1) Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery Deluxe HC

This long out of print favorite from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely finally sees the new life this week.  Aside from noting that Flex spun out of Morrison’s Doom Patrol, this one’s a bit too layered to describe in just a blurb.  It’s a trippy story that looks at archetypes in new ways, all while unfolding in a unique way.  It’s also worth pointing out that book was the first major collaboration between Morrison and Quitely, who went on to create some great stories over the years.

2) Supreme #63

Along with recently updated versions of books like Glory, Prophet and Bloodstrike, Image is also bringing back Supreme.  The interesting thing about this version is that it picks up with Alan Moore’s unpublished stories that would’ve capped off his acclaimed run on the book in the late ’90’s.  Bringing Moore’s story to life are Erik Larsen and Cory Hamscher.

3) Joe Golem and the Drowning City Illustrated Novel HC

While it’s not a comic, this new illustrated novel was co-written by Christopher Golden and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, and features Mignola art throughout.  This story focuses on the mysteries, scavengers and assorted macabre beings dwelling in an earthquake-destroyed, partially submerged Manhattan.  The protagonists include a Victorian detective comprised of magic and mechanics, and Joe Golem himself, who dreams of a past that may have involved hunting witches.

4) Swamp Thing #8

Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette introduce a newly redesigned Swamp Thing this week.  This one has antlers, a breastplate and looks to be more of a warrior than just an elemental. This title remains one of the most reliable and consistent of DC’s 52 relaunches, and promises more quality ahead, including a crossover with Animal Man.  Don’t forget, you can talk to Scott Snyder all about his work on Swamp Thing at this year’s HeroesCon!

5) Archie Meets Kiss TP

Whenever Kiss appears in new comics they still fly off the shelves.  This week you get a chance to read the entire sold out Archie Meets Kiss story in a handy trade paperback.  This story features contributions from Alex Segura and Dan Parent.  Also, cover artist Francesco Francavilla will be with us for this year’s Free Comic Book Day!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Avengers vs. X-men #1, Animal Man #8, Wolverine and the X-men #8, Action Comics #8, Daredevil #10.1, Age of Apocalypse #2, Fatale #4, Hulk #50, Boys #65, Secret Avengers #24 and Venom #15.

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.

1) Supercrooks #1

The latest effort from Mark Millar teams him up with Leinil Yu and features a team of super criminals who decide to head overseas after being frustrated with the number of superheroes (and villains) in America.  If you were a fan of Kick Ass or Superior, this one is in the same vein, so don’t forget it when you stop by Heroes this week.

2) Rocketeer Adventures 2 #1

IDW continues the legacy of the great Dave Stevens with this second volume of their acclaimed anthology.  Kicking off the first issue are talented creators like Bill Sienkiewicz, Peter David, Stan Sakai, Sandy Plunkett and Arthur Adams.  Plus, Darwyn Cooke provides amazing covers for the series.  Future issues of this volume will include the likes of Kyle Baker, Eric Canete, Dave Johnson, Michael Golden, John Paul Leon and Walt Simonson, just to name a few.  There’s a lot to look forward to with this series!

3) B.P.R.D: Hell on Earth: The Long Death #2

Mike Mignola and John Arcudi continue to take B.P.R.D. to dark new places.  This issue continues their story of new and old monsters in the woods, and features spooky artwork from James Harren.  We’re excited that all three of these creators will be a part of HeroesCon this year!  If the story and art isn’t enough reason to pick up this particular issue, Hellboy artist Duncan Fegredo provides a suitably creepy cover.

4) Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #1

Last week saw the debut of Vertigo’s Saucer Country.  This week sees the launch of Dominique Laveau, which focuses on a voodoo heir in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.  The series is by longtime journalist turned comic writer Selwyn Hinds and respected artist Denys Cowan.  Plus, the great Rafael Grampa provides covers!

