New books will be on the shelves when we open at 10 AM. Here are just a few of the new releases we’re excited about!

RICO’S PICK :: PRINCE OF CATS GN: Montagues and the Capulets. Samurai swords. Brooklyn. Ron Wimberly draws the hell out of this re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with Tybalt as the lead character. I’ve been looking forward to this book for along time!

ANDY’S PICK :: TEZUKA MESSAGE TO ADOLF GN VOL 01: If you were to combine Lee and Kirby, Neal Adams and Carl Barks and combine them into a single cartooning entity, this amalgam would still not be as influential to the American comic audience as Osama Tezuka is to Japanese Manga. In addition to creating/writing and drawing such long-running series as Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion, Black Jack, Phoenix, Buddha and literally dozens of others, Tezuka created Message to Adolf– a fictional tale that takes place during World War II.  This was originally published in the US as a six volume set.  Now Vertical Publishing is offering this ground-breaking series in two affordable hardcover books– the first of which is available this week.  This is a great place to sample the work of Tezuka (or any Manga for that matter) for the first time.   If you are already a Manga fan, I know Adolf is already on your must-buy list.  Message to Adolf is a must-read.

JUSTIN’S PICK :: SAVAGE DRAGON #181: Still my favorite superhero title going today. This issue wraps up a big arc, and who knows what crazy direction Erik Larsen will take it in next? That’s what’s kept me coming back all these years, the unpredictable plot twists. And the fact that the cast ages in real time lets the audience grow with them, to boot. An underrated gem.

MATT’S PICK :: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #693: Its about time Spidey got himself a side-kick!  Yeah, right.  I am not gonna fight it till I’ve tried it for a few issues.  Alpha’s origin story was engaging and entertaining enough.  I’ll paraphrase the Jackal from #692, “…Great power.  Great responsibility.  A teen outcast.  And a science experiment gone awry.  History repeats itself…Parker Particles?  Alpha Energy?!  I gotta get me some a’ that!”

I like how Marvel is shrewd enough to have every hero hatin’ on Alpha – they know readers are gonna have to warm to the concept.  If nothing else, it promises to make for interesting reading for the next few months. Lets see if Dan Slott and Company can get us fan-boys (and girls!) to care about Randy, I mean, Andy Maguire.

HEATHER’S PICK :: HAWKEYE #2: I read Hawkeye #1 at Seth’s insistence and wasn’t really expecting to enjoy it.  My forays into the Avengers are generally short with rapid retreats.  Color me surprised to not only enjoy Hawkeye #1, but to add it to my reading list each month.  David Aja’s art is beautiful, especially his covers, and Matt Fraction is crafting an interesting story about Hawkeye that seems to paint him a little in the vein of a modern day Robin Hood.  The first issue also managed to spin off at least two twitter accounts with @PizzaDog and @LandlordBro.  This issue promises the return of Kate Bishop, who is apparently a fan favorite I will need to learn more about.

SETH’S PICK :: DAL TOKYO: If you’ve heard the name Gary Panter before, you’ve probably heard it mentioned in association with abstract comics.  He’s got a long track record of producing unique works that stretches all the way back to RAW magazine.  Panter’s punk aesthetic suggests a do-it-yourself mentality, but there’s also a poetic element to his writing.  His cartooning is on full display in Dal Tokyo, Fantagraphics’ 200 plus page collection of Panter’s strip originally published in America in the eighties, and later picked up for Japanese publication.  It is an abstract work, and one not easily digested as a straight ahead narrative.  That said, it’s an interesting piece of cartooning and will entertain and confound you in alternating waves.

DOUG’S PICK ::  MANHATTAN PROJECTS TP VOL 1: SCIENCE BAD: There is a LOT that excites me this week- that New Avengersomnibus is going to look sweet on my shelf, I’ve been holding out on Incognito for this week’s hardcover edition, I want to sample a few DC zero issues…and I could go on and on.  The book I am most looking forward to this week is the first Manhattan Projects collection fromJonathan Hickman: Science Bad.  Hickman is the Alan Moore of this generation of comic creators; his books are full of big ideas, mad science, well defined characters.  I look forward to any book with his name on it.  Oh yeah, the story has an evil Albert Einstein and something to do with the Manhattan Project.  You probably guessed the latter.

