It’s Christmas week here at Heroes and we’re all working hard to make sure you have lots of comics to enjoy as we wrap up 2011.  Here are just a few of the books that will hit stands this Wednesday.  All of us at Heroes hope you and yours have a blessed holiday season.

1) Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes #1

This 80 page oneshot from Grant Morrison, Chris Burnham, and Cameron Stewart picks up right where the acclaimed Batman Incorporated series left off.  Not only should this issue answer several unanswered questions left from that series, but it’s said to finally reveal the true identity of the mysterious Leviathan.

2) Wolverine and the X-men #3

This series continues to deliver solid, enjoyable comics that seem to be giving X-men fans lots to be happy with, like an amped up Iceman, fun new characters like a Brood student and Kid Gladiator, and the new Hellfire Club running amok with their very own Wendigo and Sauron!  If you haven’t already, pick up the first three issues this week and you’re guaranteed to have some great comics to read over the holiday weekend.  Kudos to Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo for making the X-men fun again.

3) Wonder Woman #4

Why not talk one more time this year about the comics bliss that is Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman?  Equal parts horror, mythology, and super hero tale, the talented pair have delivered one of the best comics of DC’s 52 relaunch.  Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the work of Cliff Chiang before you meet him at the Charlotte MiniCon.  Aside from having a broad catalog of comics work, Cliff always delivers quality art on whatever book he illustrates.  Wonder Woman is just another example of that.

4) Tales Designed to Thrizzle #7

Michael Kupperman returns with the latest volume of his hilarious comic.  Riding high off the critical acclaim he received for this year’s Mark Twain’s Autobiography1910-2010, in this issue Kupperman offers up stories like Saint Peter Comics, Hamanimal, Reservoir Dogs 2, and Twain and Einstein.  Kupperman’s one of the best when it comes to solid comics storytelling, nice line work, and abounding humor.

5) Uncanny X-force #19

Rarely do you get a chance to read two new issues of a title two weeks in a row, so if you’re an X-force fan, take advantage of it this week.  Rick Remnder kicks off the next chapter of X-force with a new direction, new members, and the debut of new artist Robbi Rodriguez, who is sure to garner attention for his work on this book.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Lady Mechanika #3, Tony Millionaire’s 500 Portraits, Activity #1, Fantastic Four #601, Sergio Aragones’ Funnies #6, Batman #4, Jubilee by Robert Kirkman TP, and Art of Joe Jusko HC.

1) Avengers X-Sanction #1

This series not only brings Cable back to the present day Marvel universe, but sets up 2012′s huge Avengers vs. X-men crossover.  Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness helm this four issue limited series that features Cable trying to destroy the Avengers.  If you stop by the store this week make sure to pick up one of our Heroes exclusive variant covers for this issue.  These were printed just for us, and are extremely rare, but you can be sure to find them at Heroes.

2) Jim Henson’s The Storyteller HC

You might not remember the television series of the same name, but if you loved the recent Muppets movie, here’s your chance to delve further into the genius work of Jim Henson.  Archaia brings the t.v. show’s premise of a storyteller and his dog to the comics medium in a logical anthology format with the help of creators like Roger Langridge, Jeff Parker, Ron Marz, Marjorie Liu, Paul Tobin, Craig Rousseau, Tom Fowler, Francesco Francavilla, Janet Lee and more.  Aside from being a great gift idea, this one will undoubtedly be an enjoyable book because you know the contributers all have lots of love and respect for Henson.  That’s bound to show in their work.

3) Uncanny X-force #18

If you haven’t yet given Uncanny X-force a try, you’re missing out on one of the most consistently well done and entertaining X books on the shelves.  This week sees the end of Rick Remender and Jerome Opena’s Dark Angel Saga, and Marvel has hinted that at least one character might meet his/her demise in this issue.  This issue also sets up issue 19′s new creative team of returning writer Remender and new artist Robbi Rodriguez, who is a talented artist deserving more attention for his quality work.

4) Rocketeer Adventures HC

One of 2011′s best anthologies receives hardcover treatment this week.  Paying tribute to the late Dave Stevens, IDW brought together a veritable who’s who of modern comics greats to bring new stories of Steven’s most celebrated creation back to comics.  Among the contributers are Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, John Cassaday, Dave Gibbons, John Arcudi, Ryan Sook, Mark Waid, Bruce Timm, Kurt Busiek, Tony Harris, Tommy Lee Edwards, Alex Ross and many others.  Like this week’s The Storyteller, you know the creators involved with this project worked as a labor of love to Stevens and his inimitable contribution to the comics industry. Dig that pin up from the talented Stephanie Buscema!