5) Michael Kaluta Sketchbook Series SC vol. 1

For the art fans this week there’s not a better offering than this new Sketchbook from Michael Kaluta.  A veteran artist of over 40 years, Kaluta has made an indelible mark on the industry with his work on books like The Shadow, House of Mystery, Madame Xanadu and the cult favorite Starstruck.  This new Sketchbook features Kaluta delving into his process from initial idea through sketches and revisions toward their finished product.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Avengers X-sanction #4, Wonder Woman #7, Goon #38, Justice League #7, Sonic Genesis HC, Richard Corben’s Ragemoor #1, Last of the Greats TP, Batman #7 and Wolverine #303.

1) Avengers Assemble #1

This new title from Brian Bendis and Mark Bagley features all of the heroes appearing in the upcoming Avengers movie, and appears to be a stand alone, continuity-free venture.  In other words, if you’ve been hesitant to pick up Avengers but found yourself intrigued by the trailers for the film, this is a great book to pick up.  Even better, we’re offering the rare Heroes Variant for issue #1!  It’s only available for purchase in the store or at the Heroes online store, and features different cover art from Khoi Pham alongside a nifty banner for HeroesCon!  The Heroes variant hits stands for the first time this Wednesday alongside the rest of the week’s new releases.

2) Saga #1

Image ushers in Brian K. Vaughan’s return to comics this week with his new ongoing series Saga.  The new title features art from Fiona Staples, and is very much in a science fiction vein, while still focusing on a central cast of a young family in the midst of a war.  Early reviews of the book have been very positive, and if you followed Vaughan’s earlier efforts like Y: The Last Man or Ex Machina, you should definitely enjoy this new venture.

3) Corto Maltese: The Ballad of the Salt Sea TP

One of Europe’s most popular comics finally sees a new American printing this week.  Corto Maltese is among the finest representations of European comics, and probably the best known work from illustrator Hugo Pratt.  It also happenes to be one of comics’ most influential adventure stories.  This introductory volume features the first appearances of the character, and are the perfect place to jump onboard and learn about this classic character.

4) Saucer Country #1

Vertigo is launching several new titles over the next few months.  This one by Paul Cornell and Ryan Kelly follows a Governor who was abducted by aliens and decides to run for President in part to ward off an alien threat.  The combination of politics and science fiction makes this book one that should work nicely at Vertigo.

5) Monstermen and Other Scary Stories HC

Another great find this week is this lesser known gem from illustrator Gary Gianni.  Dark Horse collects these tales that feature Gianni’s take on all things adventure and horror, including pirates, monsters, ghosts and more.  Gianni recently took the reins on the classic Prince Valiant strip, and has contributed notably to comics over the years with work ranging from The Shadow and Batman, to Tom Strong and Indiana Jones. This collection of his own characters is a long time coming, and a perfect book for horror fans.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Womanthology Heroic HC, Adventure Time #2, Complete Crumb TP vol. 1, Conan the Barbarian #2, Wolverine and the X-men #7, Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #3, and Secret History of D.B. Cooper #1.

1) Fairest #1

Fans of the popular Vertigo series Fables will want to remember this new series starting this week.  The rotating arcs of Fairest feature some of the most popular female characters from Fables, as well as new creative teams for each story arc.  The first six issues focus on the character Briar Rose, and are written by Fables scribe Bill Willingham, with art by Phil Jimenez and covers by the great Adam Hughes!

2) Age of Apocalypse #1

This new series spins out of the popular storyline in Uncanny X-force.  David Lapham and Roberto de la Torre helm this new series that deals with a ragged group of human survivors called the X-terminated as they naviagate the violent world of Apocalypse.  While the series has some of the mutants you know from the Age of Apocalypse story, it mainly focuses on characters like William Stryker, Bolivar Trask, and Donald Pierce.  Some of you will recognize those names from previous X-men stories.

3) Hellboy TP vol. 12: The Storm and The Fury

This trade paperback makes the list this week because it exemplifies how creator Mike Mignola allows his characters to evolve and develop over time.  The two stories in the volume change Hellboy in fundamental ways, and in the Mignola-verse, when characters undergo big changes they stay changed without going back to recycled stories or situations.  This volume also features some beautiful art from Duncan Fegredo.