ANDY’S PICK :: COMICS REVUE PRESENTS AUG 2012: For any of you who have considered delving into the treasure trove of comic strip reprints, Comics Revue is the absolute perfect place to start.  Since 1984, Revue has been publishing healthy chunks of some of the greatest comic strips to ever grace the newspaper comic section. Currently, the all-star line-up includes: Flash Gordon from the 1960s written by the late great Harry Harrison! Modesty Blaise! Dick Moore’s run on Gasoline Alley! Tarzan Sunday pages by Russ Manning! Milt Caniff’s Steve Canyon, Alley Oop from the ’40s, Roy Crane’s Buz Sawyer from the early 60s! (it’s still awesome!)  Krazy Kat dailies from the 30s, Secret Agent Corrigan by Williamson and Goodwin and tons more–The Phantom, Latigo, Tarzan dailies, Mandrake the Magician, Rick O’Shea and a one of the great under- appreciated humor strips, Sir Bagby!

You don’t need to try this particular issue, any one on the Heroes shelf will do.  It is such an ideal comic anthology.  You will find things you love, things you like a lot and things you can live without.  But once you get a real taste of classic comic strips, the one thing you can’t live without is the bi-monthly dose of Comics Revue.

JUSTIN’S PICK :: INFERNAL MAN-THING #3: The late, great Steve Gerber’s final script gets the royal treatment via fully painted art from modern master Kevin Nowlan. This story is a sequel of sorts to an issue Gerbs wrote during his Man-Thing stint in the 70s, a run that is now regarded as a classic. Pick up these three issues and find out why.

KARLA’S PICK :: PHANTOM LADY #1: This week marks the debut of Phantom Lady #1, the first in a four-part mini-series featuring the Lady herself and her crime-fighting partner Doll Man. Amanda Conner lends her talents to the cover art for this issue, with interiors by the lovely Cat Staggs. I’m excited to see where writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti take this beloved Freedom Fighter and pulp heroine, and though her costume doesn’t look nearly as pin-up as her past incarnations, I’m sure this bombshell won’t disappoint!

HEATHER’S PICK :: Wolverine and the X-men #15: There’s so much to love about this book: Wolverine dealing with a bunch of teenagers, bamfs running amuck through the Jean Grey School and stealing Wolverine’s whiskey all brought to us by Jason Aaron’s excellent sense of humor.  Now we add to that an unlikely friendship between one of my favorite, Broo and Tony Stark.  I’m also excited to see new students are joining the school and looking forward to the resolution of the AVS storylines.  As always, do not feed the bamfs.

RICO’S PICK ::  ALL ACTION CLASSICS No. 4: THE WIZRD OF OZ:  L. Frank Baum’s Classic a seen through the lens of brilliant cartoonist Ben Caldwell, check it out!

ANDY’S PICK :: CAPTAIN EASY HC VOL 03 SOLDIER OF FORTUNE: This is the third of a projected 4 Volume Set that collects all the Classic Captain Easy. Sunday pages from the 30s and 40s; written and drawn by Roy Crane–one of the true masters and innovators of the comic form.  Few artists had the artistic and storytelling chops to take maximum advantage of the full size Sunday comic page and even fewer artists could successfully combine realistic backgrounds with big foot cartoony figures to make some of the most exciting adventure comics of all time. The stories leap off every page, the chases last for weeks on end, the punches lift the fighters right off the floor, and the reader never wants the action to end and it never does because every week is a cliff hanger.  Sure, there are a lot of classic reprints available, but the Captain Easy Sundays is in the small handful of required reading.  No collection of Comic Art (with a capital ‘A’) is complete without it.

DOUG’S PICK ::  Mind MGMT #4: is not your typical comic book- it’s so good even the paper stock is amazing. Shadowy groups, ambiguous allies and even a flight 815 draw many comparisons to TV’s Lost. This sci-fi mystery is moving at breakneck speed with each issue demanding multiple readings.  The main story is of a writer who is investigating a flight where everyone, save one, lost their memories. Writer /artist Matt Kindt uses everything available to immerse you in the story, including the inside covers and margins which give background to the title organization.