5) Carnage U.S.A. #1

Zeb Wells and Clayton Crain always do well with their Carnage mini series, and this one should please fans.  This time around the pair send America’s favorite murderous symbiote to America’s heartland, where his violent exploits draw the attention and ire of Spider-man and the Avengers.  While this isn’t exactly a family friendly comic to read with your kids around the Christmas tree, it is something Spidey and Carnage fans should really enjoy.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Batwoman #4, Fables TP vol. 16, Chuck Jones: Dream That Never Was HC, Green Lantern #4, Red Wing TP, Roger Langridge’s Snarked #3, Shade #3, Batgirl #4, and Witchblade #150.

1) Defenders #1

Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson bring us a new incarnation of the Defenders this week.  This title has always been an odd one to grasp for some readers, but the creators and characters included on this launch suggest that Marvel is trying to raise the status of this brand.  There are classic Defenders like Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer and Namor around again, but this time there are also characters like Red She-Hulk and Iron Fist in the mix.  Suffice to say, this won’t be like the Secret Defenders title of the ’90′s.

2) Animal Man #4

Animal Man has quickly become one of the highest regarded of DC’s new 52 titles.  Though the book is quite horror-based for a mainstream DC book and could easily have been included among the Vertigo titles, it is maintaining its quality thus far because creators Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman balance the literal horrors with the psychological stresses of parenthood and the need to protect your kids against all kinds of threats.  This juxtaposition has its drama increased by the fact that Animal Man’s young daughter has developed scary powers of her own.  The result is a multilayered story of a family struggling with numerous difficulties, all wrapped in the bright colored trappings of a superhero comic

3) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #1 Raphael

IDW’s recent success with their new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic has paved the way for this first of several micro series.  The solo Raphael tale is told by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru, and sheds new light on the cantankerous Turtle, while also featuring cameos from other popular characters in the Turtle-verse.  Plus, check out that nice cover from Mouse Guard’s David Petersen!

4) Bad Doings and Big Ideas: A Bill Willingham Deluxe Edition HC

Fans of Fables might not realize that creator Bill Willingham had a lengthy career in comics long before he crafted that acclaimed series.  This 450+ page monster hardcover reprints lots of Willingham’s pre-Fables Vertigo work all in one handy collection.  In addition to the entire miniseries Proposition Player, featured here are several of Willingham’s minseries and oneshots set in the world of the Sandman, including Merv Pumpkinhead: Agent of D.R.E.A.M., which features art from his Fables collaborator Mark Buckingham.  Also worth mentioning are some of the other collaborators represented here, namely Bernie Wrightson and Kevin Nowlan.

Fun Fact: Beautiful cover painted James Bennett who illustrated the New York Times bestselling picture books “Tell Me A Scary Story… But Not Too Scary,” written by Carl Reiner and “Halloween,” written by Jerry Seinfeld. His conceptually humorous illustrations have appeared as covers and interiors for The New York Times, The L.A. Times, Forbes, Time, Sports Illustrated, Mad, Business Week, New York, Smithsonian, among others. -r.

5) Avenging Spider-man #2

Upon looking over issue one of Avenging Spider-man, several things stood out:  1) Zeb Wells is an underrated writer, and seems to have quietly developed a nice voice for himself in recent years. 2) Though I’m still not crazy about Joe Madureira’s pencils going straight to color without passing through the skilled hands of an inker, this book looks much better than the murky final product of Ultimates 3.  3) In addition to being a really fun read, this book at its best reminded me of the simple, direct entertainment of the old Marvel Team Up title, which is a great compliment.  It’s nice to have a Spider-man book on shelves that isn’t too bogged down with lots of continuity, and thus easily accessible.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Swamp Thing #4, Johnny Hazard Dailies HC vol. 1, Strange Talent of Luther Strode #3, Superman Secret Origin TP, Jack Kirby’s Fourth World Omnibus TP vol. 1, Mega Man #8, and Detective Comics #4.

