1) Joe the Barbarian #8

This week’s ‘better late than never’ pick has to be this final issue from Grant Morrison and Sean Gordon Murphy.  While everybody hates when books ship late, I know there are lots of you out there who enjoyed this miniseries, so don’t pass up the chance to see how the acclaimed comic wraps up.  If you need another reason to purchase this one, yesterday artist Sean Murphy was just announced as a guest at HeroesCon ’11!  Read all about that announcement here!

2) 5 Ronin #1

As far as I can tell, this book focuses on Wolverine, Punisher, Deadpool, Psylocke, and Hulk in 17th century Japan.  Peter Milligan and Tomm Coker are the creators on this miniseries, and while I’m not sure either one of those names might be ones you’d typically associate with ninja stories, the previews look promising.   Who wouldn’t want to read a Wolverine in feudal Japan story?

3) Oz Primer

This handy primer of Marvel’s excellent Oz adaptations acts not only as a great introduction to their interpretations of the classic Frank Baum characters, but also catches readers up on some of the lesser known characters from the recent Marvelous Lands of Oz and Ozma of Oz miniseries.’  Also worth noting is that this primer contains interviews with Oz writer Eric Shanower and artist Skottie Young.

4) Batman Beyond #3

This series from Adam Beechen and Ryan Benjamin continues to impress fans of the animated series as well as readers looking for a Batman story that doesn’t heavily rely on modern continuity.  Issue three continues last issue’s appearance of the future Justice League, and also features the villainous Matter Master.  For fans of this series, don’t forget to check out my recent interview with artist Ryan Benjamin here!  Also this week is the release of the series’ first trade paperback.

5) Emma #1

Marvel has done a respectable job of adapting classics from literature for fans of funny books.  This adaptation of one of Jane Austen’s most famous works is adapted by the writer of the Sense and Sensibility comic, Nancy Butler, and illustratedby Janet Lee, an artist most of you should be familiar with for her recent book Return of the Dapper Men.  Both Sense and Sensibility and Return of the Dapper Men sold very quickly, with many non-comic readers taking interest.  If you’re a fan of Austen or either of these creators, make sure you pick up this one, as it’s likely to sell out.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Annihilators #1 (Marvel’s latest cosmic miniseries), Popeye HC vol. 5, Secret Six #31, Captain America and Falcon #1, Green Lantern #63 (a prelude to the War of the Green Lanterns story), and Takio, the latest offering from Bendis and Oeming.