HEATHER’S PICK :: JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #12: I was super disappointed when Zatanna’s solo book was absorbed by the New 52 and only grudgingly picked up JL Dark.  I didn’t want a team book, I wanted a female centered superhero book.  Color me surprised when I enjoyed this new team-up and was happy to be introduced to new-to-me characters.  I’ve particularly enjoyed Jeff Lemire’s turn at the storytelling helm as he tackles the House of Mystery and the Books of Magic.  If you enjoy your superheroes with a supernatural twist, don’t miss this one.

RICO’S PICK :: LOBSTER JOHNSON: PRAYER OF NEFERU ONE SHOT: Wilfredo Torres provides art on this self contained Lobster Johnson story. Torres’ talents are well displayed depicting Egyptian motifs, bloated fat cats, and the brilliantly designed neo-pulp protagonist, Lobster Johnson. Arcudi and Mignola always deliver a great ride and Dave Stewart drenches the entire Mignolaverse in pitch-perfect color.

SETH’S PICK :: ROCKETEER: CARGO OF DOOM #1: The best Rocketeer stories will always be ones by his creator, Dave Stevens.  I am, however, really pleased with not only both volumes of Rocketeer Adventures, but also this new four issue mini series from IDW.  Mark Waid is tasked with the writing duties, and he’s made a career out writing characters with a clear and respectful understanding of their place in comics history.  On Thor: The Mighty Avenger and Captain America and Bucky, artist Chris Samnee showed he could tackle innocent adventure stories and period pieces.  More than anything, IDW’s new Rocketeer stories remind us that even if we’ll never be able to see any new art from the late, great Dave Stevens, we can continue to celebrate his legacy with books like this.

BRENT’S PICK :: UNWRITTEN #40: Unwritten has been my favorite series on the racks since it debuted. Easy to pigeonhole as a “Harry Potter” spoof, this thoughtful book left that (admittedly great) jumping off point 30 issues ago. Carey and Gross are crafting a compelling and thoughtful work examining concepts of reality, fiction, history, zeitgeist, and belief. This issue concludes an arc that has seen much of the status quo change for our protagonists. Anything could happen next….!

IZZY’S PICK :: ADVENTURE TIME #7: The reason I chose this book is because I love it!  I like Jake because he is super super funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finn is really cool! Finn’s hat is awesome!!! This book is full of challenges and excitement and adventure!!!! I hope you like this book as much as I will!!!!!!

>BONUS PICKS :: BEFORE WATCHMEN: DR. MANHATTAN #1 (ADAM HUGHES!) & SCALPED #60 (The final issue of Jason Aaron & R.M. Guéra’s fantastic crime comic!)

New comics are here! We hope you’ve been enjoying our staff picks! Please let us know what books you’re excited about on our Facebook page!

HEATHER’S PICK :: THE MUPPETS #2: Summer’s heat is upon us and just in time for the Summer issue of the Four Seasons mini-series. The Muppets are throwing a beach party to take our minds of the soaring temperatures.  Fozzie has plans of his own as a better offer has him choosing a new troupe over his current comedy partner, Scooter.  Roger Langridge’s storytelling is a sure cure for these dog days of summer.

JUSTIN’S PICK :: BLACK KISS II #1 – Along with his seminal American Flagg!, Black Kiss cemented Howard Chaykin’s reputation in the comics industry. This six-issue black and white miniseries fleshes out (no pun intended) the backstory of the original. Not for children, or the faint of heart, to be sure.

ANDY’S PICK :: MICHAEL KALUTA SKETCHBOOK SERIES SC VOL 02: Most quality sketchbooks cost big bucks, but here you get 48 Over-sized sketchbook pages by Mike Kaluta–one of the greatest comics draftsmen of the past 30 years– for less than Ten bucks!! Just pick it up and look through it.  Guaranteed: you will end up buying Kaluta Sketchbook Volume 1 as well.

SETH’S PICK :: HAWKEYE #1 : I catch a lot of grief from fellow staffers for my unabashed love for Hawkeye. Regardless of what you think of the character, it’s worth pointing out that this series marks the return of the Matt Fraction/David Aja creative team. Their Immortal Iron First series still stands up after a few years, and they should offer up a worthwhile take on the Avenging Archer.