4) Manhattan Projects #1

Jonathan Hickman has a knack for producing interesting ideas in both his mainstream and creator owned work.  This new series (featuring art from Red Wing artist Nick Pitarra) considers the possibility that the researchers of the Manhattan Project may have been involved in creating things darker and stranger than even the atomic bomb.

5) King City TP

If you only know of writer/artist Brandon Graham from his recent work on Prophet, you really owe it to yourself to check out his incredible work on King City.  Part manga, part science fiction, and full of monsters, spies, and a cat that can turn into any tool or weapon, King City is a detailed and multifaceted look at the city itself and its inhabitants.  It’s a unique book that stands out among other books with its intricate attention to detail and unique uses of visual storytelling.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Animal Man #7, Winter Soldier #3, Swamp Thing #7, Avengers: Children’s Crusade #9, Fatale #3, Flashpoint TP, and Compleat Terminal City TP.

1) Batman Beyond Unlimited #1

Batman Beyond was a sleeper hit that got lost in the shuffle of the New 52. Now it returns, alongside the Justice League! Each week DC releases a new chapter of each story digitally, collecting them once a month in this printed double feature. Adam Beecham and Norm Breyfogle tackle Batman Beyond, with Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs handling the Justice League. Sure to spark many a print v. digital debate.

2) FF #15

Johnathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta bring the Council of the Reeds storyline to its climax. Guest starring the Celestials and Power Pack, this one is sure to whet any cosmic fan’s appetite. But who is the real hero here, the Future Foundation…or Doctor Doom?

3) Orc Stain #7

This vibrant, violent fantasy epic has a very irregular schedule, but it’s easy to see why. James Stokoe is a one-man show, and packs his pages to the gills with mind-blowing detail and lush, gorgeous colors. A new issue of Orc Stain is a rare treat, so if you’ve been curious about this title, don’t wait. They go fast.

4) Ralph Wiggum Comics #1

“I’m a comic book!” The first in an ongoing series of quarterly one-shots, Bongo Comics gets the party started with one of the Simpsons’ more quotable supporting characters, Ralph Wiggum. Talent includes Heroes Con guest extraordinaire Sergio Aragones! This one guarantees everything from giggles to guffaws.

5) Venom #13.4

Part five of Rick Remender’s Circle of Four crossover pits the unlikely team of Venom, Ghost Rider, Hulk and X-23 against the denizens of the underworld! With a new identity and a slot on the Secret Avengers, Venom has transcended his origin as a one-dimensional, vengeance driven villain into something much more viable.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Amazing Spider-Man #680, Darkness #100, Justice League #6, Spaceman #4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #3 Donatello, Walking Dead #94

1) All-Star Western #6

Writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Moritat continue to flesh out the early days of Gotham City in this intriguing genre mash-up. Odd couple Jonah Hex and Amadeus Arkham battle a giant bat in what will one day be known as the Batcave…but who can they turn to for desperately needed help? Also features The Barbary Ghost, a vengeful back-up serial, drawn by Phil Winslade!

2) Dark Horse Presents #9

This monthly anthology always boasts a veritable who’s who of creators, and this issue is no different, featuring new work from the likes of Paul Pope, Andrew Vachss, Richard Corben and Neal Adams. Also: Mike Mignola’s Lobster Johnson! Covers by Mignola and Thomas Yeates, spot illustrations by Geoff Darrow.

3) Prophet #22

The hard reboot of Rob Liefeld’s stable of Image characters continues with this second installment of sci-fi dystopia. Brandon Graham (King City) and Simon Roy (Jan’s Atomic Heart) guide John Prophet through bizarre landscapes and alien cultures on his mission to restart the God satellite.

4) Secret Avengers #23

The new creative team (Rick Remender and Gabriel Hardman) ups the ante with more roster shake-ups for Earth’s Mightiest Covert Ops Team. Enter: Venom! It is also worth noting that both Beast and Wolverine are siding with the Avengers in Marvel’s upcoming Avengers vs. X-Men blockbuster, so be sure to keep up with ol’ Hank’s character development here in Secret Avengers.

5) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #7

IDW’s faithful reinterpretation of everyone’s favorite Heroes in a Half Shell has been an interesting mix of old and new ideas. But old school fans rejoice: this issue sees the return of Baxter Stockman’s malevolent Mousers! Original creator Kevin Eastman works with writer Tom Waltz and artist Dan Duncan month in and month out to revitalize one of indie comics’ most enduring successes, to wonderful results.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Bulletproof Coffin Disinterred #2, Deadpool #51, The Flash #6, My Friend Dahmer GN, RASL #13, Wolverine & the X-Men #6

1) B.P.R.D. The Long Death #1

This latest miniseries from Mike Mignola and John Arcudi sends B.P.R.D. agents into the woods to investigate several disappearances.  It looks like this series might also bring back two favorite characters we haven’t seen in awhile, the Wendigo and Daimo’s Jaguar God.  Plus, this series features art by James Harren, who provided art for the Abe Sapien: The Devil Does Not Jest series.

2) Daredevil #9

One of last year’s best examples of nostalgic super hero stories continues with this week’s issue that finds Daredevil facing off against Mole Man and the Moloids.  Mark Waid and Paolo Rivera helm this story that should only solidify this title’s status as a recent classic.

3) Athos in America HC

The comics of Norweigan cartoonist Jason can be a little tough for some to appreciate.  The remarkable thing about his work is that he manages to tell moving, well-paced stories in a style that appears very simple.  If you can look beyond that supposed simplicity, you’ll be rewarded with some excellent comics.  This new hardcover collects nearly 200 pages of brand new short stories, and is well worth a look if you’re interested in finding something completely unique to read this week.

4) Batman #6

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s work on Batman has made it one of DC’s biggest sellers, and for good reason.  By introducing the villainous Court of Owls, the creators have brought a worthy new addition to Batman’s rogues gallery.  The fact that these villains have deep ties to Gotham’s history, and are as psychologically dangerous as they are physically makes them characters that should be around for a long, long time.

5) Glory #23

If you were surprised and impressed by the recent release of Prophet by Brandon Graham and Simon Roy, you’ll definitely want to check out this revamped update of Glory by Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell.  This version of the characters looks more battle scarred than cheesecake, and should be a good book if you like lots of action and violence.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Stephen King and Joe Hill’s Road Rage #1, Wonder Woman #6, Uncanny X-force vol. 2 TP, Snarked #5, Winter Soldier #2, and 12 new DC Super Pets trades for the kids!

1) Conan the Barbarian #1

Aside from being a great place for new readers to jump into a new Conan story, this issue also kicks off a run  by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan.  The idea of these two creators adapting one of the most beloved Conan stories (full of pirates and such) should be a reason enough to give this one a try.  The duo previously collaborated on two acclaimed Demo series, and while those bear little relation to Conan, both creators have proven themselves capable of producing good comics in a variety of genres.

2) Deadpool #50

This issue marks another milestone for the fan favorite mercenary.  It also kicks off a new storyline called ‘Dead,’ where Deadpool might just meet an ending.  How exactly can the regenerative mutant die?  And if he does die, how might Marvel bring him back?  These are just a few questions that could be answered in this issue.  The storyline also includes lots of guest start ranging from Uncanny X-force to the Kingpin.

3) Adventure Time #1

This debut comic is based on the insanely popular Adventure Time animated series on Cartoon Network.  The book looks like it fits nicely alongside the quirky, surreal tone of the t.v. show.  Plus, it’s got creators like Dinosaur Comics’ Ryan North and former Muppet artist Shelli Paroline, which suggests to me that if you’re a fan, you should definitely find plenty to like in this new series.

