crime films.  Most importantly, the creators take this knowledge and execute their narrative with an awareness of how to tell solid comics stories.  Stay tuned to the Heroes blog later in the week, where I’ll have an in depth interview with writer Jason Latour.

2) Ultimate Comics Ultimates #1

The next chapter in the story of the Ultimate universe Avengers comes to us courtesy of Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic.  Marvel is kicking off the new direction of their Ultimate titles with this book, and these creators will bring a level of depth and craftsmanship to these characters that should make them appealing to those who like their comics entertaining and intelligent.

3) Wolverine #14

I’m spotlighting this last issue of the Red Right Hand storyline because it’s a great issue for those  who are curious to see how writer Jason Aaron aims to direct his upcoming Wolverine and the X-men book.  Aaron continues to dig into Wolverine’s psyche and emotions, and continues to pit him against villains who can really hurt him in varying ways.  This is solid, dependable, entertaining comics writing.

4) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1

Whether you loved the Turtles comics in the ’80’s or the entertainment juggernaut they became in the ’90’s, you’ll probably enjoy this new Turtles series from IDW.  Several of the series’ classic elements are still present, and co-creator Kevin Eastman is also on hand working on both story and layouts.  The art from Dan Duncan looks to me like a nice new take on the characters that still manages to retain some of the original’s energy.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: the jumbo sized Dark Horse Presents #3, Kick Ass 2 #3, Action Comics #904, Comics Journal #301, Captain America and Bucky #621, Graveyard of Empires #2, and Brigthest Day Aftermath: Search for Swamp Thing #3.

Thanks to all that came by to say hello, talk about HeroesCon 2012, or buy some comics, it was great seeing everyone. We had a great time in Baltimore, thank you Marc Nathan!

We’ll be heading to Raleigh, NC next Sunday, August 28th and bringing our talented artist friends, Chris Brunner (Loose Ends, Static Shock, Batman, Legends of the Dark Knight) and Bridgit Scheide (Brother Nash, Kindle Kind). Of course we’ll be bringing great comics too! Find out more about the show here.  See you there!

We’ve got another exciting addition to the Heroes free movie cavalcade! There are passes for a screening of The Debt on Tuesday the 30th in the store now. Based on the Israeli movie of the same name, the Debt is the story of the price we (secret agents) pay for our secrets. Starring Helen Mirren (RED) and Sam Worthington (Avatar).

We are honored to be selected by Creative Loafing Charlotte Staff and Readers as Best Comic Book Shop 2011. Thanks to CL, readers that voted, and all of our great customers! Here’s what CL had to say-

A repeat winner. We may have to retire this category again…because the gals and guys over at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find just keep hitting home runs. From producing star-studded events like Charlotte Mini Con, Free Comic Book Day, and HeroesCon to just carrying the most diverse mix of new and old comics in the city every day, nobody comes close to holding a candle to Heroes.

So, thanks again and congratulations to all our friends that were recognized in the issue, we love our city!

1) X-men: Schism #3

Those wary of the upcoming X-men relaunches need only read this mini series to be convinced that Marvel is getting the X-men back on track.  Writer Jason Aaron continues his streak of crafting characters with deep personalities and motivations, as he unfurls this story of the widening rift between the mutants.  This issue also features art from Daniel Acuna, who has been turning in some interesting work for Marvel in recent years.

2) Little Nothings vol. 4: My Shadow in the Distance

If you’re unfamiliar with these autobiographical strips from French cartoonist Lewis Trondheim, you should consider checking this book out.  Aside from their inherent humor, Trondheim’s use of watercolor is always impressive.  These are comics elevated above simple narratives of the self, and Trondheim always manages to relate to everyday people with his poignant observations of the mundane.

3) Daredevil #2

It’s a good sign when in the midst of Marvel and DC’s numerous relaunches and reboots, a book like this comes along and takes everyone by surprise.  Mark Waid and Paolo Rivera have removed Daredevil from a few decades of grim and gritty stories and returned him to some of his more swashbuckling roots.  Along for the ride this issue are Captain America and Klaw, whose sound-based abilities should prove to be an  unique challenge for the blind superhero.

4) Sergio Aragones Funnies #2

In theory, this book should sell itself quite easily. Featuring all new stories and art from Sergio, these are humorous and accessible comics at their best.  This issue features a take on King Kong, along with the story of Sergio’s first paid art gig.  Don’t forget, they’re all ages friendly, so pick one up for the kids!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Fear Itself: the Home Front #5, featuring an American Eagle story from local creator Jason Latour, Zatanna #16, Justice League of America #60, Ultimate Comics Fallout #6, and Captain America #2.

Holy statistics guys! We’ve got passes to 50/50, Seth Rogan’s new movie with Joseph Gordon-Levitt about a twenty-somethings struggle with cancer. Sure to be a light hearted look at a serious disease.

Be sure to stop by the store for a pass. The show is on Tuesday, August 16th at 7:30 pm. Also, the passes this time are admit one (1) rather than the traditional two (2). Have a great weekend everybody!

1) Hellboy: The Fury #3

In recent weeks creator Mike Mignola has talked about ending Hellboy as we know it.  The character will continue in some form or another with Mignola returning to his role as the character’s writer/artist, and with standalone flashback stories and graphic novels.  While characters in the  Marvel and DC universes regularly die and come back relatively quickly, Mignola is well known for killing characters and keeping them dead.  This issue from Mignola and Duncan Fegredo wraps up several years worth of stories, and will undoubtedly be the end of and era for the book.

2) Fear Itself #5

Fans of big comics action will be interested in picking up this latest issue from Marvel’s big summer event.  Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen promise a big throwdown between Thor, and the Worthy versions of Thing and Hulk.  Plus there are some dramatic changes for some of Marvel’s other big characters, all leading up to this book’s final issues.

3) Baltimore: The Curse Bells #1

Mike Mignola kicks off the second miniseries featuring his scarred vampire hunter.  Alongside first series’ collaborators Christopher Golden and Ben Stenbeck, Mignola continues his tale of Lord Baltimore on his quest for vengeance.  This is a dark, moody, horror tale that’s much closer to Bram Stoker’s original Dracula story than almost anything else you’ll find these days.

4) War of the Green Lanterns: Aftermath #2

This epilogue to the popular War of the Green Lanterns story sets up the next year’s worth of GL tales.  Not only have we been introduced to Earth’s new Green Lantern, but this series gives us an idea to how the GL Corps will start reacting to the new GL’s shocking identity.  Also be sure to pick up this week’s issue and support local comics artist Andy Smith, who contributes art to both this book and this week’s Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #3.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Amazing Spider-man #667, Blankets HC (new edition), Terry Moore’s Echo Complete Edition SC, Ultimate Fallout #5, and DC Retroactive: The ’80’s: Green Lantern, Justice League America, and Superman.