It’s the first week of June, and with HeroesCon right around the corner, we want to make sure to remind you to pick up an advanced three day pass.  You can pick them up at your next visit to our store, or order them online HERE.

1) Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1

DC’s new Watchmen stories will undoubtedly be among the year’s best selling titles.  There’s plenty of controversy surrounding these books, but regardless of where you stand on the issue, everyone can take some measure of solace in knowing that there are some fantastic creators working on these books.  Case in point, this week’s Minutemen, which features story and art from the great Darwyn Cooke.  There’s also a Crimson Corsair backup from Len Wein and John Higgins.

2) Popeye #2

The first issue of IDW’s new Popeye series kind of surprised everyone, even though it shouldn’t have.  Roger Langridge continues to show that he’s as able a writer as he is a cartoonist, and the art by Bruce Ozella, Ken Wheaton and Tom Neely is very respectful to the original works by Segar.  This issue also features covers from both Langridge and acclaimed cartoonist Tony Millionaire.  Even if you’re not well-versed in Popeye lore, this is an accessible and entertaining series that will remind you why these characters have been around for so long.

3) Back Alleys and Urban Landscapes GN

This week’s pick for ‘Art Book’ of the week might not easily be classified as such.  This is a study and exploration of side streets and landscpes artist Michael Cho observed and captured in his hometown of Toronto.  It’s not exactly a narrative book, but Cho’s impressive art will still give you plenty of information about the identities of the city.

4) Creator Owned Heroes #1

Image debuts a new series this week that features the likes of Steve Niles, Kevin Mellon, Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Phil Noto.  The series features, as you might expect, brand new original stories and characters, along with interviews (like the one with Neil Gaiman in this issue).  Don’t forget that you can talk with Steve, Kevin and Phil about their work on this series when they join us at HeroesCon in just a few weeks!

5) Walking Dead vol. 16 TP

One of the chief purposes we have with this column is to remind readers of what’s coming out every week.  Walking Dead fans are currently some of our most avid customers, so it’s worth mentioning this week’s new trade paperback.  New issues and trades of this series always sell out, so if you’re someone who waits for the trade, don’t forget that it debuts this week.

>Bonus Picks of the Week: Avengers vs. X-men #5, World’s Finest #2, Animal Man #10, Swamp Thing #10, Dark Avengers #175, The Secret #2, Dial H #2, Fairest #4 and Earth 2 #2.