KARLA’S PICK :: THE BOYS #69: Okay, I’m going to let you in on one of my dirty secrets, I LOVE The BOYS by Garth Ennis. Albeit, maybe it’s not for everyone, but you cannot deny that Mr. Ennis knows how to tell a good story, and he’s not afraid to give you a story line that leaves you saying, “What?! They can’t do that! They’ve gone too far!!” Garth let’s you know, oh yes…they can, they did and they’re gonna keep going until no one’s left.

Next week’s release is issue #69, which is certain to be a big game changer for most of the characters. If you read issue #68, you know that no one and nothing is sacred. Issue #69 is sure to be nail-biter for fans of the series and, with only three issues remaining, I would expect nothing less.

RICO’S PICK :: BEAST OF BURDEN: NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ONE SHOT: Heroic Dogs (and a cat) protecting their turf from spooky unknown forces! Evan Dorkin gives these characters an uncommon richness with his writing and it’s all beautifully illustrated in watercolor by Jill Thompson. If you haven’t tried Beasts of Burden yet you should give this affordable collection a look. (This book collects 3 stories from the anthology, Dark Horse Presents)

>BONUS PICKS :: The First X-Men #1, Mind MGMT #3, RASL #15, Thief of Thieves #7, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1

Every week Heroes staff members and friends of the store will choose a book they are excited about to share here on the blog. Please don’t hesitate to let us know what books you are looking forward to here and on our Twitter and Facebook pages! Thanks, over to you Heather! -rico.

HEATHER’S PICK :: THE MUPPETS #2: Summer’s heat is upon us and just in time for the Summer issue of the Four Seasons mini-series. The Muppets are throwing a beach party to take our minds of the soaring temperatures.  Fozzie has plans of his own as a better offer has him choosing a new troupe over his current comedy partner, Scooter.  Roger Langridge’s storytelling is a sure cure for these dog days of summer.

Before getting to this week’s  new books we’d like to take a minute to let you know that next week we’ll be kicking off some new segments on the Heroes Blog.  Instead of our usual Spotlight on New Releases column, we’ll be featuring a weekly Staff Picks column where different Heroes staffers offer insight into what new books they’re individually excited about.  Also, expect more reviews, interviews and guest columnists over the next several months.  As always, the Heroes Blog will remain the first place to receive any updates about HeroesCon and any of our store events like the  Heroes Pop Swap, the Charlotte Mini Con and more.  If you have any thoughts or suggestions about what you’d like to see on the Heroes Blog, leave a comment below or drop an email to chief bloggers Rico or Seth.  Thanks for reading!

1) Groo the Wanderer Artist Edition HC

I’ve written at length about the glory that has been the previous Artist Editions.  This week you can enjoy full sized Groo pages just as the great Sergio Aragones crafted them.  These are always worth a look, and any of the earlier editions are worthy of finding a home in your library.  They offer a new way of enjoying some of comics’ classic stories, and it’s hard not to be impressed by the large scale of these books.

2) National Comics: Eternity #1

Tired of continuity-thick comics and crossovers?  DC offers up an alternative to those with this new series.  These are stand alone comics designed to be accessible to readers of any kind.  This issue by Jeff Lemire and Cully Hamner features a new take on Kid Eternity, with the character this time around splitting time between heroics and a job as a medical examiner.  It’s worth a look just because of the talented creators involved with this issue.

3) Underwater Welder GN

Jeff Lemire is undoubtedly a prolific creator.  Somewhere between writing Animal Man, Frankenstein, Justice League Dark and writing and illustrating Sweet Tooth, Lemire found time to write and illustrate a brand new graphic novel.  This one features some themes familiar to Lemire fans, namely loss, family and isolation.  There are some truly impressive pages in this book, and Lemire seems to have grown even more confident and capable in his visual art.  Heroes Blog contributer Heather got a chance to read an advanced copy, and you can check out her review of it right HERE.