1) Spaceman #2

Fans of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso’s 100 Bullets might’ve been surprised by the cold, sci-fi vibe of the first issue of their new 9 issue series.  It’s certainly a departure for the acclaimed creative duo, but also indicative of their desire to tell a decidedly different kind of story from 100 Bullets.  Check out Heroes staffer Justin Crouse’s recent review of issue one here to delve deeper into this truly odd and thought-provoking original series.

2) T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents vol. 2 #1

Nick Spencer kicks off the second volume of his acclaimed take on one of DC’s more unique properties.  Aided by artist Wes Craig, Spencer continues to explore the notion of people who accept super powers with the knowledge that they bring a death sentence with them.  Also available this week is the trade paperback collection of the first 10 issues of Spencer’s first volume of the series.

3) Uncanny X-men #2

Kieron Gillen and Carlos Pacheco continue their stories of the Cyclops-led X-men.  Aside from a resurrected Mr. Sinister figuring prominently in this initial story, I’m still curious to see how Gillen and Pacheco will set their book apart from the acclaimed Wolverine and the X-men title.  With a roster featuring more villainous mutants like Magneto, Namor, Danger, and a recently Juggernaut-powered Colossus, it seems like this will be the darker X-title.

4) Avengers Origins: Thor

In a previous spotlight I talked about how surprising the art on these Origins one shots has been.  This one features creators Kathryn Immonen and Al Barrionuevo, and more than that, features the story of a young Thor and how he came to obtain Mjolnir.  These stand alone issues are a smart gift idea for new and existing fans of the Thunder god.

5) Walking Dead Omnibus HC vol. 1

This is a perfect gift for fans of zombies or the popular Walking Dead t.v. show.  Collecting the first 24 issues of the popular Image title, this oversized, slip-cased deluxe collection will undoubtedly be a nice edition to anyone horror aficionado’s library.  Buy a copy and Robert Kirkman will send you a Christmas card!  Okay, he won’t, but I’m sure he’ll still appreciate it!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4, Batman: Odyssey vol. 2 #2,  Wolverine #19, Absolute Batman: Hush HC, FF #12, and B.P.R.D.: Being Human TP, Red Skull #5, and RASL TP vol. 3.

Happy Thanksgiving week to all our customers, readers, friends, and supporters!  We’re all thankful to be a part of Heroes, and happy to be part of a great comics community.  Here are some of this week’s new books that might help you fight off a potential turkey induced coma.

1) Fantastic Four #600

This is a huge anniversary issue for the FF, and looks to have plenty for fans of all things Fantastic Four.  Rumors are abounding that this one will feature the return of Johnny Storm, but more definite is the fact that Galactus, Annihilus, the Inhumans, and the entire Future Foundation will be on hand for this one hundred page mammoth issue.  Among the creators lending their talents to this milstone are an eclectic lineup of creators including Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Leinil Yu, Carmine Digiandomenico, Farel Dalrymple, and Ming Doyle.

2) Aquaman #3

In their quest to make Aquaman one of the pillars of DC’s superhero elite, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis have done a lot to not only give the character a fresh start, but have also surprised many readers with their version of the water-based hero.  This issue delves into the origins of the mysterious, violent characters the Trench, and addresses why these monsters have started attacking humans.

3) Milk and Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad HC

There are lots of reasons to consider this book. 1) It collects every Milk and Cheese comic from 1989 – 2010 along with extras and supplemental material.  That’s almost 250 pages for only $19.99! 2) In a single volume you can see exactly why so many people have been influenced by creator Evan Dorkin. 3) It’s full of subversive humor and a cornerstone of the underground comics movement.  4) It’s got this endorsement from comics genius David Mazzucchelli (of Asterios Polyp and Batman: Year One): “Evan’s calcium-rich creations are guaranteed to spread lactose intolerance everywhere.”  Do you really need any other reasons to pick this one up?

4) Wolverine and the X-men #2

With issue #1 all kinds of comics readers found an X-men book that had much of the joy they remembered about X-titles from decades past, as well a book that seemed less mired in many of the continuity problems of recent years.  A fresh start, a focused plan, and a fun, energetic comic that could only be brought to us by creators Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo, both of whom really seem to be in top form on this title.

