1) Avengers vs. X-men #0

Though Avengers vs. X-men #1 hits stands next week, the story really gets going in this week’s #0 issue.  Brian Bendis, Jason Aaron and Frank Cho kick things off with a story focusing on Scarlet Witch and Hope Summers, two characters who will be playing big parts in the upcoming series.  What roles will these two powerful characters play in the start of the conflict, and on what side of the skirmish might they end up?

2) B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Pickens County Horror #1

Mike Mignola’s B.P.R.D. has been heading down increasingly darker paths in recent years.  This new mini series takes B.P.R.D. agents down south to investigate a family of Southern vampires and their creepy Gothic homestead.  Mignola teams with co-writer Scott Allie for this one, and the artist is Charlotte’s own Jason Latour, whose distinctive art is a perfect match for the horrors found in Mignola’s universe.

3) Art of Daniel Clowes: Modern Cartoonist

In this all new exploration of the genius of Daniel Clowes, you’ll not only get to see prime examples of his artistic development over the years (from Eightball through Mister Wonderful), but also get to see lots of rare and unpublished work.  In addition, there are exploratory essays by fellow geniuses Chip Kidd and Chris Ware.  This one’s definitely the top art book of the week.

4) The New Deadwardians #1

In this third of March’s new Vertigo titles you’ll encounter vampires and zombies in post-Victorian England.  The twist is that most in the upper class are vampires, while those in the lower class are zombies.  The series follows a detective who has the difficult job of solving murders amid a society of the undead.  This one features writing from veteran creator Dan Abnett and art from newcomer Ian Culbard.

5) Brother Nash #1

No, this book isn’t one you’ll find on this week’s new releases page, but it is one you should know about.  Heroes’ own Bridgit Scheide offers up a collection of her popular online comic Brother Nash, and you can find a copy this week at Heroes!  If you’re not familiar with the story, it features everything from Native American folklore to supernatural baddies.  It’s also all experienced by a trucker who may not be exactly as he as seems.  Pick one up and support an awesome local creator!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Aquaman #7, Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred #3, Uncanny X-force #23, Walking Dead #95, Spaceman #5, Torpedo vol. 5 HC, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ongoing #8, Gonzo: A Graphic Biography of Hunter S. Thompson, Daredevil #10 and Justice League Dark #7.