RICO’S PICK :: MULTIPLE WARHEADS: ALPHABET TO INFINITY #1: I’m always excited when a new Brandon Graham comic hits the shelves! The organic way everything is connected in his books is rarer than it should be in comics. If you like beautifully illustrated comics with heart and humor you should check this out, his comics game is STRONG!

JASON’S PICK :: CAPTAIN AMERICA #19: It’s the end of an era. This issue not only brings to a close the most current volume of Cap’s title, it also brings to a close Ed Brubaker’s epic, years-long run on the character, which gave us everything from the never-would-have-believed-it-would-work return of Bucky to the death and return of Captain America. Brubaker has hit everything from dark espionage to high-stakes superhero action during his run, and I’m excited (and a little bit sad) to see how he wraps it all up before handing off the reins to Rick Remender for next month’s Marvel NOW! relaunch.

ANDY’S PICK :: MAD’S GREATEST ARTISTS: MORT DRUCKER HC: As a young fan of all-things comics and movies, one of my favorite memories of preadolescence was catching my mom in a weak moment whilst grocery shopping (incessant whining, no haggard parent is immune to this form of Kryptonite) and getting her to fork out 35 hard earned cents (Cheap!) for the new issue of MAD Magazine. There was lots to love in every issue, Sergio’s Drawn out Dramas in the magazine’s margins, Dave Berg’s Lighter side of ….., Don Martin one page gags and of course the back cover Fold-In from Al Jaffee, but most often my favorite pieces were the Movie Parodies drawn by Mort Drucker. Somehow he could draw any movie or TV star realistically and still figure out a way to make it a slight and effective caricature. Never too much– it was always on the money. What a genius. And now we have a Best of Collection–MAD’S GREATEST ARTISTS MORT DRUCKER– 272 pages for only $30.00 (Cheap). If only my mom were here, she’d have the money waiting for me before I could get home for a quick visit, a little laundry and an incessant whine. Thanks Mom!

SETH’S PICK :: Father Gaetano’s Puppet Catechism Illustrated Novella: This is the latest collaboration between Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and writer Christopher Golden, following Joe Golem and the Drowning City and Baltimore, which started as a novel before turning into several comic series.  The joy of these books lies in their simplicity.  Mignola and Golden don’t presume to try to reinvent any kind of literary wheels, they just tell straightforward horror stories.  This one is set in World War II era Sicily and follows the troubled lives of orphans.  If the dregs of war weren’t enough, the orphans have to deal with a haunted puppet theater.  Like I said, there’s nothing especially unique about the premise, but thanks to the creators its bound to be an entertaining read.  And for those of you who don’t like books without pictures, don’t forget that this one is aided by Mignola’s illustrations throughout.

Trust me, I get it.  Money’s tight for a lot of us, and when you plop down $3.99 for a twenty page comic, you expect it to at least be worth the cost of admission.  It’s easy to buy a monthly title just because you always have.  It unconsciously becomes more about the routine than the book itself, and inevitably gets to be frustrating when you keep buying the book in spite of your waning interesting in it.  Some readers understandably turn to the act of “trade waiting,” or foregoing the purchase of a monthly title in favor of the more affordable trade paperback.  Still, the monthly comic book holds potential that isn’t always appreciated in these jaded times.  Here’s a brief look at what I think is one of the most underappreciated, innovative monthly comics on the stands today: Matt Kindt’s Mind Mgmt. (more…)

It looks like departments stores are already setting up their Christmas displays so it’s not too early for me to remind you that Heroes is a great place to do some Christmas shopping while you’re picking up your own comics.  From an excellent All Ages section to art books to comic strip collections, there’s something for everyone on your list.  There’s also the annual Holiday Sale for the bargain hunters among us.  Keep an eye on the blog for that announcement.