5) Parker Martini Edition HC

Want to have an awe-inspiring book on hand at Thanksgiving to turn some of your family members on to comics?  Darwyn Cooke’s Parker books are ones I’ve frequently lent out or shown to family or friends to show them that comics can be as entertaining for adults as they are for kids.  This deluxe edition from IDW collects Cooke’s first two Parker books The Hunter and The Outfit, and also boasts nearly 70 pages of additional material including lots of artwork and a brand new 8 page story only available here.  While all this is worth the price, the biggest selling point for me is that you get 334 pages of Darwyn Cooke story and art in a 9 x 13 format!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Mighty Thor #8, Justice League Dark #3, Kick Ass 2 #5, Shade #2, Rocketeer Jetpack Treasury Edition, Dark Horse Presents #6, and Pogo: Complete Syndicated Strips HC vol. 1.

1) Wonder Woman #3

Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang continue their acclaimed run on this classic hero with this week’s third issue.  Aside from Azzarello’s unique inclusion of darker elements of mythology, it’s really hard to overstate just how good Chiang’s work on this book has been thus far.  If you’ve never read Wonder Woman before, now is a great time to start.

2) Batman #3

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman has focused on the darkness of Gotham City, as well as Batman in his detective role.  It’s also shaping up to be one of the more well-rounded runs on the book in recent years.  The pair continue to delve into the mystery of the Court of Owls this week, and as in Snyder’s recent Batman: Gates of Gotham miniseries, will be uncovering elements of Gotham’s past as well.

3) Captain America #4

The delayed fourth issue from Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven finally hits stands this week.  With Steve Rogers back as Captain America, this series has been looking to Cap’s past to help establish a new role for him in the present.  It should be interesting to see how Brubaker’s other upcoming Marvel work will tie into this title.  I’d like to remind everyone again about Fear Itself #7.1 that was released a few weeks ago.  If you’re a Cap fan, you definitely should pick up that stand alone issue that will set up all things Cap leading into 2012.

4) Avengers #19

The cover should give you a clue who will comprise the main Avengers lineup. With the Avengers film hitting theaters next year, it looks as though Marvel may be stabilizing this book and capitalizing on it as a place to build interest in their other potential film options.  Regardless of all those possibilities, longtime fans will be happy to see Black Panther and Vision back in the Avengers picture.  It’s also worth mentioning that Daniel Acuna has been turning out some really nice art over the past two issues.

5) Justice League #3

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee introduce Wonder Woman to the Justice League with this issue.  While Lee has crafted fan favorite runs on Batman and Superman before, he’s never really had the opportunity to illustrate the Amazonian Princess for more than a few issues at a time before now.  It’s a safe bet to assume he’s been looking forward to telling a Wonder Woman story for a while, and this issue might be the start of it.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Fear Itself #7.3, Paul Grist’s Mudman #1, Who Is Jake Ellis? TP, Nightwing #3, Incredible Hulk #2, John Carter: A Princess of Mars #3, and Bone: One Volume Color 20th Anniversary Sliplcase Edition.

Roger Langridge has been a part of HeroesCon for several years now, and has become one of the anchors of Indie Island.  Roger is a cartoonist who manages to garner respect and enthusiasm from a wide gamut of readers.  Kids love his comics, other cartoonists study his line work, and comics retailers appreciate the accessibility of his books.  He’s also a creator who manages to be as adept at crafting entertaining comics for properties that he didn’t create (The Muppet Show), as he is with characters he did (Fred the Clown).  Above all, if you’re lucky enough to talk to Roger, aside from the fact that he’s a genuinely nice person, you immediately understand that this is a guy who is passionate about comics.  He loves this medium, its history, and the possibility of turning new readers onto the joy of comics.  It is that combination of skill, respect, and enthusiasm that makes Roger such an interesting creator, and I’m happy to share a recent interview I conducted with him on the Heroes Blog.

Seth Peagler: First off, Roger, thanks for talking with me. Since issue #2 of Snarked! recently hit stands, I’d like to start there.  Your previous work on Fred the Clown shows that you have a real affinity for wordplay, but it seems like Snarked! is really giving you a chance to stretch out as a writer alongside your artwork. When it came time to do a new original series, was the idea of bringing Lewis Carroll into comics something that you’ve long considered?