4) Secret Avengers #22

This issue marks the debut of a new creative team (Uncanny X-force writer Rick Remender and Hulk artist Gabriel Hardman), and a new team lineup (including Hawkeye, Beast, Giant Man, Black Widow, Venom, and Captain Britain).  Remender’s top notch work on Uncanny X-force makes him an ideal writer to handle the Avengers’ black ops team, and Hardman’s work on Hulk suggests his style is ready made for a book like this one.  Exatly how these particular characters fit into that group identity is one of  many things worth finding out about in this new storyline.

5) Bone: Quest for the Spark Book 2 HC/SC

It’s impossible not to mention a new Bone book when it hits shelves.  Tom Sniegoski returns as the writer of this novel that features all new illustrations from Bone creator Jeff Smith.  The promotional blurbs for this book indicate there’s a lot to look forward to in this new book.  Everything from dragons and bears, to beehives and traitors!  This remains one of the great properties that continues to offer comics entertainment to kids and adults alike.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Batwoman #6, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ongoing TP vol. 1, Kevin Keller #1, Wolverine and the X-men #5, Young Romance: Simon and Kirby 1940-1950 HC, Batgirl #6, Carnage USA #3, Richard Corben’s Murky World one shot, Fantastic Four Season One HC, and Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #2.

1) Winter Soldier #1

This new series focusing on the adult Bucky Barnes looks very promising.  Not only does the creative team include Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice, both well versed in tales of espionage, but the new series returns Bucky to the Winter Soldier mantle.  This means you’ll see a high action series that will include Bucky dealing with some of the fallout of his actions during the Cold War.  Brubaker clearly cares about this character, and always tells solid stories about him when given the opportunity.

2) Kramer’s Ergot vol. 8 HC

Editor/cartoonist Sammy Harkham always assembles some interesting work for his Kramer’s Ergot anthology.  While the last one was a truly gigantic undertaking (at 16 x 21 it was essentially the size of a coffee table!), volume 8 is more bookshelf friendly.  You can always expect to see some quality cartooning in this anthology, and this week’s volume is no exception.  Among the contributers are Kevin Huizenga, Johnny Ryan, Chris Cilla, Gabrielle Bell, Dash Shaw, Frank Santoro, Gary Panter, and Harkham himself.  It’s also nearly 250 pages of great comics!

3) Fatale #2

The first issue of this new title sold out across the country, and for good reason.  Aside from being the latest addition to the crime catalogue of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, it also marks a new direction for the pair, as they’re combining the worlds of noir and horror to tell an altogether different type of crime story.  If you’ve read some of their previous collaborations on books like Sleeper, Criminal, or Incognito, you know they always deliver good hardboiled work.  Also, if you happened to miss the first issue, the second printing of #1 also sees print this week.

4) Madman 20th Anniversary Monster HC

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his infamous character, Mike Allred brought together a veritable who’s who of today’s greatest artists to tell new tales of the zany.  Included here are the likes of Kyle Baker, Darwyn Cooke, Los Bros. Hernandez, Erik Larsen, Paul Pope, Eric Powell, Frank Quitely, Jeff Smith, Craig Thompson, Matt Wagner, and many more!  The book also includes twenty years worth of pinups from legends like Frank Frazetta, Jack Kirby, Moebius, Alex Toth, Frank Miller, Joe Kubert, and Dave Stevens.  This 11 x 17 hardcover is destined to end up on more than a few of the year’s ‘best of’ lists.

5) American Vampire vol. 3 HC

This new collection stands out not onlybecause it features Scott Snyder and Raphael Albuquerque’s American vampires set against the backdrop of World War II, but also because it collects 12 comics and two seperate but related stories.  Along with the seven issues from the regular series, this volume also collects the five issue American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest miniseries by Snyder and artist Sean Murphy.  And it’s also over 280 comics in a hardcover format for $24.99!  If you want an entertaining and affordable read, you can’t do much better than this book this week.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Animal Man #6, Swamp Thing #6, Twelve #9, Superman: Regin of Doomsday HC, Strange Talent of Luther Strode #5, Action Comics #6, and Avengers X-sanction #3.