4) Secret Avengers #29

Rick Remender is thankfully still on board this book, but joining him for this one is Matteo Scalera.  Some of you who attended this year’s HeroesCon might remember his excellent Loki piece created for the art auction.  Scalera’s a good fit to kick off this new story that features the covert Avengers facing off against a brand new Masters of Evil.  All this and yet another fine cover by Art Adams!

5) DC Super Pets Galore!

There are six different new Super Pets books hitting the shelves this week, and all of them are perfect for your young reader.  Some of the titles include Cat Crime Club, Night of the Scaredy Crows and Swamp Thing vs. Zombie Pets.  Also, it’s worth mentioning that all of these are illustrated by Art Baltazar, who many of you will remember as the artist of Tiny Titans and the new Superman Family Adventures.  It’s a great week to pick up some new comics for your kids!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: X-treme X-men #1, Daredevil by Mark Waid vol. 1 TP, Manhattan Projects #5, Hit Girl #2, Star Wars: Blood Ties: Boba Fett is Dead #4, Before Watchmen: Comedian #2, Batula HC, Avengers #28, Wolverine and the X-men #14 and Flannery O’Conner Cartoons HC.

Batman: Incorporated #3 was supposed to be released this week, but out of respect for the victims and families of the recent Colorado tragedy, DC has pushed the release date back one month to August 22.  We’ll have the books available for you then.

1) Blacksad: A Silent Hell HC

This is a book most of the staff has been clamoring for since it was announced.  Blacksad is essentially an anthropomorphic detecitve story that’s so well done you almost forget that the characters are animals.  This import from France is  full of Juanjo Guarnido’s lush watercolors which perfectly complement Juan Díaz Canales’ gritty story.  Factor in the fact that this volume takes place in 1950’s New Orleans, and you’ve got an even bigger reason to check out why so many people enjoy this beautiful book.

2) Captain Marvel #1

It’s always a good week when a strong female super hero gets a new title.  This one from Kelly Sue DeConnick and Dexter Soy deals with the former Ms. Marvel’s new role as Captain Marvel.  She’s always been one of Marvel’s strongest and most interesting characters, and it should be fun to see DeConnick’s take on the next chapter of the always evolving Carol Danvers.

3) Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture HC

You might not know the name Jack Davis, but you undoubtedly know his art.  As one of comics most versatile cartoonists, Davis has worked on everything from horror stories for EC Comics, to humor in Mad Magazine.  He’s also illustrated many memorable movie posters like The Bad News Bears, and provided politically-themed covers for Time Magazine.  And if you happen to have missed any of those, I’m sure you remember his advertising work like the Spalding campaign featuring Dr. J. and Rick Barry.  This is definitely the pick for art book of the week, and something all you art fans should add to your library.

4) Concrete: Three Uneasy Pieces one shot

This new one shot collects the three newest Concrete stories as they appeared in the recently relaunched Dark Horse Presents.  Paul Chadwick’s Concrete remains relevant because at its heart it examines humanity, and how the title character tries to hold on to his, even though his body is no longer a human’s.  This is a fine place to start if you’re looking to read a smart story that maintains many of the trappings of a super hero comic.

Bonus Picks of the Week: Avengers vs. X-men #8, Saga #5, Adventure Time #6, Infernal Man-Thing #2, Wonder Woman #11, Justice League #11, Kiss #2, Mars Attacks #2, Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #2, Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar’s Remedy #2, and two new books featuring work from Charlotte’s own Jason Latour: art in Wolverine #309 and story in Untold Tales of PunisherMax #2.

It’s a big week for new releases, so let’s get right to the books!

1) Parker: The Score HC

It’s always worth mentioning a new project from Darwyn Cooke.  This third adaptation of Richard Stark’s Parker books is sure to continue in the classic crime vein of the first two books, and it’s guaranteed to have incredible art from Cooke.  There’s really not much more I can say other than to remind Cooke fans about this one, and encourage crime fans who haven’t given the Parker books a try to finally pick this one up.

2) Walking Dead #100

This one makes the list for two reasons.  1) It’s already a huge selling title for shop regulars and those who stumbled onto it via the t.v. series.  2) It’s a milestone issue, so even more people will be looking to pick up a copy.  In other words, this is one of those books that’s bound to sell out, probably sooner than later.  Make sure you pick up your copy before they’re all gone.