Roger Langridge: Well, I’ve played in the Lewis Carroll sandbox a few times before – I did a Frankenstein meets Shirley Temple minicomic on the subject of Carroll, I’ve done some Carroll-inspired Fred the Clown strips, I did a Gonzo Mad Hatter Tea Party in The Muppet Show Comic, and Scott Gray and I did a Doctor Who story, The Autonomy Bug, which featured robot counterparts to a lot of Carroll characters. I’ve read the Alice books many, many times since I was a kid. So I was very familiar with that world before I started. When I was coming up with Snarked!, I had this idea that it would be a much easier sell if it featured some characters who were already familiar to a general audience, even if those characters had been filtered through my own sensibilities to a large extent. And I love writing comedy double acts. So I sort of started with the Walrus and the Carpenter as the central characters and built outwards from there.

RL: I enjoy throwing rhyme into my comics as an added textual (and textural!) element, I’ve done it extensively in both Fred the Clown and The Muppet Show Comic Book, so I thought, if I’m pillaging the works of Lewis Carroll, I might as well pillage his verse while I’m about it. It was a way of trying not to alienate too many of my existing readers as much as anything! I’ve kind of made myself known as “That Guy Who Puts Rhymes Into His Comics.”

1) Avenging Spider-man #1

Zeb Wells and Joe Madureira are kicking off their new Avengers-centric Spidey title this week.  Marking Madureira’s first major super hero comic work since Ultimates 3, there are plenty of his fans who will want to see him on a big book like this one.  The early promo art looks impressive, and while there might be reasons to dislike art that goes from pencils to digital inking and coloring with no involvement from an actual inker, this book looks much tighter than the Ultimates issues did, so pick it up and give it a try!

2) Green Lantern #3

This week’s issue from Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke features Hal Jordan and Sinestro teaming up to battle the Sinestro Corps.  While the Johns/Mahnke team is enough to get and keep people reading this title, there is a twist at the end of this issue that might be worth checking out for new readers too.  Also available this week are replacement copies of last week’s Red Lanterns, which were unfortunately damaged in transit.

3) Loose Ends #3

The acclaimed Southern Crime Romance from local creators Jason Latour, Chris Brunner, and Rico Renzi continues this week, with a third issue that should surprise you.  Comics fans, creators, and more are taking note of the series strengths, and it is a book that has more than lived up to its hype.  Latour is proving himself a solid writer in addition to his skills as an artist on other books, and Brunner and Renzi seem to have outdone themselves on this issue.  Check out the promo art to get a glimpse at some of Charlotte’s talented comics creators.

4) Fear Itself #7.2

Last week’s Fear Itself #7.1 set up some major story threads that will  affect Captain America and the Marvel Universe in the coming year.  This issue by Matt Fraction and Adam Kubert focuses on Thor, and what happened to him in the fallout of Fear Itself.  Is he dead? Alive? Going through Ragnarok again?  Perhaps you’ll find out in this issue.

5)Marvel Point One #1

This 64 page one shot from Marvel sets up lots of new titles and storylines.  Aside from the return of fan favorite characters (like maybe a Human Rocket), this one also sets up some big surprises, and even has a rumored cliffhanger that will supposedly get people talking.  With a roster of creators including Jeph Loeb, Brian Bendis, Matt Fraction, Ed McGuinness, Bryan Hitch, and Salvador Larocca, Marvel is definitely putting some of their top talent on this book, and there’s probably a good reason for that.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #3, Magneto: Not a Hero #1, Batwoman #3, Ultimate Spider-man #4, and the Simon and Kirby Library HC: Crime.

1) Uncanny X-men #1

Marvel relaunches one of their biggest properties this week with writer Kieron Gillen and artist Carlos Pacheco.  Consisting of characters like Cyclops, Magneto, Emma Frost, Colossus, Storm, Namor, and Hope, this book looks to represent a thematic counterpoint to Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo’s school-based Wolverine and the X-men title.  With its roster of morally ambiguous characters, this title seems like it might be a book of mutants operating in gray areas.  It should be interesting to read both books together and see how Marvel aims to reshape the role of mutants within their universe.

2) Hellboy House of the Living Dead HC

Nothing says Halloween like an all new original Hellboy graphic novel!  Here Mike Mignola re-teams with Richard Corben to tell another story of Hellboy’s time in Mexico.  If you read their Hellboy in Mexico one shot from a year ago, you know how much fun this book should be.  In addition to HB’s inebriated encounters with luchadores, apparently he also has a wrestling match with a Frankenstein monster in this one!

