1) Venom #1

For those who think that Venom is just a murderous, slobbering thorn in Spider-man’s side, you might be genuinely surprised to see where Marvel is taking the character in this new series.  Directed by Rick Remender and Tony Moore, this new Venom twists the concept in a unique way, not only by giving the symbiote to Spider-man supporting cast mainstay Flash Thompson, but by incorporating more militaristic elements into the character’s new identity.  It’s Venom being used as a willing weapon by the U.S. Armed Forces, and Flash trying to control the living weapon’s baser tendencies.

2) Batman Incorporated #3

Batman Incorporated has had a solid, easily accessible start thus far.  It’s greatest success is that it doesn’t bog you down with continuity issues.  All you need to know is that Bruce Wayne is now an international Batman of sorts, and spends a lot of time traveling the globe setting up and interacting with a global cadre of Batmen.  This isn’t Grant Morrison’s most groundbreaking work, and I wouldn’t say he’s even trying to reinvent the wheel.  It is, however, a fun comic that so far has been worth the read.  A word should also be said for artist Yanick Paquette, whose art complements the global settings quite nicely.

3) Freeway GN

The Fantagraphics website (link to it here!) has done a fine job of late in posting video clips of their new titles.  That’s where I found out about this new graphic novel by animator/cartoonist Mark Kalesniko.  Occurring during a California traffic jam, Kalesniko uses the helplessness and restlessness of that setting to mirror his protagonist’s own internal frustrations.  The novel setting lends itself well to what looks to be a good existential story, but the quality of Kalesniko’s cartooning adds fluidity to a story where the character is stuck in literal and figurative ways.

4) Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #2

The second issue of the second Cinderella spinoff miniseries arrives this week.  Writer Chris Roberson and artist Shawn McManus helm the story of the Fables world’s espionage agent.  Also check out the awesome cover art from Charlotte artist Chrissie Zullo!

5) Stuff of Legend: the Jungle #4

This book has been slowly building a loyal readership base since it debuted last year.  Set in ’40’s era Brooklyn and featuring a cast of toys as protagonists against the villainous Boogeyman, Stuff of Legend reads like a darker version of Toy Story.  Writers Mike Raicht and Brian Smith wrap up their second miniseries this week alongside the fine and intricate line work of series artist Charles Paul Wilson III.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Sigil #1, B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Gods #3, Superboy #5, Hawkeye: Blind Spot #2, Walking Dead #82, and Thor: The Mighty Avenger TP vol. 2.