3) Adventure Time Presents Marceline and the Scream Queens #1

Another surefire pick of the week, this one, like all Adventure Time comics, will definitely be one to remember.  The cool thing about this series is that it features some great cartoonists like Meredith Gran and Jen Wang, and covers by the likes of Ming Doyle, Chynna Clugston, Colleen Coover and Kate Beaton.

4) God and Science: Return of the Ti-Girls HC

Everybody knows Jaime Hernandez is one of the best when it comes to amazing cartooning and portraying realistic characters.  As a result of his genius work on the Maggie and Hopey stories, his superhero and science fiction stories sometimes get forgotten about.  This week’s new hardcover not only collects the entire Ti-Girls Adventures from Love and Rockets: New Stories, but features a brand new 30 page story, faux Ti-Girls covers, expanded scenes, an epilogue and more!

5) Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide vol. 42 SC/HC

We regularly get questions about when the newest volume of the Overstreet Price Guide will arrive, so we’re happy to say it’s this week!  This year features two covers, one being a beautiful rendition of Catwoman by Adam Hughes and the other being Joe Jusko’s painted interpretation  of a classic Avengers cover by John Buscema!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: AVX #4, Batman #11, Walt Disney Uncle Scrooge vol. 1 HC: Poor Old Man, Massive #2, Wolverine and the X-men #13, Crow #1, Avengers Assemble #5, Hellboy vol. 5 Library Edition, Uncanny X-force #27, Ant Man Season One HC, Swamp Thing #11, Before Watchmen: Minutemen #2, Avenging Spider-man #9, Conan the Barbarian #6, Batgirl vol. 1 HC, Chew: Secret Agent Poyo #1, Bloodshot #1 and Big John Buscema Comics and Drawings HC.

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.

It’s only been a few days since we wrapped up our huge HeroesCon 30th Anniversary, but rest assured, there are plenty of great new books hitting shelves this week.  We’ve been humbled by the many kind words so many of you (attendees, vendors and creators) have shared with us about your HeroesCon experiences this year.  We hope you had a great time, and hope you’re already looking forward to HeroesCon 2013 (June 7-9, 2013) as much as we are!

1) David Mazzucchelli Daredevil Born Again Artist Edition HC

IDW has repeatedly blown us away with their amazing Artist Editions, and this week’s Born Again may be one of the best.  If you haven’t yet seen these books, they reprint the original artist’s pages in their actual dimensions, so you’re not only able to see specific techniques they used, but can really appreciate the skill that goes into the creation of these classic stories.  It’s yet another reminder of how incredible a cartoonist David Mazzucchelli was and still remains.

2) Fatale vol. 1 TP

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ horror-noir story finally sees its first collection this week.  The single issues represented here have all gone to multiple printings, and for good reason.  This book continues to be a fine addition to the duo’s catalogue of quality crime comics.  If you missed any of the single issues, it’s well worth picking this one up.

3) Gloriana HC

This new hardcover collects several stories from cartoonist Kevin Huizenga.  Most of these previously appeared in Huizenga comics like Or Else, but there are some extras in here as well.  Huizenga is an interesting cartoonist who manages to combine philosophical musings on the mundane with an art style that is both accesible and complex at different points.

4) The Lovely Horrible Stuff HC

Most of you know cartoonist Eddie Campbell for his work on From Hell and his groundbreaking autobiographical Alec comics.  In recent years he’s continued to expand his already extensive catalogue with books like  The Playwright and The Fate of the Artist.  In this new book from Top Shelf, Campbell examines money, how it has worked in different societies, and how it changes for people over time.  It should be another solid comic from an always thought-provoking cartoonist.

5) League of Extraordinary Gentlemen III Century #3: 2009

Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill offer up their latest League story this week.  It’s definitely worth a look, if for no other reason than to see how the creators bring the League into more recent history.  Sure, Alan Moore is controversial at times, but it’s hard to deny the storytelling employed in the League books.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Spider-men #2, Before Watchmen: Nite Owl #1, Superman Family Adventures #2, Batman Incorporated #2, Star Wars: Blood Ties: Boba Fett Is Dead #3, Joe Sacco’s Journalism HC.