3) Swamp Thing #3

It would be hard to write a Spotlight for the week of Halloween without mentioning Scott Snyder’s new Swamp Thing series.  Aside from continuing and broadening the history of DC’s muck monster, Snyder and artist Yanick Paquette (along with Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman on Animal Man) are bringing horror back to the mainstream DC universe, and producing entertaining stories in the process.

4) Avengers Origins Ant Man and Wasp #1

Our creative director Rico Renzi mentioned to me that I should check out work by this book’s artist Stephanie Hans, and I was admittedly impressed.  True, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle on seemingly endless Avengers titles, but this one is promising because Hans seems like a great fit for this book which documents the meeting of Ant Man and the Wasp, and how they went about becoming costumed heroes.  These Origins one shots are a great way to learn about some of Marvel’s classic characters if you’ve never read much about them before.

5) Batman Noel Deluxe HC

 While Lee Bermejo’s previous collaborations with writer Brian Azzarello Lex Luthor and Joker were critical and commercial successes, for this book Bermejo took up the writing reins to tell a story of several eras of Batman.  Aside from seeing Bermejo offer up interpretations of Batman and his villains through different parts of their history, this one was also inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Action Comics #3, Animal Man #3, Dark Shadows #1, Detective Comics #3, Fear Itself #7.1, Ganges #4, Joe the Barbarian HC Deluxe Edition, Six Guns #1, Roger Langridge’s Snarked #2.

1) Incredible Hulk #1

Marvel continues their wave of relaunches with this new title from Jason Aaron and Marc Silvestri.  Aside from offering an easy jumping on point for new readers, this new series should appeal to longtime Hulk fans because for the first time it features a story where Hulk and Banner are existing as separate beings.  With critically acclaimed work on characters like Wolverine and Ghost Rider, Aaron is a natural choice to write the Hulk.  Silvestri’s involvement is a bit surprising, but it could represent the artist’s desire to raise his profile like fellow Image founder Jim Lee is currently doing at DC.

2) Spaceman #1

There are lots of reasons to pick up this book: 1) It reunites the acclaimed creative team of 100 Bullets, writer Brian Azzarello, artist Eduardo Risso, and cover artist Dave Johnson. 2) Spaceman aims to turn science fiction on its ear the way 100 Bullets offered a new twist on crime fiction. 3) This is only a nine issue series, and this first issue is only $1.00! 4) If you’re not familiar with 100 Bullets, don’t worry! This series focuses on a genetically engineered protagonist, space pirates, and a post apocalyptic, intergalactic scenario, all of which should appeal to lots of sci fi fans.

3) Disney Mickey Mouse HC vol. 2: Treasure Island

Cheers to Fantagraphics for collecting these classic Floyd Gottfredson Mickey Mouse strips.  This second volume collects more of Gottfredson’s work from the thirties, and contains Mickey’s encounters with pirates, mad scientists, and exotic locales like jungles and creepy castles.  These strips also remind us that early Mickey stories were far removed from Disney’s later efforts to make Mickey a primarily youth oriented property.  Gottfredson’s strips are full of action, adventure, and even satire, and easily enjoyable to adults as well as kids.  Also available this week is a 2 volume box set containing both the first two Gottfredson Mickey books.

4) All Star Western #2

Don’t let All Star Western get lost in the new DC 52 shuffle.  Not only does this new series continue the well executed Jonah Hex stories from Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, but it features some impressive artwork from Moritat.  The creators have also pushed the character into an interesting new direction by having him team up with Amadeus Arkham (of Arkham Asylum fame) to hunt down Gotham City’s first serial killer.  All Star Western is shaping up to be a book that consistently delivers good stories, solid artwork, and a direction that should appeal to fans of Westerns and DC’s tumultuous history.

5) Wolverine and the X-men #1

Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo kick off this new X title that features Wolverine taking several mutants back to the ruins of the old X mansion in Westchester to start up a new school.  Along with classic mutants like Beast, Kitty Pryde, and Iceman, Wolverine’s team also includes the likes of Quentin Quire, Toad, and several younger mutants.  What stands out to me about this new book is that it returns Wolverine to an essential part of his character.  Some might think it odd to see Logan in the role of school headmaster, but he always played the role of mentor to younger mutants like Kitty Pryde and Jubilee, so this seems like a natural progression and return for the character.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Aquaman #2, Avengers Solo #1, Daredevil #5, Flash #2, Justice League Dark #2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ongoing #3, Ultimate Comics Ultimates #3, and Walking Dead #90.