Avengers #1 and #2:  Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena take on an expanded Avengers roster as the team entered the Marvel NOW! era.  This title will be shipping twice a month and the preview art is stunning.  (Marvel Previews, pages 4-8)

Amazing Spider-Man #700: While new titles are launching in the Marvel-verse, this long running Spider-Man series is coming to an end.  It’s ending in a big way with 104 pages and some great covers, including a variant with the names of the creators who have worked on the book appearing in the city skyline. (Marvel Previews, pages 47-50)

Monsters, Inc. #1: Marvel is bringing another hit Disney movie into comics with this adaption of Monsters, Inc. in a mini-series that follows the adventures of a human girl who has sneaked into Monstropolis. (Marvel Previews, page 67)

Hellboy in Hell #1: Mike Mignola returns to both writing and drawing duties as we join Hellboy after his sacrifice in Great Britain landed him in hell with both familiar faces and a throne that have been awaiting his arrival. (pages 31-33)

Rotten Apple: Heroes regular, Sanford Greene, teams with writer Chuck Brown on a hunt for a priceless relic in the dystopian city of Rotten Apple. (page 50)

House of Fun:  Evan Dorkin brings the fun in only the way he can with this issue that includes new Milk and Cheese strips, stories from Dark Horse Presents and much, much more.  (page 66)

Django Unchained #1 and #2: Quentin Tarantino’s latest movie hits comics as an adaption of his full screenplay that tells the story of a dentist turned bounty hunter and his partner a newly freed slave.  If that’s not enough, the art for the series is provided by Scalped‘s R.M. Guera and Charlotte’s own Jason Latour.   (page 137)

Sweet Tooth #40: The journey of Gus comes to an end in this final issue of Jeff Lemire’s acclaimed series.   (page 143)

Dave Stevens’ The Rocketeer Artist’s Edition New Printing: If you missed out on the first printing of this beautiful artist’s edition, never fear, just in time for the holidays a new printing is available. (page 173)

MARA #1: Brian Wood and Ming Doyle tell the story of Mara Prince, a celebrity athlete with supernatural abilities that is now famous for all the wrong reasons.  Ming’s art is gorgeous and in Brian’s hands this is sure to be an interesting tale.   (pages 182-184)

Chew volume 6: Space Cakes TP : I’ve been reading Chew in trade and I am ecstatic that a new volume awaits me in December.  Collecting issues 26-30, plus the amazing Secret Agent Poyo one-shot, this trade is sure to make the Chew fan in your life have a very happy holidays indeed. (page 203)

Love and Rockets: The Covers: Fantagraphics has collected over 150 covers from Los Bros. Hernandez and brought them together in one glorious oversized art book for our viewing pleasure.  The covers are almost exclusively presented without cover logos or texts (page 296)

Mermin volume 1: Out of Water: Don’t miss the full color hardcover of the adventures of Mermin the Merman and his human friends after he washes ashore following his escape from the underwater kingdom of Mer.  Originally published by Joey Weiser in mini-comics, this new collection is sure to please comic fans of all ages. (pages 306-307)

Chu’s Day: A new children’s book from Neil Gaiman about a cute little panda with a giant sneeze is the only description anyone should need to pick up this adorable picture book.  (page 352)

Get a head start on holiday shopping with this month’s Previews order and don’t forget to throw in a little something for yourself!

RICO’S PICK :: B.P.R.D. 1948: This new B.P.R.D. looks like the perfect book for the season. Max Fiumara and Dave Stewart make everything look exciting and Max does a great and unique version of Hellboy as a…boy. Mignola and Arcudi’s latest B.P.R.D. tale is wrapped in a beautifully spooky Dave Johnson cover.

JUSTIN’S PICK :: CHARLES BURNS’ THE HIVE: Charles Burns is one of those guys whose work speaks for itself, a talent that’s undeniable. The Hive is part two – following 2010’s X’ed Out – of bedridden performance artist Doug’s bizarre Burroughsian odyssey. Think Tintin Goes to Interzone, and you’re on the right track.