Happy Independence Day from all of us at Heroes!  It’s a rare thing for new books to be released on a holiday, so take advantage of it and let comics be a part of your celebration!

1) Batman: Earth One HC

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank are behind this new continuity-free graphic novel that examines the early days of Batman.  Like Superman: Earth One from a few years ago, this book is ideal for new readers, while still appealing to diehard fans.  By operating outside of regular continuity, the creators have an easier time of investigating the humanity, strengths and shortcomings of these iconic characters.

2) He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1

There are plenty of us out there who grew up with He-Man being a part of our eighties cartoon diet.  This new series from DC appeals not only to that fanbase, but offers intrigue to non-Masters fans as well.  For example, isn’t it interesting that DC would publish a new He-Man series now?  And more than that, that they’d enlist James Robinson and Philip Tan to bring the story to readers?  Curious indeed.

3) Infernal Man-Thing #1

There are plenty of reasons to give this book a try: 1) It was written by the late, great Steve Gerber. 2) It features amazing art from the masterful Kevin Nowlan. 3) Marvel is offering this issue with bonus content and no ads.  This one’s already been getting advanced buzz, so don’t forget it this week.

4) Muppets #1

In our second lost-in-limbo pick of the week we have the final Muppets stories from Roger Langridge.  Roger wrote and illustrated these four issues before Boom! Studios lost the rights to the Muppets, and we’re all fortunate that they’re finally seeing print.  Not only are these stories full of timeless Muppet humor, but they’re full of the classic cartooning you can always expect from Langridge.

5) Avengers vs. X-men #7

Matt Fraction and Olivier Coipel handle this issue of Marvel’s big event.  The teasers say the words “No More Avengers” will be uttered.  Regardless of when and how that happens, give this issue a look. Coipel’s doing some fine work here.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Action Comics #11, World’s Finest #3, Animal Man #11, Wolverine #310, Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1, Thief of Thieves #6, Creator Owned Heroes #2, Rocketeer Adventures 2 #4, Earth 2 #3, Battlepug vol. 1 HC, Fairest #5 and Popeye #3.